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Houstonia caerulea
Description
Bluets are one of the plants everyone remembers fondly from childhood. Tiny tufts of leaves prefer bare, infertile soil and as such do very well in my poor excuse for a "rear lawn" The pale blue flowers will naturalize in lawns and along pathways where competition isn't to stiff. I let the seeds ripen until the end of July before mowing the area down to 2 inches which both spreads the seed and knocks back the grass, violets other plants that would over shade them. Individual plants are short-lived but they do produce copious seed. This germinates almost immediately and by autumn the area will be covered by dozens of little rosettes biding their time until spring.
You can germinate them in pots or scatter the seed in little patches of moss.
| Common Name | Bluets, Quaker Ladies |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | tree |
| Item Number | 81 |
| Price | $6 |
| Non-member Price | $12 |
| Zone | 3 - 8 |
| Range | Eastern North America |
| Light Conditions | sun, part sun |
| Bloom Time | May |
| Flower Color | Pale blue |
| Height | 2-3 in |
| Soil Moisture | wet |
| Germination | A, H |
Soil Moisture
Wet means a soil with a high water table, where standing water is visible within one foot of the surface when you dig down with a shovel. Typically, the water table fluctuates during the season, and periodic standing or surface water is tolerated by most wetland plants. Obviously wetlands are sensitive ecosystems important to wildlife as well as many plants, so if you have this type of soil, be aware that your state and/or local authorities may have strict regulations and guidelines regarding wetland disturbance or alteration. With this in mind, restoring damaged wetlands with native flora is one of the most satisfying and beneficial things you can do for your local ecosystem.
Germination Codes
Take these as guidelines, not as the one and only way to germinate a particular seed. Codes listed after each species indicate those that have worked reliably at Garden in the Woods - at least most of the time! All seeds should be stored dry - unless received as moist-stratified - in sealed containers in the refrigerator until time of sowing. Seed germination time varies for each species and can take from several days to many months.
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| * | This symbol indicates seed stored moist to retain viability - either in a plastic bag or a plastic bag containing damp vermiculite; sow immediately upon receipt if possible. |
| A | No pretreatment necessary. Species should germinate upon sowing in a warm location (70-80° F). Sowing the seeds outdoors in early spring is the easiest method. |
| B | Species germinates after a 90-day period of moist, cold conditions (less than 40°F). Waiting until late fall and sowing the seeds outdoors in a coldframe is the easiest method. For earlier germination, sow seeds in a pot enclosed in a plastic bag and place in the refrigerator for 90 days before bringing into a warm location for germination. Many species will receive adequate stratification if placed outside before mid-February (in New England). |
| C | Species has a "double dormancy" and requires alternating cold and warm periods in order to germinate. Simply sowing the seeds outside in a seedbed or coldframe in late fall and allowing two full years for germination is the easiest method. For earlier germination, sow seeds in pots enclosed in a plastic bag and place in refrigerator for 90 days, then place uncovered pot in a warm location for 90 days. Repeat the cold treatment again either in the refrigerator or outside in late fall. Seeds will then germinate in a warm location. |
| D | In order to germinate, seeds of this species need a warm, moist period (typically 90 days), followed by a cold, moist period. Sowing the seeds outdoors in the spring and waiting one year for germination is the easiest method. For faster results, sow seeds in a warm location for 90 days, then put the pot in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for 90 days before bringing it into a warm location for germination. |
| G | Seeds or spores that need high humidity and light to germinate. Best surface sown and placed in a self-sealing plastic bag indoors under grow-lights. |
| H | Seeds or spores of this species need light to germinate and should not be covered after sowing. Sow in container and water from bottom as necessary. |
| I | Seeds of this species have a hard seed coat. A light rubbing with sand paper or nail file before sowing is beneficial. |