Plant of the Week – August 30

Viburnum rhytidophyllum ‘Cree’ in fruit behind Parrish Hall. photo credit: J. Coceano

Heuchera ‘Midnight Bayou’ located on the North side of Kohlberg Hall. photo credit: J. Coceano

Callicarpa dichotoma in fruit at the West Garden. photo credit: J. Coceano

Hydrangea paniculata “Kyushu’ in the Hydrangea Collection. photo credit: J. Coceano
Four O’clock Flower

Our curator, Andrew Bunting, is always planting unusual tropicals and annuals in the Scott Entrance Garden for a unique display during the summer and fall. An annual which has caught my attention this season is Mirabilis jalapa. While not of note during the typical work day, I have been lucky enough to catch this plant creating a charming display just before our work day begins at 8:30 am. Known as the four o’clock flower, Mirabilis jalapa typically opens its trumpet-shaped flowers during the evening hours.
The closed and wilted blooms of Mirabilis jalapa, as seen during the day. photo credit: R. Robert
This…
The Last Malus tschonoskii

This summer saw the removal of the last Malus tschonoskii on campus. As part of our mission to display great plants for Delaware Valley gardeners, we trial new introductions and cultivars of plants. Beginning in the 1980s, Scott Arboretum participated in the National Crabapple Evaluation Program led by Professor Les Nichols of Penn State University. This program evaluated readily available crabapple cultivars in various locations throughout the United States based mainly on disease resistance and aesthetic autumn appeal.
The last Malus tschonoskii on campus has succumb to fire blight. photo credit: R. Robert
Malus tschonoskii was among the over 50 species and cultivars…


