Papaver orientale 20-30" tall. Surely named after one of the three Greek Graces, Aglaea, which means something like ‘festive radiance.’ Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. Z3.
Papaver orientale 10-15" tall. Dusky damson-plum–colored blossoms. A short version of the original Patty’s Plum poppy, a compost-pile surprise discovered in the 1990s. Z3.
Kniphofia uvaria 36-48" tall. A tropical-looking riot of fiery red-orange fading to coral and soft white tubular inflorescences. Breathtaking and playful. Makes an unusual accent in cutflower arrangements. Z5/6.
Salvia azurea 3-5' tall. North American native with delicate spires of sky-blue tubular double-lipped flowers and sweetly scented foliage. Incredible in mixed bouquets. Blooms from August to October. Z4.
Thymus vulgaris 10-15" tall. Fragrant sprawling perennial brings depth of flavor to soups, gravies, casseroles. Said to calm the nerves, soothe headaches. Bees love it! Z4.
Verbena hastata 5-7' tall. Elegant tall branching spikes of vibrant blue-purple flowers. Attractive to pollinators. Used as a nervous-system tonic and mild sedative. Full sun. Native to North America. Z3.
Verbena stricta 12-48" tall. North American native. Attractive to pollinators, most notably the Buckeye butterfly. Birds will devour the seeds! Blooms June through August. Z3.
Achillea millefolium 24-28" tall. Charming bright magenta-violet flower clusters. Sturdy and upright, sports its vibrant color for a long bloom season, even in the heat.