Plants of the Week – December 20
A dense habit with crinkled, dark green leaves and red fruits, Ilex x meserveae Blue Angel® can be found along the entrance path to John W. Nason Garden. photo credit: J. Coceano
Polystichum acrostichoides, commonly known as the Christmas fern, is found throughout campus and in Crum Woods. It is a very hardy, clump-forming, evergreen fern that is native to the east coast. photo credit: J. Coceano
Sciadopitys verticillata ‘Wintergreen’, located behind Papazain Hall, common name Japanese umbrella pine was named for its distinct foliage effect. photo credit: J. Coceano
Sarcococca orientalis, also known as sweet box or Christmas box, is a slow-growing evergreen…
Any plant that offers cheer during the winter months is appreciated. When one thinks of winter interest, evergreens, berries, and bark generally come to mind. Flowers? Not usually, unless you are familiar with Mahonia x media. Several cultivars, crosses between Mahonia lomariifolia and M. japonica, bloom during December.
Near the Hamamelis collection, Prunus subhirtella ‘Autumnalis Rosea’ semi-double pink flower’s appears sporadically in fall, then fully flower the following spring. photo credit: J. Coceano
Lagerstroemia fauriei ‘Fantasy’, found near Old Tarble, is a handsome small tree with eye-catching bark. photo credit: J. Coceano
Cedrus libani between Mertz and Old Tarble is commonly known as the “Cedar of Lebanon”. This slow growing evergreen has wide-sweeping branches often touch the ground (a 80-100’ spread!). photo credit: J. Coceano
Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Corky’, near the Hamamelis collection along Sharples Dining Hall, produces corky, winged branches and has good fall color. photo credit: J. Coceano
