Musa basjoo on a hazy summer day in the Cosby Courtyard. photo credit: J. Coceano

Musa, regarded as true bananas, comprise a genus of roughly 40 species indigenous to tropical Africa, India, Southeast Asia, and Northern Australia. To say the plant is fast-growing is an understatement. Thick suckering stems called pseudostems shoot upwards to heights of 15-20’.  The term pseudostem is given as the plant does not produce a true stem but rather a collection of old leaf bases. Individual pseudostems flower once. Death occurs shortly after fruiting; however, the plant remains as other suckering pseudostems continue to grow from the original root mass. Flowers occur on large, pendulous or erect inflorescence. Female flowers bear fruit.

Musa basjoo winterized in the Cosby Courtyard by heaping a mixture of leaf mold and aged woodchips around the base of the plant. photo credit: J. Coceano

Native to Sichuan, China, Musa basjoo is a reliably hardy banana. A large clump makes its home in the Cosby Courtyard. M. basjoo thrives in full sun and appreciates the sheltered location afforded to it by the walls of the surrounding buildings allowing its 6’ long, narrow leaves to remain un-tattered by strong winds. As the growing season wanes, the pseudostems are cut leaving roughly 1-2’ above ground. A generous blanket of equal proportions of leaf mold and aged woodchips is heaped around the plant. Gardener Nicole Selby has been mulching a little less each season. The experiment is allowing her to test the hardiness of the plant. While she is not ready to try a winter without the insulating mulch, she and other sources recommend a good mulching until the clump becomes well-established.

Musa 'Siam Ruby' with a new sucker emerging. photo credit: J. Coceano

Musa ‘Siam Ruby’ is a diminutive banana with stunning ruby red leaves flecked with random green blocks. The plant reaches 8’ in height and is an ideal choice for those restricted by space. M. ‘Siam Ruby’ is not hardy in our zone and must be stored in a frost-free area for the winter. Thankfully the plant’s smaller size makes digging manageable. Additional cultivars and species of Musa have become available in recent years.

Ensete ventricosum 'Maurelii' leaves flush with burgundy-red hues. photo credit: J. Coceano

Ensete, known as the Abyssinian banana, is comprised of about seven species of banana-like plants from tropical Africa and Asia. Unlike the genus Musa, these plants are monocarpic and do not sucker. Only one species is common in cultivation. Ensete ventricosum ‘Maurelii’ grows to 10’ (up to 20’ in tropical areas) with leaves of equal length! Leaves are flushed with burgundy-red hues, a trait that is more pronounced in the new growth and with high light levels. Dig E. ventricosum ‘Maurelii’ after the first frost, cutting leaves back to the pseudostem, and store in a dark, cool location. Sadly, plants die after flowering. I have yet to see flowering occur in gardens where the plant must be dug and stored for the winter.

Tattered leaves of Musa 'Siam Ruby'. photo credit: J. Coceano

The Tropical Look by Robert Lee Riffle lists “three flies in this ointment.” First, bananas, both Musa and Ensete are easily shredded by wind. Plant in a sheltered location or accept that shredded leaves come with the territority. Use a sharp knife to cut aged and tattered leaves back to the pseudostem. Second, Musa basjoo tends to migrate from its original planting location as the center dies and gives rise to new pseudostems. The solution is to simply plant where this minor movement isn’t a problem or replant young suckers. Lastly, the sap of all Musa stains fabric so wearing old gardening clothes is a must. I would add that Ensete poses one additional consideration. Over time, the pseudostem acquires a hefty girth. The size, coupled with the volume of retained water, make moving the plant a challenge. One idea is to grow the plant for several seasons until it becomes too large to manage or enlist help with moving the plant.

Ensete cut back and ready for digging. photo credit: J. Coceano

While bananas require additional care and maintenance, the visual tropical impact they provide is hard to surpass. As you peruse the latest gardening catalogs and dream about the upcoming season, imagine a banana in that vision.

To understand why this evergreen has earned such disdain, one must first look at look at its ecology. Juniperus virginiana is exceptionally prolific in the limestone-rich soils of the Shenandoah Valley. Such proliferation and success is observed throughout the Virginias and into Kentucky and Tennessee.

The dense conifer is categorized as a pioneer invader meaning that it is one of the first plants to repopulate cleared or eroded land. Pastures, fallow fields, and roadsides are quickly colonized by young trees. The shady forests of the Northeast kept the tree in check, while the periodic prairie fires of the central grasslands suppressed the fire-intolerant juniper in the central United States.

Juniperus virginiana Emerald Sentinel (R) planted in hardy containers in front of Pearson Building. photo credit: J. Coceano

Eastern red-cedars are detrimental to prairies due to their ability to shade out grass species and their needles raise soil pH, making it alkaline, which makes it harder for other plants to absorb nutrients. Forest and prairie fragmentation have enabled the juniper to develop a strong foothold to the point where this native tree is invasive.

My father, a farmer, vocally and repeatedly shares his dislike of the Eastern red-cedar. Routine maintenance is required to keep seedlings from taking over pastures and clogging fencerows. The apple industry advocates against Juniperus virginiana for the role it plays in supporting the fungal lifecycle of cedar apple rust.

The fungus overwinters in spherical galls on the conifer. Spring rains help transmit the fungal pathogen to apple trees which lead to defoliation and blemished unmarketable fruit. The disease can also infect ornamental Malus (Asiatic forms show resistance). Fungicides, planting resistant apple cultivars, and/or removing nearby red-cedars control the disease.

Juniperus virginiana 'Grey Owl' adds great texture to John W. Nason Garden. photo credit: J. Coceano

While it is hard to look past the previously mentioned character flaws, further investigation reveals a more complex character. Native American tribes used the fine-grained wood to craft bows and mark out agreed tribal hunting territories. French traders named Baton Rouge, Louisiana, which translates to “red stick” for the natural pink to brownish-red color of these poles.

The heartwood is rot-resistant, ironically making it an ideal fencepost. Furthermore, the aromatic wood deters moths and is used to make cedar chests and as a lining in closets. Pencils made pre-1940 were almost entirely manufactured from J. virginiana.

The fleshy ovoid cones are used to flavor gin. Mammals and birds, particularly cedar waxwings, are fond of the fleshy cones. Able to withstand adverse growing conditions, planting the tree was advocated during the Dust Bowl drought of the 1930s to create windbreaks. In the south, west to the Ozarks, the eastern red-cedar is used as a Christmas tree. To this day my family celebrates the holiday with a “cedar tree”.

Juniperus virginiana 'Burkii' planted in the BioStream. photo credit: J. Coceano

Several prominent horticulturists have shared the belief that the best days are still ahead for the conifer. The plant can fill many roles: as a specimen or grouped to create a screen, planted for windbreaks, hedges, or clipped for topiary. Recent selections have focused on color and shape.

Several cultivars showcased at the Scott Arboretum include J. virginiana ‘Burkii’, Emerald Sentinel^®, ‘Taylor’, and ‘Grey Owl’. A pedestrian pathway divides the Biostream into two distinct sections. Flanking either side of the path are several ‘Burkii’. The cultivar creates a distinct pyramidal shape that often reaches heights of 25’.

Emerald Sentinel^® can be seen growing both in ground and in four large permanent outdoor containers in front of Pearson Hall. The hardy nature of the plant and strong green color, coupled with its smaller stature, typically reaching 10-15’ in height, make it a good choice for those with limited space.

The narrow form of Juniperus virginiana 'Taylor'. photo credit: J. Coceano

Consider ‘Taylor’ for an even narrower and more upright choice. Two plants along the north entrance to Parrish Hall create a strong linear form to complement the vertical elements of the building.

Cut greens from ‘Grey Owl’ are always popular at the annual Holiday Greens Sale. Soft silvery gray foliage complements most any color scheme and provides a year-round presence in the garden. The cultivar is lower growing and wider spreading than the other featured selections. A mature planting can be seen in the Nason Garden.

While the species is not without flaws, its many attributes: array of forms and colors, durable nature, and variety of uses make it worthy of consideration. The Scott Arboretum grows roughly ten cultivars of Juniperus virginiana, all of which can be seen year round, free of charge when you visit the gardens.

Tibouchina urvelliana blooming in front of the Scott Arboretum offices. photo credit: J. Coceano

Native to Brazil, tibouchina, also known as the princess flower and purple glory bush, has naturalized throughout much of Central America and northern South America. This woody shrub can also be found in frost-free areas of the United States and thrives in full sun, but can tolerate some afternoon shade, especially if planted in a southern exposure or subjected to reflective heat. Provide consistent moisture. Sources recommend fertilizing after each flush of bloom with an acid-lover formula.

Comparison of Tibouchina urvilleana (Left) and T. grandifolia (Right). photo credit:J. Coceano

Two species of tibouchina are grown at the Scott Arboretum. Tibouchina urvilleana creates a rounded or vase shape growing upwards of 10-20 feet at maturity. The plant responds well to pruning and can easily be kept at a manageable size. Leaves are 2-6 inches in length and covered in soft, downy hairs. Vibrant five-petaled purple blossoms, 3-5 inches wide, flower throughout the growing season.

The foot-long flower spikes of Tibouchina grandifolia. photo credit: J. Coceano

Tibouchina grandifolia is similar to its relative but with a few variations. Flowers, in the same shade of purple with fuchsia throats, are borne on foot-long spikes. Flowering typically begins in August. It may take a growing season or two for the species to reach flowering size. Even when not in flower, the plant is a show stopper. Large, velvety leaves up to 10 inches in diameter cover the plant. Visitors and students alike stop to marvel at the blooms. The plant generated the greatest amount of conversation during October’s Perennial Plant Conference.

Preparing Tibouchina urvilleana for overwintering in the frost-free basement of Cunningham House. photo credit: J. Coceano

As the threat of frost approaches, plants are dug and placed in plastic containers and stored in the frost-free basement of the Cunningham House where we will check to make sure the soil doesn’t completely dry out. While the plant isn’t actively growing, over and under-watering can result in a lost plant. Both species are stored in a similar manner for overwintering. Soft-wood cuttings are also grown on and provide another method of propagation. Check for availability at the 2012 Unusual Tropical and Annual Sale next March.

Perennial Plant Conference attendees inspired by the blooms of T. grandifolia. photo credit: J. Coceano

It’s never too early to think about next season’s garden. Consider making tibouchinas a part of that garden. Both are excellent in-ground and as container plants and will certainly generate buzz among admirers.

As a nation we are enamored with our lawns. One statistic states that the land area collectively occupied by lawns in the United States equals a land mass greater than the combined area of Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. Within a garden a lawn is a powerful presence. Open areas of green allow the eye to pause, giving the viewer an opportunity to rest and contemplate before moving onward. Lawns are social areas. At the Scott Arboretum, students and visitors are often seen studying, playing, and conversing on the numerous grassy areas throughout the Swarthmore College campus.

Carex pensylvanica creating the appearance of a traditional lawn behind the Science Center. photo credit: R. Pineo

While lawns provide a key role in the design and feel of a garden, there are often areas where turf grass will not grow. The area may be too shady, dry, wet, steep, or too restricted a space. What to do? Enter the sedges. William Cullina’s text, Native Ferns, Mosses and Grasses, provides an excellent introduction to the genus Carex, more commonly known as sedges. The book does not claim to be comprehensive, rather emphasizes several of the most ornamental sedges. Another great resource is The Color Encyclopedia of Ornamental Grasses by Rick Darke. Dozens of sedges, both species and cultivars, are highlighted.

Carex siderosticha 'Banana Boat' photo credit: J. Coceano

Cullina notes that sedges comprise one of the largest genera in North America. It is thought that there are perhaps 500 species, most of them commonly associated with wet, boggy areas. In southern areas of the country the generalization of sedges as swamp and marsh dwellers holds true. In the northern reaches, sedges outnumber grass species and inhabit dry mountain slopes, forested woodlands, and stream banks.

Seedheads of Carex flacca 'Blue Zinger'. photo credit: J. Coceano

I, like many people, learned the rhyme “sedges have edges, rushes are round, grasses are hollow and spread ‘round.” The phrase emphasizes the characteristic that sedges bear leaves with a v-shaped cross section. As with most plant characteristics, there are always several members that don’t follow this rule, but overall the v-shaped profile is a good identifier. Culturally, sedges are easy to grow and maintain. The most critical consideration is to choose the appropriate sedge for the site conditions.

Carex pensylvanica creates a lawn-like feel between these Hamamelis,which would be a challenege to mow between every week. photo credit: J. Coceano

Sedges are used with increasing frequency at the Scott Arboretum. The genus Carex has proven itself to be diverse and reliably hardy. It’s ideal for areas where one wants a lawn-like feel but growing turf isn’t feasible. Sedges are used along steep sloping banks, garden areas that are perennially water-logged, and under young trees where mowers have a difficult time navigating and such machinery could cause damage.

Carex laxiculumus Bunny BlueTM is used as a lawn alternative behind the Science Center. photo credit: J. Coceano

The Scott Arboretum is pleased to offer three garden-worthy sedges at the 2011 Scott Associates Plant Sale. Carex laxiculmis Bunny Blue^TM is a compact clumper bearing silvery blue blades. A native, this sedge was used extensively in a planting around the Cornell Science Library and in the Glade Garden. C. laxiculmis Bunny Blue^TM with its unique coloration can be grown as a small garden accent, or planted in mass for a vivid visual vista. Site in full to partial shade in average to wet soils.

Carex flacca 'Blue Zinger' planted in front of the Wister Center. photo credit: J. Coceano

Another blue-hued sedge to consider is Carex flacca ‘Blue Zinger’. This cultivar produces leaf blades that are narrower than C. laxiculmis Bunny Blue^TM. C. flacca ‘Blue Zinger’ was used throughout a recent planting around the Cunningham House and Wister Center parking lot. It was an ideal choice because of its ability to thrive in a range of light and soil conditions.

While the previous sedges are low growing, Carex muskingumensis ‘Oehme’ reaches 12-24” in height. Leaf blades emerge light green. A yellow margin develops as summer progresses. North Creek Nursery, a wholesale nursery in Landenberg, PA, suggests using this cultivar as a substitute for dwarf variegated bamboo. The Oehme variegated palm sedge appreciates moist sites that mimic the damp streams and meadows it is native to.

Need more motivation to try sedges? Most, including the three offered for sale, are deer resistant. Once established they provide the visual presence of a lawn while using far fewer resources. Pests and diseases are few.

Both Jewish and Christian faiths reference the lily; the flower is mentioned in both the old and new testament. It was long thought that the flowers and bulbs possessed medicinal properties, though we know the genus has no such value. Hundreds, if not thousands of recipes were concocted in Elizabethan times and prescribed for ailments ranging from burns and sores to arthritic symptoms.

Bulb and bulb scales of Lilium formosanum. photo credit: J. Coceano

The genus Lilium is vast: by some accounts there are around 110 species in Liliaceae. The common name lily is a loose term and is often tagged to other genus such as Hemerocallis, the daylily, and Zephyranthes, the rain lily, that possess a similar flower shape, but bear no family relationship. A majority of the species are native to the temperate regions of the Northern hemisphere.

Native to Taiwan, the formosa lily, Lilium formosanum, is a regal representative of the genus. Sturdy stems, averaging 4 to 7 feet tall bear clusters of fragrant white flowers. Individual trumpet-like flowers reach 8-12 inches in length. The flower’s throat bears a faint yellow glow. The outer petals are pure white save for a light rose streak that runs the length of each petal. As blossoms give way to fruit, seedpods inflate, turn upward and persist throughout the autumn and early winter.

L. formosanum and M. sinensis 'Morning Light' grow well together in the John W. Nason Garden. photo credit: J. Coceano

Site Lilium formosanum in full sun. Provide a slightly acidic, moisture-retentive loamy soil. While most lilies, L. formosanum included, require high light levels, they appreciate cool root zones. To accomplish this, grow lilies amongst ornamental grasses or other airy plants such as coneflowers or Japanese anemones.

Rudbeckia subtomentosa 'Henry Eilers' and ornamental grasses make great pairings with L. formosanum. photo credit: J. Coceano

A group of L. formosanum is beautifully paired with Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’ in the John W. Nason Garden. The grass provides shade necessary for a cool root run and doesn’t impede photosynthesis. Fluffy miscanthus seed heads appear as the lily flowers fade and drop. During spring cleanup, cut spent stalks to the ground.

Lilies make spectacular cut flowers. Harvest just as the flowers begin to open. It is advisable to cut off the pollen-bearing stamens as the pollen is difficult (if not impossible) to remove from fabric.

L. formosanum in bloom in the John W. Nason Garden. photo credit: J. Coceano

Bulbs can be planted anytime from spring to fall. The plant will self-seed though it will take several seasons before seedlings bear flowers. Other means of propagation include breaking off bulb scales and division of mature clumps.

For best display plant multiple bulbs in several locations throughout the garden. The Scott Associates’ Plant Sale will offer Lilium formosanum, perfect for fall planting.

Tilia americana photo credit: J. Coceano

Tilia americana, also known as basswood, is native to the eastern half of North America. The stately tree can be found from Canada to Florida and west to North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Louisiana.  Basswood thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers deep, moist soils along stream beds and valleys. The deciduous tree can be found on drier, rocky slopes but fails to reach maximum size. Heights of 60 to 80 feet are common but can exceed 100 feet.  Young basswood trees develop a pyramidal shape that eventually develops into a rounded crown with maturity.

Tilia americana are ecologically significant trees. Basswood is an excellent source of pollen and nectar.   Small mammals relish tilia seeds. In Bringing Nature Home, Douglas Tallamy states that its most signigficant contribution comes from the food source the leaves provide to over 150 species of North American caterpillars. The heart-shaped leaves have serrated margins and are coarse in texture. Flowering occurs in June.  The small, fragrant flowers are held on pendulous cymes with an attached leafy bract called cladodes.

Basswoods were among the first trees cultivated in North America.  The tree had multiple uses and was grown for its light, carvable wood and fibrous bast as well as a honey plant. Basswood honey is pale yellow, yet possesses a strong lingering flavor recommended for use in salad dressings and marinades. Native Trees for North American Landscapes by Guy Sternberg with Jim Wilson delves into the deep history of the American linden.  Records indicate that seed collected by Mark Catesby in 1726 made its way to London, England where it was successfully grown.  Archaeological records note that basswood bark was identified in ceremonial jewelry in Native American graves over 2,000 years old throughout Canada.

Tilia 'Harvest Gold' cladodes. photo credit: J. Coceano

Ideally, basswood should be grown in very open locations.  The tree is tenacious in its desire to grow and often produces basal sprouts.  The sprouts aid the tree in its ability to quickly regenerate after lightning or fire destroys the central leader.  Individual trees possess an affinity for growing either a main leader or being a persistent clumper.  Guy Sternberg promotes allowing a clumping linden to grow unfettered as such specimens are very graceful. Remove surplus basal sprouts as they develop. Another consideration comes with the litter produced after flowering. While unnoticeable in the landscape, the litter collects on paths or walks. Cultivars like ‘Redmond’ and ‘Boulevard’, selected for particular crown growth or strong central leaders, are available.

Tilia tomentosa 'Sterling' photo credit: J. Coceano

Taxonomy of this genus is often described as a “hopeless mess.” Like oaks, lindens have a strong affinity to cross pollinate with other species creating a variety of hybrids.  Tilia heterophylla, white basswood, is recognized as the only other native species of consequence, although some would debate whether it is a tomentose variant of T. americana. Other species of Tilia are found throughout the Northern hemisphere including Tilia cordata, the littleleaf linden.

Tilia allee at Fort Tryon Park, NYC. photo credit: J. Coceano

In Asia and Europe, lindens are known as limes, though they are not related to the genus Citrus.  Limes are commonly pleached, a pruning technique that results in plants trained as raised hedges, then shaped to form a flat plane. The formal, restrained allées and hedges are common in grand European gardens.  The result can be lovely, though requires extra maintenance.

Tilia americana class tree of 1874 with a view of the Wister Center. photo credit: J. Coceano

The Scott Arboretum houses a diverse collection of Tilias, including two historically significant trees planted by the class of 1874 and 1886.  A suggested route to view these trees would be to begin at Willets Hall and walk across campus, bisecting Magill Walk to Clothier Hall.

In the text, Growing and Propagating Showy Native Plants, Richard E. Bir ponders why fringe tree, Chionanthus virginicus, has “been slow to become appreciated.”  John Bartram introduced it to England via Peter Collinson in 1736.  The Royal Horticultural Society awarded it with an award of merit 195 years later!   Both C. virginicus, and its Asian cousin, C. retusus, are spectacular large shrubs or small trees for the garden.

Many common names are associated with the native Chionanthus virginicus found growing from Florida to New Jersey and west to Texas.  Fringe tree, old man’s beard, and grancy greybeard all bear one commonality in extolling the fragrant white flowers which appear on last year’s growth in May. The pendulous panicles bear numerous fleecy 6-8-inch long ivory to pure white flowers.  Male trees generally have more dramatic flowers.  The fruits, bluish drupes, ripen in September on female plants.

Chionanthus in fruit. Photo credit: J. Jin

C. virginicus, while quite variable due to seedling variation, often takes on the habit of a multi-stemmed shrub.  Expect the native fringe tree to reach 12 to 20 feet high and wide, although larger proportions are possible.  Site in full sun to moderate shade.  Choose a location with fertile, slightly acidic soil.

Found in China, Korea, and Japan, the Chinese fringe tree, Chionanthus retusus, differs slightly from its American cousin.  The individual flowers are slightly wider resulting in a snowball or snow-like dome.  The Chinese fringe tree commonly takes on a tree-like habit.  Cutting back the single trunk will result in branching and a more shrub-like appearance. Flowers appear on current season’s growth and bear blue fruit on female plants.  Mature plants develop a ridge-and-furrow bark pattern.  Heights to 30 feet are possible.

C. retusus in bloom. Photo credit: J. Coceano

Propagation is in the development process.  While the plant is prolific from seed, no two seedlings are alike in all characteristics.  It is near impossible to tell a female from a male when not in fruit.  Cuttings are especially difficult.  Despite such obstacles, research and trials are ongoing in the effort to further promote this worthy plant.

C. virginicus (left) and C. retusus on Pearson lawn. Photo credit: J. Coceano

A beautiful specimen of C. retusus shines in the Cosby Courtyard.  The single-trunk specimen is very floriferous.  Outside Pearson Hall, near the Lilac Collection, one can observe firsthand the differences between C. virginicus and C. retusus. The planting showcases mature specimens of both species.  Look for C. retusus ‘China Snow’ at the 2011 Scott Associates Plant Sale.

Few can resist!  Every April the Cherry Border bursts into bloom, drawing spectators and passersby in with a visual allure that few can defy.  Swarthmore students can be found on the lawn reading class texts or enjoying the sunshine.  Blossoms invite people off the path for a closer inspection.  Children and dogs race through the grass.  It is as if the cherries firmly announce the arrival of warm weather.

Many homeowners are faced with a dilemma: the garden can accommodate only one tree.  So, which one to choose?  The cherry border is an ideal stage to compare the numerous species and cultivars.  I find my eye returning time and time again to Prunus x yedoensis, the Yoshino cherry.

Prunus x yedoensis. Photo credit: J. Coceano

The Yoshino cherry was developed in Japan.  No one is certain which two plants were crossed, making its parentage and history difficult to trace.  Regardless of its muddy past, Yoshino cherries have earned a lasting place in both Japan and the United States.  The Arnold Arboretum introduced the cherry to the United States in 1902.  This is the species, along with Kwanzan cherry, Prunus ‘Sekiyama’, planted along the Tidal Basin in Washington D.C.  Every spring the National Cherry Blossom Festival commemorates the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherries from the mayor of Tokyo, Japan.  The trees symbolize and honor the friendship between the two countries.  Interestingly, the United States reciprocated the gift in 1915 with a donation of flowering dogwood, Cornus florida.

The tree yields a rounded, spreading habit typically 30’ to 50’ tall.  Slightly fragrant flowers occur in racemes of 4 or more blossoms.  Select a site with full sun exposure and adequate drainage.

Prunus x yedoensis in flower. Photo credit: Scott Arboretum staff

The cultivar ‘Akebono’ is equally impressive with soft pink double flowers.  The glossy, bright green foliage turns subtle shades of orange and yellow in autumn.  ‘Akebono’ is slightly smaller and more compact in stature than to P. x yedoensis. Without a doubt, ‘Akebono’ is my favorite cherry!

Curious about other cherry species and cultivars at the Scott Arboretum?  The Garden Seeds blog contains an article written by Andrew Bunting, curator, on Late Flowering Cherries.  Also online is the Cherry Collection brochure in pdf form.  Don’t miss the cherry blossoms!

Prunus x yedoensis 'Akebono' near Wharton Hall. Photo credit: J. Coceano

]]> http://blogs.scottarboretum.org/gardenseeds/2011/04/celebratingcherries/feed/ 0 http://blogs.scottarboretum.org/gardenseeds/2011/03/chimonanthus/ http://blogs.scottarboretum.org/gardenseeds/2011/03/chimonanthus/#comments Tue, 15 Mar 2011 20:21:21 +0000 Josh Coceano http://blogs.scottarboretum.org/gardenseeds/?p=2828 Witch hazels and snow drops are considered by many to be the superstars of the late winter garden.  While rightfully so, it shouldn’t be at the expense of other noteworthy plants.  Chimonanthus, or fragrant wintersweet, offers both flower and fragrance to the winter garden.

A member of the Calycanthaceae family, Chimonanthus praecox was introduced from the far east in 1766.  The shrub can reach 10 – 15’ high and 8 – 12’ wide in southern climates.  Michael Dirr’s observations find Chimonanthus attaining smaller proportions in northern zones.  Dirr theorizes that colder temperatures may regulate size and growth.  Hardy from zones 6 to 9, wintersweet…

Witch hazels and snow drops are considered by many to be the superstars of the late winter garden.  While rightfully so, it shouldn’t be at the expense of other noteworthy plants.  Chimonanthus, or fragrant wintersweet, offers both flower and fragrance to the winter garden.

A member of the Calycanthaceae family, Chimonanthus praecox was introduced from the far east in 1766.  The shrub can reach 10 – 15’ high and 8 – 12’ wide in southern climates.  Michael Dirr’s observations find Chimonanthus attaining smaller proportions in northern zones.  Dirr theorizes that colder temperatures may regulate size and growth.  Hardy from zones 6 to 9, wintersweet prefers full to partially shaded exposures with good drainage.

Chimonanthus praecox 'Luteus' currently blooming in the Scott Entrance Garden. photo credit: J. Coceano

The multi-stemmed shrub bears simple, elliptic-ovate leaves that are rough to the touch.  The dark green leaves change to muted shades of yellow in the fall.  While subtle in effect, the color adds another facet to the shrub’s appeal.  The true selling point of Chimonanthus is the fragrant, cupped flowers appearing in late winter.  Each flower is borne single on the previous year’s wood.  Depending on species, flowers are varying shades of near transparent yellow.  Flowering is spread across several weeks with new buds opening depending on temperatures.

Consider setting Chimonanthus near a door or path where the fragrance can be appreciated.  Planting within a courtyard or near a wall can provide protection from frost that can damage open flowers.  One wholesaler suggested allowing clematis to scramble up the trunk and branches.  The vine will benefit from the support and provide another layer of interest during the growing season.  Prune older branches to maintain vigor and shape.  Pruning should be done after flowering.

C. praecox 'Grandiflorus' is the upper stem. C. praecox is the lower stem. photo credit. J. Coceano

Growing near the entrance to the Cunningham House is Chimonanthus praecox ‘Luteus’.  As the cultivar name implies, golden yellow flowers distinguish this wintersweet from the straight species and the cultivar ‘Grandiflorus’.  C. praecox ‘Grandiflorus’ bears slightly larger flowers with an overall larger habit compared to the species.  Research suggests that C. praecox produces greater fragrance.  All three can be seen at the Scott Arboretum.  C. praecox ‘Luteus’ will be available for purchase that the 2011 Scott Associates Plant Sale.

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The mission of the Scott Arboretum is to grow and display plants that can be grown by gardeners in the great Delaware Valley area.  Arthur Hoyt Scott, for which the arboretum was named and founded, “wished to make it possible for a beginner in gardening to visit Swarthmore and see plants suitable for his own conditions.”  Daphniphyllum himalaense ssp. macropodum breezed through January’s frigid conditions and has shown to be a plant worthy of greater garden consideration.

Daphniphyllum himalaense ssp. macropodum in the Gold Medal Garden. photo credit: R. Robert

Interesting lore surrounds the genus, Daphniphyllum.  The common name in Japanese is Yuzuri-ha which means that the old leaf is replaced by the new leaf in the next season.  Young leaves give thanks and respect to the old leaves for the nourishment they provide during the winter.  Thus, the plant is always evergreen.   In Japanese culture, the plant is used to help celebrate the new year and acknowledge the good relationship of young and older generations.

The red petiole of Daphniphyllum himalaense ssp. macropodum. photo credit: J. Coceano

Native to Asia, one might mistake the shrub for a rhododendron.  Large, simple, leathery leaves, glossy above and glabrous beneath, are borne in whorls at the branch tips.  Leaves frequently bear long red petioles and midribs.  Plants are dioecious; meaning separate male and female plants exist.  Inconspicuous flowers bloom in May/June.  If male and female plants are in close proximity, female daphniphyllum bear bluish black drupes.  Single plants will not bear fruit.

It is generally suggested to plant Daphniphyllum in a partially shaded location.  Curator Andrew Bunting has had success with a specimen planted in dry shade of a Picea abies.  This evergreen shrub can reach 20’ tall and wide and the species is hardy in zones 7-9, perhaps into 6 in a sheltered location.

Numerous Daphniphyllum have been planted at the Scott Arboretum.  Exposure ranges from choice microclimates afforded from nearby buildings, to open, exposed settings.  To date, no dieback or leaf burn has been witnessed.

Daphinphyllum macropodum showcased in the Terry Shane Teaching Garden. photo credit: J. Coceano

Daphniphyllum shows potential for many uses in the landscape.  If budget allows, the shrub is an ideal choice to screen or provide a green backdrop to frame the garden.  A beautiful specimen provides a focal point for visitors to reflect upon as they enter the Terry Shane Teaching Garden. Consider incorporating Daphniphyllum into your garden – several species will be available at the 2011 Scott Associates’ Plant Sale, including Daphniphyllum chartaceum and Daphniphyllum longiracemosum.