Houstonia caerulea (syn. Hedyotis caerulea) 'MILLARDS VARIETY'

Azure bluet is native to eastern parts of Canada and USA. In Europe it is little known which is a pity because it does not look like any species cultivated here. In fact, once you see it you either fall in love with it or take no notice - usually nothing in the middle. I believe the first will happen to you.

Millards Variety is a lovely azure bluet variety with profusion of small, light lavender violet-blue flowers from late spring to early autumn. They come out from nodding buds and when they open their 4-petaled flowers rise the heads towards the sky for us to see their immense beauty. They have yellow centres and are fragrant. Leaves are small, elliptic, rich green.

Azure bluet likes filtered sunlight or shade, and will grow happily in reasonably drained, preferably acidic, evenly moist soil. It is not a typical rock garden plant as it hates a combination of full sun and drought. Use it as a flowering ground cover in shady areas where other sun-loving perennials fail to perform. Shearing is recommended after flowering. Hardy to about -34°C (USDA zone 4).

Last update 19-05-2015