I'd like to try to narrow it down. Not the foliage I'm used to with Leonotis leonuris ("lion's ear") though certainly Leonotis - maybe nepetifolia? Anyone know? it's lovely lush foliage.

Thanks for the information! I never heard of aster yellows before. The diseased one is removed; time will tell about the other two. I'm assuming I shouldn't put a new plant in the hole anytime soon.... This post was edited by sjharris53 on Sat, Jul 13, 13 at 16:31

Emily what's going on is you have some very well grown violets! Whether it is something in the water or just plain good luck,,,,who knows??? But they are beautiful! As far as the reaching thing, I wouldn't give it another thought. Things reach for a little more light, maybe a tree got bigger with more leaves and that window is a little more shaded?? You wouldn't notice, but your plants will! And you did say same window! Whatever it is,,,,many of us would like to have your "problem"! Keep doing what you are doing. It is working. Beautiful plants!!!!! Rosie

Rouge, they are a favorite plant of mine, but I see it when visiting family in Colorado. I looked them up at one point to see about the possibility of growing them, but they are hemiparasitic, and I don't know if they can be grown in gardens, even from seed. Wildflower.org (the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center) says this: "The roots of this plant will grow until they touch the roots of other plants, frequently grasses, penetrating these host roots to obtain a portion of their nutrients. Transplanting paintbrush may kill it. " I'll be interested to see if any of the prairie gardeners have successfully grown it.