Flower Library
Throatwort
Trachelium caeruleum · Campanulaceae
Trachelium, also called throatwort, forms flat, umbel-like clusters of countless tiny star flowers in a velvety violet-blue rarely seen in cut flowers. It is an understated filler with great impact: soft, fluffy and yet structural. At the Veiling Rhein-Maas we deliberately pick stems with only half-open umbels, because that is how they last longest in the vase.
- Season
- June – July – August – September – October
- Vase life
- 7–12 days
- Latin name
- Trachelium caeruleum
- Colors
- Violet-blue, Deep purple, White, Pink, Burgundy
Botanically, Trachelium caeruleum belongs to the bellflower family (Campanulaceae), making it a relative of native campanulas, even if that is hard to tell at first glance. Characteristic is the dense, slightly domed umbel of hundreds of individual flowers with protruding styles, which gives the whole surface a fine, almost hazy shimmer.
Classic is the deep violet-blue that gives trachelium its special status, since true blue is rare in floristry. There are also white varieties such as 'White Umbrella', the strong 'Devotion Blue', as well as pink and burgundy lines. Among florists the 'Umbrella' series is considered particularly long-lasting and uniformly grown.
In floristry trachelium is an ideal filler and structural flower. The flat umbels settle like a soft carpet between larger blooms and take all stiffness out of bouquets. We like to use it in summery mixed bouquets, in romantic bridal bouquets and wherever a cool, blue note is needed that roses, hydrangeas or scabious cannot provide.
Stylistically, trachelium is a chameleon: with pastel tones it appears delicate and romantic, while combined with dark burgundy and deep green it looks elegant and almost dramatic. Its fine texture forms a beautiful contrast to smooth, flat blooms like calla or gerbera and adds depth to any arrangement.
Care
- 01Cut stems at an angle with a sharp knife and remove all leaves below the water line.
- 02Use fresh water with a little flower food, change the water every two days and recut the stems.
- 03Place medium-deep in water and keep cool, away from heating, direct sun and ripening fruit nearby.
- 04Buy umbels half open on delivery, then the fine flowers open gradually in the vase.
- 05Pluck spent individual florets from the umbel, which keeps the bouquet looking fresh and extends enjoyment.
Frequently asked
- How long does throatwort last in the vase?
- With good care seven to twelve days. A clean vase, fresh water every two days and a cool spot are decisive. Because we buy in A1 quality directly at the Veiling Rhein-Maas, our stems tend to reach the upper end of that range.
- Is throatwort toxic to cats or children?
- Trachelium caeruleum is considered non-toxic and is not listed as dangerous by the major poison control centres. As with many plants, eating larger amounts can cause mild gastrointestinal irritation. Even so, flowers and plants should be kept out of reach of pets and small children.
- When is throatwort in season?
- The main season runs from June into October, though trachelium is now available almost year-round in the cut flower range. It is at its most beautiful and most intense in colour during the summer months.
- What is throatwort suited for in a bouquet?
- As a filler and structural flower. The flat umbels softly fill gaps between large blooms and bring a cool, elegant note to summer and bridal bouquets with their rare violet-blue.