BLUE Blooms?

I have written about “blue” perennials and annuals before.  Typically, they are not blue - rather they are shades of purple or lavender.  

I am trying Scabiosa ‘Butterfly Blue’ again this year because I LOVE the flower and the annual scabiosas are long lasting in bouquets.  This cultivar is a perennial, but years ago when I grew the plant, it did not overwinter.  I am going to grow and sell it as a “hardy” annual this year, and perhaps with global warming, it will make it to 2019.

‘Butterfly Blue’ (above) won the Perennial Plant of the Year for 2000.  It does not like wet soils and needs full sun here in northern Vermont.

By the way, below is a photo of supposedly the same plant offered in a catalog, with a lot of help from photo shop.

A  plant with similar blooms that does overwinter, and one that I will offer, is Stokesia ‘Honeysong Purple’ (below).  This is a late bloomer and the flower is more aster-like.  

Campanula ‘Rapido’ Blue (below) is a new bellflower I will try this year.  It is similar to the ‘Clips’ series, but is supposed to bloom earlier and for a longer period.

I always grow ‘Blue Jay’ Pacific Giant delphinium (below) - love the color.

For annuals, the best blues can be found in lobelias, particularly ‘Cobalt blue,’ which is grown from seed or laguna sky blue, which is grown from cuttings.

Looking Ahead - 2018 Growing Season

The steady sleet this morning (March 2) has turned into snow.  I have a few things under the grow-lite and more growing elsewhere for me.  Typically I buy in tiny plugs of begonias, pansies and impatiens, because I have difficulty growing them from seed consistently.  (Begonia seeds are the size of dust!)

Two years ago in spring I had open heart surgery (get out your violin!) and last spring I had some kind of mini heart attack that landed me in the hospital for four days.  I wasn't sure if I would continue the business, but I have some determined helpers who really want to pitch in and keep the old gal going .... so here we go again.

My hesitancy is starting to change into excitement as I clean up the greenhouse and get ready to start the heat going.

Bacopa Gulliver Blue

I'm giving bacopa (spellcheck always turns that word into "bacon") "Gulliver Blue" a try this year.  I will probably use it mostly in combination plantings.

I really like the "Delta" series of pansies and this year they are offering "Wine and Cheese."

Delta Wine and Cheese Pansy

"Blueberry Thrill" will be another new pansy on the shelves.

Blueberry Thrill Pansy

Growers are coming up with all kinds of calibrachoas (million bells) and one of several I will be trialing this year is "Candy Bouquet."

Candy Bouquet Calibrachoa

During the winter months I sell vintage clothing and accessories on eBay and Etsy.  The greenhouse turns into my photography studio.  It's time to bring the clothes and jewelry back inside and get ready for another gardening season.