We’ve all heard the saying “Don’t judge a book by its cover” and that is sound advice even when applied in the horticultural world. These beautiful yet unfortunate specimens were stuck with silly, weird, or just plain Ugly Names, but that doesn’t keep them from making us smile. After all, a rose by any other name would smell as sweet, right?

Pigsqueak

“Oh, how lovely!” you might say as you see this gorgeous plant in glorious bloom. Then, “What the heck?” when you read its name tag. Yep, with a name like Pigsqueak it is more than a little difficult to be taken seriously. The name comes from the tiny “pig’s squeal” sound emitted when we caress its thick, rubbery leaves, so it is an apt (if ungainly) alias. Don’t worry Bergenia, we’re laughing with you not at you.

Lungwort 

Now be honest; when you read this common name you thought of something a witch tosses into a black, bubbling cauldron to stir up a pot of mischief didn’t you? There is just nothing appealing about a name which sounds like a medical disorder you get from kissing too many toads.(Blech!) But once again the true beauty of this multi-colored marvel shines through despite its misleading moniker. Those charming blue, purple and pink blooms cluster above delightfully dappled foliage are more than enough to make up for its weird nickname.

Blue Mouse Ears Hosta

Personally? I think this one is adorable. Blue Mouse Ears is a cute image and a perfectly accurate descriptor for the distinctly rounded foliage of this Hosta. The reason it appears on this list is that for many people rodents are something to trap or chase off with the business end of a broom. If just hearing the word mouse makes you want to dash for higher ground you might not give this hosta the time of day. But please resist the urge to climb a chair as this handsome shade-loving plant is completely harmless and is here to steal your heart – not your cheese.

Bugleweed

When it comes to gardening, having the word ‘weed’ in your name doesn’t do a plant many favors. And that is truly a shame because much like butterfly weed there’s a lot to love about this unusual specimen. Its curious foliage and crystal blue flowers are an unforgettable combination and look like something you might find in Alice in Wonderland. If you must allow a ‘weed’ in your landscape let at least be one with a proper pedigree.

Toad lily

Quite possibly the strangest flower on this list, the Toad Lily takes the cake for oxymoronic titles. Toads are gross looking to most (though weirdos like me find them adorable) and lilies are the epitome of elegance, purity and all things pretty in the world. It seems impossible that anyone could reconcile bulbous, bumpy skinned, cacophonous croaking, swamp dwelling amphibians with the pleasant visage of a lily, yet somehow the Toad Lily does it and does it with ease!  Those exotic blooms with eye-catching freckles and bizarre shapes are simply unforgettable and more than worth enduring its awkward handle.

Pink Turtlehead

There’s a reason that the Tortoise and the Hare chose a race instead of a beauty contest. Turtles aren’t exactly known for their good looks, but when it comes to visual appeal this flower is head and shoulders above its namesake. The blooms do resemble a turtle’s in shape, but that just adds to their uncommon beauty. This perennial does take a few pages from the turtle however: reliability and and an easy going nature which makes it a breeze to grow in virtually any environment.

The post 6 Pretty Flowers with Ugly Names appeared first on Wayside Gardens Voices.