Ornamental Flower
Kew Blue Painted Tongue is a stunning cultivar of Salpiglossis sinuata that brings jewel-toned blue blooms to summer and fall gardens. Growing 24 to 30 inches tall with delicate, intricately veined flowers that seem almost hand-painted, this frost-tender annual thrives in full sun across zones 2 through 11. From seed to first bloom takes 98 to 112 days, rewarding patient gardeners with months of continuous color from June through November.
Full Sun
Moderate
2-11
30in H x 12in W
Annual
Moderate
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The flowers themselves are the main event: deep blue petals with distinctive vein patterns that make each bloom look like it's been detailed by an artist's hand. These blooms attract pollinators throughout the summer and fall, bringing butterflies and bees into your garden. The plants prefer moderate watering and well-draining soil, making them responsive to careful attention without demanding constant fussing. Their preference for full sun and moderate moisture means they perform best when you're thoughtful about placement rather than high-maintenance.
Kew Blue Painted Tongue is grown primarily as an ornamental annual flower, prized for its striking blue blooms in flower beds, borders, and containers. The long blooming period from early summer through fall makes it valuable for extending color in the garden when many spring bloomers have faded.
Start seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date. Keep the soil temperature at 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit for reliable germination. Handle seedlings carefully as they develop their first true leaves.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after your last frost date, once soil has warmed. Space plants 1 inch apart. Harden off seedlings gradually by exposing them to outdoor conditions over several days before planting in the garden.
Direct sow seeds at your last frost date, covering them as they require darkness to germinate.
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