Nemophila menziesii 'Penny Black'
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BABY BLUE EYES
Family: Hydrophyllaceae
Pronounced: ne-MA-fih-lah men-ZEE-see-eye
GROWING GUIDE
Geographic Origin:
Garden.
Plant Group:
Annual.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones 1-24.
Heat zones: 12-1.
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Flowering attributes: Saucer-shaped, deep purple to black with scalloped white edges, solitary flowers on long stems.
Leaf attributes: Deeply, pinnately lobed leaves on succulent stems. The lobes are obate and some what hairy.
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil: Moist, well-drained, fertile soil. vFeeding: Add a complete organic fertilizer when planting.
Propagation Methods: Sow seed in situ in spring or fall to a depth of 1/16 inch, or start indoors in early March. Cover seed 1/16 inch. Germinate at temperatures of 68-72° F (20-22° C). Germination will normally occur within 10-14 days. Harden seedlings off and plant outdoors after last frost.
Pests and Diseases: There may be possible problems with powdery mildew, downy mildew and aphids.
Rainy Side Notes
With their white edging, the purple, almost black flowers of Nemophila 'Penny Black' impart an elegant look. Gardeners who grow flowers just because they are black may want to include this easy yet handsome annual in a black flower garden. The deep lobed leaves have a delicate fern-like appearance.
Nemophilas thrive in our cool maritime climate; plants will die if the weather is too hot and humid. Planted six inches apart, the ground hugging plants may be used for edging or temporary ground cover. The plants adapt well to containers and hanging baskets, where they flower all summer long. Nemophilas thrive best when soil doesn't dry out.
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.
Additional Reading
Black Magic and Purple Passion
Book Description: All you need to know about black plants. Magic and passion in the garden are created with over 2,750 dark plants. Dramatic foliage and dusky flowers create mystery and add sex appeal to the garden. Detailed cultural care and Platt's enticing descriptions and photographs enable the garden to plant black creatively. Over 425 color photographs. Platt is the founder of the International Black Plant Society and the first woman to have had a nursery specializing in black plants. She has won awards on both sides of the Atlantic for her black garden designs.
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