Nemophila menziesii
Black Nemophila "Total Eclipse"
The Victorians loved this native American wildflower because of its dainty two-tone flowers and airy, light green foliage. This ground-hugging annual plant gets 12-15in/30-38cm and is slightly trailing. It grows well in containers or makes a nice edging. It prefers cool weather and is killed by heat, so plant it in the fall in the South. Pictures make the small flowers, which are less than one inch wide (2-3 cm), appear much larger than they really are. I've switched to a new variety of black nemophila that is much blacker than Penny Black; it's called Total Eclipse. This Pluto plant goes well with other black flowers. Top

How to grow it: Barely cover seed to germinate in 21 days at 65-70F/18C, or direct sow outside in finely raked soil in early spring or in autumn for germination the following spring. Or sow on Winter Solstice (see special directions on the Solstice Sowing page). Transplant to 6 in/15 cm apart to rich, moist soil and full sun farth north to partial shade in areas where sun is more intense ("nemophila" means "shade-lover"). Deadhead for more flowers. This annual self-seeds readily in cool climates like the Pacific Northwest. Elsewhere, collect seeds for plants the next year.  General growing info. Top

Nemophila menziesii
Black Nemophila "Total Eclipse" (Blacker than Penny Black!)
25 seeds $3.50

Uses in Witchcraft & Magic:

Pluto Herb

Victorian Favorite
Black Flowers Collection

© 2004, 2013 Harold A. Roth; No reproduction without permission