Love-in-a-mist Nigella damascena 'Miss Jekyll'
ABOUT
Love-in-a-mist 'Miss Jekyll' is an ornamental plant cherished for its captivating floral display and unique foliage. The flowers bloom with a delicate and intricate structure, showcasing a multitude of petals that often present in shades of blue, although they sometimes can be found in white or pink variations. These petals surround a central grouping of darker, protruding stamens that add depth and a textural contrast to the flower's overall soft appearance. What sets Love-in-a-mist apart from many other flowering plants is the fine, feathery bracts that encase the buds and extend beneath the blossoms. These bracts are similar to a mist, which explains the common name of the plant, as they give the appearance that the striking flowers are floating amidst a cloud of greenery. The plant's leaves are finely divided and thread-like, adding to the ethereal quality of its appearance. Their light green color complements the bloom hues, creating a cooling visual effect. After the flowering period, Love-in-a-mist produces an interesting fruit capsule, which is also a point of interest in both fresh and dried floral arrangements. These seed pods are balloon-like in shape, ribbed, and have a textured surface, with the remnants of the bracts perched at the top like a crown. Overall, the Love-in-a-mist 'Miss Jekyll' is a plant that captivates with its lacy foliage, characteristic flowers, and distinctive seed pods, each contributing to its whimsical and romantic appeal in gardens and floral designs.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Love-In-A-Mist, Devil In The Bush, Ragged Lady, Damask Fennel
Common names
Nigella damascena.
ToxicityTo humans
Love-in-a-mist, the common name of Nigella damascena 'Miss Jekyll', is generally considered not toxic to humans. However, it is advisable not to ingest any part of the plant as it may cause gastrointestinal discomfort or irritation to those with sensitive stomachs or allergies.
To pets
Love-in-a-mist, does not appear on major toxic plant lists and is not widely recognized as a toxic plant to pets. As with any non-food plant, ingestion may cause mild stomach upset, vomiting, or diarrhea in some pets, so keeping an eye on your pet and preventing them from consuming the plant is a good precaution.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
1 foot 6 inches (46 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
2
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Nigella damascena 'Miss Jekyll', commonly known as Love-in-a-Mist, boasts attractive, finely-divided, ferny foliage and unique, delicate flowers that enhance the visual appeal of gardens.
- Landscape Design Flexibility: This plant's compact size and showy blooms make it suitable for borders, rock gardens, and cottage gardens.
- Cut Flowers: Love-in-a-Mist produces flowers that are excellent for use in fresh floral arrangements, adding a distinct charm to bouquets.
- Dried Seed Pods: Its ornamental seed pods can be dried and used in decorative displays, contributing to the plant's value beyond the flowering season.
- Easy to Grow: Love-in-a-Mist is known for being easy to cultivate from seed, requiring minimal care, which is ideal for beginner gardeners or those with limited time.
- Self-seeding: The plant often self-seeds, which can lead to pleasant naturalization in the garden without much intervention from the gardener.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers of Love-in-a-Mist attract bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity and aiding in the pollination of nearby plants.
- Seasonal Interest: With its bursts of color in late spring to early summer, Love-in-a-Mist provides seasonal interest that bridges the gap between spring bulbs and summer perennials.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Nigella damascena 'Miss Jekyll', commonly known as Love-in-a-mist, can be used as a natural dye, providing a range of colours depending on the mordant used.
- Its seed capsules can be included in dried flower arrangements, adding unique texture and interest due to their balloon-like shape.
- Love-in-a-mist can be employed as a companion plant in vegetable gardens to attract beneficial insects like bees for pollination.
- The delicate foliage and flowers of Love-in-a-mist can be used to create intricate botanical prints on paper or fabric.
- Dried seed pods can also be used in crafts, such as making natural jewelry or decorative home items.
- Love-in-a-mist seeds can be used in homemade potpourri mixes for their interesting shape and as a conversation piece due to their unusual appearance.
- Pressed flowers and leaves of Love-in-a-mist can be used to embellish handmade greeting cards or bookmarks.
- Its seeds can serve as a natural filling for sachets, providing a rustic aesthetic to wardrobes or drawers.
- When planted in groups, Love-in-a-mist can be used to create a whimsical and soft-edged border along walkways or garden beds.
- Love-in-a-mist plants can offer a natural way to fill garden gaps, quickly covering bare spots with their ferny foliage and attractive blooms.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Love-in-a-mist is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Love-in-a-mist is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Mystery and Intrigue: The complex structure of Nigella flowers, with their feathery foliage and unique shape, leads to its association with mystery and intrigue.
- Harmony: The symmetrical flowers of the Love-in-a-mist can represent harmony and balance in one's life.
- Curiosity: The unusual shape of Nigella pods and blooms may symbolize a curious spirit or an interest in the arcane.
- Fertility: Historically, the many seeds produced by the plant were thought to symbolize fertility and abundance.
- Perseverance: As Love-in-a-mist often reseed and continue to grow in the garden, they may reflect the idea of perseverance and resilience.
WaterLove-in-a-mist should be watered regularly, aiming for about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or manual watering. It's vital to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the growing season. In periods of drought or high heat, increase watering slightly, but always check the soil moisture first to avoid overwatering. During the winter or when the plant is dormant, reduce watering frequency. A good method is to water deeply once a week, ensuring the water reaches the roots rather than just wetting the surface.
LightLove-in-a-mist thrives in full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. The ideal spot for this plant is in an area where it receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If positioned in too much shade, Love-in-a-mist may not bloom as prolifically.
TemperatureLove-in-a-mist prefers temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit but can withstand temperatures as low as 40 degrees and as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid planting in areas that experience extreme heat or frost, as these conditions are not ideal for the plant's development.
PruningPruning Love-in-a-mist is primarily for deadheading spent flowers to encourage further blooming and prevent self-seeding if not desired. Prune after flowering by cutting back the stems that have finished blooming. General tidying can be done in the late fall or early spring by removing dead or damaged growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLove-in-a-mist (Nigella damascena 'Miss Jekyll') thrives in well-draining soil rich in organic matter. A mixture of garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand is suitable for promoting drainage and fertility. The ideal soil pH for Love-in-a-mist is between 6.0 to 7.5, slightly acidic to neutral.
RepottingLove-in-a-mist typically does not require frequent repotting as it is an annual plant. It prefers to be sown directly where it is to flower and can be sown annually as needed. It's usually not repotted due to its short life cycle.
Humidity & MistingLove-in-a-mist is not particularly humidity-dependent and can tolerate a wide range of humidity levels. Average room humidity is generally suitable for this plant, making it adaptable to most indoor environments without the need for special humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Plant Love-in-a-mist in a bright spot, use a well-draining pot, and avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Sow Love-in-a-mist in full sun to partial shade in fertile soil; water moderately.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleLove-in-a-mist 'Miss Jekyll', an annual flowering plant, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in early spring, typically after the last frost when soil temperatures are suitable. Seedlings emerge, developing true leaves and a root system. As the plant grows, it forms a bushy structure with finely-divided, feathery leaves, and stems that may reach up to 24 inches. Bud formation occurs in late spring or early summer, leading to unique flowers with a misty foliage-like bract surrounding them, which bloom in shades of blue, white, or pink. After pollination, typically by bees, the flowers are replaced by distinctive seed pods which dry out and release seeds when mature. The plant completes its life cycle within one growing season, as it does not survive frost; however, the fallen seeds may give rise to new plants the following year.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Early Summer
Love-in-a-mist, commonly known as Nigella damascena 'Miss Jekyll', is typically propagated through seeds. The best time for sowing seeds directly into the garden soil is in early spring, after the threat of frost has passed, or in the fall where winters are mild. The process involves scattering the seeds lightly over the soil surface and then lightly covering them with about ¼ inch (about 6 millimeters) of soil. Seedlings will emerge in a couple of weeks if the soil is kept consistently moist during the germination period. Since Love-in-a-mist thrives in sun and well-drained soil, selecting an appropriate site is crucial for optimal growth. It's essential not to overwater as the seeds could rot. Thin the seedlings to about 8-10 inches (20-25 centimeters) apart after they have sprouted, which will give each plant enough space to grow and flourish.
