'Lochinch' is blue. Mine lasted only 4 years, though. I need to replace it next spring.

Thanks I will check that one out!

Now, that is interesting. i have never seen Lochinch. But in my experience, Ellen's Blue is the closest to actual blue that i have seen. Hard to find and i have lost too many times.

boy, if we GWs took all the money we've spent over the years- on plants that were (falsely)described as "Blue",
we could have bought and saved Heronswood by now(which, ironically, is where I first saw and purchased B.Ellen's Blue.)

best,
Mindy

I wanted the butterfly bush Summer Beauty, and I found it at Digging Dog. I saw they also had Ellen's Blue and since I had read several posts about gardeners liking the color, I thought I would give it a try. Since I just got them in early Sept. I have no idea what they will look like, but the plants DDN sent were very nice. They were looking just fine until my DH sheared one off with the lawn mower. !@#$%^*I(&%$#@! He told me not to hesitate to place another order in the spring. You can be sure I will.

They are reviewed in Dave's Garden/Watchdog. Take a look.

Jane

Here is a link that might be useful: Digging Dog Nursery

I have 'Adonis Blue' that keeps changing colors on me. It is supposed to be dark blue, but in the 3rd year, it is a violet blue -- more purple. I still love it as it goes with my color scheme.

I think what we're all looking for is a blue like on the ceanothus shrub that grows in France and California!

As an alternative, there are the caryopteris that are indeed blue. My only problem with the caryopteris that I have is the late blooms that don't last very long.

Cameron

Here is a link that might be useful: ceanothus in France

Janepa - trying to establish a small Buddleia in the fall in our cold zone is difficult (I am kind of surprised they would ship them in the fall to a cold zone). It is borderline hardy in zone 5, even for large established plants - when we have a very cold and harsh winter, particularly without adequate snow cover/mulch, it is not uncommon for butterfly bushes to be lost.

Since your DH mowed one down, AND the blue cultivars sound like they are somewhat fragile, yours may not survive. But you have a good excuse to go shopping in the Spring!