This week I have picked 2 very cool and unusual perennials, which I will admit may be hard to find. But if you do… 😊
Scrophularia m. / ‘Redbirds In A Tree’
Hey, the name says it all with this unique perennial.Here is long blooming native wildflower that’s *easy to grow (if you have well drained soils), attracts hummingbirds and other pollinators, rabbit resistant, can be used as cut flowers, and great in containers or in the ground. Grows 3’ high and 18-24” wide. And did I mention the flowers look exactly like redbirds sitting in a tree?Oh yeah!
*Does not enjoy heavy clay soils, so add soil amendments (about 20%) when planting, but don’t over-do it. Needs good drainage year-round. Don’t over feed. Deep water during drought situations. Full sun to part sun – would prefer shading in the afternoon sun. Usually needs to be replaced every 3-4 years, so my thoughts are this – why don’t we just grow it in the ground or containers as an annual?
Spigelia m. ‘Little Redhead’ (common name Indian Pink)
Another one that the name says it all…or at least a lot. A June / July bloomer (some reblooming late summer) native, easy to grow (actually enjoys well drained evenly moist soils), attracts hummingbirds, full sun to semi shady conditions, great in ground or containers, cut flower, mixed perennial plantings, cottage gardens, woodland edge along creeks, and of course those blooms are wonderful red tubular flowers tipped and colored inside yellow, born along a stem of several flowers in a row.
*Likes loamy well drained soils with even moisture.Very hardy. 24”high and wide.