Acnistis australis

A Spring to early Summer knock-out! This hard-to-find Australian shrub or small tree will melt your heart with its multitude of gorgeous, 3” long, pendulous, lavender-blue bells. The blooms are held all along the arching branches, providing a beautiful effect and attracting plenty of hummingbirds. Evergreen in USDA zones 9-11. Half-day sun, rich soil & average water.

Pycnostachys urticifolia
“Blue Witches Hat”

Wild, wonderful & WINTER BLOOMING, this fast growing perennial shrub grows up to 5’ tall & 5’ across & bears lots of cobalt blue “Witches Hats” from Fall thru early Spring.

Well displayed at the tips of the multi-branching stems, the blooms emerge from upright, densely packed, conical clusters. The foliage is pretty too, soft green & heart shaped, serrated edges. The base stem or trunk becomes thick & succulent looking with age. Prune back after bloom to maintain a pleasing shape. Pycnostachys urticifolia is best grown in rich soil with average water & full sun (near the coast) or part sun. USDA zones 9-11.