What’s in Bloom

Commonly known as turtlehead for its unique, snapdragon-like blooms, it is a hardy perennial native to eastern North America. Found along streambanks and moist woodlands, it features upright stems with dark green, serrated leaves and dense spikes of tubular flowers in shades of pink, white, or purple from late summer into fall. The distinctive flowers resemble the head of a turtle, hence the name and are particularly attractive to native bees and butterflies, including the Baltimore checkerspot, which uses Chelone as a host plant. It thrives in moist, rich soil and partial shade, Chelone is ideal for rain gardens, woodland edges, or any spot needing late-season color and environmental benefits. Despite its striking form and low maintenance needs, it remains underused in many landscapes.

Obedient plant, is a resilient perennial native to North America’s moist meadows and stream banks. It grows 2 to 4 feet tall, with square stems, lance-shaped leaves, and striking tubular flowers arranged in spikes, in shades of pink, purple, or white. Named for its unique characteristic, its flowers can be gently moved to stay “obedient” in different positions.  Physostegia blooms in late summer, providing vibrant color when many other plants fade. This species plays an important role in supporting pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It thrives in full sun to part shade with moist, well-drained soil. It’s a favorite for perennial borders, and naturalistic landscapes, offering both ornamental appeal and valuable ecological benefits.

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.

Kirengeshoma palmata is a rare and elegant perennial plant native to the mountainous woodlands of Japan and China. Belonging to the hydrangea family, it thrives in shady, moist environments and is prized for its late-summer blooms and distinctive foliage. Kirengeshoma features maple-like leaves and nodding, waxy, pale yellow flowers that resemble small bells. It is cherished in Japanese gardens for its subtle beauty and its ability to brighten shaded areas when many other plants have finished blooming. 

Gladiolus is a striking flowering plant known for its tall spikes lined with trumpet-shaped blossoms that come in a wide range of vivid colors. Native to South Africa and the Mediterranean region, gladiolus thrives in sunny, well-drained environments and is often grown for both garden display and floral arrangements. It is the national flower of South Africa, symbolizing strength, integrity, and remembrance. These flowers are classified into groups based on flower size, ranging from miniature to large-flowered varieties, each offering a unique touch of elegance to any setting.

One of the most interesting features of many Grevillea species is their intricate, tube-shaped flowers that attract specific pollinators. The flowers' long tubular shapes are ideal for birds with long beaks, while their colors and nectar production make them irresistible. It's a great example of co-evolution between plant and pollinator. Although the tree is native to Australia, it was originally introduced to many parts of the world, including Africa and the Pacific Islands, where it became an exotic ornamental plant. Because of its rapid growth and long-lasting wood, some people referred to it as the "Australian timber that traveled the world.“ The Aboriginal people of Australia have a long history of utilizing Grevillea plants in a variety of ways. Some species of Grevillea, particularly the larger, woody shrubs and trees, have a remarkable ability to regenerate after bushfires, which are common in Australia. Grevilleas have adapted to fire-prone environments by having a "fire-resistant" seed bank. Even though the plant might burn down in a fire, the seeds in the soil are often able to survive the heat and sprout anew once the fire has passed. 

This native North American grass is known as wild-oats.  The flat brown seed heads have a woven texture reminiscent of oats and persist throughout the winter season.  Grown mostly for these nodding clusters, Chasmanthium latifolium offers distinct interest in the autumn and winter landscape.   

Chaste tree, is an underused yet highly ornamental shrub native to the Mediterranean and western Asia. Growing 8 to 15 feet tall, it features elegant, palmate leaves and long spikes of violet, lavender, or white blooms with a subtle, intriguing fragrance. Flowering from midsummer into fall, it attracts a wide range of pollinators and brings extended color to the landscape. Historically used in ancient herbal medicine, Vitex also carries a rich cultural legacy tied to women’s health and monastic traditions. Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it an excellent, often-overlooked choice for pollinator gardens, xeriscapes, or as a distinctive flowering specimen.

Lantana  (Luscious® Bananarama) produces bold clusters of bright yellow flowers that resemble miniature bouquets, holding their color even in intense sun and heat. Each bloom is made up of small, tubular florets arranged in dense, rounded umbels, that create a vibrant display from spring through fall. Training on this bonsai began in 2018, and this particular cultivar has proven especially well-suited to the art of bonsai thanks to its woody stems, small leaves, and strong response to pruning. Its continuous blooming habit adds seasonal interest, while the compact floral clusters bring both structure and charm. Like other lantanas, it also supports pollinators, especially butterflies, adding ecological value to its ornamental appeal.