Plants of the Week – August 15

Summer-flowering gingers are in full bloom. Hedychium ‘Flaming Torch’ erupts with 6-7’ tall stalks of foliage, each stalk topped with a fragrant peachy-pink foot-long flower spike. Several containers at the Scott Arboretum feature cultivars of flowering ginger. Provide Hedychium with consistent moisture and full sun. Photo credit: J. Coceano

Hibiscus tiliaceus is a small, salt-tolerant tropical tree. The species has naturalized throughout most of the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The specific epithet, tiliaceus, was chosen by Linnaeus because the leaves are similar in shape to those of the linden tree, Tilia. H. tiliaceus ‘Variegata’, often grown as an annual in our region, bears heart-shaped leaves splashed with shades of ivory, green, pink and burgundy. Photo credit: J. Coceano

While smaller in size compared to other species, Lycoris sprengeri, known as electric blue surprise lily, packs a visual punch! Stalks, rarely reaching 15 inches, bear pink flowers suffused with electric blue. The bulbs, hardy to zone 5, can be found in the Sibbett Garden. Photo credit: J. Coceano

Looking for a burgundy foliage plant that doesn’t fade over the course of the summer? Consider Albizia julibrissin ‘Summer Chocolate’. Ultimately reaching 20’ tall, the small tree produces an airy canopy and pink flowers.  A. julibrissin ‘Summer Chocolate’ does not self-sow; it will be available at the Scott Associates’ Plant Sale.  Photo credit: J. Coceano