Stromanthe sanguinea ‘Tricolor’ (Triostar) has been a popular summer annual for me. (For past posts and photos go here, here, and here.) Originating in Brazil, Honduras and Costa Rica, this plant is a member of the Marantaceae (Maranta) family, and like all of its cousins, craves high humidity. In the past, I have planted it in my shade garden, but with the new design the portions allotted to annuals have too much sun exposure and the Stromanthe’s leaves might get a bit crispy around the edges. Besides its root system is so deep and vigorous, removing it on my own has required many sharp tools, savage brutality, and multiple cuss words. And if you’re wondering why I just don’t leave it in hopes of it returning the following summer, it’s because it won’t. But as a container summer annual, it can’t be more perfect.