Cerinthe, a gorgeous, shrubby annual with teal fronds, is not just a pleasure for the eyes. Listen closely to the bell-shaped blooms and you'll hear the joyful reverberation of bees achieving pollination using a process known as sonication. Each bee grabs the flower firmly and rapidly fires its flight muscles; this intense shaking releases pollen from the anthers while generating a buzzing sound that is amplified by the bell-shaped flowers. Bring some fronds indoors; their beauty will echo from room to room.

Growing Instructions: Cerinthe is quite easy to grow, quickly growing from stout sprouts into cheerful blue-green shrub-like plants. Makes an excellent bouquet filler. Wait until bracts are dark blue and flowers are purple. Cerinthe is a favorite of pollinators, so be sure to leave some blooms for them to enjoy. Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Transplant after last frost.