Anagallis arvensis var. caerulea
Scarlet pimpernel, Common pimpernel, Poor man's weatherglass
- Height × spread
- 0.07m × 0.3m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Mild winter to -5C (RHS H3)
- Flowers
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
A blue scarlet pimpernel! This is a subspecies that is in fact a weed of European fields. It is a trailing plant with plump leaves paired on the long trailing hairy stems. The leaves are perfoliate (their base clasps the stem of the plant without an intervening stem). The small rounded flowers are coloured an intense blue shade with a reddish ring near the petal base. The flowers are said to close at the approach of bad weather. It will produce flowers all summer. This has a range of medical uses but is considered unsafe to use and is harmful if eaten.
- Flower colour
- Blue
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Prostrate
- Height
- 0.07m
- Spread
- 0.3m
- Season of interest
- Summer
- Flowers in
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained soil, Dry and shady soil
- Hardiness
- Mild winter to -5C (RHS H3)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
Spring - early-mid · Planting
Divide when too large
The plant can be divided if it becomes too large or another plant is required. This may involve physically dividing the clump in two, removing offsets or small bulbs or dividing rhizomes. The new plants can be grown in pots or planted in the ground.