Plants of the Week: July 15
Vitex agnus-castus ‘Shoal Creek’ translates to “chaste lamb.” In ancient times, people mistakenly believed that eating the fruit of this plant reduced sexual desire and promoted chastity, hence its common name, the chaste berry tree. Currently, extracts of this plant’s berries are still used to balance female hormonal levels and increase fertility. Also known as Texas lilac, it is a deciduous shrub or small tree with dense spikes of fragrant, lilac-like, lavender flowers on its terminal ends. Deadheading spent flowers promotes rebloom. Chaste tree is often treated as a cutback shrub to maintain shorter height since flowers emerge on new wood. During severe winters this plant may die to the ground, but its roots will survive. Vitex agnus-castus ‘Shoal Creek’ will be featured at the upcoming Scott Associates Plant Sale.
Photo Credit: Aaron D’Addio
Garden Location: Worth Hall, Parrish Hall
Echinacea purpurea translates to “purple hedgehog” due to the shape of its spiny purple flower heads. Also called purple coneflower, this plant has cone-shaped, daisy-like flower heads and is often made into a supplement to increase the immune system. Its flower heads start off flat and rise into a cone shape as these long-lasting flowers mature. Purple coneflower is very drought-tolerant and its flowers are magnets for butterflies and bees. Many people do not remove its spent flowers as the seed heads attract goldfinches. It is also great for cut flower arrangements.
Photo Credit: Aaron D’Addio
Garden Location: McCabe Library, Entrance Garden, Pollinator Garden
Liatris spicata ‘Rosea’ is an upright clump-forming perennial native to moist, fertile soils of meadows and stream beds. Also known as blazing star, gayfeather, or button snakeroot, it features multiple, purple, terminal flower spikes emerging from green, grass-like foliage. These fluffy flower spikes resemble feathers and open from the top downwards, the opposite bloom sequence of most other flower stalks. This plant makes a great cut flower, attracts butterflies and bees, and will add a vertical dimension to any garden.
Photo Credit: Aaron D’Addio
Garden Location: Biostream
Monarda didyma ‘Raspberry Wine’ is a magnet for butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees, hence its common name of bee balm. Also called bergamot, its flower buds are raspberry-colored followed by tubular wine-red flower petals. Monarda’s square stems support dark green foliage with an aroma of mint which is frequently used to flavor teas. You can eat its fragrant, long-lasting flower petals for a sweet taste of summer. This plant is great in floral arrangements, forms dense clumps, and exhibits excellent resistance to powdery mildew. Bee balm prefers moist, fertile soil and should be divided every 3-4 years.
Photo Credit: Aaron D’Addio
Garden Location: Biostream
John Schucker
Posted at 06:20h, 20 JulyThanks, Aaron, for taking over this role. I always enjoy seeing what is going on at the arboretum. I notice you mention about the liatris that the spikes of bloom open from the bottom upwards. This, of course, is the sequence in which most flower stalks bloom. However, I believe the interesting thing about liatris is the fact that they bloom in the reverse direction, starting at the very top and then working their way down the stem. I wonder if there are other plants that bloom in this unusual fashion.
Jay Trolley
Posted at 18:42h, 22 JulyWonderful backstory on the Vitex. The fragrance is amazing but dissipates once cut and brought inside for display. It is also disappointing in that the leaves wilt once placed in a vase wilt within hours. It should be stripped before being displayed!
I recommend that you enjoy it outside. …and note that it is a bit of a thug if its likes it’s placement. Mine has grown 2-3 feet again this year [since a cut-back in late winter].
Aaron D'Addio
Posted at 08:31h, 01 AugustDear John Schucker,
Sorry for the late response. Thank you for the correction. It is very fascinating how liatris starts blooming at the top, unlike most other flower stalks. I apologize for any confusion. I will fix this on my blog now. I appreciate you pointing this out. I am learning a great deal during my internship at the Scott Arboretum and enjoy working here very much. Thank you for reading my Plants of the Week blogs and I look forward to hearing from you again.
Aaron D’Addio (Scott Arboretum 2013 Summer Intern)
Aaron D'Addio
Posted at 08:32h, 01 AugustDear Jay Trolley,
I apologize for the delayed response. Thank you very much for your insightful practical information. I often find that many times one can learn a great deal more through first-hand experience than a website or textbook could ever teach. Thank you for reading my Plants of the Week blogs and I look forward to hearing from you again.
Aaron D’Addio (Scott Arboretum 2013 Summer Intern)