Zenobia Pulverulenta Blue Sky Honeycup

Zenobia Pulverulenta Blue Sky Honeycup
Zenobia Pulverulenta, also known as Honeycup and dusty Zenobia, is family of small deciduous or semi-evergreen shrubs. The variety Honeycup Blue Sky is one of the most popular varieties, mainly for its strikingly blue new foliage growth and copious fragrant white bell-shaped blossoms in May & June. Native to the south-eastern part of the United States, this flowering shrub is quite resilient and will not need much care to thrive although it prefers acidic soil and thrives in semi-shade.

The foliage of the Honeycup Blue Sky emerges silvery-blue and matures to a lovely bluish-green colour. The glaucous foliage graciously adorns elegant arching stems and provides a perfect backdrop for the masses of white bell-shaped flowers that are borne in pendant clusters. Blossoms are quite similar to the lily of the valley, only bigger and aniseed-scented. The flowering season for this shrub usually starts in May and continues through to June.

Height and Spread of Zenobia Pulverulenta Blue Sky
The expected height of this flowering shrub is 2 metres, with a spread of 1.5 metres. Owing to its slow growth rate and compact size, Honeycup Blue Sky is a perfect choice for gardens with limited space.

How Hardy is Zenobia Pulverulenta Blue Sky
The dusty Zenobias are renowned for their toughness and adaptability. The Honeycup Blue Sky is hardy in the United Kingdom and can withstand severe winter temperatures. Some of the foliage might fall off in the colder months, though, since this is a semi-evergreen cultivar.

How To Use Zenobia Pulverulenta Blue Sky
The multi-stemmed, arching growth habit of the Honeycup Blue Sky lends itself well to isolated plantings. The graceful form of this flowering shrub is best enjoyed on a lawn or near a patio. Blue Sky also does well in large pots, so the pendulous stems could offer interest on a rooftop garden, too. While it is undeniable that the attractive habit, coupled with the bluish semi-evergreen foliage does offer interest, the bell-shaped blossoms might just be the prettiest thing about the Honeycup Blue Sky. The masses of fragrant flowers appear early in the year and their sweet scent is most welcome near the seating area of the garden, or under the garden-facing window.

How To Care for Zenobia Pulverulenta Blue Sky
This early summer flowering shrub does not need much attention to flourish. As an acid-loving plant, Honeycup Blue Sky will do best in moist but well-drained, humus-rich ericaceous soils. Ideally, you would find a spot in the semi-shade for this lovely plant, but full sun is tolerable, as well.

Are you looking for more flowery and scented shrubs? Make sure to browse other acid-loving varieties including camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons. You may also be interested in other early bloomers such as Deutzia Gracillis, Hebe Rakaiensis and Cytisus X Praecox Albus.