Plants of the Week by Natalie Ipock, Summer Horticulture Intern

Spigelia marilandica ‘Little Redhead’ – Indian pink

Found at the western entrance to the Glade Garden, Spigelia marilandica ‘Little Redhead’ is a gorgeous flower you should make sure to check out on your visit to Scott Arboretum & Gardens. Blooming May through July, it is a perennial that prefers moister environments, such as a stream bank.

Spigelia marilandica ‘Little Redhead’ is native to the southeastern US and naturally forms in clumps. It is best grown in full sun to partial shade. Indian pink’s flower has a beautiful red base with a five-point yellow star of petals protruding from it. When in bloom, hummingbirds love to stop by and pollinate this magnificent plant.

Geranium ‘Azure Rush’ – cranesbill 

With striking patches of lavender flowers, Geranium ‘Azure Rush’ is sure to catch your eye throughout the entire summer. It has a floral scent and attracts many pollinators to its countless flowers. When considering a location to plant, cranesbill prefers full sun to partial shade.

This perennial blooms from late spring to early fall making it an ideal summer ground cover. It grows about 1-1.5 feet high and has a spread of about 2-2.5 feet. Not to mention, Geranium ‘Azure Rush’ is cold-hardy, deer resistant, and requires low maintenance. Make sure to check out this beautiful plant on the north side of Kohlberg Hall.

Clematis (Integrifolia Group) ‘Rooguchi’ – clematis 

Another perennial that attracts many pollinators is Clematis (Integrifolia Group) ‘Rooguchi’. A cross between Clematis integrifolia and Clematis × durandii, it inherits cute indigo bell-shaped flowers that dangle from its stem. With vine-like tendencies, it needs the support of another plant or a trellis to help it reach 6-8 feet tall.

Clematis prefers to be in locations with full sun to partial shade, and does not like damp environments. Found outside the Science Center, this Clematis (Integrifolia Group) ‘Rooguchi’ provides a nice pop of color to the area.