Trachelium caeruleum 'Lake Michigan Blue' – A beautiful cut flower with deep purple umbels

Trachelium caeruleum 'Lake Michigan Blue' is an exceptional ornamental plant that is becoming increasingly popular among florists, garden enthusiasts, and professional growers. This variety is known for its rich, deep purple to blue-violet umbels that are not only visually striking but also have enormous ornamental value in both the garden and in flower arrangements. Thanks to its strong stems, long vase life, and refined texture, 'Lake Michigan Blue' is an absolute favorite in the cut flower world.

Trachelium caeruleum 'Lake Michigan Blue' characteristics

Trachelium, also known as throat flower or throat flower, is native to the Mediterranean region. The cultivar 'Lake Michigan Blue' was selected for its uniform growth, intense color, and high flower production.
The plant forms spherical umbels consisting of thousands of tiny flowers, creating an airy, feathery structure. The inflorescence varies from deep purple-blue to dark violet, depending on the light and soil conditions.

Key Features:

• Botanical name: Trachelium caeruleum

• Cultivar: 'Lake Michigan Blue'

• Color: Deep violet-blue

• Height: 70–90 cm

• Location: Full sun to partial shade

• Use: Cut flower, border plant, container cultivation

Ideal location and care

Trachelium caeruleum 'Lake Michigan Blue' thrives in a sunny location with well-drained, fertile soil. Light to moderate fertilization encourages flowering without causing the plant to develop too many leaves. Because Trachelium originates from warmer regions, it prefers warm weather and a sheltered spot. In temperate climates, it is often grown as an annual, although it can sometimes survive milder winters.

Care tips:

• Water regularly, but avoid wet feet.

• Provide adequate air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.

• Remove spent blooms to encourage repeat flowering.

• For cut flower cultivation: plant close for upright growth and sturdy stems.

Application in the garden

In the ornamental garden, Trachelium caeruleum 'Lake Michigan Blue' is a real eye-catcher. It combines beautifully with silver-leaved varieties, ornamental grasses, and other blue- or purple-flowering plants such as Salvia, Verbena bonariensis, and Echinops. Thanks to its airy umbels, Trachelium adds structure and dynamism to borders. It's ideal for modern, Mediterranean, and cottage-style gardens.

In addition, Trachelium is an excellent bee and butterfly plant. The small flowers produce nectar that attracts many pollinators, promoting biodiversity in the garden.

Popular in the cut flower industry

One of the main reasons for 'Lake Michigan Blue's' popularity is its high quality as a cut flower. The umbels are compact, the color intense, and the stems very sturdy. In flower arrangements, Trachelium is often used as a filler or textured element, but also as a subtle eye-catcher in modern bouquets. Its vase life is excellent—often up to two weeks.

Florists appreciate the cultivar for:

• the uniform screen shape

• the color stability

• the long vase life

• the versatility in combination with other flowers

Why choose Trachelium caeruleum 'Lake Michigan Blue'?

For both amateur gardeners and professional growers, this cultivar offers an excellent balance of beauty, durability, and quality. It adds color to the garden, attracts pollinators, and produces fantastic, professional-quality cut flowers. Anyone looking for a plant with a modern look and high ornamental value will be sure to find success with this Trachelium variety.