flotsam50

Thank you all for your input. Two or three heads is sometimes better than one.

By chance I have just discovered the identity of this shrub: Ternstroemia gymnanthera, aka Japanese ternstroemia, more often sold as Cleyera japonica. For further information please refer to http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/factsheets/shrubs/ternstroemia_gymnanthera.html

May I enter this controversy? Based on the flower and leaf forms, I would have to agree with tntreeman's identification, namely, Hepatica nobilis. Unlike Jeffersonia dubia, the leaves have three vs. two lobes, while the flowers have narrower, more daisy-like petals with very little overlap.

Thank you both for the information. Hepatica nobilis it is.

Thanks for the suggestion, but it is not a pink Abelia (Abelia 'Edward Goucher'). The leaves on this plant are thicker, and the flowers have a slenderer trumpet (vs. funnel) shape. They also bloom somewhat earlier.

Thank you, Sunnyday design! With your tip I was able to determine that the plant is most likely Osteospermum 'Serenity Purple'.

@Linneaz
So they are. Thank you!

My best guess as to this plant's identity is Cotoneaster glaucophyllus, the Grey/Gray Leaf Cotoneaster, which originates in China. This variety can grow to ca. 5 feet tall, and its leaves derive a notably grayish cast from the fuzz on the surface. It could also be Cotoneaster franchetii, but this cultivar tends to have distinctly arching branches and slightly shinier, greener leaves than the shrub you have.

Thank you, cxsdia. It looks like it could be a very pretty plant if given the right location. Hmm. Space in my garden is at a premium.

@whiterock--Thank you! Schizostylis it is. Quite lovely, as you say. I might just have to get more.

@MSinformed And one more, very important difference--our mystery shrub blooms in late summer, whereas Pittosporum tobira generally blooms in spring.

@MSinformed An interesting suggestion, but this shrub has several characteristics that would indicate Pittosporum tobira is NOT a match. The Pittosporum has leaves with recurving edges whereas this shrub's leaves are quite flat. In addition, although its flowers do have five petals, they are not simply oval like those of the Pittosporum but instead have a central cleft-- heart-shaped, if you will. Also, the anthers are bright yellow, forming what looks like a bright ball of yarn, which again stands in contrast to the smooth, pale green, nut-like center of the Pittosporum tobira flower.

@Linneaz Thank you for your comments. However, while the shrub bears some resemblance to Daphne laureola (spurge laurel), it differs significantly in several ways. First, this shrub's leaves are rounder or less lanceolate. Moreover, its flowers are fewer, hanging in small, slightly pendulous clusters, and they are waxier, less tubular (spherical when closed), and have more prominent anthers (i.e., structurally unlike those of any Daphne). Finally, it does not produce any berries.

My guess is that it is Franklinia (Franklin Tree), which is a species native to the southern United States. Wikipedia (www.wikipedia.org) has a pretty thorough entry for this tree, so you might refer to that to make a final determination.

Further research--and a lead from Cistus Nursery in Portland, Oregon--have led me to conclude that this plant is a specimen of Dactylorhiza fuchsii, the common spotted orchid. This species occurs throughout Europe (hence the "common"), but not at all in the US, so it is obviously an import.

Almost certainly Japanese anemone (Anemone x hybrida). If the flowers emerge white, then it is probably Anemone 'Honorine Jobert.' However, there are several other cultivars.

I agree with Ms. Keith. Most likely Fritillaria imperialis rubra maxima.

@katie74. Indeed. Thank you for the identification. I had almost lost hope.

Linneaz, Thank you very much for the ID: Haquetia epipactis it is. Equipped with the name I have been able to successfully research the origins (central Europe) and needs of this plant.