Plants of the Week – April 16
Gelsemium sempervirens ‘Margarita’ is regarded as the hardiest jessamine. In 2005 the vine was awarded the Gold Medal from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. Golden yellow trumpet-shaped flowers bloom in late spring. The twining vine, reaching 8-12’ in height, is ideal for trellises, fences, and arbors. Photo credit: J. Coceano
Aesculus wilsonii is a rarely seen horse chestnut native to China. Aesculus wilsonii purple leaf form is a relatively new addition to the arboretum’s collection. Leaves emerge purple, retain the bold coloration for several weeks, then transition to dark green for the remainder of the season. Both Aesculus wilsonii and A. wilsonii purple leaf form can…
Chartreuse foliage adds pop to the garden! One plant that lends golden coloration in the Terry Shane Teaching Garden is Dicentra spectabilis ‘Gold Heart’. The clump-forming perennial creates a mound of graceful fern-like foliage 24 inches tall by 36 inches wide. Racemes of nodding, heart-shaped flowers, typical of the species, are held within and above the foliage. Foliage goes dormant during the summer months. Photo credit: J. Coceano
Magnolia ‘Judy Zuk’, named in honor of the former director of the Scott Arboretum, is in bloom on Parrish Lawn near Old Tarble. The cultivar develops into an upright tree averaging 20-30 feet in height.…
Native Neviusia alabamensis bears racemes of perfect spirea-like white flowers. The deciduous shrub, found naturally throughout the southeastern United States, creates an open arching profile 3’ to 6’ tall and equally wide. Photo credit: J. Coceano
Magnolia ‘Lois’ is my favorite yellow magnolia! The deciduous tree is vigorous and produces an abundance of intense yellow flowers that don’t fade with age. View Magnolia ‘Lois’ and several other yellow cultivars around the Worth Health Center. Photo credit: J. Coceano
Rhododendron schlippenbachii, tucked in the Terry Shane Teaching Garden, illuminates a corner by the reflecting pool. Showy fragrant soft-pink flowers in spring give way to colorful…
