Spanish Nigella

(Spanish fennel flower) Hardy annual flower, native of southern Spain, the Azores, Sicily and North Africa. The ornate blue-dappled white flowers resemble famous Dutch pottery made in and around the town of Delft since the 16th century. Recent research has shown that the seeds possess powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Seed extracts were shown to inhibit both forms of the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme involved in inflammation. Prefers sunny locations with well-drained soil. Ht. 70-90cm/28-36in.