How to Grow and Care for Venus' looking-glasses

European venus's-looking-glass (Legousia speculum-veneris) is closely related to the bellflower. These are flowers that are bell-shaped and usually blue. It’s indigenous to the Mediterranean region. Put it in a pot, and it’ll do quite well. It’ll also look spectacular tumbling over a window box or other planter.

It is a pubescent or glabrous plant. Stems up to 70 cm high, simple, rarely branched. Obovated leaves, slightly wavy; the lower petioles; the superiors seated. Flowers sitting, in terminal spike approximately as long as the rest of the stem.

Large venus' looking-glass is recognized for its striking star-shaped flowers with broad, vivid blue petals and a contrasting yellow center. Preferring well-drained soils, it flourishes in sun-drenched meadows and roadsides. Distinctive pentagonal leaves clasp the slender stems, contributing to the plant's characteristic geometric aesthetic. Adaptable to a range of light conditions, large venus' looking-glass often attracts pollinators with its colorful display.