Scientific Name (Genus/Species): Dianthus japonicus

Family: (Caryophyllaceae)

(B/P) to 2′.  Hama-nadeshiko, Japanese Dianthus.  Japan and East Asia.  From lush rosettes of thick, glossy, narrowly ovate basal leaves emerge leafy stalks topped with dense clusters of vivid rosy-purple, five-petalled, toothed blooms.  Extremely floriferous the second year from seed and may be somewhat biennial.  Persistent winter foliage develops attractive, rich burgundy overtones.  Not your typical “Pink.”  Blooms midsummer till fall.  Well-drained soil.  Sun.  4 & T2

Scientific Name (Genus/Species): Haberlea rhodopensis 'Alba'

Family: Gesneriaceae

(P) to 6″.  Bulgaria and Greece.  Rosettes of wide, rugose, softly hirsute leaves with toothed margins.  Showy, drooping, tubular, soft white flowers with two upper petals and three lower petals marked with yellow and orange spots in the throat are held on 6-inch scapes.  A choice treasure for a cool, north-facing crevice.  4 & T1

Scientific Name (Genus/Species): Rostrinucula sinensis

Family: (Lamiaceae)

Tender Shrub to 7′.  China.  Collected by the Sino British Expedition to Guizho Province.  This curious Buddleja relative has grown well for us in pots.  Lovely, soft-green, pointed foliage and large terminal, arching spikes formed of chalky-white, tomentose bracts and buds.  The flower spike opens gradually to reveal fragrant, purple-lavender flowers with many extruding white stamens.  Summer.  Well-drained soil.  Sun.  4 & 7 for 4 weeks, then T3

Scientific Name (Genus/Species): Saponaria ocymoides

Family: Caryophyllaceae

(P) to 6”.  Rock Soapwort.  Native to Europe and SW Asia found in meadows and rocky areas.  A nice sprawling plant that forms an attractive carpet of semi-evergreen foliage.  Grows nicely over rock walls, in crevices, or between stepping stones.  Sprays of ½-inch, pink flowers appear in early summer.  Readily seeds and a vigorous grower.  Cut back after flowering to maintain compact form.  Prefers full sun to part shade.  4 & T2

Scientific Name (Genus/Species): Corydalis ophiocarpa

Family: Papaveraceae

(P) to 18″.  Serpent-Pod Fumitory.  Eastern Himalayas.  This treasure forms clumps of bronzy, blue-green, fern-like foliage from which emerge racemes of tubular, cream-coloured flowers with reddish purple tips.  Dangling seed pods follow; they resemble little green eels or serpents, hence the common name.  A vigorous and attractive architectural plant, which self-sows gently when happy.  Blooms May onward.  Sun to partial shade.  4 and T1

Scientific Name (Genus/Species): Agastache foeniculum 'Alba'

Family: Lamiaceae

Short-lived perennial to 3.5′.  White Anise Hyssop.  A white cultivar of the above. Sun/partial shade.  4 & T2

Scientific Name (Genus/Species): Mirabilis jalapa Salmon

Family: (Nyctaginaceae)

(A/TP) to 3′.  Four o’Clock, Marvel of Peru.  A lovely selection that is perfect in our Peach Bed of the Flower Garden.  Bright green foliage and delightful salmon flowers with a pink centre.  Sun/partial shade.  4 & T3

Scientific Name (Genus/Species): Dianthus turkestanicus

Family: (Caryophyllaceae)

(P) to 12″.  China and Kazakhstan.  This gem forms mats of blue-green, fine foliage.  Fringed, pale pink, scented flowers cover the plant in mid-May.  Sun and well-drained soil.  4 & T2

Scientific Name (Genus/Species): Salvia sclarea

Family: (Lamiaceae)

(B) to 3′.  Clary Sage.  Europe to C Asia.  First year rosettes are comprised of substantial, grey-green, rough-textured, ovate to oblong leaves to nine inches.  The following summer brings many upright, pink-tinged flower stems clothed with large, showy, white tinged-rosy-purple bracts which hold the small, blue and white hooded flowers.  Self-sows to keep an ongoing biennial balance with simultaneous first year rosettes and flowering plants.  A very architectural, aromatic and showy plant that needs little care.  Full sun, average garden soil.  4 & T2

Scientific Name (Genus/Species): Tanacetum parthenium

Family: (Asteraceae)

(P) to 2′.  Feverfew.  Europe.  A short-lived perennial with lovely pale green foliage.  Flowers are small white daisies.  Feverfew sandwiches are good for migraines!  Sun.  4 & T2