Nigella hispanica L.
Spanish fennel flower
A bushy annual to 60cm, with feathery foliage. The bright blue flowers, produced in summer, have dark red centres consisting of the stamens and immature fruits. These mature into pale green, inflated capsules flushed with dark red
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue Red | Green | Red Green | |
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Nigella are upright, bushy annuals with finely dissected leaves and solitary flowers with 5 blue or white, petal-like sepals and feathery bracts, followed by ornamental seed pods
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S.W. Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any well-drained soil in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in situ in mid-spring, or autumn in milder areas
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
- Cut flowers
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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