These plant species or varieties do not get the attention they deserve. They are not scarce, not fussy and not often used. Most gardens (USDA Zone 9) would benefit by including one or more of these forgotten plants.
By clicking on each of the photos you can view a larger version of these species.
'Butterfly Blue' Scabiosa Scabiosa columbaria
 This wonderful plant is unsurpassed in flower production. This hardy perennial will produce a mass of 2 inch powder blue flowers for years. The plant itself reaches a height of about 18 inches. The foliage is gray-green and is finely cut. It takes full sun and tolerates all but poor drained soils.
A new variety, 'Pink Mist,' has soft pink flowers.
'Pink Breath of Heaven' Coleonema pulchrum
This shrub has fine light green foliage that resembles heather. The delicate texture is complemented by a profusion of tiny pink flowers. This plant grows to about 5 feet and requires good drainage. Full sun exposure is preferred.
'Razzleberri' Loropetalum chinense
A recent introduction to the gardening world is this variety of Loropetalum. 'Razzleberri' has purple-pink foliage and vivid rosy pink flowers. It flowers from March to May but also has sporadic blossoming any time during the growing season. It can reach 2 to 4 feet and makes an attractive border plant or low hedge. Good drainage is important as is ample sunlight.
'Polygonum capitatum'
Such a pretty plant deserves a prettier name, but this is not the case. This pink flowered ground cover has maroon foliage and is tougher than it looks. It thrives on full sun yet can grow under a pine tree. Sometimes it gets away from where it should be, but can be held in check with simple cultivation. A frost can burn it to the ground but it recovers in the spring. Once established it can take damp to dry conditions.
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