Royal catchfly (Silene regia)

This truly regal plant boasts flowers of the deepest red. Plant this beauty in rich, well-drained soil and in full sun, for a fantastic floral display.  The blooming period occurs from mid- to late summer and lasts about a month. When Silene regia is a mature plant it grows up to 4 feet in height.  The sticky flower and stems trap small insects, giving this plant its common name Royal Catchfly.

Wild petunia (Ruellia humilis)

Wild Petunia’s claim to fame is its lovely violet flower trumpets, loved by hummingbirds! Seldom growing more than a foot tall, this rare plant is perfect for dry, hot locations such as rock gardens and dry sandy or rocky soils. Also thrives in well-drained loam.  Because of its large and abundant flowers, the Wild Petunia is usually grown in flower gardens, particularly along borders, or in rock gardens.

Beardtongue (Penstemon barbatus)

One of the showiest of all the North American Penstemons! Beardtongue produces a profusion of trumpets that are a favorite nectar source for hummingbirds. It requires excellent drainage, preferring dry, sandy, and rocky soils.   They are very showy, growing from 2 to 4 feet high and are rather bushy. The name “Beard Tongue” comes from the very long slender spikes which bear many trumpet-shaped flowers with hairy throat. The colors range from white, pale rose, azure blue, lilac, coral, scarlet, violet and purple.

Downy Phlox (Phlox pilosa)

The bright pink flowers of Downy Phlox really light up the spring wildflower garden! It grows in well-drained sand to slightly damp loam and blooms may be pale pink, lavender, or purple. A mounded perennial, downy phlox grows 1-2 feet tall and bears clusters of fragrant, pale pink to lavender flowers. The petals of the showy flowers are joined at their bases into an elongate tube. Stems and narrow, paired leaves are covered with soft hairs.

Monkeyflower (Mimulus ringens)

Hummingbirds are regular visitors to the bright flowers of Monkeyflower. This fast-growing wetland plant is easy to grow from transplants or seeds. Combine with other low growing wetland plants such as Irises and Lobelias for a low profile rain garden. These plants are named for their funny-face-flowers that look like grinning Monkeys.

Fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium)

Another showy native wildflower, the pink blossoms often bloom from mid-summer up until the first frost. Named for its habit of appearing on recently burned areas, it creeps slowly by rhizomes to form a patch. Fireweed prefers rich, loose soil.   Its spikes of whitish to magenta flowers, which grow up to 5 feet high, can be a spectacular sight on prairies.

Image by peak gardening.

Catananche coerulea Major

Love-Plant, Cupid’s Dart

Height:  Medium 16″ / Plant 12″ apart

Bloom Time:  Early Summer to Late Summer

Sun-Shade:  Full Sun

Zones:  4-8

Soil Condition:  Normal, Sandy

Flower Color / Accent:  Blue / Blue

The bluish/lavender flower resembles a cornflower and provides a great show when planted in mass. This flower was used by the Greeks and Romans for its love powers; hence, the common names, Love Plant or Cupid’s Dart. It is a long-lasting cut flower and also dries well.

Features to Note:

Good for Dried Flowers, Avoid Wetness, Not tolerant of Humidity

General Information:

Likes sun and well-drained soil. Many flowers above interesting low silver green foliage. Late June to August flowering. Flowers are everlasting and dry easily. Offers hard to find blue to the summer garden. Long blooming and easy care.

Plant Care:

Can be divided in spring every year or so. Allow to self sow to ensure future generations. May need to amend clay soil to grow successfully. Cut off flower stems after bloom.

Mark your calendars for the first Home/Garden Show of 2012 !

The Wausau Area Builders Association – Home Show will be held @ The Patriot Center here in Wausau(In the Cedar Creek Mall) next weekend; February 3-5.

We will be in booth 113(next to Kolbe and Kolbe) showcasing some of our latest projects and the latest products… We hope to see you there!

hey everyone… with the fun we had putting together our newsletter; the “revi-insider,” we have decided to turn it into a blog! This way, we can keep our goings-on way more current and also share a ton more information with everyone. Also, we would like to send out a HUGE Thank You to our blog creator; JJ deRoover of Wausau! Not only is he a whiz with the interwebs, but also a great client we are installing a backyard entertaining retreat for! More to come soon and thank you for your support…

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