Lavender-Pink outside and white inside funnels in June
Size: 20-30” x 12-24” Care: sun in well-drained soil Native: northeast North America Wildlife Value: attracts Baltimore butterfly
Penstemon is named for its five stamens, penta meaning “five” and stemon meaning “stamen” in Greek. Penstemons are “handsome and deserving,” Bailey. P. hirsutus sent from America to England in 1758.
Crambe cordifolia Colewort Z. 5-9
Giant profusion of white flowers from late May to June
Giant profusion of white flowers from late May to June
Size: 7-8’ x 5’ Care: full sun in well-drained soil Native: Caucasus
First collected before 1863. ”This is a stately and noble plant, with large heart shaped leaves. The loose flower-heads, which are often 6 feet in height, and nearly as much through, are composed of myriads of small white flowers, which at a distance may be likened to a giant specimen of Gypsophila; it blooms during June and July.” H.H. Thomas 1915.
Tanacetum niveum Silver tansy, Snow tansy Z 5-9
Profusion of small classic daisies May-July atop fragrant silver foliage
Cluster of crimson, star-shaped florets atop 2’ stems bloom their heads of ALL summer into fall.
Size: 24-36”x 12” Care: Sun in well-drained alkaline soil, drought tolerant Native: Mediterranean Wildlife Value: attracts butterflies, bees and hover flies.
Centranthus is from the Greek meaning “spurred flower.” According to Culpepper, an English herbalist from the early 1600’s, this plant comforts the heart and stirs up lust. Parkinson, in 1629 describes it “of a fine red colour, very pleasant to behold.”