Nasturtium Empress of India

(Tropaeolum majus)
These easy to grow heirloom flowers with their unique deep blue-green foliage and vermilion-red blossoms have graced gardens for hundreds of years. Their glowing color attracts hummingbirds who love to visit the long-spurred blossoms. As a wonderful bonus, both the bright flowers and leaves are deliciously edible with a spicy watercress-like taste. Empress is my favorite for garnishing green or seafood salads, chopped and mixed with cream cheese or added to rice dishes.