Tropicals
Tropicals provide an instant impact upon installation, and enjoyment for the entire growing season.
Musa basjoo
Japanese Fiber Banana has glossy banana leaves up to 6' long in one season. The fruits of Musa basjoo are not edible, but the plant overwinters in a sheltered location if heavily, deeply mulched (the one time mulch volcanoes are appropriate...). Per Bruce Crawford, the common name is deceptive because Japanese Fiber Banana is actually native to China.
H: 12 Feet · S: 6 Feet · Zone: 6
Salvia guaranitica 'Black and Blue'
'Black and Blue' Anise-Scented Sage starts blooming in July and continues until the first frosts. The showy flowers are a deep cobalt blue, set off by black calyces. They are produced in great numbers on long spikes above shiny green foliage. Like other large flowered Salvias, 'Black and Blue' is an amazing hummingbird and Sphinx Moth magnet. Give it plenty of room in the late summer garden, as it is a sprawler. With lots of mulch, Salvia 'Black and Blue' has been known to overwinter in Zone 6 and 7.
H: 36 Inches · S: 36 Inches · Zone: 8
Verbena bonariensis
Tall see-through stems are topped by clumps of tiny purple flowers, small green leaves appear at the base, blooms July through September. An annual that self-seeds.
H: 36 Inches · S: 24 Inches · Zone: 7
Verbena bonariensis 'Lollipop'
Clumps of delicate lavender flowers held on slim green stems are produced in great number from mid summer through early fall. Seeds itself to produce plants for next year, best if deadheaded.
H: 24 Inches · S: 20 Inches · Zone: 7
