Pinus densiflora ‘Burke’s Red Variegated’ – Japanese red pine 

One of the most captivating sights in the Pinetum this summer is Pinus densiflora ‘Burke’s Red Variegated’. Before I saw it here, I didn’t even realize that conifers could be variegated. This Japanese red pine was planted in 2021 and struggled a bit in its first couple of seasons, adjusting to its new home. But this year, it has come back with vigor, putting on lush new growth and showing off its unique foliage in full glory. 

From a distance, the whole tree seems illuminated and glows on its own. When you get up close, you notice that each needle is banded in stripes of creamy white, and looks like quills of a porcupine. In the early morning or late afternoon, when the low sun filters through the branches, the effect is especially magical. 

Cylindropunita davisii ‘Sun Spike’ – Davis cholla 

Just outside the Science Center, you will find a little surprise – a collection of cacti thriving far from their desert homes. One of the stars of this unexpected planting is Cylindropuntia davisii ‘Sun Spike’, a species native to the grasslands and oak-juniper-mesquite woodlands of New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. While cacti may not be the first plants you associate with the arboretum, this display proves that with the right conditions and a bit of horticultural curiosity, plants from vastly different habitats can survive in new places!

Its spines are 1.5 to 5 cm long, and start out a pale green on fresh growth, maturing to a creamy, bright white. These spines are actually modified leaf tissue, serving as both protection and a way to reduce water loss. In the right light, these spines catch the sun like glass fibers, glowing softly against the blue-green stems. 

The cholla here are part of a trial garden curated by Sandra Lopez Cortez, who sourced them from a nursery in North Carolina, where they are known to be hardy. The goal of this project is to see how these “zone busters” handle our climate without any winter protection. As winters become milder, plants like these might find a permanent place in our gardens in this area. For now, their survival through a full cycle of seasons remains an open question, so this summer is the perfect time to visit and see them in peak form! 

Chelone lyonii ‘Armtipp02’ – Tiny Tortuga™ turtlehead 

As my summer season at the Scott Arboretum winds down, one of the last plants to begin its floral show is Chelone lyonii ‘Armtipp02,’ affectionately known as Tiny Tortuga™ turtlehead. Nestled in the Glade Garden next to bright red cardinal flowers (Lobelia cardinalis), this native perennial is a gem for shady, moist spots.

A more compact cultivar than the straight species, Tiny Tortuga™ reaches a manageable height that makes it perfect for small garden spaces or the front of a border. Its glossy, dark green foliage forms a neat mound that stays attractive all season. Just when many summer perennials start to fade for the season, it sends up spikes of bright pink, turtlehead-shaped flowers that bloom from late summer into October. It is also naturally deer resistant! Its tolerance for shade and preference for moist soil make it a lovely addition for any shade or rain garden.

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I know as plant enthusiasts we all get excited about those early-blooming flowers. It is a sure sign that spring is on its way; plants will soon wake from their slumber and offer us beautiful blooms in all shapes and sizes. Those first blooms bring with them an air of excitement. Seeing the first snowdrops (Galanthus spp.) blooming makes me excited to start planning out my garden. However, as we keep moving through the motions of spring and summer, these first blooms die out. As we are now some time into August, where can we find the same excitement to carry us into fall?

As you walk around Scott Arboretum & Gardens, the answer is apparent in big, full blossoms – the Hibiscus! These beautiful, showy blooms are sure to give you a late-summer pick-me-up. These Hibiscus plants took their time over spring and most of summer getting their beauty rest, in order to gift us some late-summer stunners. Now that they’re awake and ready to present themselves to the world, let’s give them some proper recognition.

Hibiscus ‘Candy Crush’ – rose mallow

While I’ve seen some incredible flowers here at Scott Arboretum & Gardens, this particular Hibiscus may just “crush” the competition. Hibiscus ‘Candy Crush’ is currently sporting its large, vivid, pink flowers. These blooms are quite a sight to see, as they can reach up to 8 inches in diameter. The larger-than-life flowers have electric pink petals that gradients into a dark burgundy center. As if this plant couldn’t seem more visually appealing, it also has beautifully colored foliage. The bright, reddish-pink flower contrasts with the dark-green foliage to create a striking bush for any garden space.

This cultivar is considered low-maintenance and if given a nice, sunny location with moist soil, it will gladly gift you with giant blossoms. It is also hardy and will do well in Zones 4-9, making it a great garden plant for our area. Just be mindful that they are slow to leaf out in the spring and won’t start looking lively again until the weather is nice and warm. This rose mallow is not a fan of the cold, so it will stay in hiding until it is absolutely sure that there is no chance of frost. Make sure to be patient with this rose mallow, as it is simply gearing up to give you some excitement towards the end of summer. Our Hibiscus ‘Candy Crush’ is located in the Terry Shane Teaching Garden right against College Avenue. You won’t regret taking the time to see these magnificent Hibiscus blooms for yourself.

Hibiscus moscheutos – swamp mallow

The stormwater basin to the east of the Dining & Community Commons is truly a must-see attraction at the moment. This stretch of marshy land holds a massive collection of Hibiscus moscheutos, which are all opening up their beautiful white blooms. The basin is full of tall stalks, each holding many flowers. These stalks can be anywhere from 3-7 feet tall. The area looks like a sea of white flowers at the moment, and is worth a visit. 

One of its common names is “crimson-eyed rosemallow” which is certainly a fitting name. The large, white blooms fade into a deep-purple center, which creates a beautiful effect when there are so many blooms in a small area. The blooms themselves are fast fading and will only last a day or two. However, the plant replenishes its buds quickly and is constantly putting out new ones. This allows them to be a constant source of beauty in gardens well into the fall and even up until the first frost. Swamp mallows are rightfully named, since they enjoy keeping their roots in moist soil that never completely dries out. This makes them a perfect plant to use in floodplains, rain gardens, or marshy areas. Luckily, these swamp mallows have found their perfect home here on campus, as this area stays consistently moist with its collection of rainwater. Make sure to come see this spectacular gathering of swamp mallows. However, if you’re planning on getting up close and personal, make sure to wear your wellies!

Hibiscus schizopetalus – fringed rose mallow

It is no wonder that this plant caught my eye, as my first interaction with it was being whacked in the face by its long, pliable branch. The Hibiscus schizopetalus is rather unique in its shape and blooms, and you might not even recognize it as a Hibiscus at first. This Hibiscus is known for its arching branches, which grow upwards and then bow downwards, facing away from the center of the plant. The plant itself reaches up to 8 feet, and the spread of its tendril-like branches can reach out around 6 feet. As the branches mature and start arching downward, they will produce a rather unique orangey-pink lantern-shaped bloom, usually found on the end of the branch. The fringed rose mallow’s blooms are very unique compared to the classic round Hibiscus shape. This plant’s blooms are a hanging ball of fringed petals, with the stamens being long pendants that hang down. The branches and blooms create a beautiful shape, but you do have to be mindful about how much space they take up. As I was planting this fringed rose mallow into the garden bed at the Dan West Garden, I was constantly trying, and failing, not to be hit in the face by these long, weeping branches. Though the bright, dangling flowers surely make this particular plant worth any trouble. 

While this plant is technically not a “late bloomer” like the other two hardy mallows, it is in bloom now and can continue to put out new blooms if the weather stays warm. As you know, our fall weather has gotten less severe over the years. This means the fringed rose mallow can continue to send out its lantern-like blooms well into fall. However, this Hibiscus is not winter hardy and will not appreciate being left out in the cold. It will need to be brought inside once the evening temperatures start dropping into the low 50s. These chandelier-esque blooms are certainly worth the walk up to the Dan West House. The pendulous blooms give off a magical feeling, especially when they sway in the wind. 

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Lycoris squamigera – surprise lily 

I met a gardener while on a summer stroll last year, and he laughed after I asked about how his humid day of gardening was going, “everything is great, I get to work with naked ladies all day!” He was referring to Lycoris squamigera of course, which has many common names including, naked ladies, surprise lily, resurrection lily, and hurricane lily. Witty humor like this carries us gardeners through the dog days of summer, accompanied by the blooms that award our labor. L. squamigera is a late-summer flowering herbaceous perennial in the Amaryllidaceae family, that magically erupts its long, anguiform flower buds from the earth in late July. The plant surprises us with showy pink and white iridescent flowers just a few days later that develop peculiar digits from its floral buds. This magic show carries on while the surprise lily is entirely absent of foliage, surprising us with flowers right when we thought the plant was dormant. Underground, the bulb is quite the opposite, burgeoning fantastic fertile flora. 

The mystery of this incredible species becomes even more fascinating when exploring the morphology of this unusual geophyte. The show starts in spring while the other ephemerals bloom. L. squamigera appears idle with only its chlorophyllic foliage. Due to this, it can be easily confused as flowerless Narcissus spp. (daffodil). A novice gardener may accidently pull this plant out or chop it back, thinking they are simply completing another garden chore on their todo list. However, it is important to differentiate the plant before making this mistake, as these photosynthetic leaves are the harbinger for L. squamigera’s summer magic trick. Surprise lily’s foliage is strap-like, has a bluish hue, and is more rounded at the tip than a typical daffodil. Keeping vegetation intact until they brown and shrivel in late spring helps the resurrection lilies store energy in their bulbs to send up tall, leafless stalks topped with 6-8 fragrant trumpet flowers in late summer. This unusual growth pattern is an adaptation to survive in climates with wet springs and dry summers, which is comparable to our zone 7 climate, and to their native habitat of Japan and China. Although this is the hardiest of all of the Lycoris species and they are well adapted to many types of soil, surprise lilies do not like to be over-watered in the dormant months of September–Feburary, so planting them on a slope, or in coarse soil is ideal. At The Scott Arboretum & Gardens, they can be seen along Magill Walk, speckled through the Terry Shane Teaching Garden, and scattered along the Cherry Border’s sidewalk on Cedar Avenue where the soil is fertile, moist, and well-draining and there is full sun to partial shade. 

Angelica gigas – Korean angelica 

Architectural garden giants like Angelica gigas are awe-inspiring beacons for pollinators as well as young children admiring them at half their height. How can a plant grow so tall, around 5-6 feet, in such a short amount of time? The fascinating genetics of A. gigas explains how these quiet giants make such a loud impact in our gardens. Korean angelica is a biennial, meaning it is vegetative in its first year then flowers and dies in its second year. This two-year life cycle is relatively short, so the plant must develop robust anatomy in order to capture as much energy as possible for the production of seeds in autumn, securing its lineage. A. gigas prefers full sun and rich soil in order to develop tall stems and large leaves to support the nutrients needed for their gargantuan structure, glorious blooms, and hundreds of seeds. The first year plant is relatively short and stores sugars in their thick taproots which is used as energy for their second-year fruiting bodies. Biennials rely on self-sowing to continue their colonies, and should be left to seed in the fall, in order to see them return the next year. By the nature of this, they may pop up in places you didn’t already plant which could be an unexpected joy. 

The leaves of Korean angelica are bold and broad, with striking serration situated on deep purple stems.The flower structure starts with bulbous pods of a similar shade, that explode into nectar-rich, burgundy, hemispherical umbels, that flower for a period of 4-5 weeks. The inflorescence attracts many types of pollinators including bees, butterflies, and wasps; dancing around the luscious flowers in synchronicity, all feasting on the same treat. The flowers are additionally excellent for longevity in cut-flower arrangements and dry into marvelous seed capsules. At The Scott Arboretum & Gardens they co-habitate with Acanthus caroli-alexandri (bear’s breeches) in the Entrance Garden along College Avenue, sharing a similar color palette and upright habit. 

Iris domestica – blackberry lily 

As a winter garden enthusiast, I am usually thinking about winter seed displays… even in August. Seed pods eternalize the beauty of a specimen’s unique reproductive anatomy, to admire and learn from for more seasons than their lifecycles endure. The Iris domestica (blackberry lily), contributes to the eternal wintery display of textures and shimmering dry leaves. After flowering, this plant produces pear-shaped seed capsules that hold on to their dried pericarp and recurve at maturity, to expose an abundance of glossy, black seed clusters giving it its name, “blackberry.” At a glance, I. domestica is hard to differentiate from the tasty fruit we are used to seeing on the borders of deciduous forests and in our grocery stores. While not edible to humans, birds love the seeds of blackberry lilies and disperse them. Despite its name “lily” and its unusual Rubus-like seeds, this plant is not genetically related to any of those species. In fact, Iris domestica is part of the Iridaceae (iris) family. Knowing this now makes the specimen’s features, its fan-shaped leaves and rhizomes, more understandable, but still makes my head scratch. 

This plant is equivalent to a “franken-plant” if I’ve ever seen one. The corolla and immature seed pods resemble a diminutive Lilium lancifolium (tiger lily), with traffic-cone-orange petals lined with crimson speckles, but has the foliar interest of an iris. The bloom period is short, but occurs in successions through the months of July and August, providing long color. Deadheading will prolong the bloom period even more. It prefers well-drained, fertile, loamy soil, but does fine in clay soils. This plant can be invasive and naturalize in parts of eastern North America, so it is encouraged to harvest the seed heads. Use the pods in winter wreaths and floral displays to add an unusual element to your holiday decor. The horticulturalists at The Scott Arboretum & Gardens make an effort to maintain this plant throughout the seasons within the Terry Shane Teaching Garden where it is nestled between Acalypha wilkesiana ‘Haleakala’ (copper leaf). They remove the spent flowers before the seed pods develop to prevent the spread of this plant though the garden to prevent self-sowing.

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Acer henryi – Henry’s maple

We have a plethora of native maples that dazzle the fall foliage scene; drawing attention alongside the feathery threadleaf Japanese maples. However, I was really astonished by the dangling droops of samaras on the Acer henryi (Henry’s maple) slotted between the Science Center and Whittier Place. Like yellow-green wisteria dangling from the branches, these dry fruits glow from their eye-level perches.

As a kid, I didn’t know much about plant identification, but I knew a lot about the maple trees in my front yard. The line of Acer rubra (red maple) crowded the dirt between the sidewalk and the street. The monstrous Acer platanoides (Norway maple) shaded the whole yard, easily one of the largest and oldest trees in the neighborhood. That Norway maple was a defining feature of my childhood, and yes, it’s invasive, and yes, every year it loses a limb, but I will still miss that tree when someone finally yanks its roots out of the ground.

Henry’s maples don’t quite invade our built environments like Norway maples. Having been introduced more recently as an ornamental tree, you’ll rarely find them outside of a garden. These trees are named for the Irish plant collector and medical doctor Augustine Henry, who studied medicinal plants in China in the 1880s. These Chinese natives of the Hubei and Sichuan provinces don’t have quite the allure of their Asiatic neighbors, the Acer palmatum (Japanese maple). However, it is a delightful, scraggly tree to make your acquaintance. Not to be confused with – but often confused with – Acer cissifolium (ivy-leaved maple), Henry’s maple has much smaller, spike-like inflorescences and sandstone-red new stem growth compared to the ivy-leaved maple’s striking yellows.

Reportedly hardy to Zone 5, these deciduous trees can reach a bushy 30 feet, but they don’t naturally have the shady habit of my childhood trees. They’re highly versatile plants, growing happily in sun, shade, moist, dry, and in a range of other soil environments. Similar to the Acer negundo (boxelder), Henry’s maple has mostly untoothed leaf margins in clusters of three, that can look like poison ivy as a sapling. 

Clethra alnifolia ‘Ruby Spice’ – summersweet clethra

In these final few days of July, catch the mighty full blooms of summersweet clethra sprinkled around campus. Bumblebees buzz all along the bloom spike. The dainty bouquet of flowers poke out of the thick deciduous shrub leaves, appearing almost as fuzzy as their pollinating friends. If you’re patient, sitting quietly out of reach, you may even see a wayward butterfly or hummingbird flit amongst the flowers on their hunt for nectar. This cultivar ‘Ruby Spice’ – spotted in front of Mertz Hall – flirts with pink hues, similar to my nearly washed-out pink hair dye.

This summer has been particularly kind to Clethra alnifolia with our happy helpings of rain. This plant loves to get its feet wet in poorly drained, moist soils and enjoys extended, multi-year vacations to the eastern coast of the United States from Florida to Maine (although, not directly on the beaches. It has salt-tolerant standards). Once established, this summersweet clethra will grudgingly tolerate slightly drier conditions, preferably in more acidic soils. Unlike many other shrubs, Clethra alnifolia happily blooms in August when situated in shadier spots. If you’re looking to fill a cozy little plot, perhaps a little damp, perhaps a little shaded, this deciduous shrub might be just the right speckle of fragrant floral buzz to perk up the late summer pollinators.

Asimina triloba – common pawpaw

Backed up against Willets Residence Hall is one of the few pawpaws on campus. Its bushy branches and floppy foliage typically fill in pockets of the understory on the forest edge or cluster in shrubby bunches on a riverbank. The pawpaw doesn’t mind getting its feet wet in well-drained soils, and it’ll fruit the best when glowing in the sunshine. 

I can count the number of times I’ve eaten a pawpaw on one hand. It’s not a commercially grown fruit you’ll find in the grocery store, or even a highly-prized treat at the farmers market. Often, squirrels and other critters swipe the fruit before humans get to them, or their easily-bruised skins batter their tasty pulp. A pawpaw tree also doesn’t self-pollinate; they need genetically-different neighbors to make fruit, and that can be a tough bargain for gardeners looking to plant a pawpaw on their property. Two trees? In this economy?! That being said, our fruit and vegetable consumption complacency must be addressed. Life is too short to limit your pallet of edible foods to the two dozen vegetables found at your local Giant. Why not try a pawpaw! Once you become familiar with their identifiable leaves, you’ll see them popping up on your streambank walks, bearing ripe fruit if you’re lucky. I will warn you, however, to be careful to avoid the poisonous skin and seeds when consuming this fruit.

In my case, I can confidently say that I have had pawpaw ice cream (as of Thursday last week). For his final summer as a horticulturist here at the Scott Arboretum & Gardens, Lars Rasmussen whipped up his renowned pawpaw ice cream. For weeks, I’d been hearing the same thing, “You have to get Lars to make his pawpaw ice cream.” And lo and behold on a hot day weeding under the magnolias, Lars swung over to the interns to ask which day would work best for our schedule. The anticipation sizzled. For those who haven’t been blessed with the sweet respite of pawpaw ice cream during a much-needed break from the summer heat, imagine the sweet amalgamation of banana, cantaloupe, and mango.

I now confidently call myself a pawpaw fan. Thank you for the ice cream, Lars, and enjoy retirement!

The post Plants of the Week: July 28 appeared first on Scott Arboretum & Gardens.

Sorghastrum nutans ‘Golden Sunset’- Indian grass

When in the John W. Nason Garden at the Scott Arboretum & Gardens, there are many large-leaved plants, tall plants, and spreading plants. While Sorghastrum nutans ‘Golden Sunset’, or Indian grass, may not be the winner in any of these categories, this plant still holds its own against any of the other plants in the garden. Sorghastrum nutans ‘Golden Sunset’ is an architectural, anchoring plant that adds structure to the garden throughout the summer, before having beautiful, feathery flowers and seeds through the fall and winter. Right now, the blue-green foliage and medium stature may not look like much, but these vertical stems – when interlaced with summer flowers and horizontal leaf textures – do an excellent job of framing the rest of the plants. The flowers that come in the fall are an amazing golden color (hence the cultivar name) that wave back and forth in the wind, transporting you to the Midwestern prairies. 

Speaking of the prairies, Sorghastrum nutans ‘Golden Sunset’ is a selection of the straight species from the University of Minnesota. The straight species of this plant is one of the four main prairie grasses of the United States, giving it ecological and historical value. The ‘Golden Sunset’ cultivar was selected for early golden plumes and an upright habit. This perennial grass thrives in full sun, and truly puts the “golden” in golden hour, as it shines during sunrise and sunset. The persistent seed heads and foliage provide food and nesting material for birds, while keeping their structure through the winter, offering year-round interest. Being a warm-season grass, Sorghastrum emerges a little later in the spring, after the soil temperatures warm up, so cut last year’s stems back in late winter to see the new growth flush out. With our summers getting more unpredictable, this plant is a reliable grower that can withstand both droughts and occasionally moist soils, so it will be an effective garden plant for years to come!

Eutrochium purpureum – Joe-Pye weed

Following along with the theme of verticality and height in a garden, my second plant is Eutrochium purpureum, or Joe-Pye weed. Found in the triangle bed in front of the Dining and Community Commons, this purple-flowering perennial has huge clusters that are covered with bees, moths, and butterflies! The domed flower clusters can be up to 18 inches across, with brilliant pink, purple, and whitish flowers that bloom from mid-summer into early fall. These domes are a hub of pollinator activity, with numerous different types of insects covering the flowers right next to each other. In addition to feeding nectar to the butterflies and moths, it is also a host plant for the caterpillars, allowing your garden to support many generations of butterflies. After the flowers are done, be sure to use the attractive seed heads throughout the winter in arrangements!

This plant is intolerant of dry soils, and creates dense clumps of tall stems that can reach up to 10 feet tall. Eutrochium purpureum has whorled leaves, meaning more than two come out at each node, which is where the genus name comes from. Effective in pollinator gardens due to its extremely attractive flowers, sweet Joe-Pye weed will add great height to perennial gardens, and can be paired with milkweeds and coneflowers to create a great summer display. Eutrochium purpureum is native to the Eastern U.S., where it can be found along riverbanks and in moist prairies. This perennial is low-maintenance and should be cut back before the spring to allow for the flush of new growth. The towering stems of Eutrochium purpureum are a great addition to any garden that stays moist.

Vernonia gigantea – tall ironweed

When passing by the upper Biostream, just down the hill from the Cut Flower Garden, you are sure to notice a towering plant with dark green foliage. This is Vernonia gigantea, or tall ironweed; the final addition to the height and structure theme of this Plant of the Week. This perennial flower’s size may make it look like a shrub, but it must be cut back every year to induce the new herbaceous growth. One of the top performers in the Mt. Cuba Center Trial Garden Vernonia trials, this plant is sure to be a showstopper in the Mid-Atlantic garden. With stems that can reach up to 15 feet tall and attractive pink flowers that bloom from late August until October, this plant will add height and a splash of color in the fall. Another clumping plant, tall ironweed is a dense perennial that creates a solid mass in the garden. While you’ll have to wait until late summer for the deep-purple flower, this plant still stands as a strong anchor point in the garden. While milkweeds are known for their monarch butterfly interactions, this plant also contributes to their southern migration, as it blooms while they are flying down to Mexico. In addition to the monarchs, this tall ironweed also attracts swallowtail butterflies and many other pollinators.

Vernonia gigantea performs well in a variety of cultural conditions, offers a brilliant backdrop to borders and other smaller gardens, and can be a focal point in a circular bed if you don’t have the space for a tree. If you are more into maintenance, deadheading the spent flowers of this plant will encourage a rebloom, extending the flowering period. This plant prefers full sun, so it is perfect for the back of a sunny garden area, with layers of different heights in front of it. 

The post Plants of the Week: July 21 appeared first on Scott Arboretum & Gardens.

Hydrangea aspera ‘Macrophylla’ – large-leaved scabrous hydrangea 

If you asked all of the 2025 Summer Interns at the Scott Arboretum and Gardens to name our favorite hydrangea, you’d hear one unanimous answer: Hydrangea aspera ‘Macrophylla’. And we’re not the only ones who regard it so highly; it earned the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society, so it’s officially fabulous.

The contrast between the delicate outer ring of large, white, sterile florets and the purple-mauve, fertile flowers in the center is magical. I think they resemble tiny flying saucers and each flower cluster is its own little galaxy. The foliage is just as impressive. Its large, dark green leaves can grow up to 12 inches long and are covered in a soft fuzz, giving it a velvety look. Despite its bold size, (up to 13 feet tall and wide) this hydrangea remains sturdy and upright, not the least bit floppy or unruly. You’ll find this showstopper in the Terry Shane Teaching Garden, right outside the Cunningham House. Take a moment to sit on the perfectly placed bench nearby and soak in the scene. You’ll likely see pollinators buzzing from bloom to bloom. In the winter, even after the flowers are gone, the plant keeps giving. Its exfoliating bark peels back in strips, adding interest and texture to the winter landscape.

Liatris spicata ‘Floristan White’ – blazing star 

If you’re looking for a vertical accent that’s both striking and pollinator-friendly, Liatris spicata ‘Floristan White’ might just be your new favorite plant. A stunning white-flowered cultivar of the native purple blazing star, this flower brings brightness and contrast to any garden or meadow planting.

The tall, upright flower spikes bloom from the top down, and grow 3 to 4 feet tall. The foliage adds a nice feathery texture before the blooms really start showing off. The white really pops, especially in contrast with deeper colors or late-summer greens. These stems are strong and not too floppy. And when they sway in a breeze, the movement guides your eye upward, creating rhythm and structure in the landscape. Pollinators also love it! It’s an excellent cut flower, adding both height and freshness to summer arrangements. You can find it planted at the West Garden.

Echinops bannaticus ‘Blue Glow’ – globe thistle 

If you’re looking to add bold texture and a pop of unexpected color to your garden, Echinops bannaticus ‘Blue Glow’, is a great option. Its smoky blue, spherical flowers hover above the garden on sturdy, upright stems that can reach up to 4 feet tall. The genus name Echinops, comes from the Greek word echinos, meaning hedgehog – a perfect nod to the adorable, spiny-looking flower heads.

Planted along the edge of the Entrance Garden near the Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Luna’, these flowers are constantly buzzing with pollinators. It’s also an excellent cut or dried flower, lending bold shape and long-lasting color to arrangements. The plant’s drought, deer, and rabbit resistance makes it ideal for tough garden conditions, especially in poor or dry soils, as long as they’re well-drained. Note that it develops a deep taproot, which makes it a survivor in dry climates, but also means it’s not easy to transplant or divide once established – so plant it where you want it to stay!

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Cercis canadensis [Flame Thrower®] ‘NC2016-2’ – eastern redbud

This incredibly bright red plant was one of the first specimens to catch my attention when I started my summer internship at the Scott Arboretum & Gardens. It was hard to miss the bright red and orange leaves amid the sea of green summer foliage. This fiery-hued tree is known as the Flame Thrower® eastern redbud, or Cercis canadensis ‘NC2016-2’ if you’re fancy. It is located in the Terry Shane Teaching Garden behind the Cunningham House, so you can’t miss it! It can grow 20-30 feet tall, often with multiple trunks. The gradient of yellow to red as the leaves cascade down the branches truly looks as though the tree is sending out streaks of fire. I think we can agree this cultivar is named perfectly. Not only can you enjoy this tree for its foliage, but it also blooms in early spring with gorgeous pea-like pinkish flowers. 

This particular cultivar of eastern redbud comes from a cross of Cercis canadensis ‘Ruby Falls’ and Cercis canadensis [The Rising Sun®] ‘JN2’. Incidentally, we have both of those species right here at Scott Arboretum. They can be found south of Pearson Hall and to the southeast of Whittier Hall, respectively. If you’d like to “meet the parents” so to speak, feel free to visit them and see where this unique redbud gets its genetics from. My favorite season by far is fall, due to the assortments of reds, yellows, and oranges found on the trees and shrubs. I believe this is why I was so drawn to this eastern redbud. It gives a much-needed taste of the fall foliage to hold yourself over through the spring and summer. 

Lagerstroemia subcostata var. fauriei ‘Townhouse’ – Japanese crapemyrtle

What initially caught my eye about this tree was the unique bark; a smooth, light cinnamon color with a peeling pattern that reveals a dark maroonish underlayer. The owner of this strange-looking bark is Lagerstroemia subcostata var. fauriei ‘Townhouse’, also known as a Japanese crapemyrtle. This tree loves full sun, and is located in the perfect position in front of Trotter Hall where it can sunbathe all day! As my eyes traveled up the tree, I was delightfully surprised to find glossy, emerald-green leaves and beautiful white flowers that were just starting to bloom. Even without its blooms or leaves, it still has enough winter interest with its distinctive bark to continue captivating viewers. These blooms will continue through August, so it is the perfect time to come see this beautiful tree with your own eyes. 

The Japanese crapemyrtle truly has so many interesting visual characteristics, but aside from its physical beauty, it is also a Heritage Tree here at the Scott Arboretum. This crapemyrtle was planted on July 19, 1992. It has been here before the first text message was sent (December 3, 1992), which is incredible to think about. You’ll have to come see this exquisite Heritage Tree and its unique bark for yourself. The tree has been expecting you since 1992, don’t keep it waiting any longer!

Allium ‘Summer Beauty’ – Portuguese allium

As I walked through the John W. Nason Garden, there was an allium species just starting to bloom. Full transparency, I noticed this particular plant not for its flower or foliage, but for the little bee that whizzed by me to sit atop it. This allium only grows up to 18 inches tall, so if not for that bee, I might not have looked down in the first place. However, I’m glad the bee encouraged me to notice this gorgeous flower with beautiful, light-purple blooms. The tiny, lavender-colored blooms create a sphere, which makes this flower look straight out of a fictional story. The shape reminds me of the flower that houses Whoville, from ‘Horton Hears a Who.’ It was a good reminder to look at all height levels while in a garden, because you never know what might be hiding in plain sight. 

This particular allium grows on the shorter side, ranging from 9-18 inches tall, making it the perfect specimen to put in the front of your garden. It can add some visual interest without the worry of the plant growing too tall and blocking what’s behind it. Many alliums, including this cultivar, emit a strong oniony-garlic fragrance. In fact, many alliums are commonly referred to as ornamental onions. The scented leaves mean this allium can add both visual and aromatic interest to any garden. You might tend to gravitate towards taller species of alliums, such as those found in the Dean Bond Rose Garden. However, let’s not forget about the little guys. After all, Horton says, “a person’s a person, no matter how small” and I think we can apply that to plants as well.  Make sure to stop by the Nason Garden to give these small but mighty alliums their fair share of attention.

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This Plants of the Week curation is to help expand our knowledge of the beauty of summer seedheads. Flowers tend to be the big shots around here, so shedding light on their altered forms can help us appreciate the life cycles of angiosperms and challenge what we believe is the standard of beauty. 

 Papaver somniferum – breadseed poppy 

When thinking of flowers, we usually imagine their showy petals and wonderful fragrance, but what about after the work of pollinators is done and flowers start to fade? Papaver somniferum, or breadseed poppy, is an eastern Mediterranean, cool season annual that offers a second life to spent blooms with their unique seed heads. The poppy seed begins its journey by germinating after a period of cold stratification breaks its enzymatic dormancy. In late spring, three foot tall, sessile, silvery-green foliage emerges on whimsical arched stems. The floral structures develop wrinkled inside of hairy, pendulous buds that burst open with crepe-paper petals bees can’t resist. P. somniferum’s gorgeous corollas look like gems speckled through drought-tolerant meadowlands, erupting the landscape with color. Whites, reds, pinks, and purples create an exciting poppy tapestry in the Entrance Garden here at Scott Arboretum & Gardens, where there is fertile soil and ample amounts of sun. 

Seemingly overnight, the pollen-induced ovules of P. somniferum quietly swell into their iconic pods, morphing the garden’s interest into something more structural. Their distinctive dehiscent fruit capsules provide architectural intrigue and create utilitarian opportunities for the gardener. Each pod is shaped like a baby’s rattle with radial vents on the top. Before the vents open, the pods can be shaken like maracas to create sound. The natural music comes from the thousands of edible seeds housed inside. When the vents finally open, the seeds shake out and self-sow creating plants for next season. The seeds can also be harvested and eaten, hence the poppy’s common name “breadseed” which are excellent in bagels and challah. The entire poppy pod and stem can also be cut and dried for floral arrangements or simply left in the garden for seed eating birds to enjoy.

Clematis integrifolia ‘Hendersonii’ –  solitary clematis

There are many varieties of Clematis on campus introduced by vine-enthusiast horticulturalists over the years, but one that stuck out to me was Clematis integrifolia ‘Hendersonii’ (solitary clematis), for its non-climbing, sprawling habit and frilled, moonlit-purple sepals that resemble urns. These magnificent flowers have glowing anthers and are situated above broad serpentine foliage, elucidating its specific epithet integrifolia meaning, “entire leaves” in Latin. This particular clematis is a very old perennial hybrid cross between Clematis integrifolia and Clematis viticella, so it is not naturally occurring in any native environment. However, within the confines of the Scott Arboretum & Gardens, we can find it creeping within well-moistened, well-draining, partly shaded borders and encroaching into pathways around the Entrance Garden. The specimen that caught my attention was winding between Lilium spp. at the Entrance Garden placard. Once identified, I discovered this plant was a seedling from an older 1987 accession. It is hard to say when this exact seedling appeared, given it is anoffspring from the mother plant located farther off in the Entrance Garden near the College Ave. Despite its mystery, the plant’s bronze, starburst seedheads did not fail to captivate me. 

The Ranunculaceae family, which houses Clematis spp., is known for their unique fruits called achenes. These Dr. Seuss plumes of ‘hair’ on the achenes are extensions of the flower’s stigmas, helping with wind dispersal; the likely method of dispersal for the happy accident of our solitary clematis’ daughter plant. Evolutionarily, I’m sure the clematis did not consider the intrigue an onlooker like me would feel when encountering these marvelous puff balls, but here we are as enthralled spectators. The fruit arrives after the late-blooming flowers have faded in summer, offering jubilation to the bored florist’s toolkit. They are bronze, silky, and seemingly exploding out from the center. These unique seed heads are an opportunity for exciting floral arrangements, will add shimmer and intrigue to your garden, and can provide habitat for wildlife. It’s worth noting that this plant will self-seed, but it is not considered aggressive and can easily be managed as it spreads joy to unoccupied corners of the garden. 

Carex grayi – gray sedge 

In my first-year garden, I made the mistake of choosing high-maintenance plants that start out spectacular, but then become dreary in the summer heat. I spent hours lamenting my choices while deadheading Petunia spp. and chopping spent Salvia spp. on hot July afternoons. As a naïve gardener, I believed uniqueness and wow-factor required effort, as if I had to earn what I sowed, but that isn’t always true. In fact, high-impact natives can satisfy the yearning we have for low-maintenance gems, leaving us more time to enjoy the garden. Carex grayi, or gray sedge, fits the bill as a North American native sedge that expands the interpretations of what we believe is natural. This plant bears an otherworldly fruit structure that resembles a medieval mace – a weapon used by knights and soldiers in war – or a sea urchin. The spikelet fruits, seeming far too large to be held up by the specimen’s delicate paper-thin leaves, are composed of clusters of inflated perigynia, each containing a single fruit called an achene. C. grayi has the largest known achene of any sedge and is a versatile facultative upland plant that can thrive in both woodlands and wetlands. The versatility of gray sedge is on display here at Scott Arboretum & Gardens, where you can find it at the Palmer Hall Rain Garden, Parish Hall North, and included in container arrangements at the Entrance Garden. The seeds of sedges are food sources for many kinds of birds and mammals and have dense, two-foot-tall foliage that shelters various native wildlife. Native planting proves that there doesn’t have to be a compromise when picking the right plant for your garden.

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Congratulations on surviving the longest day of the year! In honor of the summer solstice, I wanted to highlight some beautiful blooms, and in honor of sweating unstoppably in the gardens for the rest of the week, I wanted to highlight some shady spots to appreciate our marvelous solar system’s life-granting star and all her splendor from a shady distance.

Rudbeckia hirta – black-eyed Susan

What screams sunshine more than the lovely inflorescences of the family Asteraceae, home of the sunflowers. And flooding our meadows right now are the sunny yellow smiles of the black-eyed Susan, Rudbeckia hirta. These sun-loving, drought-tolerant, prairie plants are the perfect wink-and-nod to the sun as it keeps you up from 6 A.M. to 9 P.M.

Too much sun? Not enough rain? No such thing for R. hirta! These flowers do best in drier summers as their bristly hairs tend to hold water and collect diseases. These native plants will grow up to three feet tall and hold their blooms through the rest of the season. If you’re looking to grow your own, opt for slightly acidic, well-drained soils. These plants will readily self-seed each yearl, returning brightly to your garden for years to come.

They’ve truly blossomed by the Dining and Community Commons. Join the bumblebees and the Gorgone checkerspot butterflies as they flit amongst the flowers this week, and take a breather on the bench under the magnolia tree.

Catalpa bignonioides – southern catalpa

Perhaps the only snowfall you’ll be getting in Pennsylvania this time of year is from the delicate flower petals of the southern catalpa (Catalpa bignonioides). Out in bloom behind Mertz Hall, the catalpa’s bell-shaped flowers sing with their soft white petals, careful strokes of purple, and twinkling speckles of orange. In the coming weeks, keep an eye out for their incredible, foot-long seed pods that will no-doubt coat the lawn as well. 

These soaring trees with their buttressing branches, create a perfect outdoor room for the sweaty passerby. Our southern catalpas reach 37 feet, with the average C. bignonioides height sitting around 25-40 feet, and its massive heart-shaped leaves create quite the umbrella as well. These trees are perfectly content in the Pennsylvania climate, doing best in zones 5-9 where they can occupy the breadth of the sunny summer canopy. Tucked in the shade are a collection of stumpy seats to enjoy the blooms and escape the oppressive heat. 

Betula nigra [Heritage®] ‘Cully’– river birch

I’d be remiss if I didn’t give a range of sun-tolerant options. Whether drenched in summer sweat amidst the black-eyed Susans or cautiously cooling beneath the catalpas, the sun dances across sunscreened skin. For a true break – a deep shaded moment of respite – I offer the river birch grove. Amongst these trees teetering almost 60 feet, you’ll finally be swamped in some delicious, murky shade. River birch ghosts may recall being used for furniture, ox yokes, and wooden shoes, but these trees now need only provide canopy and aesthetics – perfect for a sunny, summer afternoon!

River birch perch on the edge of their zone range here in Pennsylvania, doing best in deep, loamy, well-drained wet soils, but they tolerate drought once established. As with many birches, these river birches grow fast and tall in full-sun environments, soaring as tall as 80 feet in ideal conditions. This particular cultivar is disease resistant, having a particularly excellent resistance to bronze birch borer. However, the most captivating element of these trees is their sunrise-pink, peeling bark. Visitors can thank previous Scott Arboretum interns for this generous gift: The Scott Arboretum & Gardens planted these river birches in 1997 to commemorate 20 years of education through internships, and the trees are dedicated to and made possible by the Scott interns’ donations. When you find this sweet grove nestled by the train tracks, take a moment to drink water and reapply sunscreen before adventuring onward!

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Rhus typhina ‘Dissecta’ (staghorn sumac)

If you drive down Interstate 476, or any major road, from mid-fall through late winter, chances are, you’ve seen bright red cones protruding from spindly looking branches. These are the seed heads of Rhus typhina, or staghorn sumac. The staghorn sumac gets its common and latin names from the velvety hairs that cover the new stem growth in the winter, with staghorn referring to the velvet of deer horns, and typhina referring to the genus for cattails, Typha. This native plant is an adaptable species that often seeds readily in disturbed areas. While the straight species may not have the best ornamental qualities, the same can not be said for Rhus typhina ‘Dissecta’.

 Found on the northwest corner of the Matchbox at the Scott Arboretum & Gardens, this cultivar has deeply cut foliage with a distinct fern-like look and turns an attractive orange, red, and yellow in the fall. After the leaves fall to the ground, the cones, which I think look like little party hats, contain red drupefruits which can be used to make sumac-ade! Sumac-ade is a drink made from the sumac drupes, that tastes fruity and tart, making the sumac a good substitute for lemons. Be careful though, an inedible plant that has similar foliage to the straight species sumac exists, but can be differentiated by white berries underneath the leaves oriented sideways from the stems (inedible), instead of red cones on top of the stems (edible).

Rhus typhina ‘Dissecta’ forms colonies through root suckers, and grows up to 15’ tall, with leaves that can be 2’ long. This versatile tree can be grown in full sun or part shade, and in a variety of soils. The staghorn sumac excels at slope stabilization thanks to its suckering habit, which is evidenced by its location on Swarthmore’s campus. The curving and arching stems topped by red cones offer winter interest and an architectural element to a garden. During the spring and summer, the large foliage and greenish-yellow cones of flowers shine and in the fall, the leaves turn bright colors, truly making this a four season plant. While the root suckering habit may be a bit aggressive, this tree is an excellent addition for a natural garden, where all of its wonderful qualities can be expressed to the fullest. 

Magnolia macrophylla (bigleaf magnolia)

On my first day here at the Scott Arboretum and Gardens, I parked down the road from the Wister Center at the Cunningham Tennis Courts. As I pulled into the parking lot, I was struck by the sight of a very tropical looking plant with massive leaves right next to the tennis courts. Upon further investigation, I recognized this tree as Magnolia macrophylla or bigleaf magnolia. Aptly named, the leaves can be up to 3’ long and 1’ wide, making it the largest simple leaf native to North America! Not only are the leaves large, the stunning white flower with a beautiful scent is also the largest native flower! With both these qualities, this tree is sure to be a showstopper in any garden space. Blooming in early summer (right now!), this tree offers great shade to sit under and beautiful white flowers to look at.

Very rare in the wild, the bigleaf magnolia has few populations in the U.S., mostly found in river valleys and ravines. This beautiful specimen tree is also relatively disease and pest resistant, but it must be protected from strong winds and pollutants. Growing to 40’ tall and wide, with a beautiful excurrent, pyramidal form; this tree is a delight to have in any full sun or part shade area. Make sure to head over to the Cunningham Fields soon to see this magnificent tree!

Pinus palustris (longleaf pine)

While there may be no colorful truffula trees within the Scott Arboretum & Gardens collection, there are many plants that have a similarly fluffy look to them. One such tree is the Pinus palustris, or the longleaf pine, which can be found in the upper pinetum outside of the Dining Hall and Community Commons. At its young age on campus, this tree has longer leaves than fit its stature, making it look fluffy and soft from far away: like a green truffula. 

Typically native to the Southeastern U.S., I first saw this tree in Williamsburg, Virginia, and immediately loved it. The shaggy look and weeping needles captivated me, and I did some more research on this species. These trees have a grass stage in their early life, where the needles, that can reach up to 18” in length, look like an upright grass for the first several years of its life, due to the short stem at that stage. 

The species epithet palustris typically indicates a wetland tree, so this tree enjoys moist soils, but still wants good drainage. It is a full sun plant, as with most pines, and must be planted in a warm spot in our area, as we are just on the edge of its minimum growing zone. Be careful around this tree when it gets to maturity though, as it has one of the largest and heaviest cones of any pine species, and they will fall from the tree in late fall.

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