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 Houstonia serpyllifolia

Thymeleaf bluet 

 Scientific name: Houstonia serpyllifolia

Common name: Creeping bluet, Thymeleaf bluet

Region of origin: North America

 

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Highlights:

Weed Suppressive Rating: Poor

Hardiness: Zones 5-8

Height x Spread: About 3 in. x indefinite

Season of bloom: Mid to late summer

Flower color: Violet to white

Exposure: Shade

Soil requirements: Prefers organically rich soil

Moisture requirements: Moist soil

Physical description: This herbaceous ground cover species has a rooting, carpet-forming habit, and spreads indefinitely. The evergreen leaves are tiny, colored bright green, and 2 in. long. Flowering occurs in mid to late summer, and the tiny flowers are violet blue to white. The fruit is non-ornamental.

Optimal growing conditions: This species performs best in cool, shady sites, in moist soil. Growth can be improved if the soil is organically rich. If planting conditions are good and the plant is well established, flowering may be very profuse. Winter hardiness: Zones 5-8

Susceptibility to pests and diseases: This plant has no serious disease or insect problems.

Use: Gardeners use this plant to create a nice moss-like effect in cool and shady places. The sprawling habit may be attractive in front of borders and in rock gardens, too.

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