Mallow, Obedient Plant,Liatris, Blue Mist Spirea, Scottish Thistle

Common Mallow - Malva Sylvestris

Shown on the right of the photo next to Purple Monarda. Originated in Britain. This robust perennial loves full sun. It blooms from spring to late summer. Herbal: leaves can be used as a substitute for tea and as a vegetable. Propagates by seeds.

Obedient Plant - Physostegia Virginiana

This plant is named 'obedient' because it appears to stand to attention at all times. It is an erect perennial plant that flowers mid-summer to early-autumn.

Likes full sun. Used in flowerbeds and borders.

CAUTION: this plant can be invasive and spreads itself by seed. I brought these from Massachusetts with me and I love them because they require no upkeep and they stand tall, however, they have a tendency to take over an area if you don't keep an eye on them.

Propagated by division or seed in the springtime. Zones 3 - 9.

Liatris Spicata - Gayfeather - Blazing Star

A strong perennial which grows to about 2 feet high. Flowers late summer to mid-autumn. Grows well in full sun and partial shade. Zones 3 - 9.

Blue Mist Spirea - Caryopteris Hybrid

This pretty perennial shrub loves full sun - grows to 3 feet tall.

Blooms in late summer to mid-autumn.

Has dark blue flowers which emerge from inky-blue buds.

Propagation by cuttings. Zones 5 - 9.

Scottish Thistle

Thistle is the common name of a group of flowering plants characterised by leaves with sharp prickles on the margins, mostly in the family Asteraceae. Prickles often occur all over the plant - on surfaces such as those of the stem and flat parts of leaves.

It is a strong and invasive plant which many consider to be a weed, trim flower heads before they set seed to control spreading of this plant in the garden. I usually let two or three plants bloom in my garden because being British I have a sentimental attachment to it.

The thistle became the official emblem of Scotland during the reign of Alexander III in the 13th century. It was first used on silver coins in 1470, during the reign of James II and was incorporated into the country's coat of arms in the 16th century.

So there you have it. You decide if you want them in your garden but be prepared to give them a wide berth when you are weeding because contact with the plant could be painful :-)

The flowers shown here all came into bloom this week and it is a coincidence that they are all a similar color but very pleasing to the eye.