A cooler than expected August keeps the blooms coming.

Lobelia cardinalis or Cardinal Flower has a vivid red flower with small white tips that look like the ends of fiber optic cable. They can reach 5 to 6 feet and require a moist to wet environment. Do not let this one dry out. Although sold as a full sun perennial,  we have found they can do well with only a few hours of afternoon sun. The flowers are hermaphroditic and contains the alkaloid lobeline which has a similar effect upon the nervous system as nicotine. I wouldn't try to smoke it.

A closeup of Lobelia cardinalis.

Peruvian Daffodil or Spider Lily (Hymenocallis harrisiana) produces an odd but beautiful bloom. The flowers are lightly fragrant and delicate. Although technically not zone 7 hardy, if planted deep enough they will survive and return each year. They also bloom late summer to mid Autumn in zone 7.

A double Spider Lily bloom.

Variegated Canna Lily Pretoria with a Tamarix tree limb leaning over after a rain storm.

A double whammy of showy peppermint Schnapps hibiscus blooms.

A hibiscus cousin, this is White Chiffon Rose of Sharon. Rose of Sharon perform best in full sun. They will bloom in shady conditions but they get tall and leggy.

A  pink Phlox is hanging in there after being ravaged by butterflies.

Scarlet Salvia (Salvia splendens) is a common garden center offering that grows well is sunny, hot and humid conditions. Bright red flower spikes, log blooming cycle, and easy to grow. What's not to like?

Of all the Calla Lilies we have in the yard, only one bloom appeared this season. And it was tiny too.

A duo of solid purple Cleome. Usually there is a little white on the bloom so this is a nice surprise.

A large solitary Cleome that grew in the hydrangea bed.