Cleome - Violet Queen
The Cleome Violet Queen, 'Cleome spinosa', is a knockout! It is easy to grow and lends authority to any garden with the wonderful late summer color. The fluffy flower clusters are 3 to 6 inches across, and are a deep violet color. The Violet Queen is a wonderful flower to attract butterflies. The flowers and dry seed capsules are wonderful in arrangements. Violet Queens bloom in late July through first frosts, and remain hardy if grown in protected sites. Cleome likes rich, deep garden soil and is somewhat drought tolerant. If they are grown in exposed positions, they may require staking. The Violet Queen is best planted in back of beds or next to a wall, trellis, or fence. Plant after all danger of frost has passed. They can be mass planted in island beds, instead of trees or shrubs, where a strong vertical impact is needed. Plant in full sun for best results. ... details
Vinca - Little Pinkie It blooms best when other plants are hurting from the heat. It readily reseeds itself and is very drought tolerant. The flowers are 1 to 1/2 inch phlox- like pink blooms with a dark center. This low maintenance plant prefers regular waterings in sunny hot locations. The Vinca Little Pinkie is used in containers, ground cover, and borders.
