Bluets (Houstonia caerulea)

Azure bluet (Houstonia caerulea) is a small, herbaceous wildflower native to eastern North America. It is commonly found in meadows, prairies, and open woods. The plant produces clusters of tiny blue flowers, each with four petals, which bloom from late spring through early fall.

The azure bluet typically grows to 10-30 cm and has slender stems and narrow, lance-shaped leaves. The flowers are usually less than 1 cm in diameter and have a distinctive central yellow spot.

Azure bluets are essential sources of nectar for bees and other pollinators. They are also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including digestive problems, respiratory infections, and skin conditions.

Bluets: Houstonia caerulea, or common bluets, are an herbaceous perennial species. They are a North American native plant originating in eastern Canada. The adorable blue flowers add fresh color to any partially shady spots in your landscape.

Bluets are an unfussy plant, requiring optimized growing conditions--then little or no additional maintenance. They need more than de-compacted, woody soil or peat moss and sufficient moisture. Your only job might be watering your bluets during a dry spell.

Bees and butterflies seem to find the nectar of this little plant irresistible.

The Petite but Impactful Presence of Bluets

Bluets are small plants, reaching maturity around four inches high and wide. However small in stature, the blue-violet, blue, and purple blossoms are lovely and have an impactful presence in your garden.

Multiple stems are glossy and dark green. The small leaves grow in an opposing pattern along the stems; each leaf is smooth, green, and tiny--about an inch long. Because of this lush but low greenery, it sometimes appears like a green mat or carpet.

Four oval flower petals with gently rounded ends make up a blue flower. Some call this flower "Quaker ladies," as they form a pattern resembling an old-fashioned head covering Quaker women wore. The flower center is a tiny brown or green and yellow dot. Petals may have a tinge of white to brighten the inner margin of the petals.

Where to Grow Bluets in Your Landscape

Bluets are versatile, hardy, and practical in many applications in landscaping. Here are some excellent ways to use bluets:

• Garden border: Bluets are the perfect petite plant for a garden border's front (low) row.
• Near a water feature: Bluets love high moisture content. If you have a shady fountain that splashes water droplets all day, bluets will benefit from it.
• Accent flowers for a walkway: Plant bluet next to your walkways or stepping stone paths; the short height adds color but still stays neat in appearance.

Order Bluets From TN Nursery Today

You will find many shade-garden uses for bluets--order from TN Nursery today.