Plants of the Week – April 23

Halesia tetraptera ‘Rosea’, also known as snowdrop tree or mountain silverbell, is a small tree to 30’ best known for its pendulous flowers. Aside from one Asian species, Halesia are entirely native to North America. Flowering occurs on last season’s wood. The tree is particularly beautiful against a dark backdrop or against a bright blue sky.  Photo credit: J. Coceano

Foamflowers are fantastic groundcovers. Tiarella cordifolia ‘Brandywine’ is a particular favorite used in mass throughout the Scott Arboretum. Vigorous rugose leaves knit and weave together creating a swath of foliage. Creamy white bottlebrush-like flowers are showy for many weeks. Tiarella cordifolia ‘Brandywine’ thrives next to the Whisper Bench in the Cherry Border where it receives afternoon shade. Photo credit: J. Coceano

Helwingia japonica is a botanical curiosity. The shrub possesses a unique characteristic known as epiphylly: tiny greenish-white flowers, and subsequently black fruit, grow on the surface of the leaves. Plants are dioecious thus requiring both male and female plants for fruit set. A specimen is planted in the Entrance Garden. Photo credit: J. Coceano

Rhododendron canescens is a deciduous shrub native to the Southeastern United States. Rosy pink to white fragrant flower clusters appear in mid-spring. The piedmont azalea can be seen blooming in Parrish Circle. Photo credit: J. Coceano