Scutellaria integrifolia (helmet skullcap)
 
For a slightly more compact option with a bit of "spring-to-summer" flair, Helmet Skullcap
 is your go-to. Topping out at around 1–2 feet, this charming perennial is famous for its large, violet-blue blooms that feature a distinct white "landing pad" for its favorite bee visitors.
 
You’ll typically find it hanging out in moist meadows or open pine woods, but it’s surprisingly adaptable to average garden soil as long as it gets some sun. It has a lovely clumping habit and, like its cousins, features those iconic seed capsules that look like tiny medieval helmets—perfect for adding a little bit of whimsy (and a lot of ecological value) to the front of your flower beds.
 
photo by Judy Gallagher