Porterweed is best in full sun or partial shade. When first planted, it needs moist soil. However, once established it is drought resistant. It can tolerate salty conditions, too.
It’s a great addition to any butterfly garden, as the flowers are rich in nectar and popular with many butterflies and bees.
Deep indigo blue, quarter-inch blooms adorn the long spike-like stems. This plant blooms off and on all year. The green leaves are kind of shiny with acute marginal leaves that are numerous and are outward pointing. This plant is about 4 feet tall and 6 feet wide.
Porterweed is currently in bloom in the Butterfly Garden at the Sarasota Garden Club, 1131 Boulevard of the Arts.
Submitted by Kay Weber, Botanical Gardens Chair, Sarasota Garden Club
Author: Siesta Sand
