Plants of the Week: April 11

Species tulips and other unusual smaller bulbs have emerged amongst the recently burned yet greening tufts of Sporobolus heterolepis. Bellevalia pycnantha is one such bulb. At a glance Bellevalia looks like Muscari, the grape hyacinth. Known as the giant grape hyacinth, Bellevalia bears larger opaque bluish-black flowers lined with a thin yellow margin. An heirloom bulb (1835), giant grape hyacinth is ideal for gravely, gritty soils and rock gardens. Photo credit: J. Coceano

Magnolia ‘Coral Lake’ sports luminescent coral-pink cup-shaped flowers with yellow overtones and green stripes. Each flower, unique in its coloration, typically bears 11 upright tepals atop the branches in mid-spring. This David Leach selection originated as a cross between Magnolia ‘Legend’ and Magnolia ‘Butterflies’. Photo credit: J. Coceano

As if summoned by some foul malevolent sorcery, Arisaema ringens thrusts forth from the earth. Native to Japan, this arcane looking tuberous perennial produces a single stalk containing two glossy green trifoliate leaves, with each leaf having three ovate to elliptic leaflets. A cobra-like flower arises from the center of the leaf stalk in spring. Curious and easy to grow, A. ringens thrives in full to partial shade. Photo credit: J. Coceano