Plants of the Week: October 10

The late summer and early autumn garden wouldn’t be complete without salvias. Salvia leucantha ‘Santa Barbara’ is a compact cultivar of the Mexican bush sage. Lavender flowers and purple calyces provide contrast against the white stems of the inflorescence. The plant performs well plant in the ground and in containers as seen here outside Kohlberg Hall. Photo credit: J. Coceano

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’ is a clump-forming perennial that bears an abundance of copper-red plumes. The deciduous grass, planted throughout the John W. Nason Garden, should be cut to the ground in early spring. Photo credit: J. Coceano

The red banana, Ensete ventricosum ‘Maurelii’, adds a tropical feel to the garden. Large leaves, saturated in a rich burgundy color, can grow 10’ long on a fleshy pseudostem that can reach 15’ in height! Plant in full sun to partial shade and provide protection from strong winds. E. ventricosum ‘Maurelii’, seen here in the Scott Entrance Garden, easily overwinters in a frost-free basement or garage. Photo credit: J. Coceano

Native to eastern North America, Rosa virginiana has been described as “the best all-rounder among the wild roses.”  Numerous 5-petaled flowers are produced throughout the summer, followed by small, bright red hips. The rose concludes the season by transitioning through a range of autumn colors including crimson, yellow, orange, and brown. Photo credit: J. Coceano