A favorite of many gardeners, multiple award-winner Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation' is a striking ornamental onion with perfectly round flowerheads, 3 in. wide (8 cm), packed with dozens of small, star-shaped, rich violet-lilac flowers. They are borne atop sturdy stalks, which arise from a group of 6 to 8 handsome, blue-green leaves. Blooming in late spring to early summer, this spectacular Allium enjoys long-lasting blooms and makes outstanding cut flowers that will last for 2 weeks.

Gracing the garden in late spring - early summer, Lupinus 'Beefeater' (Lupine) features erect spikes of densely packed, brilliant red flowers with yellow flecked standards. Rising on sturdy stems above bushy clumps of palmate, bright green leaves, the flowers open up from the bottom over several weeks, hence providing a long blooming period. Hummingbirds and butterflies are endlessly attracted to them - as are most onlookers!