Plant of the Month
Monday, May 23rd, 2011
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…
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Friday, April 15th, 2011
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…
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Tuesday, March 15th, 2011
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…
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