What’s in Bloom

This wisteria, native to Japan, is highly prized for its very long, fragrant racemes of flowers in late spring. The flowers do not all open at once, but begin to open at the base of the raceme and open progressively to the tip.

Wild cranesbill has delicate pale to deep pink flowers that bloom in early to mid-spring. It has a deeply cut leaf and grows best in a woodland setting in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Forming loose 2 foot mounds in shade, this native geranium will also grow as a groundcover in sun. Hardy to zone 4, wild cranesbill is native to all counties of Pennsylvania.

On loan from the Kennett Collection, the Kurume bonsai azalea is known for having vibrant flower colors and evergreen foliage. Also known as Japanese azaleas, this type of hybrid has been grown in Japan since as early as the late 1600's.  Obtained as full sized plant from Fairmont Park in Philadelphia, the collection of Kurume azaleas were given to the United States from France as part of the Centennial celebration. Grown in the clump style, the bonsai training began in 1980.   

Trilliums are fascinating spring wildflowers that rely on ants for seed dispersal through a process called myrmecochory, or “ant farming.” Their seeds come with tasty oily attachments called elaiosomes, which ants carry to their nests, eat, and leave the seeds behind to sprout. Trillium flowers give off a strong, sometimes unpleasant odor, especially Trillium erectum, to attract flies and beetles for pollination. True to their name, trilliums feature a pattern of threes in their leaves, petals, and sepals, and although they can grow from seed, they often take years to bloom.

A large shrub, reaching seven to ten feet in time, Enkianthus provides multiple points of interest. The overall habit consists of finely branched tiers providing a soft horizontal element to the landscape. Spring flowering, each branch carries a myriad pendant white flowers typical of an ericaceous plant. In autumn, the foliage is quick to change from a medium green to vibrant red and shades of purple. E. perulatus performs best in acidic soils with full sun to part shade, and is hardy to from zones 5 to 7. Also a great choice for its pest and disease resistance.

Native from southern Brazil to northern Argentina, this large shrub with evergreen leaves has exotic flowers, and delicious fruits. About the size of an egg, the fruits taste somewhere between a pineapple and a guava, hence the common name, pineapple guava. Fruits may be eaten raw or whipped into a curd as is common in Brazil, but others prepare pineapple guava into ice creams, jams, compotes and baked goods. Unfortunately, ripe fruits bruise very easily and are usually not exported or shipped great distances, which likely explains their exotic identity.

Carolina silverbell is a deciduous tree native to the southeastern United States, best known for its delicate, bell-shaped white flowers that dangle in clusters like tiny lanterns in spring. Despite its dainty appearance, it’s a hardy tree that can tolerate a range of soils and grows well in partial shade, making it a favorite for woodland gardens. The flowers bloom before the leaves fully emerge, in early spring. After flowering, it produces distinctive four-winged seed pods that add interest through fall and winter. Carolina silverbell is also a magnet for pollinators, especially bees, and plays a quiet but important role in our native ecosystem. Though not as widely known as other flowering trees, it’s a hidden gem for gardeners who want something graceful, native, and just a little bit unusual.

Fothergilla gardenii, dwarf fothergilla

 

The bright red berries produced in the fall, are a high-fat food source for over 36 species of birds, including wild turkeys, cardinals, and robins.  The tree supports more than 100 species of moths and butterflies, which lay their eggs on dogwood leaves—making it essential for local food webs. Because it flowers early, it’s also a critical nectar source for pollinators just coming out of winter dormancy. In fact, its ecological value is so high that Cornus florida is often promoted in native plant gardening for habitat restoration.  While the tree is too small for lumber, dogwood wood is incredibly hard and dense. It’s been used historically for golf club heads and handles for tools and knives.