Columbine - Rocky Mountain Blue
The Columbine Rocky Mountain Blue, 'Aquilegea caerulea', contains nectar in the tip of the petal's narrow spur that can only be reached by hummingbirds. It is the state flower of Colorado. This is a great addition to any perennial garden. The 2 inch or longer blue and white flowers appear atop wiry stems. The Rocky Mountain Blue Columbine blooms for 3 to 6 weeks in May and June and earlier in mild climates. The foliage has a finely textured, lacy appearance, looking somewhat like a maidenhair fern. Rocky Mountain Blues prefers moist, rich, well drained soil. Light fertilization help Columbine. In areas where summers are hot and dry, Columbine prefers light shade. In costal regions, Columbines take full sun. Plant in early spring or as late as 2 months before the first fall frost. The Columbine Rocky Mountain Blue is used in rock gardens, border plants, and for cut flowers. ... more information
Verbena - Brazilian Vervian The Verbena Brazilian Vervian, 'Verbena bonariensis', has stunning purple flower clusters on tall, see through foliage. They are hardy and easy to grow in beds and borders. The flowers are at the tips of tall, strong stems and they create a light, airy wave of color in the front and middle in a flower bed, or massed in a border. They are very attractive to butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. It is also called tall or purpletop vevrian, or South American or Brazilian Verbena. Plant in the early spring, 2 to 4 weeks before the average last frost date. This Verbena blooms summer to first frost. Pinch back the first few shoots of the plant to encourage branching. Plant in full sun or light shade.
