| Lacy domes of tiny flowers bloom in shades of white, blue, or purple. With slender stems and fresh green leaves, they bring an air of serenity to mixed beds and bouquets. As the common name suggests, they have been used to treat throat conditions. Annual species grow shorter than biennials. Use lower-growing species in rock gardens. Prefer light shade and porous, fertile soil. Gritty limestone is best, add a little lime to acid soil. Need regular water year-round. Best above 40º F, they will not take more than brief frost. Potted plants can winter (or stay all year) in a well-ventilated greenhouse. Feed rootbound plants regularly with diluted liquid fertilizer, spring to fall. Cut flowers last 10 to 12 days, but fruit ripening nearby or cigarette smoke can cause premature decay. Sow biannual seeds in small pots in June or July. Pinch to encourage branching, and transplant up to 5- to 6-inch pots. Plant 1 foot apart in spring after the last frost. Raise annuals in greenhouse pots: sow in winter, pinching and potting up. Move to a cooler shelter for a week or two in spring before transplanting outside. |
Tough and undemanding, it blooms the first year if sown early, may self-sow in mild climates. The distinctive pink flowers of the Lake Avelon variety last up to 2 weeks in arrangements.
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Attributes - Trachelium caeruleum
Plant Type: Perennial
Bloom Season: Mid Summer through Early Fall
Flower Color: Blue, Pink, Purple, White
Height: 2 ft. to 3 ft.
Width: 3 ft.
Sunlight: Full Sun
Climate: Zones 8, 9, 10, 11
Notes: Cut Flowers, Long Blooming, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers.
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