Inspiring, playful, and almost too perfect to be real, Nemophila menziesii ‘Penny Black’ is a compact California native annual with rich, so-purple-they-look-black flowers edged in crisp white. The effect is charming, graphic, and endlessly useful for spring color combinations in borders, containers, and native wildflower plantings.

Also known as Penny Black Baby Blue Eyes, this easy spring annual grows about 10" tall and 15" wide, often smothering itself in bloom for several months with regular water. It is especially fun spilling over the edge of a bed or pot, where the perfectly edged flowers can be admired up close. Pair it with Papaver ‘Ladybird’, Limnanthes douglasii, white flowers, gold blooms, grasses, or other California native annuals for a lively display.

Plant Nemophila menziesii ‘Penny Black’ in full sun to part shade with well-drained soil and regular water during bloom. It may self-sow where happy, returning with more little dark-eyed treasures. Explore more spring annual charmers in our Nemophila collection.