Plants of Week – November 21

Fatsia japonica ‘Spider’s Web’ bears shiny green palmate leaves splashed and speckled with white. The plant, listed as hardy to zone 7, does well with minimal winter damage sheltered against the Off-Campus Study Office. The plant requires several years to reach its full potential and makes a great houseplant. Photo credit: J. Coceano

Physocarpus opulifolius Summer Wine^TM is a hybrid ninebark resulting from the cross of P. opulifolius ‘Nana’ and Diablo^® lauded for its wine-red foliage and compact size. Physocarpus are native deciduous shrubs. The common name of ninebark originates from the tremendous peeling bark; it is said to have nine layers of bark. Photo credit: J. Coceano

Tread carefully! This warning is issued to all who walk under mature female Ginkgo biloba trees. The plum-like fruit, technically a naked seed with a fleshy covering, is very messy and putrid. Search for male trees to obtain all the great characteristics, including stellar yellow fall color, without seed production. Photo credit: J. Coceano

Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’ creates a powerful display when planted in mass. Seen here behind Parrish Hall, the brown corymbs couple well with the muted yellow leaves under the shade of several cryptomeria. Cut stems to the ground in late winter or early spring as the plant blooms on new wood. Photo credit: J. Coceano