Nigella hispanica
aka
Fennel Flower
Taxonomy
Nigella hispanica, also known as the Spanish fennel flower, is a species of flowering plant in the family Ranunculaceae. It is native to Portugal, Spain, and France and is considered a good plant by the Royal Horticultural Society for attracting pollinators. This bushy annual or biennial plant can reach a height of 60 cm (2 ft) and has feathery foliage. It produces bright blue flowers with dark red centers consisting of stamens and immature fruits. As the flowers fade, they develop into pale green, inflated capsules flushed with dark red.
One particular variety of Nigella hispanica is called 'Midnight', which is a lovely annual flower. It showcases velvety, dark purple blooms that create a striking contrast against the lush green feathery foliage. After flowering, this variety forms ornamental, dark purple seed pods. 'Midnight' is an easy-to-grow plant and makes an excellent cut flower.
The stems of Nigella hispanica are erect and can grow up to 60 cm in height. The dark green leaves are deeply dissected. The flowers come in various colors such as white, pink, purple, or crimson, and have a weak aroma. They feature a bunch of bright red stamens in the center and can reach a diameter of up to 6 cm. The plant blooms from July to September. Its fruit consists of five swollen leaflets, almost fused to the top, and the seeds are black, matte, and ovoid in shape. A single plant can produce around 320 seeds, which remain viable for up to 2 years.
While Nigella hispanica has its uses and is beneficial for attracting pollinators, it is important to note that this plant may also be poisonous. If you are looking to remove it from your garden, you can consider manual removal or cutting it back before it sets seed. However, it is recommended to take appropriate precautions when handling this plant, especially if you have allergies or sensitivities.
In summary, Nigella hispanica is a beautiful flowering plant with bright blue flowers and dark red centers. It is a great choice for attracting pollinators and can be easily grown in gardens. However, it is essential to be cautious of its potential toxicity and take proper measures if considering removal.
Common names
Fennel Flower, Spanish Fennel
How to care for Fennel Flower
With its straightforward care requirements, Fennel Flower is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.
Fennel Flower should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Fennel Flower loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Fennel Flower requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Spanish Fennel is always in the right place to thrive.
Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.
More info:
Wikipedia
