Penstemon ovatus Thermopsis Ampelaster (Aster) carolinianus is truly

Ampelaster (Aster) carolinianus is truly a maintenance-free perennial

named for Texas plantsman Bill Welch's wife

If anyone knows where this clone originated (probably Japan)

a cross of Bletilla striata 'Big Bob' x Bletilla formosana

This vigorous hybrid involves Sarracenia purpurea

Penstemon ovatus Thermopsis Ampelaster (Aster) carolinianus is trulyPenstemon ovatus is one of those stunning blue flowered perennials, native to the Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia), that has no business growing in the hot, humid southeast US yet, it has thrived in our trials. Because Penstemon ovatus is native in moist, partly shady, low to mid elevations, it grows in well drained, compost enhanced soils, and doesn't have a problem with occasional irrigation. For us, it has also thrived