What's In a [Common] Name?

Little of truth, in this case. This is the flower from a corm (like a bulb, but not) sold under the name Peacock Orchid. It's no orchid; it's a gladiolus - gladiolus callianthus 'Murielae.' As for the peacock part - okay, maybe if you look at it upside down ...

Something Blue

Blue ... we're just not that into it.

In fact, this may be the only blue flower on the property (excepting some preexisting, unidentified ground cover in the backyard).

Salvia guaranitica, variety "Black & Blue Sage."

It's black, and it's blue. And that's about all we've got to say about it.

Want Hummingbirds?

Then plant this: Salvia elegans aka pineapple sage. Hardy once established. Cuttings root easily. Hummingbirds love it. And it really does smell a bit like pineapple.

Mum's the Word

Chrysanthemum lore has it that a shock to the roots (such as transplanting) can alter the color of subsequently produced flowers. It may be so. Flowers from this specimen, rescued from an office trash bin, were once a darker shade of rust, and more red than orange.