Plants of the Week – August 8

As if by magic, the beds under the stately swamp white oaks, Quercus bicolor, along Magill Walk erupt with an explosion of pink bloom. Lycoris squamigera, often known as magic lilies, are hardy, critter-proof bulbs. Give newly planted bulbs several seasons to settle in. Plantings get larger and more floriferous with age. Photo credit: J. Coceano

Found throughout the North American prairie, Schizachyrium scoparium, is a durable grass with multi-season interest. Little bluestem, the name it is commonly know by, reaches heights of 3’ and produces blades with a blue-green hue. In autumn, the color transitions to shades of red. The stems are sturdy and hold up well throughout winter. S. scoparium can be found growing on the lower bank of the Biostream.  Photo credit: J. Coceano

Euphorbia heterophylla ‘Yokoi’s White’, grown in the Scott Entrance Garden, adds a unique twist to the summer border. Known as the summer poinsettia, ‘Yokoi’s White’ bears numerous leaves with cream-colored margins. The short days of autumn bring forth speckled red bracts.  Photo credit: J. Coceano

Franklinia alatamaha is a small tree with a remarkable story. The deciduous tree was discovered growing along the Altamaha River in Georgia. Subsequent expeditions to the river valley yielded disappointment. It was as though the tree disappeared! F. alatamaha, surviving as a cultivated plant, will be available at the Scott Associates’ Plant Sale. Camellia-like white blooms, often with a pollinator inside, appear from mid-summer through early autumn. Obovate leaves turn orange-red in the fall. Photo credit: J. Coceano