Written by Rona Wheeldon
June 27, 2017
In this month’s Product Profile Report, we’re taking a look at Nigella, a quintessential cottage garden flower. With its romantic common name of 'love-in-a-mist', this intricate bloom is the perfect filler flower for summer arrangements.
Background
From the Ranunculaceae family, the name Nigella is derived from the Latin 'niger' meaning black, referring to the colour of its seeds. And Nigella damascena, the full botanical name, is believed to have derived the 'damascena' element from Damascus.
With regards to its common name, 'love-in-a-mist', the 'mist' refers to the fine, wispy bracts which create a halo around the flower, the 'love'. But Nigella is also sometimes known as 'devil in a bush'!
Available in blue, pink and white, it has upward-flowers carried on individual stems, amid a froth of delicate, feathery foliage.
This dainty bloom is generally available from April to September, with its peak season being from May to August. And in June and July, you'll find British Nigella at New Covent Garden Flower Market.
Nigella usually comes in wraps of 10 or 50 stems. Seed pods, which are often striped, are also available at the Flower Market.
Types
Traditional Varieties
Light Blue
Mid Blue
Mixed Blue
British
Pink
White
Artistic Varieties
Artistic Blue
Artistic Pink
Artistic White is also available as a cut flower.
Seed Pods
General Advice
Take care when handling Nigella's delicate, soft stems as they're easily damaged. Leigh at Bloomfield says: 'Strip the stems of all their foliage and place in a small amount of water. Make sure to keep the water fresh by changing it regularly.'
Design Inspiration
Nigella looks wonderful arranged with other 'cottage garden' style flowers like cornflowers, sweet peas and roses in hand-tieds and vase arrangements. And they're an ideal filler flower for wedding designs such as bridal bouquets, flower crowns and buttonholes. The striking seed pods can be used fresh or dry in arrangements.
(Source: The Flower Bird)
(Source: JamJar Flowers)
(Source: Zita Elze)
(Source: Bloomsbury Flowers)
(Source: Shane Connolly)
(Source: Scarlet & Violet)
(Source: Scarlet & Violet)
(Source: Paul Thomas Flowers)
(Source: Botanique Workshop)
(Source: Bloom and Burn)
(Source: Joanne Truby Floral Design)
(Source: Jennifer Pinder Floral Styling)
(Source: Wild at Heart)
Your Designs
We'd love to see images of arrangements that you've made using Nigella from New Covent Garden Flower Market. Simply send an email to hello@cgma.co.uk, stating your company name and website address. Or if you prefer, you could post your photo on Instagram and tag us with @marketflowers. We'll then upload your photos into this section.
(Source: Pesh Flowers)
(Source: The Topiary Tree)
I hope you've enjoyed reading this month's Product Profile Report. Please do ask away below if you have any questions or would like to make any general comments. As always, we'd love to hear from you…
P.S. Did you know that in the 'Language of Flowers', Nigella signifies 'You puzzle me!'
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