Azure Bluet

(Houstonia caerulea)

Azure Bluet (Houstonia caerulea)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Houstonia caerulea, commonly known as Azure Bluet, is a deciduous perennial herb that thrives in open woodlands, meadows, and along stream banks in the Eastern United States. This charming plant typically grows to a modest height of 4 to 8 inches (10-20 cm) with a similar spread. Azure Bluet is characterized by its delicate, sky-blue flowers with a prominent yellow center, each bloom measuring about 1 cm across. The flowering season extends from April to July, offering a long period of visual interest. The foliage forms a basal rosette of spatula-shaped leaves, while the stems are slender and bear a single flower at the top. The leaves are simple, opposite in arrangement, with two leaves per node along the stem.

Azure Bluet is valued for its dainty flowers and ability to naturalize in favorable conditions. It is often used in rock gardens, as a ground cover, and in naturalized areas where it can form a carpet of blue in the spring. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once established. Azure Bluet prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of moisture conditions, though it does best in consistently moist soil. It is adaptable to both full sun and partial shade, making it versatile for various garden settings. There are no major disease or pest issues, but it can be sensitive to overly dry conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.3-0.5 feet
  • Width: 0.3-0.3 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: Blue
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Low, Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Butterfly Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Open woodlands, meadows, and stream banks

Other Names

Common Names: Quaker Ladies , Azure Bluets , Bluets , Houstonie , Houstonie Bleue , Innocence , Porslinsstjärna

Scientific Names: Houstonia caerulea , Hedyotis caerulea , Houstonia serpyllifolia , Houstonia pusilla , Houstonia caerulea var. faxonorum , Hedyotis caerulea var. faxonorum , Houstonia linnaei , Oldenlandia caerulea , Hedyotis caerulea f. albiflora , Hedyotis caerulea f. benkei

GBIF Accepted Name: Houstonia caerulea L.