Culture
Best grown in consistently moist to wet, slightly acidic, well-draining soils in full sun. Plants do well in a soil mix of half peat and half sand. Hardy in USDA Zones 8-9.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Pinguicula caerulea, commonly called blueflower butterwort, is a carnivorous, herbaceous perennial native to bogs and open, moist areas of pine savannas and sandhills in the southeastern United States from North Carolina south into Florida. Mature rosettes will reach up to 4" wide and are held just above the soil surface. The obovate leaves have rolled margins and can reach up to 2.5" long. They are light green in color and covered in glandular hairs that excrete a sticky mucilage to trap small insects. Single, 0.75-1.5" long, trumpet shaped blooms are held on thin, 4-12" long scapes from late spring into summer. The flowers have distinct venation and range in color from violet-blue to nearly white.
Genus name comes from the Latin word pinguis meaning "fat", in reference to the greasy appearance of the leaves.
The specific epithet caerulea means "blue", in reference to the flower color of this species.
The common name blueflower butterwort refers to the color of the blooms of this species and the glistening, tender quality of the foliage.
Problems
No major pest or disease problems. Water with rain water or deionized water.
Uses
Bog gardens. Only purchase from reputable sources that do not collect plants from the wild.