DRACOCEPHALUM. Scattered around the Northern Hemisphere, mostly in Europe. A genus of mostly perennial mints, often with showy flowers resembling those of some salvias, borne over several weeks in summer. Their culture varies, but both of the following will thrive in a sunny spot, with reasonably well drained soil and moderate watering. Both are hardy to below 0^oF.

rupestre (cultivated as D. grandiflorum). Western China. This species makes attractive clumps with crowns of large, nearly heart-shaped, deep green leaves with scalloped margins. From these emerge 6-12" stems which carry dense whorled clusters of two-lipped flowers, hooded above, each up to 2" long. The flowers are vivid blue-violet in color. This is a really striking perennial which deserves greater notice.

ruyschianum. This is a plant of more delicate appearance, with tight clumps of narrow, pointed deep green leaves. The leafy flowering stems are up to 2’ high, bearing dense spikes of purple-blue flowers at their ends. The flowers are two-lipped and hooded like those of D. rupestre but about half their size.