What’s in Bloom

The Satsuki azalea is a highly valued, late-blooming evergreen shrub in the Ericaceae (heath) family. Its name translates to "fifth month" in Japanese, a reference to its flowering season. A cornerstone of Japanese gardens and bonsai cultivation, Satsuki azaleas are renowned for their large, showy blooms that appear in late spring to early summer, extending the azalea season after most varieties have finished flowering. Their most remarkable characteristic is the extraordinary diversity of flower patterns and colors. A single plant and sometimes even a single branch may produce blooms with stripes, flecks, borders, or solid colors in shades of white, pink, red, and purple. Their naturally compact growth, shallow fibrous root system, tolerance of pot culture, and ability to respond well to pruning have made Satsuki azaleas among the most celebrated and widely cultivated flowering bonsai in the world. This amazing exhibit is on display through June 16th!  Also, be sure to explore the Bonsai Courtyard to view our exquisite collection of bonsai . 

Hydrangea quercifolia, commonly known as oakleaf hydrangea, is one of the few hydrangeas native to the southeastern United States. Named for its large, oak-like leaves, this versatile shrub provides interest in every season. In early summer, it produces striking cone-shaped clusters of white flowers that gradually age to shades of pink and tan, often persisting into winter. The foliage turns brilliant shades of burgundy, red, and purple in autumn, while the cinnamon-colored exfoliating bark adds winter appeal. 'Snow Queen' is considered one of the finest selections for its exceptionally large, upright flower clusters and outstanding fall color. Unlike many hydrangeas, oakleaf hydrangea tolerates drier conditions once established and thrives in woodland settings, making it an excellent choice for naturalistic landscapes. Its long season of interest, native heritage, and value to pollinators have made it a favorite among gardeners and landscape designers alike. 

Nelumbo ‘Mrs. Perry Slocum’ is an exquisite lotus cultivar, celebrated for its large, multi-petaled blooms that undergo a remarkable color transformation, from soft pink to creamy yellow, and finally to a soft ivory as they age. This dynamic floral display, along with its sweet fragrance, makes it a standout in water gardens. A hybrid of the sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera), which is native to Asia, Mrs. Perry Slocum was developed in the United States and named in honor of the wife of renowned lotus hybridizer Perry D. Slocum. Its leaves exhibit remarkable water-repellent properties, causing droplets to bead and roll off, an adaptation that helps keep the plant’s surface clean and healthy. With its impressive size, strong vertical presence, and lush green foliage, this lotus brings a sense of serenity and grandeur to aquatic landscapes, appealing to gardeners, collectors, and botanical enthusiasts alike.

With leaves reaching 2–3 feet long, among the largest of any native North American tree, Ashe's magnolia brings a touch of the tropics to the Mid-Atlantic landscape. Native to the Florida Panhandle, this uncommon tree thrives in our climate, where it often grows more vigorously than in its native range. In late spring and early summer, enormous fragrant white flowers, sometimes a foot across, emerge above the oversized foliage, filling the air with a sweet citrus-like scent and attracting beetle pollinators. For best results, plant Ashe's magnolia in rich, moist, well-drained soil with protection from strong winds, which can tear its oversized leaves. A sheltered location with morning sun or dappled woodland light, helps showcase its bold texture and spectacular blooms. Its remarkable foliage and flowers make it one of the most memorable native trees in the garden!

Native to North America, and a member of the dogbane and milkweed family, hemp dogbane grows widely across North America, especially in open woods, prairies, and along stream banks. It's well-adapted to a variety of soils and can be known for spreading aggressively.  While toxic to ingest, the plant’s flowers are rich in nectar and attract a wide range of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and moths, making it beneficial in native pollinator gardens.  It's earned the common name "dogbane" because it was thought to be poisonous to dogs.  Despite the name hemp dogbane, it’s not related to Cannabis. However, Native American tribes used its fibers similarly for making cordage, nets, textiles, and bowstrings due to their exceptional strength.

Viburnum nudum ‘Longwood’ is an essential, multi-season shrub that brings beauty to the garden year-round! A cultivated variety of the native smooth witherod viburnum, this deciduous shrub features glossy green leaves, clusters of creamy white flowers in late spring, and vibrant berries that ripen from pink to deep blue in fall, often showing both colors at once for a striking two-tone effect. In autumn, the foliage turns rich shades of burgundy and purple, adding even more seasonal interest. ‘Longwood’ is prized for its compact, upright habit and excellent berry production, especially when planted near another Viburnum nudum variety for cross-pollination. It thrives in moist, acidic soils and full sun to part shade, and it's a fantastic choice for native plant gardens, pollinator habitats, or low-maintenance landscapes. Plus, it’s a hit with birds and bees alike!  

Thermopsis, from the Greek meaning “like a lupine” is commonly known as false lupine.  This perennial, native to the southeastern United States can grow 3 to 5 feet tall and prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Bred in 1902, Rambler Rose 'American Pillar' is a historic heirloom famous for its vigorous growth and dramatic midsummer display. This rugged rose effortlessly climbs 15 to 25 feet high, using thick canes to scale arches, pergolas, and trees. Though it blooms only once a year, it explodes with dense clusters of up to three dozen single, five-petaled blossoms. Each flower features a striking carmine-pink hue accented by a white center eye and bright golden stamens, a look that made it a sensation during the Edwardian era. After the summer show, it provides a brilliant autumn encore by producing a heavy harvest of bright red decorative hips that feed local songbirds through winter. Arches of the climbing rose, Rosa ‘American Pillar’, welcome visitors to the Gardens.