What’s in Bloom

Tulips are native to Central Asia, especially the Tien Shan Mountains in areas now part of Kazakhstan. They were first cultivated in Persia and beloved by the Ottoman Empire, where the sultans bred them into dazzling forms. The flower was introduced to Europe in the 1500s, and then in the 1630s, the Netherlands went wild for tulips during a phenomenon called Tulip Mania.  At the height of the craze, a single bulb of a rare variety could cost more than a house in Amsterdam. Some people sold everything they had—land, livestock, even dowries—to invest in tulip bulbs. The market crashed in 1637, making it one of the first recorded economic bubbles in history. Still, the Netherlands never fell out of love with tulips, and the country remains the world's largest exporter of the bulbs today.

Cercis canadensis is native to eastern North America, ranging from the Midwest to the southeastern United States. One of the most notable features of the eastern redbud is its vibrant pink to purple flowers that bloom in early spring, before the leaves appear. Flowers grow directly on the branches and the trunk, which is called cauliflory. Redbuds are a great tree for attracting wildlife. The flowers provide early nectar for pollinators like bees and butterflies, and the tree’s seeds are eaten by various birds.  In Native American folklore, the redbud tree is sometimes seen as a symbol of love and new beginnings due to its bright blossoms signaling the arrival of spring.  Look for the cultivar 'Alba' as you enter Peirce's Woods! 

Commonly known as the white trillium or large-flowered trillium, a stunning wildflower that is native to eastern North America.  Known for its striking, three-petaled white flowers, which give it a distinctive and elegant appearance. The flowers typically turn pink.  The name "trillium" comes from the Latin word "trillium," meaning "three," which reflects the three petals, three sepals, and three leaves that all make up this flower's structure. It’s a prime example of the number three in nature!  The white trillium is one of the most iconic wildflowers of spring and is sometimes referred to as the “queen of the woodland flowers.” It’s commonly seen in forested areas, where it creates a beautiful carpet of white flowers in the spring.

Mertensia virginica is native to the woodlands of the eastern United States, particularly in the Appalachian and Ozark regions. It’s often found in moist, shady areas along streams or in deciduous forests.  The vibrant blue bell-shaped flowers start as pink buds and gradually turn to a striking blue as they mature. This color transition is a unique feature that adds even more interest to this early blooming ephemeral. The flowers attract a variety of pollinators, especially bees and butterflies, which are drawn to the sweet nectar. The plant’s blossoms are especially favored by the fritillary butterfly, which often lays its eggs on the plant.

This herbaceous perennial, commonly known as foam-flower, forms compact, dense clumps of basal foliage with creamy, white flowers. The long, dense flowering racemes bloom from late April to early June and prefer the moist, rich soil of a woodland environment. This native species is spectacular when grown in large groupings or as a ground cover.  Tiarella cordifolia grows natively in most counties of Pennsylvania.

Honeybells is a mat forming shrublet which has attractive fine leaved foliage and yellow bell-like flowers. It grows naturally in sandy areas along the western coastline of South Africa and receives most of its rain during the cool winter months, tolerating extremely dry conditions during the summer. The flowers are honey scented and are produced en mass in the spring.

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.   

Commonly known as creeping phlox, this native wildflower can be identified as a low growing mat-like groundcover. These shade loving, spreading perennials are best used in woodlands, informal borders, or tucked into corners, paths, and rock walls. From late April to early June, the popular cultivar ‘Sherwood Purple’ bears highly fragrant purple-blue flowers on 6 inch tall stems. 

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.

Pink Rice Flower is a small evergreen shrub that prefers full sun or light shade and has narrow green leaves. This plant produces clusters of small fragrant pink, white, or cream-colored flowers that smell similar to rosemary or honey. These sweetly scented blooms attract bees and other pollinators, adding to its charm. It is often found in coastal regions and areas with sandy soils. 
 

Antirrhinum majus ‘Liberty Bronze’, snapdragon, surround the Square Fountain.

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.