2009 May 10: The plant from last year is clearly dead.
When lifted, the roots were not growing so I bought 2 more plants at the Assiniboine Park garden sale.
One variety is Hollywood. Its tag says "White veiled purple foliage. Large coral flowers on spikes that rebloom." I'm sure from its leaves and the picture of its flowers that it’s the same as the plant that died. I paid $7.50.
The other variety is Frosted Violet. Its tag says "This vigorous-growing selection has colorful foliage that emerges maroon-purple with reddish undersides and matures to a deep plum-purple. Deep purple veins add contrast, pink flowers."
I paid $10. May 22: I set out both. August 3: Frosted Violet is doing fine and Hollywood is coming along. 18: Frosted Violet is flowering. Its buds are almost open.
2008 October 19: I dug a small plant from a garden that is on my daily walk, and planted it.