Bletilla striata Ogon Athyrium just prior to the emerging

just prior to the emerging foliage

of weird plants

a nice 'Fanny' is a hard thing to beat

arrowhead-shaped leaves

Salvia chamaedryoides distinguishes itself from its other cousins discussed here in that its foliage is silvery-grey instead of green and its flowers are cobalt blue

Bletilla striata Ogon Athyrium just prior to the emergingTo quote former President Jimmy Carter, "I have lusted in my heart" after first seeing Bletilla striata 'Ogon' at the JC Raulston Arboretum many years ago. The golden foliage, which resembles young palm leaves, emerges in mid spring along with the new flower spikes, which quickly rise along with the leaves. The flowers of Bletilla striata 'Ogon' top out at 2' tall, about 6" above the foliage. The contrast of the purple flower and golden foliage is one