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
x Digiplexis 'ILLUMINATION® 'Flame'' PP25442
Tall, upright spikes of tropical-looking flowers feature individual blooms tinged with reddish pink, opening to apricot throats, blooming over an exceptionally long period from late May to October. Attractive to pollinating insects and hummingbirds. Deer and rabbit resistant.
H: 36 Inches · S: 18 Inches · Zone: 7
x Digiplexis 'ILLUMINATION® 'Raspberry''
A unique, exotic-looking perennial selection chosen for its brightly colored, two-toned inflorescence spikes that bloom from May to September. Raspberry-to-orange tubular blossoms are attractive to hummingbirds and bees. Excellent for containers and as cut flowers. Tolerant of partial shade. Deer resistant.
H: 36 Inches · S: 24 Inches · Zone: 7