Family: Ranunculaceae
Common Name: Love-in-a-mist

There are 14 species of annuals in this genus, which spreads from the Mediterranean across to Asia. The summer flowers are mainly light blue and are almost hidden by the delicate, misty, fern-like foliage, hence the common name of the most often grown species.

Species

N. damascena, love-in-a-mist, grows 30-60 cm (12-24 in) high, with blue flowers followed by inflated, roundish, green seed pods, both of which are used in floral decoration. Cultivar 'Miss Jekyll' has bright blue flowers; 'Oxford Blue' has blue flowers which change from light to dark as they mature; Persian Jewels Series come in shades of pink, carmine, lavender, purple and white.

N. hispanica, 30-60 cm (12-24 in) high, has deep blue flowers with red stamens. Its cultivar 'Curiosity' is similar, but also has a black centre.

Cultivation

These plants can be grown in any well-drained soil, but need a position in full sun to flower well. Propagate from seed sown where the plants are to grow. Sow in spring for normal summer flowering, or in autumn for earlier flowering the following year. In cold or wet climates, cover the seedlings with cloches over winter. Thin seedlings to 20-30 cm (8-12 in) apart. They self-seed freely.

Climate

Zone 7.