Blue, lavender, purple flowers - Plant Encyclopedia Results

A large plant with light green foliage and a strong medicinal, camphor scent. Discovered in South Africa by June Croon, and named in honor of her sister, noted plantswoman Lois Woodhull of Lang Island, NY. Velvety green leaves surround blue, salvia-like flower spikes. Blooms nonstop from spring through late fall.

Goji berry is the common name for the fruit of two very closely related species: Lycium barbarum and L. chinense.

The plant produces a fruit that is often used in health foods and supplements and known for powerful antioxidant properties and potential benefits for cardiovascular and inflammation. The majority of these plants are grown in the north central part of China.

As a food, dried wolfberries are traditionally cooked before consumption. Dried wolfberries are often added to rice congee and almond jelly, as well as used in Chinese tonic soups, in combination with chicken or pork, vegetables, and herbs. Goji juice supposedly has extensive biological effects and health benefits. There has been rapidly growing attention for wolfberries for their nutrient value and antioxidant content, leading to a profusion of consumer products. Such rapid commercial development extends from wolfberry having a high ranking among superfruits. In the northern hemisphere, flowering occurs from June through September and berry maturation from August to October.

Read interesting article about Lycium barbarum.

A Globularia species is a group of compact shrubs and perennial herbs recognized for their rounded flower heads and strong resilience in rocky or coastal environments.

What makes Globularia sp. distinctive?

Globularia species grow as low shrubs or perennials with dense rosettes or compact branching forms covered in leathery leaves adapted to bright light, wind exposure, and lean soils. Their spherical flower clusters, usually pale blue to lilac, rise just above the foliage on short stems and bloom reliably in sunny, well-drained sites. The genus shows notable tolerance to drought and coastal conditions, performing well in rocky borders, slopes, and dry open landscapes. Even without identification to species level, Globularia sp. consistently presents the compact architecture and rounded flowering heads characteristic of the genus.

The genus Salvia, commonly known as sage, is one of the largest and most diverse among flowering plants. It includes everything from compact culinary herbs to towering tropical shrubs, many of which are prized for their fragrant foliage, vibrant blooms, and appeal to pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. Leaf textures range from soft and fuzzy to rough and resinous, often releasing strong herbal or camphor-like scents when touched. Inflorescences may be upright or arching, while the flowers themselves come in a range of colors depending on the species, including purple, blue, red, pink, white, and yellow.

Most Salvia species prefer full sun and well-drained soil, although some tolerate part shade. Growth rates are generally moderate. Depending on the species, they can range in size from low groundcovers to large woody perennials. Many types are drought-tolerant once established, while others thrive with regular moisture.

Cold tolerance varies widely within the genus. Some perennial species, like Salvia officinalis and Salvia nemorosa, are cold-hardy and survive in USDA Zones 5-7, often tolerating winter lows down to around 0F. Others, such as tropical or subtropical sages, are sensitive to frost and best suited to Zones 9-11.

Many Salvia species grow well in containers and are used in herb gardens, flower beds, or wildlife plantings. Several are edible and used in cooking (e.g. Salvia officinalis), while others are ornamental or mildly toxic in large quantities. Some may be confused with similar genera like Lepechinia or Rosmarinus (now also included in Salvia).

Notable species:

Salvia dominica is a strongly aromatic shrub native to the Middle East. It produces pale yellow flowers and thrives in rocky, dry conditions. Mature plants can grow 3-4 ft tall. It is cold-hardy to about 25F and suitable for USDA Zones 9-10.

Salvia 'Indigo Spires' is a hybrid cultivar with long, waving spikes of deep blue-purple flowers. Popular in warm gardens for its long blooming period and bold color, it performs best in full sun. It is not frost-hardy and should be overwintered indoors in Zones below 9. Cold hardiness is limited to about 30-32F.

Salvia karwinskii is a large subtropical species with soft, fuzzy green leaves and long, pendulous clusters of coral-pink to salmon flowers. Native to cloud forests of Central America, it prefers high humidity and partial shade. It is frost-sensitive and best grown in USDA Zones 10-11, tolerating occasional dips to around 35F.

Salvia namaensis is a drought-tolerant shrub from southern Africa, valued for its fine silver foliage and pale blue flowers. Compact and airy in form, it does well in dry, sunny locations. It is hardy to USDA Zone 8 and can tolerate brief drops to 15-20F with good drainage.

Different Aconitum species (and their varieties) scattered across temperate regions of globe.

These are handsome plants, the tall, erect stem being crowned by racemes of large and eye-catching blue, purple, white, yellow or pink zygomorphic flowers. Aconitum is grown in gardens for its attractive spike like inflorescences and showy flowers.

All Aconitum plants contain poisonous alkaloids that can, in sufficient quantity, be deadly. Man has used Aconitum as a medicine and poison for thousands of years. Outside Europe it was widely used for its medical properties.

The Psophocarpus tetragonolobus plant grows as a vine with climbing stems and leaves, 3-4 m in height. It is an herbaceous perennial, but can be grown as an annual.

The beans are used as a vegetable, but the other parts (leaves, flowers, and tuberous roots) are also edible.

Calibrachoa are closely related to Petunia.

It is perfect for containers or hanging baskets but also can be tucked into the front of a border where it will spill out onto sidewalk or patio.

This Brunfelsia grows to almost 10 feet tall and are heavily branched. They have long leaves and form flat, five-leaved violet flowers. One of the easiest and most vigorous Brunfelsia species. New growth is characterized by fine hairs and a purple tint. Flowers are a rich purple. Very showy and cold hardy. Sometimes used as an admixture in Ayahuasca brews. The root also has a reputation as an aphrodesiac.

Chiritas are some of the most popular gesneriad plants that have come about in recent years. They are native to the Asian area, growing in the higher elevations. They are grown for their beautiful foliage, showy flowers, and ease of care. They grow very well with lower light levels, cooler temperatures, and a minimum of water and fertilizer. Requirements for artificial lighting would be around 8 to 10 hours. They will do well on the bottom shelf of "light stands" and near the end of the fluorescent light tubes. Use a light, porous potting mix, and grow them in small pots. Let the soil become fairly dry between watering. Feed plants regularly, using a well balanced fertilizer, at 1/4 tsp. per gallon of water, with every watering.

Impatiens is one of the best known and most popular garden plants for its prolific flowers and ease in growing. It is an evergreen perennial but is often grown as an annual in nontropical climates. Most varieties form low mounds that are usually 8-24in in height with about equal spread.

Likes moist, but well drained, fertile soil.

Propagation: Seed or cuttings in warm weather.