Plants of the Week: May 30

Schizophragma hydrangeoides ‘Moonlight’ produces lacy heads of hydrangea-like flowers in late May.  Pewter mottling develops as the leaves mature.  Self-clinging stems enable the vine to cover rock walls or large trees.  The plant grows especially well in shady northern exposures.  Photo credit: J. Coceano

Endemic to the Edwards Plateau in Texas, Clematis texensis, also known as scarlet or Texas clematis, is a hardy, heat-loving clematis.  In the Entrance Garden, C. texensis happily scrambles through the lower branches of a mature Cedrus atlantica Glauca Group.  The blooms-thick, scarlet-colored sepals-thrive in the hot southern exposure. Photo credit: J. Coceano

Kelly green leaves edged in bold white make Neoregelia ‘Raphael’ an eye-catching bromeliad.  When exposed to greater levels of sunlight, the bright pink blush develops more intensely in the center or tank.  Photo credit: J. Coceano

Itea virginica ‘Henry’s Garnet’ was handed to graduates following the 2011 Swarthmore commencement.  This adaptable, native shrub bears arching racemes of white flowers up to 6 inches long.  For best garnet fall color, provide direct sunlight for part of the day. Photo credit: J. Coceano