Houstonia caerulea Millard's Variety - Quaker ladies

Houstonia caerulea Millard's Variety is a creeping perennial plant that is unjustly unknown. On an acidic, moist, and rich soil, this blue Houstonia forms a dense, evergreen carpet in winter, which truly disappears under a cloud of tiny lilac-blue stars in late spring. Very pretty in a moist rockery or between the stones of paving, this flowering carpet perfectly highlights all spring blooms, especially those of daffodils and tulips. You can also place the blue Houstonia at the base of plants grown in pots or containers.

Houstonia caerulea Millard's Variety belongs to the family of Rubiaceae. It is a cultivar derived from the blue Houstonia, native to the eastern and northeastern parts of North America. In nature, this small plant is found in meadows, gravel pits, and moist rocky slopes, in full sun or partial shade, always on acidic to neutral soils. It is a creeping perennial plant with growth that does not exceed 10 to 15cm (4 to 6in) in height. It consists of basal rosettes grouped in a dense carpet. The leaves, not exceeding 1cm (0in), are broad at the tip and tapered to the base, slightly villous, and fairly dark green. Flowering begins in April or May, depending on the climate, and lasts for about 3 weeks. From the foliage emerge numerous slender floral stems, each bearing a bright mauve-blue flower with white and yellow markings in the centre. The flowers are so numerous that they overwhelm the foliage. This nectar-rich flowering is visited by bees and butterflies. After pollination, the plant produces seeds that can self-sow in light, acidic, and moist soil.

Houstonia caerulea Millard's Variety has many uses as long as it has acidic, moist, and well-drained soil. Originating from mountainous regions, it dislikes limestone, excessively hot climates, and arid conditions. It is placed in full sun or partial shade between stones near water sources, in a large rockery, along pathways, between stepping stones, in bare patches of a short grass meadow, at the base of trees, in slightly damp areas...