Devil In The Bush

(Nigella damascena)

Devil In The Bush (Nigella damascena)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Nigella damascena, commonly known as Devil In The Bush or Love-in-a-Mist, is an annual herb native to southern Europe, North Africa, and southwest Asia, typically found in meadows, fields, and along edges of cultivation. It thrives in well-drained, lime-rich soils under full sun exposure. This plant grows to 20–50 cm (8–20 in) tall and features finely divided, feathery leaves that add a delicate texture to garden settings. Its charming flowers, blooming from late spring to early summer, exhibit a range of hues including blue, white, pink, or pale purple. The flowers are notable for their unique structure: the colorful sepals are the most prominent part of the perianth, while the true petals are small and inconspicuous. After flowering, the plant produces an intriguing, balloon-like seed capsule that turns brown as it matures, adding interest to the garden even after the blooming period.

Devil In The Bush is valued for its ornamental flowers and seed pods, which are often used in dried floral arrangements. It is a popular choice for cottage gardens, informal borders, and as a filler plant in annual bedding schemes. Its ease of maintenance and ability to self-seed make it a low-care option for gardeners. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate light shade and is adaptable to a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained. Gardeners should be aware that in some regions, it can self-seed prolifically and may require control to prevent it from becoming weedy.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 1.5-2 feet
  • Width: 1-1.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Blue, White
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention:

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Border Plant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Meadows, fields, and edges of cultivation in southern Europe, North Africa, and southwest Asia

Other Names

Common Names: Damascus Hellebore, Devil-In-The-Bush, Love-In-A-Mist, Love In A Mist, Jack-In-The-Green, Wild Fennel, Damaszener Schwarzkümmel, Gretel Im Busch, Nigelle De Damas, Juffertje-In-Het-Groen, Jungfrun I Det Gröna

Scientific Names: , Nigella damascena, Nigella bourgaei, Nigella damascena var. minor, Nigella coarctata, Nigella bithynica, Nigella damascena subsp. minor, Nigella taurica, Nigella damascena var. africana, Nigella nana

GBIF Accepted Name: Nigella damascena L.