All about Trachelium – History, Meaning, Facts, Care & More

A perennial flower native to the regions of Mediterranean countries, the flowers of Trachelium usually blooms in the mid-summer and lasts until the fall season. There are hundreds of tiny heads of flowers grouped together in a cluster atop the stem. Each cluster can have plenty of flower heads that can reach up to 8 inches wide. Its plant can stand as tall as 3 feet. It can form a carpet of white or blue or lavender flowers when planted massively in the field.

This plant is an annual/biennial herbaceous plant. It is known most commonly to people of Portugal as Throatwort or White or Blue throatwort. It was nicknamed as such because of the ancient practice to treat sore throats or throat problems.

Trachelium has tiny flowers in dense clusters crowning a leafy stem, usually 18-24 inches long. It is classified as dicotyledon plant. Leaves have non-paralleled veins and flowers are naturally fragrant. It can bloom all year round but its peak season for blooming is around March to November.

• History of Trachelium

Originated from Portugal and several regions of Mediterranean area, this flower is naturally fond of a warm climate. Although it is mostly seen in the borders and gardens, it is also an ideal plant to grow indoors. It has been recorded and shown that the followers of Doctrine of Signatures, an occult group in the native Mediterranean, believed that this flower or plant has superstitious healing powers.

Being a member of the family Campanulaceae or bellflower, this plant is related to Adenophora, Platycodon, and Campanula.

• Meaning of Trachelium

Trachelium has a botanical name of Trachelium Caeruleum belonging to the Caeruleum family. Derived from the Greek word Trachelos, which means neck, Trachelium means rough throat. The name refers to its medicinal ability to treat throat problems. This plant is available in a wide array of colors, but making it a favorite among many florists and flower delivery company for flower arrangements and for floral display.

The flower was nicknamed Throatwort because it was used in ancient times for the treatment of neck or throat sores, but it was a flower also used to symbolize unnoticed or neglected beauty.

• Facts About Trachelium

Trachelium is called Blue throatwort even though it is available in different colors. Since it belongs to the caeruleum family which means dark blue color, it has been popularly called blue throatwort. The flowers are available in various shades and colors ranging from blue and purple to lighter colors like white and pink. It is a useful flower not only for medicinal purposes but also for elegant indoor or home decorations and for outdoor or garden lush.

Species of Trachelium belongs to the bellflower family, and species of this type usually requires plenty of water and full sunlight. It can tolerate hot climate and long hours of natural light or full sunlight.

There are around seven different varieties of Trachelium and most of them can grow from 60 centimeters high up to 90 centimeters high. The clusters of flowers attract butterflies because of its rich and shiny foliage, colorful blooms, and fragrance. The petals are soft and fluffy and the nectars make a wonderful source of food for insects like bees, birds, and butterflies.

The clustered tiny florets, when boomed massively, create a lovely field of carpet-like blue or purple flowers. The fragrance of this flower resembles that of the Lilacs. Blooms can be semi-hardy.

• Trachelium Care

Growing Trachelium in gardens and pots is easy and rewarding. It is best to sow the seeds during late winter. By simply putting the seed on the surface of the soil in pots or containers, they will germinate successfully in a matter of weeks. Soil should be well-drained and moist, mostly the type with alkalinity level because this is the type of soil common to the Mediterranean regions or western gardens. Lining the soil with fertilizers a few weeks before planting the seed will help the growth and development of seedlings to full plants. When shoots sprouted at least 2 sets of true leaves are out, this is the best time to transplant the seeds to the pots or to the garden.

As the plant is growing, it needs 16-18 long hours of daylight. Being a perennial herbaceous plant found in the regions with hot climates, this plant naturally requires full sunlight and more water. For prolonged blooms during peak season, especially in the fall season, it requires deadheading after the plant has bloomed. This will result in long-lasting and more upright blooms. Hard leaves and stems can also be cut back to promote new growth or new stems. Removing deadheads and wilted leaves will promote new growth and more clusters of blooms.

In dry season and extremely hot weather, frequent watering can help. It is important to note that this type of plant is a very thirsty plant and can quickly absorb water from regular watering. The leaves and blooms will soon wilt out when left empty of water supply. In addition, fertilizers provide assistance to make the plant grow healthier and flowers to bloom fuller.

Cut flowers of Trachelium can last for 10 to 14 days when treated right. The flowers, in different colors of purple, blue, pink, and white, can be added as filler to any floral bouquet or arrangement or used as the main flower for the arrangement. With its wide wingspan, long stems, various colors, full clusters, and distinct fragrance, florists always have Trachelium flowers at the flower shop all year round.