What’s in Bloom

Silverleaf Sunflower, is a tall, striking perennial native to North America, named from the Greek words helios (sun) and anthos (flower) for its famous habit of turning its blooms to follow the sun throughout the day. Part of the diverse Helianthus genus, which includes over 70 species, it features silvery, woolly leaves and bright yellow flowers that bloom late into summer and early fall. Like other members of the aster family, these sunflowers attract numerous pollinators in the late-season garden. In our garden, they stand tall, adding vibrant color and ecological value throughout September alongside other late yellow bloomers like Rudbeckia, Coreopsis, Heliopsis, and Silphium.

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.

Capsicum annuum 'Midnight Fire' is a striking ornamental pepper cultivar celebrated for its deep purple foliage and vibrant, multicolored fruit. Native to Central and South America, Capsicum belongs to the Solanaceae (nightshade) family and includes both ornamental and edible varieties of pepper plants. 'Midnight Fire' produces small, upright peppers that transition from deep purple to orange and finally bright red, creating a fiery contrast against the dark leaves. While the fruits are edible, they are intensely hot and primarily valued for their decorative appeal. Compact and bushy, this variety thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it ideal for containers, borders, and garden accents.

Hardy begonia, is a shade-loving perennial native to China and Japan, valued for its ability to thrive in temperate gardens, unusual for a begonia. A member of the Begoniaceae family, ‘Alba’ features elegant, heart-shaped green leaves with striking red veining on the undersides and delicate clusters of nodding white flowers that bloom from midsummer into fall. The flowers are edible, with a slightly tangy, citrus-like flavor, making them a charming garnish for salads or desserts. Unlike most begonias, this variety dies back in winter and re-emerges from bulb-like tubers in spring, adding graceful texture and late-season interest to shaded gardens or woodland borders. It can be a bit assertive in the garden, spreading readily—so watch out if you want to keep it contained! Check out the straight species Begonia grandis, with light pink flowers growing in the Peony Garden, and Hillside Garden & Chimes Tower.  

White gaura, is a graceful, drought-tolerant perennial valued for its airy white flowers that resemble dancing butterflies. It is native to the southern United States and Mexico, particularly Texas and Louisiana, Oenothera lindheimeri thrives in hot, sunny locations with well-drained soil. The Belleza™ White cultivar stands out for its compact, tidy growth habit and prolific blooming from late spring to fall.  While it appears dainty, this plant is surprisingly tough, its deep root system helps it survive drought and heat, and its flowers attract bees and butterflies, making it a beautiful and ecologically beneficial addition to gardens. Check out other cultivars of gaura on display throughout the gardens! 

Coreopsis tripteris is an upright perennial with strongly branched stems and grows from rhizomes. It grows naturally in sandy loamy soils, boggy meadows, woodland edges, fields, and along streams. It prefers full sun to part shade with moist to average well-drained soil. It has nice lemon yellow flowers, and the fact that it is long lived and easy to grow make it an exceptional plant. Tall tickseed can be found growing natively in the southeastern and western portions of Pennsylvania.

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.

Asters, Latin for stars, bring the growing season to a close in spectacular fashion. These native perennials come in a dazzling variety of shapes and colors, and are one of the last major food sources for bees and other pollinators before the advent of winter.

Goldenrod has been called by some the single most important plant for North American pollinator biodiversity. It is considered a keystone species and is the host plant for approximately 104 species of butterflies and moths. Many bees are goldenrod specialists, meaning that about 42 species of bees will visit only goldenrod for a food source. Although abundantly important in its native range, it is considered an invasive species in introduced areas due to its ability to rapidly spread and thrive in a variety of conditions.

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.

A stunning hardy waterlily known for its exceptionally vibrant, lemon-yellow blooms, the brightest among hardy yellow varieties. It was named after waterlily expert Joey Tomocik of the Denver Botanic Gardens, this cultivar has become a favorite in water gardens worldwide for its long flowering season and robust performance. Its cup-shaped flowers float elegantly above the water surface, often blooming well into autumn.  ‘Joey Tomocik’ was once featured in the famous Monet-inspired water garden at the Denver Botanic Gardens, reflecting its artistic beauty and botanical pedigree!

This tree delights in all four seasons. In late spring, after the foliage has emerged, it has an abundance of creamy white bracts which last quite a long time.  Flowers are followed by bright red, bumpy fruit (like large raspberries) which are edible and can be quite sweet. The deep red fall foliage and the stunning exfoliated bark give fall and winter interest. Cornus kousa is slower growing and later blooming than other dogwood trees.  With age it reaches 30 feet tall with a similar spread and can look quite stately.