Scabiosa - Butterfly Blue
The Scabiosa 'Butterfly Blue’, Scabiosa columbaria, also know as the Pincushion Flower, has wonderful 2" lavender-blue flowers that bloom from June to October. ‘Butterfly Blue’ is a reminiscent of a pincushion full of pins. With its gray-green foliage, it has a plant height of 12” and a spread of 12-18". It is also disease resistant. Scabiosa ‘Butterfly Blue’ was name Perennial Plant of the Year in 2000, and one can see why. It is best to plant Scabiosa in full sun, with well-drained soil and should be watered regularly throughout the warmer months to increase its overall performance. Deadheading after the first bloom will encourage repeat bloom time. ‘Butterfly Blue’ is great for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds and does excellent in rock gardens. It will do excellent for front-of-the-border areas, with Coreopsis ‘Moonbeam', Dianthus 'Bath's Pink', in mass plantings or as cut flowers. ... more
Bee Balm - Gardenview Scarlet The Monarda 'Gardenview Scarlet', Monarda didyma, also known as Bee Balm, Bergamont, Horsemint, Oswego Tea, is a clump-forming perennial that has tubular, two-lipped, red rose flowers with dark green aromatic foliage. 'Gardenview Scarlet' stands at 3' high and has a plant spread of 24-30" and blooms from July to August. If deadheaded, (remove old flowers from plant) longer bloom times will be encouraged. Monarda needs to be planted in full sun, but will tolerate afternoon shade. Grandview Scarlets are best grown in rich soil in a well-drained area, not being allowed to dry out. The leaves of Monarda can be used for teas and in salads. Attracting hummingbirds, butterflies and bees, particularly when massed, Monarda provides color and contrast for the perennial border, wild garden, meadow, and herb garden or along ponds or streams.
