The flowers are so cute, I'm not sure I'd mind it spreading, but it appears to be one of those plants that should not be let loose in the average border without some forethought. Dave further says that the leaves have purple undersides and the stems root where they touch soil plus it flowers from late spring through fall. 'Nana' is very much smaller in all parts than the species, growing only one to two inches (2.5 - 5 cm) tall in shade or part shade to USDA zone 4. Since I like to have my ground covered, this cute little fellow is sure tempting.
The species, native to shady rocky places and woods in the southern Alps, western Yugoslavia and central and southern Italy and Sicily, has become naturalized on walls and sometimes stony ground throughout most of southern, western and central Europe. Known in the UK as ivy-leaved toadflax, this genus also belongs to the family Scrophulariaceae.
Digitalis ferruginea 'Gigantea' (rusty foxglove) is a true perennial form of my ubiquitous biennial foxglove (D. purpurea). I tried growing some from seed a few years ago, but did not manage to bring any to maturity. I've long wanted this species.
While its individual flowers are smaller than D. purpurea, the flower spikes can rise to three to four feet (0.9 - 1.2 m), with narrow, lanceolate leaves reaching seven inches (17.7 cm).
Another member of the family Scrophulariaceae, D. ferruginea comes from southeastern Europe and central Asia. It prefers, like all foxgloves, rich, well-drained soil in sun (north) to part shade (south). 'Gigantea' is a seed strain said to have larger blossoms than the species. Rated hardy to USDA zone 4, it blooms in late spring or early summer.
Fallopia japonica 'Variegata' is another spreader. It's full moniker is likely Fallopia japonica var. compacta 'Variegata.' Any member of the genus Fallopia (or Persicaria or Polygonum - all synonyms) needs careful consideration before introducing it into the garden. Some members of the genus are rank weeds, others are lovely and well-behaved. Behavior can also depend on just where you garden. A plant that is well-behaved for me can become a pest for you and vice versa. The genus does contain some beautiful plants, however, and I grow several of them.
The photo reminds me a great deal of Persicaria virginiana 'Painter's Palette', which I grow. The flowers are small creamy white spikes born in late summer. If it is like 'Painter's Palette', the flowers are fairly insignificant. It's likely that it also seeds around a tad. But, foliage like this really brightens up a partially shady or shady spot. Rated hardy to USDA zone 5, the plant will reach a height of three or four feet ( 0.9 - 1.2m)
