Blue Starflower

This modest-sized flower grows up to 1.2 feet (36 cm) tall. Its green stem is very thin, and the giant, green or cream leaves are perforated with smooth edges. A pair of leaves grow at the base of the flower head.

Dozens of large flowers grow in drooping bunches like grapes. The flowers are 14 cm (5.5 inches) wide, with petals that are sky blue on the edges and black at the center. The flower head is shaped like a star with 23 widely spaced, round-tipped petals. They are very delicate.

It has a weak scent that smells like musk, and it has a modest amount of pollen; it can cause allergic reactions. It is a self-pollinator, but is also particularly attractive to bees.