Black nigella Navarretia Plant Care
Navarretia nigelliformis Greene
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Navarretia nigelliformis is a species of flowering plant in the phlox family known by the common name adobe navarretia or the adobe pincushion-plant. It is endemic to California, where it is known from the Central Valley and adjacent mountains.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Black nigella Navarretia?
Plant Black nigella Navarretia in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C).
Where Is the Black nigella Navarretia Native To?
What Is the Black nigella Navarretia?
Black nigella Navarretia (Navarretia nigelliformis) belongs to the Polemoniaceae family within the Navarretia genus. Black nigella Navarretia is native to California. Black nigella Navarretia is also known as Black nigella pincushionplant.
Black nigella Navarretia displays a low-growing mat-forming growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Black nigella Navarretia produces small colorful tubular flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Black nigella Navarretia?
Water a young or newly planted Black nigella Navarretia every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Black nigella Navarretia Need?
Black nigella Navarretia thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Black nigella Navarretia Prefer?
Navarretia nigelliformis tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Black nigella Navarretia prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Black nigella Navarretia?
Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Black nigella Navarretia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
Where Should You Plant a Black nigella Navarretia?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Black nigella Navarretia is suited to USDA Zone 12a.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Black nigella Navarretia?
Black nigella Navarretia can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Black nigella Navarretia?
Prune Black nigella Navarretia while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.
How Do You Care for a Black nigella Navarretia in Winter?
Black nigella Navarretia is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Black nigella Navarretia?
Black nigella Navarretia can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to pine-brush plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Black nigella Navarretia Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Black nigella Navarretia, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Black nigella Navarretia?
Black nigella Navarretia is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Black nigella Navarretia Need?
Black nigella Navarretia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Black nigella Navarretia is native to California. In cooler regions, grow Black nigella Navarretia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Black nigella Navarretia is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Navarretia genus — compare its care with other Navarretia species on PlantoScan.
Navarretia is part of the Polemoniaceae plant family — browse all Polemoniaceae genera and species.
Black nigella Navarretia thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Navarretia Species
Other Navarretia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Navarretia nigelliformis Greene, family Polemoniaceae (first published in Pittonia 1: 132 (1887)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Black nigella Navarretia, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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