i see the exploding seed pods.. many hours of entertainment for the kids ken

I wouldn't say it isn't hardy...wild canadensis is so hardy here that it usually blooms in Dec (and anytime we have a couple weeks above freezing)...it'll be the last thing to stop blooming and the first to start in spring. It naturally occurs from the Canadian border down to the Gulf... Give it a sunny place, protected from winter winds, and good drainage...and it might surprise you. And if it fails, accquire a pure verbena canadensis...it's a bit muddier a purple than homestead, but quite hardy and quite similar. They both need excellent drainage in winter.

Agastache �Blue Fortune� ? Here is a link that might be useful: Agastache �Blue Fortune�

Yes! Thank you so much. It is Centaurea montana. It is a bigger plant the the other one. I do have some Centaurea cyanus as well, only I know them by 'Bachelors Buttons.' :)