Plants of the Week by Natalie Ipock, Summer Horticulture Intern

Lilium ‘Montreux’ – Asiatic lily

Lilium ‘Montreux’ is a stunning lily that can be found in the Tree Peony Collection outside the Hormel-Nguyen Intercultural Center. This lily’s flowers are pink in color with brown dots towards the center, along with brown anthers protruding from the center. As is the case for many Asiatic hybrid lilies, this plant is winter hardy, not fragrant, and readily reproducing. Although on the taller end for Asiatic hybrids, ‘Montreux’ still requires minimal overall maintenance.

Lilium ‘Montreux’ is a perennial that can reach about 3 feet tall and blooms in May through June. When considering a location to plant these lilies, make sure they are in full sun to partial shade and the soil can drain excess water. Lilium ‘Montreux’ could be just the pop of color your mid-summer garden needs. 

Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra ‘Bleeding Hearts’ – false sunflower 

Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra ‘Bleeding Hearts’ is native to North America and can be found in the Harry Wood Garden entrance. This perennial’s blooms last throughout the entire summer in ideal conditions, from late June to the first frost. False sunflower forms in clumps and is drought tolerant. With such vibrant colors, bees and butterflies love to swoop by and pollinate these magnificent plants. 

What I find most fascinating about Heliopsis helianthoides is what sets it apart from true sunflowers. These false sunflowers are composed of ray and disc florets, with both flower parts able to seed. However in a true sunflower, the ray florets  – the distinct yellow “petals” – are unable to seed. Beyond its physiological features, the striking orange-red color of the Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra ‘Bleeding Hearts’ is sure to catch your eye. 

Hydrangea arborescens ‘Abetwo’ – Incrediball™ smooth hydrangea 

Another plant currently attracting pollinators is the deciduous shrub Hydrangea arborescens ‘Abetwo’. The height and spread of this impressive plant can reach about 4-5 feet, and it blooms throughout the whole summer. This Hydrangea can be found in the Hydrangea Collection outside Whittier Hall.

This smooth hydrangea was bred to fix the weak stem of Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’, previously featured in last week’s Plants of the Week article. Not only does Hydrangea arborescens ‘Abetwo’ have thicker stems holding up the blooms, but its blooms are slightly bigger as well.