I love Salvia greggii varieties, and this one is new to my garden this year. As I learned from the Digging Dog Nursery website, this is a “hummingbird-initiated cross” between Salvia greggii and Salvia lycioides. I love that! It’s also deer and rabbit resistant, which has become important in my garden these days.
I planted clumps of Tradescantia about 8 years ago, and they still come up and bloom for 4-6 weeks every spring. They’re so graceful, opening overnight and then slowly closing up as the day goes on. Their common name is Spiderwort! Take a look at this great essay on the awful name. (“Wort” is an old word that was applied to plants with herbal or medicinal properties. It’s still in use in the brewing industry.)
I didn’t even know Mr. Tradescant was a person. Fascinating! I learn so many new things every day.