Plants of the Week: January 26

Plants of the Week: January 26

The dinner-plate-sized inflorescence of Hydrangea arborescens ‘Haas’ Halo’ is particularly appealing with a fresh dusting of snow. The magnitude of each bloom, often up to 14” across, never fails to capture attention. Sturdy stems keep the flowers upright and large leaves give the shrub a full and vigorous look. As winter precipitation falls and cold winds blow there is no worry whether flower buds will be killed. H. arborescens blooms on new wood thus guaranteeing a spectacular floral display each season. We hope to feature Hydrangea arborescens ‘Haas’ Halo’ at the 2015 Scott Arboretum Plant Sale.  Photo credit: J. Coceano

Garden location: corner of Bond Hall

 

Coleus ‘Swinging Linda’ has a propensity for trailing and thus possesses a smaller stature than other more upright coleus. What ‘Swinging Linda’ lacks in height is more than made up for in vibrant colors. Petite burgundy purple leaves are edged with electric iridescent pink. A thin sliver of white lines the margin of each serrated leaf. Great in containers or in the front of a bed or border. Look for a varied selection of Coleus at the upcoming Unusual Tropicals and Annuals Sale. Photo credit: J. Coceano

Garden location: seasonal warm-weather plantings, overwintered in the Wister Center Greenhouses

 

Magnolia virginiana var. australis ‘Henry Hicks’ is an excellent specimen tree possessing a habit that fits the scale of most home gardens, sports glossy green foliage, and bears the most delicious smelling flowers in in mid- to late spring. With protection from Kohlberg Hall, this particular tree exhibits little to no leaf drop throughout the winter (degree of leaf retention is tied to temperature and exposure). Photo credit: J. Coceano

Garden location: Various locations throughout the Arboretum, the pictured specimen can be found in the Isabelle Cosby Courtyard

Josh Coceano
jcocean1@swarthmore.edu
3 Comments
  • Lynn Etheredge '68
    Posted at 12:12h, 28 January Reply

    Josh – Thanks for highlighting Haas Halo. We saw many hydrangeas on the Scott tour of French gardens — it’s a great extended-season favorite there — and i’ve been starting to
    look at what i might plant.

  • susan betts
    Posted at 16:50h, 13 March Reply

    Wonderful inspiring photos. Thanks for adding me to your blog list. Sue Betts

    • Becky Robert
      Posted at 08:11h, 17 March Reply

      Sue,
      Glad you are enjoying the photos. Josh is a great photographer. We also post photos on our facebook page if you are interested in more great images from the Scott Arboretum. https://www.facebook.com/ScottArboretum

      Happy Spring,
      Becky Robert
      Volunteer and PR Programs Coordinator
      Scott Arboretum

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