Oxypetalum coeruleum is a species of flowering plant, native to South America from southern Brazil to Uruguay. The synonymous name Tweedia caerulea is also used. Growing to 100cm (00inches) long,[1] it is a straggling evergreen perennial with heart shaped, gray-green, downy leaves. It is grown for its clear pale blue, star-shaped flowers, which are long lasting and cut well. The summer flowers age to purple and are followed by 30cm (10inches) long, boat-shaped seed pods. The seeds have downy parachute-like tufts (cypsela).
The cultivar 'Alba' has white flowers, while 'Rosea' has pink flowers.
Oxypetalum coeruleum requires full sun in a well-drained soil that is dry. Propagation is via seed.[2] With a minimum temperature range of 3-, it can be grown outdoors in a frost-free, sheltered environment. Alternatively it can be grown as an annual.
This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[3] [4]