Ammi Dara is an elegant heirloom flowering annual prized for its large, lacy umbels that transition through shades of deep plum, dusty rose, mauve, blush pink, and creamy white. Often described as a more colorful and refined relative of Queen Anne's Lace, this stunning cut flower has become a favorite among floral designers, wedding florists, and cottage garden enthusiasts. The intricate blooms float above delicate fern-like foliage, creating a soft, airy appearance that brings romance and sophistication to the garden.
As the flowers mature, they undergo a fascinating color transformation, often displaying multiple shades simultaneously. The result is a plant that provides season-long interest both in the landscape and in floral arrangements. Its graceful appearance makes it equally at home in formal cutting gardens, naturalized plantings, and wildflower-inspired landscapes.
Growing Information
Ammi Dara thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Plants typically grow 36 to 48 inches tall, producing sturdy stems topped with large umbrella-shaped flower clusters. The delicate foliage provides attractive texture even before flowering begins.
Flowering starts in early to midsummer and continues for weeks. Regular harvesting of blooms encourages additional flower production. The long stems and exceptional vase life have made Ammi Dara one of the most sought-after specialty cut flowers in modern floral design.
Seed Sowing Instructions
Black Knight Daucus is a dramatic ornamental flower that transforms the familiar appearance of Queen Anne's Lace into something truly extraordinary. Producing large, lace-like umbels in rich shades of deep burgundy, plum, and near-black purple, this elegant annual creates a striking contrast against traditional garden flowers. The intricate blooms rise above finely divided fern-like foliage, bringing both texture and sophistication to borders, cutting gardens, and naturalistic plantings.
As the flower heads mature, they develop increasingly dark coloration, creating one of the deepest flower tones available among annual garden plants. The delicate, lacy appearance softens the dramatic color, making Black Knight equally suitable for cottage gardens, modern landscapes, and floral design work.
Growing Information
Black Knight thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Plants typically reach 36 to 48 inches tall and produce sturdy stems topped with large flattened umbels. The finely textured foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season and provides an excellent backdrop for the dramatic blooms.
Flowering begins in early summer and continues for several weeks. Successive flower heads often appear over an extended period, ensuring a long display in both the garden and cutting bed.
Seed Sowing Instructions
Bishop's Flower is a timeless cottage garden favorite prized for its graceful, lace-like white flower umbels that float above finely divided ferny foliage. Often compared to an elegant, refined version of Queen Anne's Lace, this classic annual produces masses of delicate blooms that bring lightness, texture, and charm to the garden from early summer through late summer. The pure white flower heads create a cloud-like effect in borders and cutting gardens, blending effortlessly with virtually any flower color.
For generations, Bishop's Flower has been valued as both a garden ornamental and a florist's favorite. Its airy appearance softens bold plantings while adding movement and natural beauty to formal and informal landscapes alike. The flowers are equally stunning in fresh bouquets, wedding arrangements, and dried floral displays.
Growing Information
Bishop's Flower thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Plants typically grow 36 to 48 inches tall and produce strong stems topped with large, umbrella-shaped clusters of tiny white flowers. The finely textured foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season and complements neighboring plants beautifully.
Flowering begins in early summer and continues for many weeks. Regular harvesting encourages additional bloom production, making this one of the most productive cut flowers available to home gardeners.
Seed Sowing Instructions
Bishop's Flower is one of the finest plants available for adding elegance and softness to the garden. The delicate white flower clusters blend beautifully with virtually every flower color while attracting countless pollinators. Whether grown for bouquets, wedding flowers, pollinator support, or cottage garden charm, Bishop's Flower remains a timeless favorite that never goes out of style.
Quick Facts
Purple Kisses Ammi is an elegant, airy annual grown for its abundant lacy flower clusters and exceptional value in both gardens and floral arrangements. The finely divided foliage creates a soft, fern-like background for broad umbels composed of countless tiny flowers, with distinctive purple-toned accents that give this selection added depth and character. Plants develop tall, branching stems with a light, graceful appearance that blends beautifully among cottage-garden flowers rather than overwhelming neighboring plants. The intricate flower heads also make wonderful companions for roses, zinnias, cosmos, dahlias, and other larger blooms.
Grow Purple Kisses in full sun to light afternoon shade and fertile, well-drained soil. Plants generally reach approximately 3 to 4 feet tall and benefit from consistent moisture while establishing, although overly rich soil should be avoided because it can encourage excessive soft growth. For cut-flower production, harvest stems when most of the tiny flowers within an umbel have opened and the flower head has become firm; cutting too early can result in stems that wilt quickly. Successive sowings several weeks apart can extend the harvest period and provide a continuing supply of the delicate umbels for bouquets. Flowers are also highly attractive to bees, hoverflies, and numerous small beneficial insects.
Seeds may be direct sown outdoors in fall in mild climates or in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked. Sow shallowly, covering only lightly, and keep the seedbed evenly moist until germination. Ammi generally prefers cool conditions during establishment and often produces stronger plants when allowed to develop before intense summer heat arrives. Seedman Notes: Purple Kisses is an excellent florist's flower because it provides the same light, cloud-like effect traditionally supplied by baby's breath while offering a much more architectural form and intriguing coloration. Its delicate umbels can transform a simple handful of larger flowers into a professional-looking bouquet, while plants left in the garden provide valuable forage for beneficial insects and an attractive, naturalistic effect.