Sky Lover Pimpernel

‘Skylover’ is a compact, bushy pimpernel with branching stems, mid-green leaves, and saucer-shaped blue flowers with purple centers. Its low, sometimes trailing habit suits a sunny container, rock garden, or the front of a sheltered border, where its summer flowers can be enjoyed close up. ## Seasonal interest and form The [Royal Horticultural Society profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/213710/anagallis-monellii-skylover/details) describes a perennial about 20 cm (8 in) tall, with flowers on long stalks in summer. Its name is also recorded as *Anagallis* ‘Skylover’; [Floriscope](https://www.floriscope.io/plantes/anagallis-monellii-skylover) separately lists *Anagallis monellii* ‘Skylover’ as a valid cultivar name. ## Siting Grow in full sun and moderately fertile soil that drains freely; loam or sandy mixes are suitable. Chalk, loam, and sand are all listed by RHS. The RHS advises growing young plants under glass through winter in colder climates and planting them outdoors after frost risk has passed. It also notes that plants may be short-lived and can be propagated by softwood tip cuttings in spring or early summer. ## Maintenance Use a free-draining compost for container plants and avoid waterlogged soil. In climates with freezing winters, protect young plants under glass, then move them outside after frost danger. Take softwood cuttings regularly if you want replacements for plants that decline after a few seasons.