licmi

13:53 Jan 9, 2011 

Yes, good points by SJLD - here's another useful site - http://apps.rhs.org.uk/rhsplantfinder/ - and re the cleome, it's just that I didn't happen to know it had that common name;-)

13:46 Jan 9, 2011 

Here's another plant finder http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plants/plant_finder/plant_pag...

Of course you need to have the Latin name, which is easy enough when the French is spelt correctly!
Re common names - I agree with Rachel that since they are not universal, they are best avoided. I don't know most of the British ones myself since I'm not British and I garden in French :-) Always remember too that an English language text is not necessarily for people with English mother tongue. If the visitors are interested in plants, they will perhaps be more familiar with the botanical names. If not, many will probably not even know the common names.

13:15 Jan 9, 2011 

Thank you for your insight! My only issue with the word lychnis is that the audience (tourists visiting Versailles) will probably have no idea what it means. I do take your point, though, and Rachel's in her notes, so may well stick to 'lychnis' in the interests of accuracy. Appreciate your help!

11:11 Jan 9, 2011 

No, I don't think you should use 'campion', which refers to the wild variety in either red or white. Most English speakers who are familiar with thebother plant names in your list will also be familiar with lychnis.