Description

A romantic cottage garden classic with delicate, lacy foliage and dreamy blue blooms. Well-suited to UK gardens and great for both beginners and experienced growers.

Highlights:

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  Flowering Season: June to September


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  Height & Spread: 45–60cm height | 25–30cm spread


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  Position: Full sun | Moist, fertile, well-drained soil


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  Great for: Cut flower gardens, cottage borders, wildlife patches, raised beds

Why We Love It:

Love in a Mist (Nigella damascena) is known for its soft fern-like foliage and ethereal star-shaped flowers in striking shades of cornflower blue. Easy to grow from seed and self-seeding once established, this charming annual also produces decorative seed pods perfect for drying. Loved by pollinators and florists alike, it’s a low-fuss way to add gentle movement and texture to borders or bouquets.

Planting & Care Tips:

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  When to Plant: Sow directly outdoors from March to May or in autumn for earlier blooms the following year


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  Where to Plant: Sunny, sheltered spots with well-drained soil


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  Spacing: 15–20cm apart


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  Care Notes: Thin seedlings if overcrowded, water in dry weather, and leave some flowers to set seed for naturalised beauty year after year

The Nunhead Gardener Recommends:

Grows beautifully with cornflowers, calendula, and cosmos in a relaxed pollinator-friendly mix. Try sowing in between vegetables or herbs to attract beneficial insects and add a touch of floral whimsy.

Please note:

Images show how this plant may look at various stages of maturity. The size you choose may look different.