Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Jelena’ (hybrid witchhazel)

While the weather is certainly unpredictable this time of year, one constant is the steady increase in daylight. We are not the only ones to take note. Despite the seesaw in temperature, plants are slowly awakening. Witchhazels, particularly H. mollis and x intermedia, are reliably one of the first shrubs to bloom. ‘Jelena’ is a tried and true cultivar with fragrant copper-orange blooms and the classic vase-shape habit. A young accession is in the courtyard of Alice Paul and David Kemp Residence Halls. 

Parrotia persica (Persian ironwood)

Another member of the witchhazel family, Parrotia, is perhaps best known for being an excellent small tree with handsome bark and bright fall foliage. One trait that is often downplayed, even cited as “somewhat insignificant,” are its curious flowers. The inflorescence are unique, as they are apetalous. Despite being composed of only stamens, the density of stamens and number of flower buds is eye-catching in late winter. Save any stems you may prune as they are great for forcing. Two stately Parrotia persica flank an entryway into Trotter Hall.

Quercus greggii (Mexican oak)

A semi-evergreen oak adapted to arid conditions, Quercus greggii is found throughout a large range in Mexico (Coahuila to Oaxaca, typically at 6,600 – 11,000 ft.) Given its native environmental challenges, Mexican oak are typically slow growing and present a shrub-like appearance. A look at the underside of leaves reveals a dense layer of trichomes. Our singular accession, dated 2013, is only a couple feet tall and wide and located north of the Dining and Community Commons.

Text and image credit: J. Coceano  

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Heliconia psittacorum (parrot heliconia)

Heliconia hail from tropical and subtropical climates and as such produce flowers all year long. The flower is distinctive and can range in colors from red and orange to yellow and green. The brightly colored waxy bracts are arranged alternately on the stem and enclose and protect the small flowers. Flowers produce an abundance of nectar – the color, shape, and curve are designed to attract hummingbirds. Despite its warm weather disposition, it’s an excellent pot plant, easily overwintered indoors. It’s also a popular cut flower. A containerized plant is on display at the Isbelle Cosby Courtyard.

Aristolochia clematitis (creeping birthwort)

While many Aristolochia are climbing and twining vines, capable of covering many feet in length, there are species that remain more contained in their growth. Aristolochia clematitis is one such species, averaging a few feet in growth each season. Aristolochia are known for their unusually shaped flowers. One online distributor had the following to share, “the color of the blossoms isn’t very conspicuous but its chalice-like, bag-shaped guise and the arrangement of the blossoms in the axils in a kind of whorl is very elegant and graceful. This blossom shape is called ‘basin trap flower’ as it invites the most diverse insects for pollination and captivates them in the basin until pollination has taken place. Until then, the ‘trap’ opens and the insect can escape loaded with pollen. The plant, thereby, is a good food source for many useful insects in the garden.” Several specimens are growing in the Terry Shane Teaching Garden.

Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Sunny Swirl’ (Hinoki falsecypress)

A conifer in summer? Shocking. I say that cheekily, as conifers are often highlighted in winter, long after their deciduous kin have shed their leaves. As such, I’ve made it a personal goal to pause and be more observant of this group of plants during the active growing season. I frequently pass by Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Sunny Swirl’ as I make my way from the Ben West parking lot to the Wister Center where it anchors a corner planting at Bond Memorial Hall. This spot is superb. Being categorized as a dwarf conifer, growing just 3 – 6 inches a year, it’s in perfect scale with the Cotswold style architect. As it’s near a paved walkway, passersby can appreciate the threadlike foliage that twists and shoots off in various directions. Tiny cockscomb growths develop at the tips, adding another degree of interest. ‘Sunny Swirl’ was discovered at Iseli Nursery as a sport on C.obtusa. ‘Torulosa’.

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Hamamelis vernalis ‘Lansing’ is in full bloom! The vernal witchhazel is reliably one of the first Hamamelis to bloom in the new year. While the flowers are among the smallest of the Hamamelis species, they are especially fragrant. Dirr praises H. vernalis as a “great plant for massing, naturalizing, or grouping, in quite moist or dry soils. A tough plant with an alley-cat tenacity.” Planted in Parrish West Circle, the rich orange blooms on H. vernalis ‘Lansing’ are not to be missed. Photo credit: J. Coceano

Lagerstroemia ‘Tuskegee’ (crapemyrtle) is one of several hybrids selected and released by the U.S. National Arboretum. Highly adaptable, ‘Tuskegee’ is one of the few cultivars suitable for the heat of southern Florida while also being able to withstand temperatures as low as -23° C with no damage. Richly saturated dark pink to near red flowers appear in summer. The colorful floral display lasts 100 days on average. The trunk is equally stunning and noted for its smoothness and warm tan color. A specimen in the Summer Bloom Border is a visitor favorite.  Photo credit: J. Coceano

Magnolia virginiana var. australis ‘Perry Paige’ [Sweet Thing®] is a dwarf selection of sweetbay magnolia first discovered in a block of seedlings by George Dodson at Sleepy Hollow Nursery. The particular plant that would eventually become a registered cultivar stood out for its dense and compact appearance coupled with its short stature. The cultivar makes an excellent specimen plant for those with limited space or as a substitute for more traditional hedge and foundation plants. Highly scented flowers are produced from early to late summer. The evergreen leaves hold up well throughout the winter months.  Sweet Thing® has a hardiness range from zones 5 to 9. A 2013 accession is planted on the corner of Worth Health Center in the Magnolia Collection. Photo credit: J. Coceano

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Nyssa ogeche (Ogeechee tupelo) is a fascinating plant! Under the umbrella of the swamp-loving tupelo, which also includes Nyssa biflora and Nyssa aquatica, the Ogeechee tupelo has a more restricted range.This band occurs throughout the swampy and low-lying areas of northern Florida and southern Georgia. While considered not as showy as its kin (its fall color is often rated as the least spectacular of the genus) and not ornamentally desirable due to its abundant and messy fruit drop, it is an economically important plant. Tupelo honey is produced during a short window in spring when bees forage on blooming N. ogeche. The flavor profile of tupelo honey is described as bright with a unique floral finish that dissolves easily on the tongue. Given the swampy habitat in which the tupelo grow, bee hives are installed atop rafts to float about the trees while in bloom.

The fruits that follow, known as ogeechee limes, are used as a lime-juice substitute and in preserves. A specimen can be found near Slide Rock and Alice Paul Residence Hall. Photo credit: J. Coceano

Betula grossa (Japanese cherry birch) is a species of birch native to the hills and lower mountains of Japan. Introduced to the West in late 1890s, it bears a resemblance to its North American relative, Betula lenta (sweet birch). Both possess aromatic stems that when scratched emit the organic compound methyl salicylate. The odor is sweet and smells akin to spearmint and wintergreen. A specimen of Betula grossa can be found between Alice Paul and David Kemp Residence Halls. Photo credit: J. Coceano

Pinus parviflora ‘Gimborn’s Ideal’ (Japanese white pine) is a recent introduction to the Pinetum. Selected in the 1950s at the van Gimborn Estate in the Netherlands, the American Conifer Society cites the cultivar as a “slow-growing, irregular, narrow-pyramidal selection of Japanese White Pine with dense branching and long, fine, curved needles that are silver-blue in early spring, gradually turning dark, steel-blue by late summer and throughout winter.” Averaging 6” – 8” of new growth annually, ‘Gimborn’s Ideal’ makes an ideal choice for those seeking a specimen conifer with limited space. Photo credit: J. Coceano

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Fall-blooming camellias are in peak bloom, and this season has been especially floriferous! One standout is Camellia ‘Autumn Spirit’. Introduced by Camellia Forest, ‘Autumn Spirit’ is covered from tip to trunk in a multitude of bright pink peony-like flowers. The evergreen shrub also boasts a dense, yet open habit, early bloom time, and cold hardiness (zones 6 – 9). Now is a great time to explore the camellias behind Parrish Hall, in the Harry Wood Garden, and in the Camilla Collection. Photo credit: J. Coceano

Diospyros ‘Nikitskyana Bordovaya’ (Nikita’s gift™ persimmon) isn’t your typical persimmon. The cultivar is a cross between the North American species, D. virginiana, which imparts greater cold hardiness (to zone 5) and the Japanese variety, D. kaki, known for its larger fruit size. The result is a self-fertile tree that produces copious quantities of bright, reddish-orange, palm-sized fruit in October. Fruits are ready for consumption when soft and tender to the touch. Striking orange-yellow fall foliage adds an additional ornamental aspect to the deciduous tree. Find this cultivar in the Pinetum. Photo credit: J. Coceano

Chelone lyonii  ‘Armtipp02’ (Tiny Tortuga™ turtlehead) is still in bloom! While the coming cold weather will soon see its flowering season end, the colony in the Harry Wood Garden has flower buds yet to open. This cultivar is shorter in stature compared to other Chelone varieties. Plants love wet sites/poor draining soils and need some shade. Fun fact: Chelone flowers have a unique botanical feature – a sterile stamen in addition to four fertile ones. The sterile stamen is helpful in identifying the various Chelone species. It is green in C. glabra, rose-tipped in C. lyonii, and white in C. obliqua. Photo credit: J. Coceano

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Cornus capitata ssp. angustata aptly known as the evergreen dogwood is an evergreen to semi-evergreen dogwood native to China. The small-statured flowering tree, typically growing to 20’ high and wide, bears thick, glossy green leaves that take on purple hues in winter. Leaves often curl inward at the margins as temperatures drop. Leaves abscise in spring as new growth unfurls. Flowers, composed of four pointed bracts, radiate from a central cluster of true flowers. When selecting a planting location, site in full sun to partial shade. Additionally, plants benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Evergreen dogwood is also listed as Cornus elliptica and Cornus angustata. A specimen is planted in the Pinetum. Photo credit: J. Coceano

Viburnum odoratissimum var. awabuki ‘Chindo’ (sweet viburnum) is marketed and sold as a quick growing, dense hedge or screening shrub for zone 7 – 11 gardens. Lustrous dark green leaves serve as the backdrop for fragrant white flowers followed by pendant clusters of red fruits. Given the marginal hardiness of the shrub in our area, a specimen was tucked in a sheltered pocket along the north side of the Bond Lodges. It has thrived in this location. The Missouri Botanic Garden shares that “plants generally appreciate some afternoon shade in hot summer climates. If growth is attempted in USDA Zone 6, plants should be sited in protected locations and given a good winter mulch.” Photo credit: J. Coceano

An evergreen oak in Pennsylvania? I was mesmerized when I first encountered Quercus myrsinifolia. The Chinese evergreen oak is considered one of the most cold-hardy and perhaps most beautiful of the evergreen oak species. Glossy green leaves are retained throughout the winter. Over the past ten years I’ve noticed that during particularly cold spells, some leaves will drop over the course of the winter months. New growth emerges a stunning bronze-purple. As the new leaves unfurl, older leaves drop. Another observation, with mention from other sources, is variation in form and habit. Some plants take on a statuesque habit with a classic single trunk and oval-shaped canopy while others appear more shrub-like in nature, with low branches and an asymmetrical form. A stunning specimen is located between the Cunningham House and Wister Center. A second specimen, more wild and loose in habit, grows between the Wister Center and Willets Residence Hall. Photo credit: J. Coceano

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Bergenia is one of those plants you love showing to garden visitors. My first introduction to the genus was with Bergenia cordifolia. Commonly known as pigsqueak, the fleshy, cabbage-like leaves emit a squeaky noise when rubbed. Using your thumb and index finger, gently make a rubbing motion back and forth across the leaf surface as if trying to remove Elmer’s glue from your fingers after a crafting project. 

Hailing from the Himalayas, Bergenia ciliata ‘Wilton’ (hairy bergenia) is the fuzzy cousin of B. cordifolia. The large, finely-haired leaves are a highlight, especially when coated with a fine dew. For best results grow in partial shade to avoid leaf scorch, and encourage the leaves to grow as large as possible by mulching annually with an aged compost. Bergenia ciliata ‘Wilton’ is planted along the north side of Kohlberg Hall. Photo credit: J. Coceano

Liatris microcephala (Appalachian blazing star; dwarf blazing star) is found throughout the Southern Appalachian Mountain range on lean, dry soils. While small in stature, individual plants produce multiple upright flowering stalks, each bearing a multitude of small, rosy-purple flower heads. Each flower head is composed of 4 – 6 disc-shaped florets. Plants must have dry, lean soils to thrive. In the landscape L. microcephala is a good choice for rock gardens, pollinator gardens, or water-wise plantings. A planting is found on a slope in the Cut Flower Garden. Photo credit: J. Coceano

Hydrangea paniculata ‘SMHPFL’ (Fire Light® panicle hydrangea) creates a dramatic pop of color in the garden. Blooms emerge creamy white then transition quickly to red and pink hues. I’ve noticed that my perception of their color varies according to the intensity of the sunlight. The blooms have a fuschia pink tone on cloudy days, only to look more rusty red in the bright sunlight. While there are numerous cultivars of panicle hydrangea to choose from, this one is a stand-out with its two distinct floral displays. A group planting is found along Whittier Hall. Photo credit: J. Coceano

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Clematis tubulosa (bush clematis) is a non-climbing clematis, perfect for intermingling with other small shrubs and perennials. The fragrant blue-purple hyacinth-like flowers appear in late summer followed by fluffy seed heads. Clematis tubulosa prefers full sun to partial shade and is black walnut tolerant! A grouping is planted in the Harry Wood Garden. Photo credit: J. Coceano

Impatiens balsamina ‘Peppermint Stick’ (balsam impatiens) is a colorful cultivar bearing candy apple red and bright white mottled flowers. Balsam impatiens were a constant in Victorian seed catalogs. The double flowering varieties, called “camellia flowered” were especially sought after. The plants fell out of favor and many varieties were lost. ‘Peppermint Stick’ reaches 2’ in height with a smaller spread and is growing in the Scott Entrance Garden. Incredibly easy to start from seed, plants ask only for heat, sunshine, and constant moisture. Like zinnias and cosmos, balsam impatiens add pops of color to the summer and early fall garden. Photo credit: J. Coceano

Oak trees are majestic! While I gravitate toward members of the white oak group, bur oak, and post oak being two of my favorites, I am always drawn to Quercus acutissima (sawtooth oak). The glossy leaves and sea urchin-like cupule are so charismatic. This species, native to Asia, has been planted for its vigor and adaptability. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has added Quercus acutissima to its “watch” category. A watch ranking means that such species are “problems in surrounding states but have not been widely reported in Pennsylvania, OR may naturalize and become a problem in the future and require more monitoring.” Three specimens are planted in the interior of the arboretum. While we have not observed any seeding into the woods, we remain vigilant. The Field Guide to Native Oak Species of Eastern North America is a great online resource for those interested in native oaks. Photo credit: J. Coceano

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Eurybia x herveyi ‘Twilight’ (Hervey’s aster) is in full bloom along the lower Biostream near the Ben West House. For a month or so plants look like an attractive coarse textured groundcover. Upright stems elongate from the basal leaf mass and bear open flat-topped clusters of lavender blue blooms in late summer and fall. The rhizomatous growth habit makes E. x herveyi an ideal candidate for mass planting. The aster is a naturally occurring hybrid between E. spectabilis and E. macrophylla, both of which are native to Eastern North America. Photo credit: J. Coceano

Late summer is crapemyrtle season! Lagerstroemia ‘Biloxi’ is a pink flowering vase-shaped tree introduced by the U.S. National Arboretum in 1987.  It was selected to have a long bloom season, better winter hardiness, drought tolerance, and increased resistance to powdery mildew. This is a great choice for urban areas that have small spaces and is considered to be one of the best cultivars for street tree use. The cultivar’s natural vase-like habit and vigorous growth help it quickly get up and over traffic and pedestrians below. Three specimens are planted in the Isabelle Cosby Courtyard island beds between Parrish Hall and Kohlberg Hall. Photo credit: J. Coceano

Leptodermis oblonga is a small, mounding, deciduous shrub that typically grows 12-18” tall but produces flowers throughout much of the growing season. Fragrant, tubular, lavender flowers appear in clusters in late spring bloom followed by intermittent flowering on new wood throughout the rest of the summer into fall. While Chinese leptodermis is a relatively obscure member of the madder family, Rubiaceae, it’s more popular relatives include coffee, Coffea, and buttonbush, Cephalanthus. Leptodermis oblonga is planted as a foundation plant along Old Tarble in the Summer Border.  Photo credit: J. Coceano

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Gardens need more lilies! But which variety should you choose? Orienpet lilies, often listed as OT lilies, are the result of crossing oriental lilies with trumpet/aurelian lilies. The resulting cross provides the best of both worlds. Heavy, thick stems rise 3’ – 8’ and rarely need staking. Substantive, waxy flowers come in an array of colors and most exude an enticing fragrance. The bulbs boast increased disease resistance and greater longevity and durability as well more drought, heat, and cold tolerance compared to their parents. One standout in the Dean Bond Rose Garden is Lilium ‘Conca d’Or’. Lemon-yellow petals fading to white creates a rich two-toned effect. Established plants grow to 8’ in height, providing drama to the summer garden. Photo credit: J. Coceano

Annuals and biennials add whimsy to the landscape and help fill gaps between perennials and shrubs. Digitalis, Orlaya, and Angelica are a few that I wouldn’t be without. Relatively new to the market after causing mass hysteria at the Chelsea Flower Show is the sultry Angelica sylvestris ‘Ebony’ (woodland angelica). The stately biennial boasts the most incredible dark purple foliage and stems. For best growth provide an organically rich soil and even moisture. The pink flowers are a magnet for pollinators, especially bees. Seed does come true, meaning that seedlings will retain the rich, dark coloration though the odd seedling may have less intensely colored foliage. Removing flower heads before going to seed may help keep this plant perennial. Plantings can be found in the Isabelle Cosby Courtyard. Photo credit: J. Coceano

Hydrangea aspera ‘Macrophylla’ (large-leaved scabrous hydrangea) is an attention-grabber in the July garden. The deciduous shrub is best known for its large (up to 10” long) felted leaves and lace-cap flowers of pure white sterile florets surrounding an interior of tiny lavender-blue fertile flowers. The open habit combines well with other shrubs, particularly evergreens that provide a backdrop to highlight the flowers and leaves. Partial shade and consistent summer moisture is a must. Listed as hardy from zone 7-9, Hydrangea aspera ‘Macrophylla’ has been a reliable performer in Terry Shane Teaching Garden. Photo credit: J. Coceano

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