INCARVILLEA. Central and East Asia. It seems odd to find a group of annuals and perennials in a family of trees and gigantic vines (Bignoniaceae), but here it is. The species of particular interest here are winter-deciduous perennials producing several leafy shoots from the base. Each is loosely lined by pairs of large leaves divided feather-like along their main axis. In summer tubular flowers formed much like those of the trumpet vines open in succession at the shoot tips. Flower color is generally deep pink to white. Incarvilleas are easily grown in sun or light shade, given reasonably well drained, non-alkaline soil and moderate watering. Their hardiness varies as shown.
arguta. Plants of this species can potentially reach 3’ or more in height, though I doubt that the current material will exceed 2’. The stems are erect to arching and lined by pairs of leaves up to 8" long, with several pairs of dark, toothed leaflets. The flowers are about 1½” long, with curved tubes and wide-open “faces”. They are bright pink in the current form, though others vary from deep pink to white. Hardy to 15oF. or less.
delavayi. This species is distinguished by its basal crowns of leaves, with no vegetative stems. The leaves are up to 10" long and quite decorative. The flower stems rise 6-12" from the base, displaying several blossoms with rather short tubes and broadly lobed faces measuring up to 3" across. The typical form has a yellowish tube and throat, the latter with purple markings, and a reddish purple face. The strain ‘Alba’ has pure white flowers with yellow-marked throat. Hardy to 0oF. or less.