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 The color blue is highly valued in the ornamental landscape chiefly because of its rarity, there are so few plants with blue flowers. One genus that is able to supply this need in the garden is Veronica. A relatively large genus with over 500 species Veronica was formerly classified as being within the Scrophulariaceae family but has recently been reclassified to the plantain family or Plantaginaceae.
Phylogenetic research (DNA testing) has indicated that the formerly rich and diverse Scrophulariaceae be divested of the majority of its 275 genera (over 5000 species) leaving Scrophularia, Verbascum, Diascia and Buddleia as the most familiar of about 60 genera. Plantaginaceae, previously best known for the lowly Plantago or Plantain (the common weed of containers and gardens, not to be confused with the banana plantain) now shelters over 90 diverse genera the most recognizable of which are Antirrhinum, Bacopa, Chelone, Digitalis, Veronicastrum and of course Veronica. Rarely has anyone accused taxonomists of a desire to simplify any situation that comes to their attention.
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Of all the flowering shrubs available for the North American garden, Viburnum are underrated by the majority, but they have a dedicated core of knowledgeable fans who would not be without them. Indeed their floral display, usually followed by a magnificent show of fruit, should put them on everyone’s ‘must have’ list. They are most often listed as being members of the family Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle) along with other familiar genera such as Lonicera, Weigelia and Heptocodium. However, based on DNA studies, there is talk of moving both Viburnum and Sambucus into the Adoxaceae family. Only time will tell as to when this taxonomic change will become prevalent.
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 Traditionally the Plant of the Month explores a genus of herbaceous perennial, but in a daring departure this month’s subject is the genus Hydrangea and a closer look at some of the newer cultivars. Lately, has been a wonderful resurgence of interest in these beautiful woody shrubs. Not surprisingly this genus falls within the family Hydrangeaceae which also includes the well-known genera Deutsia and Philadelphus and the perhaps less familiar but eminently garden-worthy, Schizophragma, Decumaria, and Kirengeshoma. There are about 70 recognized species of Hydrangea, most of which are native to Asia, but there are a few that call North America home. Generally the foliage is opposite on the stems and the seeds are contained within a capsule or berry. The name Hydrangea comes from the Greek for “water vessel” in reference to the shape of the fruit.
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 The genus Sedum is well known to most gardeners and other plant lovers. It is just one of 33 genera within the family Crassulaceae, other familiar members include Kalanchoe, Crassula (Jade plant), Echeveria and Sempervivum (both known as Hens and Chicks). Swollen, succulent foliage enable these plants to withstand extended periods of drought and neglect. It is this attribute that endears Sedum (and friends) to their admirers, but it’s really their versatility and beauty that make them easy to grow and difficult to dislike.
Foliage color ranges from green through yellow, red, burgundy and blue, while flowers can be white, yellow, pink or red with many combinations of the two categories. Growth habit can vary from low ground cover, creeping type plants, to those of a more showy upright stature. Flowering can begin as early as mid summer (especially the ground covers) but it is in the late summer to autumn that these plants come into their own with the taller selections providing color and food for late season butterflies and then continuing to hold their form over the colder months to help with winter interest in the garden.
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 The characteristics of the family Laminaceae make it one of the most easily recognized group of plants. Opposite, aromatic foliage and square stems are almost a guarantee that the observed plant is a member of the mint family. Familiar genera include Mentha (Mint), Solenostemon (Coleus), Lamium (Deadnettle) and Salvia amongst over 200 others.
The largest genus within Laminaceae is Salvia with between 700 and 900 species — depending upon which taxonomist one is listening to. The name Salvia comes from the Latin word salvere which means “to save”, in deference to the many herbal and medicinal uses of these plants throughout history. Current research is looking at the efficacy of Salvia in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
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