Contents
Description
Nigella Damascena Oxford Blue is an annual plant that belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. It is native to Southern Europe and North Africa, but is widely grown in gardens all over the world. The plant is commonly known as love-in-a-mist due to the delicate, lacy bracts that surround its flowers. The Oxford Blue variety features stunning blue flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer. The plant has a long flowering period, which makes it a popular choice for gardeners looking for a splash of color.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Ranunculaceae |
| Genus | Nigella |
Appearance
Nigella Damascena Oxford Blue grows up to 60 cm in height and 30 cm in width. It has finely divided, feathery leaves that are a gray-green color. The flowers are large and showy, with a diameter of up to 5 cm. They have a distinctive blue color and are surrounded by a lacy, star-shaped bract that gives them a unique appearance. The plant produces round, spiky seed pods that are often used in dried flower arrangements.
Care Guide
Nigella Damascena Oxford Blue is easy to care for and can be grown in a wide range of conditions. Here are some tips to help you keep your plant healthy:
- Water: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is kept moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: The plant does not require much fertilization, but a light application of a balanced fertilizer can be helpful in promoting healthy growth.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Nigella Damascena Oxford Blue is hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Nigella Damascena Oxford Blue is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to damping-off, powdery mildew, and rust. It is also occasionally attacked by aphids and spider mites. To prevent these problems, make sure the plant is grown in well-drained soil and avoid overwatering. If you notice signs of pest or disease damage, treat the plant with an appropriate insecticidal or fungicidal spray.
Habitat
Nigella Damascena Oxford Blue is native to Southern Europe and North Africa, where it grows in fields and along roadsides. It is a hardy plant that can grow in a wide range of conditions, from full sun to partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter, but can tolerate poor soil conditions as well.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Nigella Damascena Oxford Blue a perennial or an annual plant?
A: Nigella Damascena Oxford Blue is an annual plant.
Q: What is the ideal growing season for Nigella Damascena Oxford Blue?
A: The ideal growing season for Nigella Damascena Oxford Blue is late spring to early summer.
Q: Is Nigella Damascena Oxford Blue drought tolerant?
A: While Nigella Damascena Oxford Blue can tolerate dry soil conditions, it prefers moist but well-drained soil.
Q: Can Nigella Damascena Oxford Blue be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Nigella Damascena Oxford Blue can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate its roots and the soil is well-drained.
Related Plants
- Nigella arvensis
- Nigella sativa
- Nigella hispanica
- Nigella damascena Persian Jewels
References
- “Nigella Damascena Oxford Blue.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281611&isprofile=0&basic=nigella%20damascena
- “Nigella Damascena Oxford Blue.” Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/23605/Nigella-damascena-Oxford-Blue/Details
- “Nigella Damascena Oxford Blue.” Gardenia.net. https://www.gardenia.net/plant-variety/nigella-damascena-oxford-blue-love-in-a-mist
