Nigella 'Mulberry Rose' Seeds (Love-in-a-mist)

'Mulberry Rose' produces clouds of delicate, spurred flowers in a deep, vintage rose-pink, often with a hint of purple or crimson. This rich, sophisticated shade makes it stand out from the paler pinks typically found in mixed packets, offering intense colour from a surprisingly delicate plant.

Like all Love-in-a-mist varieties, it weaves its feathery foliage throughout the border, creating a soft, hazy texture. It is a fantastic dual-purpose annual, providing both beautiful summer flowers and architectural, striped seed pods for autumn and winter arrangements.

Why Your Garden Needs 'Mulberry Rose'

We love this plant because of its blending ability. The rich rose colour helps bridge the gap between strong reds and soft purples in a border. It is incredibly easy to grow from seed and provides continuous colour from early summer until the first frost, requiring almost no effort.

It is also essential for drying. The striped, balloon-like seed pods, which are a deeper shade of green than the typical variety, are superb for adding structure and interest to dried bouquets and wreaths.

Understanding the Plant: What is a Hardy Annual?

Nigella is a classic Hardy Annual.

This means it lives for one season, is tough enough to handle frost, and must be direct-sown.
The Strategy: Nigella dislikes root disturbance (like a taproot plant). For the best display, sow a generous quantity directly where you want them to flower.
Top Tip: Sow twice! Sow a batch in early spring (March/April) for summer flowers, and sow a second batch in late autumn (September/October) for very early, strong blooms the following May.

Growing Guide: How to Sow and Grow

This is arguably the easiest hardy annual to grow from seed.

🌱 Germination:
Sow directly outdoors from March to May, or in Autumn. Scatter seeds shallowly (5mm deep). They germinate quickly and reliably in 7-14 days in cool soil.

Where to Sow:
They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged conditions. Sow them densely to create a supportive "haze" for other plants to grow through.

Care While Growing:
The plant requires no staking. If you want to harvest the pods for drying, cut the stems when the pods are still green and feel firm, and hang them upside down in a cool, dry place.

Plant Specifications

Here is a quick reference guide to the key features.

My Recommended Garden Companions

The dark rose colour of 'Mulberry Rose' pairs beautifully with cool tones or dramatic dark backdrops:

• 💙 Linum Perenne (Blue Flax): A stunning Pink and Blue contrast. The ethereal, misty blue of the perennial Flax creates a soft, cooling base that highlights the richness of the Mulberry Rose Nigella above.
• ⚫ Hollyhock 'Nigra': For the ultimate drama. Plant the deep, chocolate-black Hollyhocks behind the Nigella. The pink mist will soften the base of the Hollyhocks, making the dark spikes look incredibly majestic.

📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar

Sow directly outdoors in spring (succession sow for continuous flowers).

(↔️ Swipe chart to see all months)