Tropicals

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.

'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.

Tall Verbena or Brazilian Vervain is not a hardy perennial for the Mid Atlantic area, but this beautiful annual self-seeds vigorously in perennial beds.  The clumps of tiny purple flowers are held on tall thin stems and make a lovely airy show from July through September.  Butterflies love the late season flowers and they make a pretty addition to cut flowers because of the long clean stems.  We enjoy this tough reappearing annual in our gardens year after year.

‘Lollipop’ Vervain or Verbena blooms for a prolonged period from mid summer through early fall. Verbena bonariensis ‘Lollipop’ is a compact selection which is covered with the lavender flower clumps in spite of its shorter stature. Although not winter hardy in the Northeast, ‘Lollipop’ seeds itself readily in the garden. Deadhead the green, stiffly upright stems to continue flower production longer, and to prevent seeding if preferred. A lovely cut flower and attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds.