What’s in Bloom

Trifidacanthus unifoliolatus is a unique leguminous shrub, in fact the only species in its genus Trifidacanthus. Native to Southeast Asia, including Hainan (China), Vietnam, the Philippines, it grows in wet tropical and semi‐open habitats. One distinctive feature is its trifid (three‐pointed) spines, which develop from old flowering stems and stalks as these structures harden. The leaves are relatively small leathery, and often have a single leaflet (hence its specific epithet unifoliolatus), despite being in a genus of legumes. The plant blooms from spring through summer with small purple, flowers that smell similar to grapes,. In horticulture it is sometimes called the “Vietnamese Blue Bell Tree,” and is cultivated ornamentally (including as bonsai), for its attractive flowers and unusual, twisty and spiny growth habit.

Chenille plant is a tropical shrub native to the South Pacific, particularly New Guinea and the Malay Archipelago. Belonging to the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae), it is valued for its striking, fuzzy red flower spikes that resemble chenille yarn, often reaching up to 18 inches in length. These vibrant blooms, which can appear year-round in warm climates, make it a favorite ornamental plant in gardens and containers. Acalypha hispida thrives in humid environments with full sun to partial shade and is especially attractive to pollinators like butterflies and bees. While beautiful, all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, so caution is advised around pets and children.

Pink quill is a striking epiphytic (meaning it grows on other plants rather than in soil), bromeliad native to the rainforests of Ecuador. A member of the Bromeliaceae family, it is prized for its distinctive, flat, magenta pink, quill-shaped bracts that can last for months and often give rise to short-lived but vivid violet-blue flowers. Its slender, arching green leaves form a rosette that collects water in the wild, helping the plant absorb moisture and nutrients. Unlike many tropical plants, Wallisia cyanea adapts well to indoor conditions, thriving in bright, indirect light and moderate humidity. Its unique appearance and low-maintenance care make it a favorite among houseplant enthusiasts.

Unlike the more familiar lavender varieties with narrow, needle-like leaves, Lavandula pinnata has deeply lobed, soft, downy, fern-like leaves. This plant has a pungently aromatic fragrance compared to other lavenders, as it can have a more herbal, slightly piney note, hence the "pine" in its botanical name. Unlike most lavender species, Lavandula pinnata is native to tropical and subtropical regions. It's one of the few lavenders that can thrive in warmer, humid climates. While not as widely used as Lavandula angustifolia (the common lavender used in essential oils), Lavandula pinnata still has medicinal and aromatic uses. Its oil can be used for calming and relaxation, and the plant itself can be brewed into a tea. Like other lavenders, Lavandula pinnata is generally pest-resistant due to its strong scent, which deters many insects. 

 

Symphyotrichum oblongifolium ‘October Skies’ is a compact, aromatic aster cultivar prized for its vibrant fall display. Forming neat mounds about 18–24 inches tall and wide, it features narrow, blue-green leaves with a pleasant fragrance when crushed. From September through October, it bursts into bloom with masses of daisy-like flowers in soft sky-blue to violet-blue, each with a bright yellow center. This low-maintenance perennial thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, tolerating drought and poor conditions, and adds reliable color to autumn gardens. These native perennials come in a variety of sizes and colors, and are one of the last major food sources for bees and other pollinators before the advent of winter. On a side note, asters, means stars in Latin, referring to the spectacular display of blooms at the end of summer!  

Late boneset or late-flowering thoroughwort, is a tall, herbaceous perennial native to much of the eastern and central United States. Part of the aster family, it blooms from late summer into fall, producing clusters of small, fluffy white flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators, especially bees and butterflies. Unlike many other species in this genus, Eupatorium serotinum thrives in disturbed areas, roadsides, and open fields, showing a preference for full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soils. It can grow up to six feet tall and is often mistaken for other white-flowering Eupatorium species, though it is distinguished by its later bloom time and more toothed leaf margins. Despite its weedy appearance in some settings, it plays an important ecological role in supporting native pollinators during the late season.

With flowers full of autumnal colors, the firewheel-tree blooms are a perfect reminder that autumn is on its way.  The individual florets are orange with yellow tips and are arranged circularly in each inflorescence, or flower cluster. It's an evergreen tree that can reach upwards of 100' tall in its native Australia. The leaves have an oak-like shape and lend an attractive appearance even when the tree isn't in flower. It's in the protea family and is commonly used as an ornamental tree in mild climates.

Abelmoschus esculentus ‘Carmine Splendor’ is a striking hybrid okra variety prized for its deep red, glossy pods and vigorous growth. It matures in just over 50 days, and produces tender, flavorful pods best harvested when young, along with beautiful pink-tinged flowers that make it ornamental as well as edible. It thrives in full sun and warm climates, and is a favorite in home gardens for both its appearance and productivity. Okra has been a staple in many cultures, especially in African, Indian, and Southern U.S. cuisines, used in dishes like gumbo, curries, and stir-fries for its unique texture and thickening properties. ‘Carmine Splendor’ has all the attributes of traditional okra with the added visual appeal of richly colored pods! 

Allium tuberosum, commonly known as garlic chives, is a hardy perennial herb in the onion family prized for its flat, grass-like leaves and mild garlicky flavor. Native to East Asia, it is widely used in Chinese, Korean, and other Asian cuisines, where both its leaves and edible white flower buds are valued. Unlike common chives, it blooms later in the summer and has a stronger, more savory taste. Easy to grow and attractive to pollinators, garlic chives also make a striking addition to herb gardens with their star-shaped blossoms and clumping growth habit. However, they can spread easily through self-seeding and underground rhizomes, so regular maintenance is recommended to keep them in check.

Capsicum 'Sangria' is an ornamental pepper variety celebrated for its showstopping and colorful display of fruit. Unlike culinary peppers, ‘Sangria’ is grown primarily for its aesthetic appeal rather than flavor or heat. The plant produces an abundance of small, upright dark green peppers that develop into vibrant purple then bright red and orange, often all visible on the plant at once. Compact and bushy, it grows about 12 to 18 inches tall, making it ideal for containers, borders, and for late season color. The peppers are considered child-safe due to their mild flavor and and low heat level. The original species, Capsicum annum, is native to southern North America, including Mexico and the Caribbean and thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.  You can view a variety of Capsicum cultivars on display in the Conservatory, Flower Garden Walk, and in the Idea Garden!