Plants of the Week – January 30
Looking for a spreading evergreen groundcover for the shade? Consider Epimedium perralchicum ‘Frohnleiten’. The yellow barrenwort, a member of Berberidaceae, is a German introduction selected for durable marbled foliage and sprays of yellow spring-blooming flowers. While it will take several seasons to reach mature size, the plant is long-lived and only improves with age. Prune old leaves to the ground in late winter. Drought tolerant once established. Photo credit: J. Coceano
Ilex crenata Drops of GoldTM was discovered as a branch sport on Ilex crenata ‘Hetzii’. Glossy evergreen leaves change to golden yellow when exposed to direct sunlight. While the Japanese holly will…
Regarded as the hardiest palm, Rhapidophyllum hystrix, or needle palm, is a small, shrubby palm averaging 4-6’ in height. Native to the southeastern United States, needle palms thrive on shady wooded slopes and moist forested bottomlands. Gardener Nicole Selby has planted R. hystrix within the protection of the Cosby Courtyard where it survived through the 2010-2011 winter. Check out the Jan.-Feb. 2012 issue of Green Scene magazine for additional information on hardy palms. Photo credit: J. Coceano
Cornus alba ‘Bud’s Yellow’ is at its best during winter when the low, angled light of early morning or mid-afternoon illuminate the yellow stems. Site within…
Camellia Forest Nursery considers Prunus mume ‘Fragrant Snow’ to be the best white-flowering variety of Japanese apricot. The deciduous tree, ultimately reaching 25’ in height with a similar spread, produces fragrant semi-double flowers in January. Seen here on a hillside beside McCabe Library, P. mume ‘Fragrant Snow’ will flower over a period of several weeks. Photo credit: J. Coceano
Cascading branches of Pinus strobus ‘Pendula’ soften the lines of Sharples Dining Hall. P. strobus ‘Pendula’ is a semi-dwarf cultivar typically growing 6-15’ tall with a wider spread. Form is variable and dependent upon pruning and training. Photo credit: J. Coceano
