'Blue Haze'

Sunset, May, 2004 by David C. Becker

These eye-catching chartreuse flowers come from Euphorbia 'Blue Haze', whose powder blue foliage can scarcely peep through the abundant bloom. A new hybrid, it thrives in containers like the blue glazed pot pictured above, where it shares space with Veronica 'Waterperry Blue'. In the ground, 'Blue Haze' grows about 1 1/2 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide. Flowers appear in late spring and can last two months.

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Although its foliage becomes more intensely colored in the shade, 'Blue Haze' needs at least a half-day of sun (up to full sun on the coast) for good flower production. Like most perennial euphorbias, it prefers well-drained soil, and in the ground, it can go somewhat dry between waterings once established. It's hardy in Sunset climate zones 7-9 and 14-17.

RELATED ARTICLE: New orange coneflower

Ever wish purple coneflower came in another color? Now it does. Orange Meadowbrite has the same droopy petals and brownish central cone we admire in Echinacea purpurea, but its petals are orange instead of the more common rosy purple. The plant grows 2 to 3 feet tall and as wide; flowers are 3 to 4 inches wide. Add it to your summer flower border or cutting garden; it appreciates full sun, good drainage, and regular summer watering.

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The new hybrid is available only through the mailorder sources listed below during this introductory year. Since supply is limited, the price is steep: from $13 for one 3-inch pot.--SHARON COHOON

SOURCES: Jackson & Perkins (www.jacksonandperkins.com or 800/292-4769), Plant Delights Nursery (www.plant delights.com or 919/772-4794), and White Flower Farm (www.whiteflowerfarm.com or 800/503-9624)