Imposter plants

A flowers name can sometimes have no connection with the true plant. Whilst they don't mock, profess to be something else, be wrongly identified, it is confusing to see a plant that is clearly not what it says it is.

Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian sage) It isn't Russian and simlarly is not sage. In fact it only in recent years was associated to the genus salvia and its classification changed. It has purple flowers; blooms in early summer to the end of the season and looks more like lavender in its habit. It grows in the same fashion and can be pruned as a typical softwood perennial although it is woody. Cut the top spent growth off or leave until spring to over winter (protecting the plant.) Quite resilient irrespective of the prune before or after. The growth will emerge the following spring. If before, just be mindful, not too much and more of a clearing exercise.

Puschkinia scilloides var. libanotica (Russian snowdrops) Not a true "galanthus nivalis." It provides white flowers in springtime with a snazzy blue stripe within the petals. Again, nothing to do with snowdrops and more of a star shaped flower. It will bloom later than galanthus, still in spring, but may only only last a matter of weeks. These flowers are quite bold and not so dainty like their cousin. It is a hardy bulb and can stay outside although they do need sun and not ideal in a coveted or shaded area (under dense foliage.)

Philadelphus (Mock orange) A citrus scented white flower. This shrub attracts beneficial insects throughout the summer period. A very easy shrub, small tree to maintain. It is not drought tolerant so some moisture is necessary. Then again, not over saturated and the soil needs to be fertile. A full sun aspect is ideal or largely so. Clip over the top when it has flowered. Leave the majority of its growth as it is. If it is harshly pruned, it wouldn't probably kill it but would affect the flowers that year.

Cistus x purpurea (Rock rose) It is suited to rocks but has no relation to roses at all. A shrub well suited to a poor soil, arid environment coping with little or no nutrients. This shrub can cope with neglect and performs brilliantly. The evergreen will adapt to its environment and thrive. A compact shape that can withstand adverse conditions like strong winds, coastal salt and no food.

Eryrigum (Sea Holly) This perennial has nothing to do with the sea, although the conditions of a coastal area are well suited. These are certainly drought tolerant. Its silver flowerheads have a show in late summer, dieback and re-emerge the next year. They are known for their structural prowess, their colour - a very deep purple. The foliage, however, looks nothing like holly and more comparable to a thistle but cultivated. Cut them down when they are spent. Simples. You might divide them to multiply and regenerate the cluster.

Muscari (Grape Hyacinths) They are scented; strongly. A spring bulb that will provide clusters of grape like flowers. These will appear in late spring. They can naturalised in the grass or incorporated in a bed. They do have a tendency to self seed and multiply, so spent growth can be removed to avoid the seeds dispersing. The plant needs to given several weeks, very much like Daffodils or Narcissi (until the debris has fallen and the goodness returns to the bulb - naturally dieback.)