Beautiful Colour Tweedia Flower
Tweedia: The Sky-Blue Star of the Garden
Among the many hidden gems of the botanical world, few flowers capture hearts as swiftly and effortlessly as Tweedia. With its soft, sky-blue petals and dreamy, delicate presence, Tweedia stands out not only for its beauty but also for its fascinating background and symbolism.
What Is Tweedia?
Tweedia is a genus of flowering plants in the Apocynaceae family, though it’s most commonly associated with the species Tweedia caerulea, a climbing perennial native to South America—primarily Brazil and Uruguay. The plant is known for its striking blue star-shaped flowers, an uncommon hue in the plant world, which has helped secure Tweedia's place in ornamental gardens and wedding bouquets alike.
Names and Classification
Although it is widely known as Tweedia, the plant has also been classified under other names, with Oxypetalum caeruleum being the most well-known scientific synonym. It is sometimes referred to as Southern Star, Blue Star, or Blue Milkweed, due to the milky sap it secretes when cut—typical of the milkweed family.
The genus name Tweedia honors Dr. John Tweedie, a 19th-century Scottish botanist who collected many plant specimens in South America. His legacy lives on in this charming plant that continues to captivate gardeners and florists worldwide.
Appearance and Growth Habit
Tweedia is a twining vine or sprawling shrub that grows up to 3 feet tall and wide. Its flowers are small but profuse, forming in clusters that bloom over a long season—from late spring into early autumn in most temperate climates.