Opuntia humifusa prickly pear

The John W. Nason Garden is known for its great textural qualities and year-round appeal. Walking through the space this time of year it’s hard to miss the striking Opuntia humifusa in full bloom. The electric gold yellow flowers of the prickly pear cactus are eye catching, drawing one towards the path they border as ground cover. More species of the Cactaceae family can be found in front of the Science Center.

The plant consists of segments made up of one to three pads or stems. Flowers are located along the edges of mature segments. Typically the bloom occurs in early summer, attracting hummingbirds and bees. Interestingly the flowers are diurnal, only lasting one day. The finished bloom is replaced by bright red fruit. It is a native plant and the most widespread of cacti in the Eastern United States.

This succulent shrub prefers full sun, hot and dry conditions in well drained soils. It is easy to propagate simply by cutting off a pad and letting the cut end callous. It can then be planted in well drained soil and watered sparingly. This hardy plant is perfect to fill a space that is drought-prone in full sun, adding great texture and color. Photo credit: L. Whitacre

Monarda didyma ‘Jacob Cline’

 The scarlet red flowers of Monarda didyma can be seen almost floating above the surrounding vegetation as one approaches the Pollinator Garden. The tubular flowers last from June to August attracting bumblebees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. This specific cultivar, ‘Jacob Cline’, was discovered along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Georgia by garden designer Jean Cline and named for his son. It has a reputation for being more mildew resistant than other species of Monarda. Avoid overcrowding to further ensure air circulation throughout the plant. Stems can also be thinned and foliage can be cut back after flowering.

Monarda didyma ‘Jacob Cline’ can be used in a border to add a pop of color and increase wildlife activity. This native herbaceous perennial can reach three to five feet in height and prefers full to partial sun in well drained soil. The leaves are slightly aromatic as this species belongs to the Lamiaceae family. Photo credit: L. Whitacre

Daphne x burkwoodii ‘Carol Mackie’ 

Tucked away in the Theresa Lang Garden of Fragrance, Daphne x burkwoodii, can be found in the most eastern bed. The delicate white edging of the foliage stands out against surrounding plants. While this shrub produces lovely light pink flowers in late spring and has interesting red drupes in fall, the variegated leaves alone are noteworthy. It is semi-evergreen as the leaves stay often through December. The gradient of green to yellow-green between the variegated margins of the leaves creates a sense of depth and buoyancy to the entire shrub.

This cultivar is named for New Jersey gardener, Carol Mackie, and was commercially introduced in 1968. This low-spreading, slow-growing shrub is a cross between D. cneorum x D. caucasica. It can reach three to four feet in height with similar width. It’s best planted in partial shade and moist, well drained, acidic soil. It can be temperamental so be sure to place in a sheltered area to protect from cold winter and winds. It’s a great plant to add to a woodland garden or border to create a contrast and focal point throughout the seasons. Photo credit: L. Whitacre

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Kalmia latifolia

June has arrived and so have the delightful flowers of Kalmia latifolia, commonly known as mountain laurel. This time of the year large clusters of delicate flowers can be seen around campus. The small bright pink buds of this variety reveal soft pink cup-shaped flowers with fused petals. This evergreen shrub is Pennsylvania’s state flower known for its shade tolerance and hardiness. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and is more drought-tolerant than its relative, the rhododendron. Great plant for a woodland garden, but keep in mind it flowers best with more sun.

The genus name comes from Peter Kalm, a Swedish botanist who journeyed to the New World in 1748. In his travel accounts, he observed the shrub growing ornamentally in colonial gardens. This specific cultivar, ‘Jaynes #137’, is found along Cedar Lane near the Arboretum’s entrance on College Avenue. It is named after Richard Jaynes whose passion for Kalmia led to more than 35 years of collecting, researching, and breeding this genus. Incredibly, there are over eighty cultivated varieties with colors ranging from white, to pink, to deep rose with unique markings within the petals. Over 8 varieties can be found on campus. Photo Credit: L. Whitacre

Magnolia macrophylla

A stunning flower on the Magnolia macrophylla between Beardsley Hall, Trotter Hall, and Kohlberg Hall has recently opened. The isolated placement of this tree at the intersection of three paths allows for appreciation of the specimen from all sides.

This small deciduous tree is striking for its unusually large, floppy leaves and is even more remarkable in bloom. The large creamy-white flower is almost out of sight, located high among the enormous leaves which can reach 30 inches in length. There were are least four buds in evidence, so stay tuned for more fragrant flowers very soon! When the breeze picks up, the silver-white undersides of the leaves are revealed, contrasting against the bright green topside.

It is important to place the tree in a location sheltered from the wind as the leaves can tear. Interestingly, trees are at least 12 years old when they begin to flower and are typically pollinated by beetles, as bees and butterflies did not exist when this species evolved. Photo Credit: L. Whitacre

Cotinus coggygria

Walking south from McCabe Library towards Old Tarble, the seed clusters of the Cotinus coggygria are billowing in the wind. ‘Purple Supreme’ is a medium sized multi-stemmed shrub that one could add to the garden as an accent for summer and fall appeal.

This deciduous shrub prefers sun and good drainage, reaching 10 to 15 feet in height and similar spread. The lush reddish, purple leaves create a lovely pop of color against surrounding green vegetation so it’s a perfect focal point plant in a border or mixed bed. After flowering, long plume-like seed clusters have emerged from the flower stalk creating the ‘smoky’ or hazy, soft halo presence.

This effect continues through the summer. In the autumn, the leaf colors become richer. Photo Credit: L. Whitacre

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