Thanks Kim and Murray, As far as picking them up from a local store, I'm in zone 4B (Minnesota) and I don't believe any stores carry them. I have 3 from last year all started from seed. one white profusion outside (mulched, but will be surprised if it comes back) one white profusion potted inside (looking good) and one purplish crossbreed mulched outside in area sheltered from wind (hopeful that one WILL come back). The "buzz" versions sound interesting but I think I want to try some larger compact plants if possible. It's not a space issue, it's a "plant killing winter" issue. I may just buy one plant and see if I can trade seeds with someone for the other. decisions, decisions....thanks again!

While we're on the subject of passies...just what color are the seeds when they're mature enough to plant? I had P. incarnata and P. caerulea here last year and had one fruit. I let it on the plant until after we got a frost, and even after I took it off the vine I let it lay around awhile without removing the seeds. When I did finally open it up, I saw that the seeds were white. Is that normal? Or were they immature? They had bumps all over them like I guess they're supposed to be and were real hard like you'd expect a seed to be and not soft/mushy. I sowed them, but it might be for nothing if they didn't have enough growing/ripening time, which it's hard to have that for certain things up here (PA). It would be neat if they were viable and they'd be a cross between the two types of passies. Um...that is possible, right? Cathy

Christie, If nothing else the splendens will be a bright beacon for them and they will investigate the splendends. If you have a chance go back to Lowes and get the Lady in Red. You won't be sorry, I guarantee it. Jenny The Lady in Red or any of the coccineas will more than likely be in larger 6 inch pots as opposed to the multi paks as they have too big of a root system for the multipacks unless they are little seedlings. Once they have developed 2-3 sets of true leaves there root system is already too extensive. One year I did use the splendens to put out very early before anything else was available. The bright red of the Bonfire did do the trick and then they went right to the feeders. Penny

The many butterflies that visit my garden flock to Echinacea above all else. They do like Nepeta and Veronicastrum also. Early season Iris sibirica and Gillenia trifoliata are a huge draw for the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. Late season Vernonia is visited by both the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail and the Giant Swallowtail among others. All the Sulphurs seem to prefer Asters.