The genus includes roughly 30 species, some small shrubs and others perennials, but all tender, from which we have chosen a Mexican native called A. angustifolia, which is a really first-class garden plant. It's a sub-shrub, meaning it gets bushy and full but its sturdy stems seldom reach much above 2ft. Its charm is a long-running display of mid- to late-summer flowers that are small, gracefully lipped, and very abundant toward the end of the stems. Likes good drainage and full sun, thrives on heat. Perennial in Zones 9-10 (or in your greenhouse).

Pristine white with purple stripes across the corolla. Generous with its blooms and unusual as a cut flower.