What’s in Bloom

‘Starry Starry Night’ is a hardy, rose mallow hybrid with large flowers up to 8 inches across that blooms from July to September.  These flowers, which attract hummingbirds, are a stand out against the plant’s dark purple foliage.  This rose mallow grows to 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide and performs best in moist soils and full sun. You may associate hibiscus with tropical plants, but within the parentage of ‘Starry Starry Night’ are species of hibiscus native the eastern United States.

Growing to 8 feet tall, this perennial herb grows along the margins of streams, ponds and wet ditches throughout subtropical and tropical Africa and America.  The flowering inflorescence bears purple flowers in pairs which are only open one day and perform a unique explosive pollination mechanism triggered by bees and other pollinators.  The large leaves are reminiscent of banana or canna foliage, giving this large specimen plant a real tropical look in our Idea Garden.

This striking ornamental plant flaunts large, trumpet-shaped, pure white flowers that unfurl in the evening and release a sweet, intoxicating fragrance. Native to tropical Asia but beloved worldwide, 'Belle Blanche' thrives in warm climates and can grow as a showy shrub or small tree. But beware, every part of this plant is toxic, so admire it with your eyes, Its stunning blooms and bold presence make it a favorite for moon gardens and nighttime pollinators.

Commonly known as spotted Joe-Pye weed, Eutrochium is a hardy native perennial valued for its tall, elegant presence in the garden. Native to eastern North America, it can reach heights of 4 to 7 feet. From mid to late summer, it produces large, dome-shaped clusters of mauve-pink flowers that attract a wide variety of pollinators, including butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Beyond its striking appearance, this species plays a vital ecological role by supporting biodiversity and contributing to healthy habitats. It thrives in well-drained soils with full to partial sun, and its sturdy, spotted stems, attractive foliage, and late-season blooms offer lasting visual interest. Be sure to explore other species and cultivars of Joe-Pye weed blooming throughout the gardens!

With a variety of fruit shapes and sizes, ornamental peppers provide interest and vibrant colors to the autumn garden. These low maintenance annuals are good in containers or as bedding plants.

American spikenard is a large, aromatic woodland perennial native to eastern North America. Growing up to six feet tall, it features bold compound leaves, arching stems, and clusters of small green-white flowers that mature into dark purple berries. A valuable native species, it supports pollinators and provides late-season food for birds and wildlife. Traditionally used by Indigenous peoples and early herbalists, its fragrant roots were valued for treating respiratory issues and fatigue, and even flavored early root beers. Sometimes called “life-of-man,” Aralia racemosa is now appreciated not only for its medicinal past but also for its role in restoring woodland ecosystems.

Dahlias, which offer late season blooms, come in many colors, shapes, and sizes, and because of their variety, can be incorporated into many garden landscapes. They also make excellent cut flowers. Native from Mexico to Colombia, dahlias grow naturally in frost-free climates. They grow from tubers, which should be planted in the spring when there is little chance of frost and dug up and stored before winter.