Much looser and more airy than traditional Bachelor's Buttons, Mountain Bluet's blooms are the first to appear in late spring or early summer, and are hardy over a wide range of conditions. 3 inches across, they are utterly distinctive, with very large centers of maroon-purple so deep it looks nearly black, surrounded by long, thin, sparsely-set petals of rich blue. Slightly twisted so that no two blooms look just alike, the outer petals give these flowers a windswept look that is attention-getting.

Easy to grow in well-drained, dry soil and full sun, these 18-inch plants bloom reliably in late spring and early summer. Packet is 25 seeds.