Wordless Wednesday

Beard Tongue

If you are looking for a hardy perennial, look for farther. Penstemon 'Husker Red' is hardy to zone 3 and self sows like there is no tomorrow (I'm in a microclimate at zone 4). It has woody stems and grows to about 2, maybe 3 feet. The leaves are a beautiful dark burgundy. It likes dry soil and does best in full sun. It will grow in rock walls, between the cracks of the sidewalk and out by the road. She is very much a fertile myrtle (pardon the crossover). In fact, if I would give you some if I could. Thanks West, for adopting some of her babies.

Monkshood

I have been meaning to show you one of my favorite autumn flowers. Monkshood (Can you see the little hoods?) is a tall sturdy perennial that produces gorgeous purple flowers when most of the garden is done. It does not need staking, thank goodness, because I hate fussing. I have it growing by the driveway so it gets a lot of sun. It prefers a rich, moist soil and unlike other perennials it does not throw seed everywhere. Ok, there is a down side. It is poisonous--so don't eat it.

Also, it was or still is I guess, known as wolfbane. Have you seen the original Wolfman movie? They quote a poem throughout the movie. "Even a man who is pure at heart and says his prayers by night, may become a wolf when the wolf bane blooms and the moon is shining bright." This is the real deal.