Penny Black Nemophila Seeds (Nemophila menziesii var. discoidalis) – Striking dark purple blooms with white edges; perfect for borders & pots.

Minimum: 25+ Seeds

Bring a touch of dramatic elegance to your garden with Penny Black Nemophila, a compact annual that dazzles with deep, velvety purple flowers edged in crisp white. Ideal for home gardeners, pollinator enthusiasts, and cottage garden lovers, this variety turns any border, container, or window box into a stunning display of color and texture. Its petite size, prolific blooms, and ease of growth make it perfect for gardeners seeking impactful yet manageable plants that thrive in spring and early summer.

🌿 Plant Description
Penny Black Nemophila produces compact, low-growing plants reaching just 6–10 inches in height, forming a lush mat of delicate, finely textured foliage. From spring into early summer, the plant bursts into clusters of dark purple, almost black flowers with crisp white edges, creating a bold, almost ethereal effect in the garden. These flowers are pollinator-friendly, attracting bees and butterflies, and their long-lasting blooms ensure that your garden looks vibrant for weeks.

The unique coloration of Penny Black sets it apart from more traditional blues and whites, offering a gothic yet elegant aesthetic that complements both bright and muted garden palettes. Its compact growth habit also makes it ideal for edging paths, brightening borders, or spilling gracefully from containers.

🌱 Growing Tips & Care
Penny Black Nemophila is easy to grow from seed and thrives in cooler spring conditions:

• Sowing: Start indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost, or sow directly outdoors as soon as soil is workable.

• Light: Prefers full sun to light shade; some afternoon shade benefits plants in warmer regions.

• Soil: Well-draining soil enriched with compost; slightly sandy soils mimic its natural habitat.

• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy; avoid waterlogging which can damage roots.

• Spacing: Sow or thin to 6–8 inches apart to allow airflow and prevent disease.

• Temperature: Prefers cool spring temperatures (55–70°F / 13–21°C). Heat may reduce flowering duration.

• Maintenance: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous bloom.

This variety thrives in USDA Zones 4–9, making it suitable for a wide range of gardens. Containers, raised beds, and rock gardens are all excellent choices for showcasing Penny Black’s dark dramatic blooms.

🍽️ Garden & Design Uses

• Borders & Edging: Perfect for brightening pathways with low, colorful foliage.

• Containers & Pots: Spill over edges for a dramatic and compact display.

• Cottage Gardens: Adds contrast and depth among pastel and white flowers.

• Pollinator Support: Attracts bees and butterflies, enriching your garden ecosystem.

• Seasonal Interest: Provides early-season color before larger perennials and summer annuals take over.

🌸 Cultural & Unique Features
Native to California, this variety of Nemophila, sometimes called “Penny Black” for its deep, near-black flowers, has been cherished by collectors and gardeners for its distinctive dark petals and delicate white edging. Its compact form and prolific flowering make it a forgotten gem revived in modern cottage gardens, perfect for adding a touch of elegance and intrigue to any landscape.

💡 Plant Details
Scientific Name: Nemophila menziesii var. discoidalis
Common Name: Penny Black Nemophila
Plant Type: Annual
Height: 6–10 inches
Spread: 8–12 inches
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-draining, fertile
Water: Moderate, keep soil evenly moist
Temperature: Prefers cool spring conditions
Bloom Time: Spring to early summer
Flower Color: Deep purple with white edges
Uses: Borders, containers, pollinator gardens, rock gardens, cottage gardens

✨ Why You’ll Love It
Penny Black Nemophila is more than a flower, it’s a statement. With its rich, velvety blooms contrasting sharply against bright foliage or soft pastel neighbors, it adds depth, drama, and delicate charm to your garden. Plant these seeds now and enjoy a mesmerizing carpet of dark purple flowers that attract pollinators, delight the senses, and elevate your outdoor spaces. Perfect for gardeners who crave both beauty and ease, Penny Black will transform your spring garden into a vivid, unforgettable display. 🌿🦋🌸