One of my very favorite plants in the garden is Caryopteris divaricata 'Snow Fairy'. As mentioned above, it is very different than most other Caryopteris and is technically considered an herbaceous perennial. It's a beautifully variegated form and in my garden the old branches do not resprout in spring, but instead new growth sprouts from the base of the plant; very similar to the way a Phlox Paniculata would grow. Hence, herbaceous perennial as opposed to shrub. It tends to wake up a bit late in Spring so I like to plant something like a Dicentra spectabilis behind it so that as the foliage of the Dicentra begins its summer demise, the beautiful 'Snow Fairy' grows up and takes its place. Oh, I LOVE gardening! My 'Snow Fairy' only grows about 3x3 feet and although she does flower, the flowers are not entirely significant, but they do provide an added touch and the bees love it. The little flowers create a blue/purple wispy glow above the foliage, which is the real star. The variegation in the foliage is so unusual and the unusual shape of the foliage only adds to its beauty imho. Oh, she takes my breath away! I'm kindof nuts about variegated foliage. As far as golden-leaved forms of Caryopteris, I also prefer Caryopteris incana ÂSunshine Blue  JasonÂ. The foliage color is more stable and the flowering is more profuse. I think the form is a bit more refined, too. I love talking/typing plants. Happy Gardening, Everyone! ;)

Will trade or a sase is fine. Please check my trade list as I am sure we can work somehting out. Mulituple trades are great. Canadians only please

It is an annual. Mine is blooming now. It is a late spring bloom. I do not water my garden and some years it does not come up, but this year I have three types of Nigella in bloom. It blooms at the same time as larkspur and can be planted at the same time as larkspur in late November and December. It wants some winter moisture to get it to Germinate. It got that this year here west of Austin. It grows in part sun/ part shade on a loose tree enriched soil over limestone . I think it would like a richer slightly more moist environment than what I give it. It is easy to grow and reseeds, or you can collect and replant.

Image by: wintersown Fantastic nigella seed pods. Nigella produces lacy dill-like foliage with pretty flowers in the blue, white, rose, and lavender range. When mature the ornamental seed pods are a dull medium-green striped vertically with deep maroon bars. The pods are a favorite choice for dried flower arrangements. To harvest the ripe pods for dried arrangements cut the stems close to the base of the plant. Group several stems together, binding them with a rubberband, hang the cluster of stems upside down in a warm dry room room such as an attic or garage, and well out of direct light. Allow the stems and pods to dry for several weeks before trimming the stem ends to an appropriate vase length. Nigella seeds will mature in a multi-chambered pod, it is puffy or ballon-like in appearance, and has stripes of green alternating with maroon when ripe. Remove the ripe pods and simply pull them apart to remove the seeds. Inside are dozens of small dull-black seeds, they look like very tiny chips or flakes of charcoal. Allow the seeds to air dry for a few days before packaging.