Scientific Name (Genus/Species): Veronicastrum virginicum f. roseum

Family: (Plantaginaceae)

(P) to 6′.  This is the beautiful form of the native blue Culver’s Root with eight-inch long spikes of tiny, ever-so-pale pink, tubular flowers.  At the base of each central spike exists a second whorl of smaller flower spikes.  This plant makes an exotic and very architectural statement in the garden.  Blooms in mid-summer.  Moist, well-drained soil in sun or partial shade.  4 & T2

Scientific Name (Genus/Species): Carex muskingumensis

Family: (Cyperaceae)

(P) to 2′.  Western North America.  A trouble-free sedge that thrives at the edge of our Rock Ledge.  Ribbed, ½-inch-wide leaf blades are pale green.  Dense seedheads are persistent and attractive.  Sun.  4 & T2

Scientific Name (Genus/Species): Coix lacryma-jobi

Family: (Poaceae)

(A) to 4′. Job’s Tears. Southeast Asia. A “must-have” grass with apple green, strap-like leaves. Makes a great architectural addition to the flower border. String yourself a necklace with the shining, white to black, teardrop-shaped seeds. Sun. 3 & T2

Scientific Name (Genus/Species): Lagurus ovatus

Family: (Poaceae)

(A) to 2′. Hare’s Tail. Mediterranean. Soft, downy, tufted foliage of the palest grey-green. Thin, waving stems terminate in oval, fluffy seedheads reminiscent of furry bunny tails. Makes a great combination with Allium caeruleum. Sun. 3 & T2

Scientific Name (Genus/Species): Melica altissima 'Atropurpurea'

Family: (Poaceae)

(P) to 4′. Siberian Melic. Native to thickets and forest edges of eastern Europe. Dense, leafy clumps of mid-green foliage. Tall flower stems topped with loose, one-sided panicles of deep purple, overlapping spikelets. A terrific addition to our Red Bed. Summer. Well-drained soil. Sun. 4 & T1

Scientific Name (Genus/Species): Amaranthus hybridus var. erythrostachys

Family: (Amaranthaceae)

(A) to 5′.  Peruvian Tassel Flower.  Many branched panicles of crimson, tassel-like flowers accentuated by the deep maroon foliage of this plant, creates drama in the border.  Sun.  3 & T3

Scientific Name (Genus/Species): Mirabilis jalapa ‘Limelight’

Family: (Nyctaginaceae)

(A/TP) to 3′.  Four o’Clock, Marvel of Peru.  Delicate trumpets of shocking pink are accentuated by the astonishing, bright chartreuse foliage.  A show-stopper.  Sunglasses de rigueur!  Sun/partial shade. 4 & T3