PLANT OF THE WEEK Throatwort

Botanical name: Trachelium "Devotion Blue"
Attributes: This warm season annual features large umbels of delicate blue flowers that resemble a blue cloud. It is sometimes used in containers but is usually seen as a blooming potted plant.
Bloom color: Blue, pink, purple or white
Bloom time: July and August
Culture: Purchase healthy plants from a reputable nursery. Plant in fertile, humus-rich soil and place in full sun. Water regularly to keep moist and, if using in a container, fertilize every two weeks with a 20-10-20 water-soluble solution. Or use Trachelium indoors in combination with foliage plants for midsummer color. Cut flowers back to new buds to force reblooming. When flowers are spent, compost the plant.
Landscape tips: Use Trachelium in combination with pink begonias, yellow coleus and white impatiens in a container with some protection from the hot afternoon sun.
Cost: $3 to $15 depending on size of plant or pot. Available at some retail nurseries and garden centers. Blooming plants are available free with Friends membership at Powell Gardens during the month of July.
Source: Powell Gardens (www.powellgardens.org)