Penny Black is a charming annual flower that lives up to its intriguing name with deep, almost black petals rimmed in white, creating a striking contrast that draws the eye. This cultivar of Nemophila discoidalis blooms reliably from spring through summer in zones 6-10, reaching a compact 10 inches tall and wide, making it a tidy addition to gardens, containers, or borders. From seed to first bloom takes just 70 days, so you'll see results quickly. The flowers attract pollinators while resisting deer, giving you a low-maintenance ornamental that earns its space.
Full Sun
Moderate
6-10
10in H x 10in W
—
High
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The nearly black petals with their crisp white edge are unmistakably distinctive; you won't mistake Penny Black for any other flower in the garden. Its compact, uniform habit means it needs minimal space yet packs visual drama, blooming steadily for months without fussy deadheading. Deer leave it alone entirely, and pollinators actively seek it out, so you're trading traditional color for architectural interest and genuine wildlife appeal.
Penny Black shines as an ornamental flower in spring and summer gardens. Its compact size and tidy growth habit make it exceptional for containers, window boxes, and small garden spaces where you want intense visual impact without sprawl. The dark petals create striking contrast in mixed borders and add depth to garden beds alongside lighter-colored companions.
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For earliest blooms, start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before your last spring frost. Sow seeds in pots, barely covering them (1/16 inch deep), and keep the soil at 65°F until germination, which typically occurs within 7-14 days. Once sprouted, move seedlings to a cooler spot (55-60°F) to encourage stocky growth. Harden off seedlings gradually before transplanting outdoors after frost danger has passed.
Transplant hardened-off seedlings outdoors after your last frost date. Space plants 8 inches apart. Ensure soil has been amended with compost prior to planting. Water gently after transplanting to settle the soil around roots.
In zones 8-10 with mild winters, sow directly outdoors in mid-summer for a fall crop of blooms, or from late summer through late fall. Barely cover seeds (1/16 inch) and keep soil evenly moist until germination occurs in 7-14 days.
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