Description
The leaves of the plant are gray green and form a cushion hugging the ground. The lavender-blue flowers are born on 12-15 inch stems. This plant is commonly called the pincushion flower because its stamens stand above the petals. Some people think it looks like pins stuck in a pincushion. This is a beautiful plant which I have admired many times in the garden centers.
History
A famous plants man, David Tristam, found this plant growing in an Irish garden over 40 years ago. He grew it for 15 years in Ireland before moving to England. A cooperative effort between two nurseries brought this plant attention internationally.
Propagation and Cultivation
Butterfly Blue must be grown from cuttings or plant divisions. It does not reproduce true to seed because it is a cultivar. Most gardeners buy small plants in their local nurseries to plant. Others, with more gardening expertise, may find a friend willing to divide their plant.
If you have a greenhouse, consider trying your hand at reproducing this plant from tip cuttings. The cuttings require 68F bottom heat and two weeks of misting. It takes approximately eight weeks for roots to develop. Then the cuttings may be transplanted to quarts or gallon size containers. The length of time to propagate this plant explains the cost of buying it in your local nursery.
This plant needs a soil that is slightly alkaline, consistently moist, yet well drained, and amended with organic matter. According to the publicity folder on this plant, it should bloom from late spring through fall if you consistently deadhead it. It is also reputed to attract butterflies.
Hints for Winter Survival
The soil must be well drained if the plant is to survive the winter. The Perennial Plant Association recommends not cutting back the foliage until spring. Any winter damaged foliage can be removed just before the plant starts growing again in the spring.
My comments
Normally, I am full of excitement to see the winners. This year, however, I am somewhat disappointed. Why? Because this is a plant I have tried several times and had fail each time. I admit I have a negative viewpoint of this plant based on my personal experience.
Perhaps the 9.5 p.h. of my soil and the lack of consistent moisture explains why I have failed with this plant so many times. I'll have to try this plant one more time, planting it in my backyard garden which has moister soil. Maybe it will like this area better. It's a gorgeous plant that I would really like to have in my garden.
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