Wondering if anyone knows the exact name of this perennial...
By blackbriar
@blackbriar (9075)
United States
May 21, 2007 11:47pm CST
This perennial was given to me by a former neighbor who called it Seven Steps to Heaven being it blooms purple flowers and that bees actually open it from the bottom of flower stalk up in 7 stages. People that see it growing in my flower beds ask me what they are and I tell them but they claim never heard of it. So I'm wondering if she just called it that cause of the way it blooms or if there is another name for it. Would appreciate any and all answers. Thanks in advance.
1 person likes this
4 responses
@coolseeds (3919)
• United States
22 May 07
I don't have much time but it isn't a Tradeschancia like the person before me said. That is the wrong direction and I wouldn't follow it.
I think it is Monarda. If I had a photo of the flower I would be able to give a better diagnosis.
I am on a short break so I will check it in detail later on tonight. A photo of the flower would be an excellent aid in identifying this plant.
1 person likes this
@blackbriar (9075)
• United States
22 May 07
I normally don't take pics of my flowers so I don't have one of this in bloom...yet. Wish I did thou. A fellow mylotter has inspired me to start taking pics of my yard and since I've been curious about this one, thought I would start a discussion on it. Tried looking for it online but guess I'm looking in the wrong areas?
1 person likes this
@blackbriar (9075)
• United States
22 May 07
The bloom is on top of a flower stalk that the plant sends up. The flower spike itself, if I can recall, is about 2-3" long, lavender in color when in full bloom, and opens up starting at the bottom of the flower spike on up in 7 steps..kinda like 7 rings. They are very fragrant which is why the bees, hummers, and butterflies are all attracted to them I guess. That help any? When they bloom, there sure are alot of flower stalks to pull out when they die off. Tons of them. lol
@coolseeds (3919)
• United States
22 May 07
Can you describe the flower other than color? Many flowers come in a variety of colors.
1 person likes this
@blackbriar (9075)
• United States
22 May 07
Nope, now that I know it's not. Thanks anyways, ElicBxn.
1 person likes this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
22 May 07
i HAVE NO IDEA WHAT SO EVER. i WAS THINKING SOME TYPE OF PHLOX
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
22 May 07
Well dam. I did it once again I see.
Grrrr. Aarrgghhhhh!
@blackbriar (9075)
• United States
22 May 07
Well your no help, Mister CAPS LOCK KING. lol :-P~~
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@coolseeds (3919)
• United States
23 May 07
Yes it does look like Phlox. But the way the flower comes as described it can't be.
Phlox is one of the ones I am checking. Just waiting to get the time.
@creematee (2810)
• United States
9 Jun 07
My first instinct for this plant is phlox. I also thought maybe an evening primrose, but you said the flowers are purple, so that's not it.
Some types of phlox spread rapidly--especially when not controlled.
@blackbriar (9075)
• United States
9 Jun 07
That's what I'm beginning to think as well. These plants come up double in size every spring. I love them thou cause of the hummers they attract.
