Rhododendron ‘Montchanin’ has burst onto the scene, the ethereal white blooms acting as an invitation into the Crum Woods.  Rhododendron ‘Montchanin’ is a hybrid rhododendron with azalea-like qualities. The bell shaped blooms are translucent white with a hint of pink and the subtle, red-tipped pistil is the cherry on top!  To me this plant is perfectly suited in the woodland setting above the amphitheater, matching the natural aesthetic. Unlike other azaleas, which often boast bright colors, the white blooms of R. ‘Montchanin’ stand out without looking gaudy, also befitting of the woodland spirit. Photo credit: R. Payne-Meyer

Another woodland dweller, Trillium sessile, commonly known as toadshade, is also putting on a show. This unique ephemeral gets a psychedelic appearance from the colorful and unpredictable spotting on the foliage. The silvery- blue- green- purple tones of the foliage present an unusual color palette that speaks to me, and it pairs well with the wine-red flowers. Equally as unique as the foliage, the flowers remain pursed (unlike the open blooms of T. erectum or T. flexipes) and lack a pedicel (stalk).  T. sessile is a U.S. native with a broad range, stretching from the Great Lakes to Alabama, including Pennsylvania. Site in the dappled light of a wooded area for the greatest success and effect. You can find a number of T. sessile clumps in the Meetinghouse Woods. Photo credit: R. Payne-Meyer

Sticking to the woodland, Dirca palustris (commonly known as leatherwood) is putting on another unique, albeit subtle, floral display.  This uncommon native may have understated qualities, but the simplicity is endearing to me. The slender, pendant flowers are a treat for those with a sharp eye; the yellowy green blooms appear just before the similarly colored new foliage in late March.  Foliage is soft green in the growing season, a bit like Lindera benzoin, a common neighbor of D. palustris. The smooth goldish brown stems are quite ornamental, and also quite pliable. You can impress your friends by twisting the stems about; within reason they won’t snap! Requiring moist, rich soils, and some shade, D. palustris grows mostly in lowlands and along streambanks. To see D. palustris at the Arboretum, take the informal path above the Scott Outdoor Amphitheater near Clothier circle and look to the amphitheater side. Photo credit: R. Payne-Meyer

The post Plants of the Week: April 11 appeared first on Scott Arboretum & Gardens.

In the winter garden, the focus often shifts to trees. With deciduous trees revealing their wonderful forms and evergreens providing color and structure, it’s easy to be wooed – and to overlook the aesthetic role of shrubs.  Shrubs can help to pull the garden together in winter, providing interesting bark, berries, and flowers, without taking up as much room as trees.  

A pop of orange can be found on Ilex verticillata ‘Winter Gold’ (winterberry). This marvelous cultivar is a sport of the ‘Winter Red’ cultivar. As much as I love the classic red winterberry, the peachy orange berries (they aren’t very gold) of ‘Winter Gold’ really speak to me. Each time I pass the entrance to John W. Nason Garden by Trotter Hall, my eye is drawn to the two I. verticillata ‘Winter Gold’ plants flanking the south entry, their bountiful berries a bright and welcoming sight. Photo credit: R. Payne-Meyer

Another shrub keeping things peachy around in the Terry Shane Teaching Garden is Cornus sanguinea ‘Cato’ (Arctic Sun™ bloodtwig dogwood). This colorful cultivar of the blood-twig dogwood also strays from the typical red coloration to shades of peach, pink and yellow. Intermittent pruning helps to rejuvenate this shrub, providing greater vigor and brighter colored stems (the newest stems provide the brightest color). To rejuvenate, remove a quarter to a third of the oldest stems each year. You can also prune to the branch intersections, thickening certain junctions, or if the shrub has become large and unwieldy, leave just a few inches of stems at the base for a real restart. Photo credit: R. Payne-Meyer

And lastly, Hydrangea quercifolia (oakleaf hydrangea) continues to shine, though far removed from its flowering period. Another native to the Southern US, this shrub has a remarkable ability to retain its old foliage and flowers through the winter. In the spring, the upright panicles are a lovely sight, and in the fall, foliage takes on shades of deep red, burgundy and purple. The unique oak-leaf shape of the leaves sets this species apart from many other hydrangeas, which often have mundane foliage. Add flaking orange bark, and you can see why H. quercifolia is a stand-out shrub for winter interest. There are many H. quercifolia cultivars available, offering many floral and foliage characteristics in a range of sizes. A great specimen can be found in the Rose Garden Circle. Photo credit: R. Payne-Meyer

Visit the Scott Arboretum today to see these colorful shrubs for yourself! Try using the Arboretum Navigator at scottarboretum.org to locate these plants, as well as the many other botanical treasures found here at the Arboretum. 

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

Starting with the common name “monkey puzzle tree,” Araucaria araucana promises to excite and puzzle those unfamiliar with it. A. araucana is a member of the ancient Araucaria genus (of the Araucariaceae family), a group of trees of the Southern Hemisphere, whose lineage dates to the Jurassic period. A. araucana is the most cold hardy and the best known of the genus. A. araucana is endemic to foggy slopes of The Andes between Chile and Argentina, where it often grows at high elevations in well-draining soils derived from volcanic rocks. 

Sharp, scale-like leaves bestow a reptilian appearance to this evergreen conifer. The thick trunk and branches are laden with these scales, which seem to shout “Don’t touch!”.  At the branch tips a dense whorl of leaves surrounds the terminal bud, like a mini agave. The novel scale-like leaves persist for about 25 years before being shed. 

Symmetrical branching with upturned tips creates a candelabra effect on young trees while an egg shape marks the later stages of youth. As plants mature the branches become pendulous, the tips still upturned. Eventually A. araucana develops a tall, slender umbrella form, the trademark look of the species. I love the various habits of this tree, each fun and appealing in its own way.

What’s with the common name?! It seems to be from a prominent British politician who, when showing a specimen to friends, remarked it would puzzle a monkey to climb it. Being very rare at the time, there was no common name, and so “monkey puzzle tree” stuck – or so the story goes. 

A theoretical head- (and hand-) ache for a monkey indeed! The spikes are hypothesized to have been an adaptation against much bigger pests, though: dinosaurs! The species is also uniquely adapted to the threat of fire; the thick bark is highly fire resistant and epicormic shoots may be produced after fires.

As you can imagine, A. araucana makes a bold statement in the landscape.  It can be used as a specimen, accent, or in a grouping. Trees grown in cultivation can expect to grow 20’-30’, and maintain a conical shape.

Naturally occurring trees can grow upwards of 130’ and live 1,000 years. The tall trunks of mature A. araucana have historically been prized for lumber, contributing to species endangerment; Luckily, they are now protected from harvest by law. 

As mentioned before, A. araucana prefers a well-drained soil and a high moisture environment. In its native environment, this tree experiences wet summers and dry winters, a weather trait unique to few places. Because we have no dry season here, well-draining soil is especially crucial to the species’ success. Though A. araucana prefers full sun, it dislikes high and prolonged heat. These preferences make A. araucana a great choice for the Pacific Northwest, but the somewhat picky nature of this tree can make it tricky to please on our side of  the country. 

One of the few places I’ve seen A. araucana grown on the East Coast is Polly Hill Arboretum in Martha’s Vineyard, MA. Here, a group of trees have grown to impressive size, weathering decades of New England winters. This may seem like an unlikely place for this zone 7(8) species to thrive, but the milder temperatures of the island, sandy soil and moist air help orchestrate this botanical feat. 

Inspired by the Polly Hill planting, the Scott Arboretum sought to introduce a group of A. araucana trees. Originally planted in the low-lying pinetum, the trees failed. Recognizing the need for better drainage, a second attempt was made to establish 5 trees at a higher location on Parrish Lawn, near Clothier Hall. Planted in 2019, 3 remain and are approximately 6’ now – fingers crossed!

Visit the Scott Arboretum today to see this one-of-a-kind tree for yourself! And consider exploring the newly renovated Pinetum, where you can find many more unique conifers, new paths, and a grand seating area.

The post Plant of the Month: <em> Araucaria araucana </em> appeared first on Scott Arboretum & Gardens.

The Chinese photinia (Photinia serrulata) is an unsuspecting member of the Rosaceae family with a treat for every season. A specimen in the BioStream is in good company with fellow Rosaceae genera Sorbus and Crataegus nearby, but this tree bears little resemblance to its cousins. Because unlike most of the Rosaceae family, most Photinia species, including P. serrulata, have evergreen foliage.  The small, white, 5-petaled flowers which appear in spring are a tell-tale cue of Rosaceous lineage, though. The flower buds, leaf buds and new leaves are all red, vibrant and showy. Fertilized flowers form plentiful small red fruits too, which stand out against the glossy foliage. The mottled and flaky bark is unique and unpredictable, adding further character. Photo credit: R. Payne-Meyer

Speaking of bark character, it’s hard to beat Betula nigra ‘Little King’ (sold as Fox Valley®). A squatter and slower growing cultivar of the ever popular river birch (B. nigra), this tree indeed deserves royal status. ‘Little King’ offers all of the ornamental appeal with less of the mess. The exfoliating bark is dramatic, with its huge peels of brown, white, and salmon. The presentation of the bark seems enhanced by the wide branching and short stature of this cultivar. ‘Little King’ typically grows around 10’ tall and wide, but the two trees on campus easily surpass this size. Hardy, adaptable, and easy to grow, this tree has garnered professional praise for its superior landscape qualities.  B. nigra ‘Little King’ has won the Cary Award, recognizing superior plants for the New England region, and Gold Medal Award of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. Photo credit: R. Payne-Meyer

Impressive as B. nigra ‘Little King’ is, Pinus sylvestris ‘Watereri’ (Scot’s pine) may gives it a run for its money in the impressive bark category. This short and dense cultivar of P. sylvestris exhibits steely foliage and a flattened, irregular top. But under the dense foliage is the real treat: contorted branches decorated with a patchwork of flaking orange bark. P. sylvestris ‘Watereri’ is much slower growing than the species, but can eventually reach up to 20’. Time and thoughtful pruning makes a marvelous specimen. Remove lower branches and create windows in the plant structure to accentuate the bark. Photo credit: R. Payne-Meyer

You can find P. sylvestris ‘Watereri’ on the west side of Bond Hall on the wall above the lawn. Two impressive specimens of B. nigra ‘Little King’ grace the south side of Bond Hall and the north side of Sharples Dining Hall. The P. serratifolia outside of Willet’s Residence Hall is also first-rate; it was just awarded Heritage Tree status, a designation based on multiple criteria which recognizes trees of particular significance to the Arboretum. 

Plan a visit to the Scott Arboretum today to see all these trees and much more! We are open from dawn to dusk, 365 a year. 

The post Plants of the Week: January 17 appeared first on Scott Arboretum & Gardens.

Few trees have such a distinguishing character as Platanus occidentalis, the American sycamore. Even to the layperson, these grand trees clearly stand out from the rest. The patchwork bark – brown, orange, green and of course, white – make these trees jump out, especially in the winter landscape. The white-tipped branches can be seen from miles away, sharply contrasting the sky and the dull tones of other trees. The bark character and imposing form of these titans make them among the most visually impressive trees anywhere. 

Sprawling giants can be found in farm fields, each with its own distinct character, each instantly recognizable as a sycamore. photo credit: R. Payne-Meyer

P. occidentalis boasts many representatives of the largest trees on the East Coast. The tuliptree, (Liriodendron tulipifera) may give P. occidentalis a run for its money, but P. occidentalis is generally considered the largest tree species native to eastern North America. These behemoths live over 400 years, and continue to grow until death. When open-grown, P. occidentalis trees are approximately equal in spread and height, with astoundingly girthy trunks. Sprawling giants can be found in farm fields, each with its own distinct character, each instantly recognizable as a sycamore. Trees reach 75’-100’ in height and width, growing as tall as 120’ with even greater spread potential. The Pawling Sycamore of Valley Forge, PA has an astounding average spread of 174’.

Few trees have such a distinguishing character as Platanus occidentalis, the American sycamore. photo credit: R. Robert

Many East Coast states have famous sycamore trees like the Pawling Sycamore, revered for their size and growth form. The Buttonball Tree of Massachusetts and the Pinchot Sycamore of Connecticut, are two notable sycamores of New England. The sycamores of Southeastern Pennsylvania may just take the cake though. This region is home to multiple specimens among the largest in North America, and to that end, the world. 

These trees, Platanus occidentalis, are an excellent choice for riparian plantings and naturalized areas, growing quickly and supporting a range of wildlife. photo credit: R. Robert

Here the author is seen in Chester County next to a P. occidentalis tree calculated at 517 points, bested (arguably) by only one other sycamore in Mercersburg, PA with 529 points.  (Score = trunk circumference (in.) + tree height (ft.) + ¼ average crown spread (ft.)). Check out the website for champion trees of Pennsylvania, pabigtrees.com, to learn about these prized sycamores and other awe-inspiring specimens across the state. 

P. occidentalis trees are impressively adaptable, growing from Southern Canada to Florida, westward to Texas. This species wants full sun, and while found almost exclusively in wetland and riparian areas, prefers a well-drained soil. Despite the specificity of naturally occurring plants, P. occidentalis is easily grown in garden and lawn settings. A wide tolerance of pollutants makes P. occidentalis is a great fit for the city or countryside. The actual fit of this tree in the landscape proves more challenging. 

In a residential setting this tree can be more a burden than a blessing, with exfoliating bark, fallen twigs and fruit creating a mess. This, plus an aggressive root system, makes P. occidentalis poorly suited as a street tree. This noble tree is right at home in a park setting though. Here a little messiness can be overlooked and trees may provide shade and wildlife refuge for hundreds of years. P. occidentalis trees are as impressive grown en masse as singly; the collective effect of a sycamore grove is stunning. These trees are an excellent choice for riparian plantings and naturalized areas, growing quickly and supporting a range of wildlife. 

A hybrid species between P. occidentalis and P. orientalis, P. x acerifolia is commonly found across the U.S. and Europe due to extreme adaptability and urban tolerance. photo credit: R. Robert

A hybrid species between P. occidentalis and P. orientalis, P. x acerifolia is commonly found across the U.S. and Europe due to extreme adaptability and urban tolerance. With similar bark and stature to P. occidentalis, it can be hard to tell these two trees apart. This lookalike cousin can be most easily distinguished from P. occidentalis by the fruit: P. x acerifolia fruit usually comes in pairs of two, while P. occidentalis fruits occur singly.

With similar bark and stature to P. occidentalis, it can be hard to tell P. x acerifolia from P. occidentalis. photo credit: R. Robert

Unfortunately, P. occidentalis is susceptible to plane anthracnose from the fungal pathogen Apiognomonia veneta. This introduced fungus found its original host in P. orientalis, though this species and, to a lesser extent, P. x acerifolia, exhibit resistance to it. P. occidentalis trees are often heavily affected by this foliar disease. Though plane anthracnose does not cause serious harm to P. occidentalis, it does cause unsightly defoliation which reduces the ornamental value and growth potential of the tree. The disease overwinters in diseased leaves and cankers on branches. Removal of leaves and branches from the ground nearby helps to prevent infection. Branches with cankers and any dead branches should also be pruned. 

Platanus x acerifolia ‘Bloodgood’ is another cultivar to consider. photo credit: R. Robert

Bizarrely, Platanus trees are considered by some to be the closest relatives of the aquatic lotus genus, Nelumbo. Both Platanus and Nelumbo are likely living fossils, surviving species from a formerly much larger group of related plants. Like its forgotten relatives, P. occidentalis faces the threat of being phased out, at least in gardens. There are so many things I find fun and fascinating about this tree, it is my hope and prayer that this species sees a comeback in landscape use. Lest we forget the majesty of the American sycamore! 

The post Plant of the Month: <em> Platanus occidentalis</em> appeared first on Scott Arboretum & Gardens.

The translucent yellow blooms of Chimonanthus praecox arrive in late January with a bang. The effect of light shining through the flowers and their novel, zesty scent, is spellbinding. Any plant in full bloom mid-winter is going to turn a few heads, but even unseen this shrub begs to be discovered. The flowers perfume the surroundings, near and far, with an aroma unmatched and unforgettable. It stands to reason why this plant is commonly called fragrant wintersweet. Unremarkable outside of its bloom period, C. praecox is well suited in a mixed-shrub border. More importantly, this shrub should be sited near a well- trafficked area, where the scent and sight of the flowers can be appreciated. Photo credit: R. Payne-Meyer

The China fir, Cunninghamia lanceolata (Chinafir) is a unique conifer with foliage that varies from dark green to, at its best, piercing light blue. Needles are large, sharp, and tapered towards the tip. The round artichoke-like cones are pretty, and like the foliage, spiky. 

This tree keeps a neat shape and dense growth from top to bottom. To me, this species has a primordial and tropical look. Mature plants can become quite large, upwards of 70’. 

As tough as it is lovely, this conifer tolerates severe heat and drought. This makes C. lanceolata a great choice for this region, where the summer weather can be inhibitory to some coniferous species (think Abies and Larix). C. lanceolata ‘Glauca’ is a worthy selection featuring impressive blue foliage and winter hardiness.  Photo credit: R. Payne-Meyer

With attractive exfoliating bark, clean and colorful foliage, Parrotia persica is often lauded as a multi-season interest tree. Yet one of its most fun features goes largely unnoticed! Small red flowers, enclosed by dark brown bracts appear in late January, a real treat for those with a discerning eye. The red looks great with the khaki and gray tones of the bark. Examination of the flowers has also brought to my attention the wonderful branching habit of this tree. Low branches make the base broad, though the overall habit remains tight and upright.  

As the specific epithet persica and common name Persian ironwood imply, modern-day Iran is home for this tree, specifically the Caucasus.  P. persica is a great fit for our climate too, and develops into a wonderful medium-large specimen. This tree is sure to impress throughout the seasons and years, with bark and stature that seems to just get better with age.  Photo credit: J. Coceano

Botanical highlights like these provide liveliness and awe as many yearn for such stimulation. Though the Arboretum presently remains closed, I hope you find joy in this indirect offering. How are you planning to improve your garden’s winter appeal?

The post Plants of the Week: Feb. 8 appeared first on Scott Arboretum & Gardens.

Evergreen foliage and ornamental bark are two features I could never be without in the winter garden. It’s only natural that these features take center stage in the leafless months.

The form of Pinus wallichianan is a bit unpredictable, but somewhat similar to the common U.S. East Coast native, Pinus strobus (Eastern white pine). photo credit: R. Payne-Meyer

An engaging evergreen is the Himalayan pine, Pinus wallichiana. This montane pine is adorned with long, bluish-green, soft droopy needles – an absolute joy to my eye. The form of this pine is a bit unpredictable, but somewhat similar to the common U.S. East Coast native, Pinus strobus (Eastern white pine). Cones are dark brown, long and slender, a perfect match for the foliage. P. wallichiana trees have a squat appearance in youth and a tall, slender form in maturity. Mature trees sited in a sunny spot will retain their lower branches, a trait uncommon among pines.

Highly whimsical and equally dignified, this shrubby, slow-growing variety of P. densiflora, P. ‘Umbraculifera’ is quite the charmer in older age. photo credit: R. Payne-Meyer

Another top-shelf pine is Pinus densiflora ‘Umbraculifera’, the Tanyosho pine. Highly whimsical and equally dignified, this shrubby, slow-growing variety of P. densiflora is quite the charmer in older age. Fiery red-orange bark is showcased by dense upright growth, concentrated towards the top of the plant. Mature trees often develop a skewed flat top and twisted branches. The overall appearance of this pine is coarse. P. densiflora ‘Umbraculifera’ is well suited in meadows, rock gardens, Asian gardens, or as an open-grown specimen in the lawn. The P. densiflora species is native to Japan, the Korean Peninsula and northeastern China. 

Less tidy and formal than most conifers, pines often have eccentric features – great for making a statement in the landscape.  A flat top and tiered habit are common sights on mature pines; Features like these make pines well suited as unaccompanied specimen trees. 

Another tree with vivid bark is Acer tegmentosum ‘Joe Witt’, the Manchu striped maple. photo credit: R. Payne-Meyer

Another tree with vivid bark is Acer tegmentosum, the Manchu striped maple (not to be confused with Manchurian maple, Acer mandshuricum). The green-yellow bark of this maple is decorated with vertical white stripes. Like many striped maples, the bark is more colorful during the winter months. The white striping is more notable on the tips of young branches.

Acer ‘White Tigress’ also boasts impressive white striping and is considered one of the most heat tolerant striped maples. photo credit: R. Payne-Meyer

Two notable selections of A. tegmentosum are ‘Joe Witt’ and ‘White Tigress’, the latter often considered a hybrid with A. davidii (David maple). A. tegemenosum ‘Joe Witt’ has exceptional white coloration, so much so that young plants may appear almost completely white. Acer ‘White Tigress’ also boasts impressive white striping and is considered one of the most heat tolerant striped maples. The ghostly effect of these trees is made better yet by an evergreen backdrop. 

Celebrate the brisk days of winter with evergreen foliage and textured bark in the garden. 

The post Plants of the Week: Jan. 25 appeared first on Scott Arboretum & Gardens.

Thuja occidentalis are typically narrow pyramidal but can develop a broad span with time. photo credit: R. Payne-Meyer

Sometimes plants take a while to grow on me, and sometimes plants I previously disliked I come to really like. Such is the case with the Thuja genus. Woody plant expert Michael Dirr calls Thuja occidentalis (eastern arborvitae) “as common as grass,” and my expectation for T. occidentalis trees in the landscape are typically low as the grass on the putting green. I would submit that the all too common browned out and humdrum spire-type cultivars of T. occidentalis belie the true dignity of this genus. These soft-textured conifers deserve some praise.

The zany low-armed branching of mature Thuja occidentalis specimens is easy to love. photo credit: R. Payne-Meyer

Make no mistake, the untamed and crooked form of a cliffside Thuja occidentalis can be awe- inspiring. I have the greatest respect for the beauty of plants in their natural setting. A straight species T. occidentalis, though irregular, is usually handsome to my eye. Plants are typically narrow pyramidal but can develop a broad span with time. The zany low-armed branching of mature specimens is easy to love. Two grand specimens of the straight species anchor the northeast side of Wharton Hall, showcasing the potential majesty of this tree.

Dark sprays of ferny foliage with cones on Thuja plicata ‘Atrovirens’. photo credit: J. Coceano

When visiting the Pacific Northwest, I was delighted by the grace and dignity of wild-growing Thuja plicata, the western arborvitae. These mammoths are the largest of the cypress family (Cupressaceae), growing to 70’ in the landscape and up to 200’ in the wild. Dark sprays of ferny foliage and a slender conical shape make this plant proud and proper. Dirr calls the foliage the most beautiful of all the arborvitaes. Unlike its cousin T. occidentalis, commercial varieties of this plant hold up just as well in the garden as in nature, and don’t suffer from unattractive winter discoloration. T. plicata ‘Excelsa’ is a smaller selection that shares the grace and dense habit of species, and is great for a coniferous screen in limited space. T. plicata ‘Zebrina’ is a stellar selection offering subtle golden variegation.

These mammoths, Thuja plicata, are the largest of the cypress family (Cupressaceae), growing to 70’ in the landscape and up to 200’ in the wild. photo credit: R. Payne-Meyer

The Korean arborvitae, Thuja koraiensis has dashing foliage as well: blue-green on top and white beneath. The contrast is sharp, but tough to see under the drooping foliage. T. koraiensis is shrubby and grows slowly. The form is broad and gracefully pyramidal. Plants grow approximately 15’ in height, but can reach 30’. T. koraiensis ‘Glauca Prostrata’ is a prostrate form that makes a great substitute for Microbiota decussata, the Russian arborvitae. This form is boosted by an elevated site, such as above a wall, where the silvery foliage can be shown off.

The Korean arborvitae, Thuja koraiensis has dashing foliage as well: blue-green on top and white beneath. photo credit: R. Payne-Meyer

The Japanese arborvitae, T. standishii, is also a smaller- statured conifer, growing a bit larger than T. koraiensis in the landscape, but much larger in the wild. Arched branches with flattened sprays of droopy foliage provide a weeping effect. A hybrid between T. plicata and T. standishii, Thuja ‘Green Giant’, is widespread in the plant industry and is more worthy than the equally ubiquitous T. occidentalis selections. These plants form a perfect conical shape and have an extraordinary growth rate.

While T. ‘Green Giant’ makes an attractive specimen tree, it is most commonly used for screening and hedging. photo credit: R. Payne-Meyer

While T. ‘Green Giant’ makes an attractive specimen tree, it is most commonly used for screening and hedging. This selection boasts better disease resistance than Leyland cypress (×Cuprocyparis leylandii) and better deer resistance than T. occidentalis.

T. plicata ‘Zebrina’ is a stellar selection offering subtle golden variegation. photo credit: R. Payne-Meyer

Thuja sutchuenensis (Sichuan arborvitae) is the fifth and final species of Thuja, a tree rare in horticulture, and nearly extinct in the wild. This is a tree I would hope to see welcomed into the Arboretum collection in the future.

The Japanese arborvitae, T. standishii, is also a smaller- statured conifer, growing a bit larger than T. koraiensis in the landscape, but much larger in the wild. photo credit: R. Payne-Meyer

The aroma of Thuja spp. is a treat as well. The fibrous bark-with strips of tan, brown, red and orange- looks great and smells great crushed. The fruity aroma of the foliage is more noticeably aromatic yet. Add this to the numerous reasons I think this genus deserves another chance!

T. plicata ‘Excelsa’ is a smaller selection that shares the grace and dense habit of species, and is great for a coniferous screen in limited space. photo credit: R. Payne-Meyer

The post Plant of the Month: <em>Thuja</em> spp. appeared first on Scott Arboretum & Gardens.

While the holiday color palette is typically composed of red, white, green and gold, I feel that muted shades of brown, gray and blue feel just right at this time of the year too. I prefer the subtlety of this palette and find these colors better mimic the natural colors of the season.

The concolor fir, Abies concolor (white fir), is a lovely soft textured conifer cherished for steely blue foliage and a tight pyramidal form. photo credit: R. Payne-Meyer

The concolor fir, Abies concolor (white fir), is a lovely soft textured conifer cherished for steely blue foliage and a tight pyramidal form. Native to mountainous regions of the Western United States, this hardy fir has a pleasant aroma and makes a top-shelf Christmas tree. The blue foliage accentuates the attractive upright cones which mature to brown and purple. Abies concolor grows approximately 50’x20’ with age. Hardy to USDA zone 3, this plant tolerates cold temperatures, and while full sun is preferred, hot and humid weather are not appreciated. In the Mid-Atlantic this tree should be sited in cooler areas of the landscape. 

Eucalyptus gunnii ‘Steel Tower’(cider gum) also offers steely blue foliage and a narrow upright habit, as the cultivar name would suggest. photo credit: R. Payne-Meyer

Eucalyptus gunnii ‘Steel Tower’(cider gum) also offers steely blue foliage and a narrow upright habit, as the cultivar name would suggest.  Listed as hardy to 9a this plant is typically used as an annual in our region and northward. However, plants sold with a predicted size of 36” stand over ten feet two years after planting at the Scott Arboretum in zone 7b. Dried eucalyptus branches are popular due to the scented foliage, but also make a lovely addition to holiday arrangements.  Observe the subtle yet striking combination in the background of the bright white Betula papyrifera (paper birch) branches with khaki-toned Lindera angustifolia var. glabra (willow-leaved spicebush), and how the soft blue plays well off these colors. 

What colors do you associate with this time of the year? How are you using colors to shape the mood of your spaces? 

The post Plants (& Color) of the Week: December 21 appeared first on Scott Arboretum & Gardens.

With our holiday sale wrapped up and the first snow falling this week, the spirit of the season has taken hold of me. Like many people I find great joy in the holiday tradition of adorning homes and businesses with greens and twigs. I spend a great deal of my days thinking about colors and which combinations would provide an aesthetically pleasing effect within a certain context. When considering the moment’s botanical decor for containers and arrangements, I often choose colors that represent a mood of that particular season. 

Some of our native trees and shrubs seem like they’re made for this time of the year, such as Betula papyrifera, Ilex opaca, Ilex verticillata, Magnolia grandiflora, Abies concolor, and Pinus strobus. These plants will never go out of style with the charm and nostalgia they evoke. Despite these plants being most commonly associated with the holiday season, a great many more can serve as excellent substitutes to keep things interesting and horticulturally inspired. 

Daphniphyllum macropodum (daphniphyllum) is an Asian broadleaf evergreen that would work perfectly within the typical holiday color scheme. photo credit: R. Payne-Meyer

Daphniphyllum macropodum (daphniphyllum) is an Asian broadleaf evergreen that would work perfectly within the typical holiday color scheme.  This rare plant has bright red-pink petioles which stand out sharply against lustrous rhododendron-like foliage, giving this plant a common name of redneck rhododendron (unrelated to the derogatory term). D. macropodum prefers full sun to part-shade and exhibits remarkably little leaf discoloration, shaming other broadleaf evergreens with its year-round foliar splendor. The blemish-free quality of the foliage makes it an excellent choice for greens in an arrangement. Plants grow to approximately 15’x15’ and can be used as a large shrub or small tree. 

The spiny, dark green foliage of M. x media ‘Winter Sun’ provides a perfect backdrop for striking yellow flowers which light up the winter landscape. photo credit: R. Payne-Meyer

Another broadleaf evergreen that shines at this time of the year is Mahonia x media ‘Winter Sun’ (hybrid mahonia). The spiny, dark green foliage of M. x media ‘Winter Sun’ provides a perfect backdrop for striking yellow flowers which light up the winter landscape. Mahonia flowers are superbly fragrant and develop into attractive blue fruits. The fruits lend many native Mahonia spp. the common name Oregon grapeholly, though M. x media is an interspecific hybrid between two Asian species.  M. x media grows 8’-10’ at maturity and appreciates full sun to part-shade. Hardy to zone 5, M. x media prefers some protection from winter winds in Northern climates. This shrub should be sited near an entry or pathway where the floral aroma can be enjoyed. 

While the vast majority of snowdrops bloom in late winter to early spring, Galanthus elwesii var. monostictus ‘Potter’s Prelude’ (one-spotted Elwe’s snowdrop) is a fall blooming variety offering large white pendulous flowers which arrive on cue with the holiday season. photo credit: R. Payne-Meyer

To count on a snowy holiday season may be futile in the Mid-Atlantic, but even without appreciable snowfall we can still have snowdrops covering the ground in white. While the vast majority of snowdrops bloom in late winter to early spring, Galanthus elwesii var. monostictus ‘Potter’s Prelude’ (one-spotted Elwe’s snowdrop) is a fall blooming variety offering large white pendulous flowers which arrive on cue with the holiday season. This snowdrop selected right here in Swarthmore begins a bloom period in mid-November that lasts into January! 

Tune into Garden Seeds for next week’s Plant of the Week as Rowan continues his discussion of the winter colors in the garden.

The post Plants (& Colors) of the Week: December 14 appeared first on Scott Arboretum & Gardens.