If it comes back next year, I added porterweed. Says Z9a, I'm in 8b, we will see. I put it next to front walkway.
Jamaican Porterweed (Stachytarpheta jamaicensis)

It says:
Plant Height: 12 - 18" NO MORE than that! IMPORTANT

??

My new plant is Helioposis 'Bleeding Heart'. I don't normally spend this much on one plant but I knew it was one of those moments where if I left it behind I'd probably always regret it. I can't stop looking at it

I will have to look for that one, I got burning hearts last year and that one looks even nicer.

Here's my Bleeding Hearts purchased in 2019; a very nice plant. I hope it makes a leap in it's 3rd year! Love the rich bloom colour and the dark foliage. I just ripped out a very mildewed native tall New England Aster and I think I will replace that with Burning Hearts ; actually that is what I thought I was buying when I got Bleeding Hearts but it was mislabelled! Happy accident.

That's Beautiful Debbie! I found out Bleeding Hearts is a seed strain developed by Jelitto. That being said you'd probably get some very interesting seedlings if you saved the seed and started more.

Most of the stuff from my original post are doing great except the Delphnium and Russelia. The Salvias are really amazing and I'm sad that because of 1 bad experience about 25 yrs ago that I haven't tried any again until this year.

The Delph lasted longer than any other I've had, but looks dead now. That's a step in the right direction I guess. This may be one of those plants that just can't take high heat, in which case I should stop buying these. I fall totally into instant plant lust when I see them in the spring, my memory takes a holiday, and start feeling like Gollum finding a precious. I may actually make some grunting or slurping noises, I hope not!

The Russelia is still alive, but not growing any new stems. I know, a 1st year perennial can be a real snooze, but I hope it survives! It was a surprise to find, and of course, when I did, it was @ a high-dollar 1-of-a-kind store. I love patronizing those as much as possible, and love the more unusual selection vs. BBS's and will go back for another if this one doesn't work out (and probably a trunk full of other gems). It didn't get in the ground as quickly as it could have, and baking in a black pot in the sun isn't good for any plants.

Don't feel bad about the Delph, even here they're notorious for being short-lived and not liking hot summers.
They really thrive in places like Alaska and the Yukon. I've heard they become towering giants.

Thank you! I can't remember that while @ the store to save my life. I get hypnotized! The plants look so healthy... maybe it will be different this year... I am weak. ; )

I hope these end up behaving perennially. Really enjoying for now, either way.

Jamaican porterweed.


Salvia.

Love the purple colour on that salvia!!!

Today I was given a small start of Monarda 'Raspberry Wine'. The photos online don't do it justice. The colour is a knockout and I want fields of it.

On the left you can see Monarda 'Coral Reef'. It didn't grow or bloom in its previous location so this is the first year it looks good. Basically a new plant. I really like these new mildew resistant varieties.

Except for the Delphinium, all of the perennials I got last year are growing again, which is cool because some of them are only rated for Z9.

Have the new plants you got last year stayed alive? What new plants are you enthusiastic about this year? I have 1 new addition, shooting stars (Pseuderanthemum.) If I can get some propagations going, I'll test the ground hardiness, but otherwise, I'm keeping the mama in a pot.