Plants of the Week: August 25

Tricyrtis lasiocarpa

After noticing this gem behind the Cunningham House in the Terry Shane Teaching Garden, I decided to go with a theme for this Plant of the Week post—little surprises. Although small, the colors and details of this toad lily are absolutely fantastic! Like a watercolor painting, splashes and stipples of cobalt blue and lavender bring color to the delicate, white petals. The vibrant yellow carpel and stamen with deep red stipples provide a nice contrast to the cool-hued petals. This quiet beauty is native to the rocky slopes of Taiwan, but Tricyrtis lasiocarpa will thrive and subtly accent the sunny spots of your home garden as they flower from mid-summer all the way to early autumn! photo credit: C. Morrissey

Emilia javanica ‘Irish Poet’

Although small and simple, Emilia javanica ‘Irish Poet’ can make quite a statement when planted in masses, as seen in the Scott Entrance Garden. The neon orange tassels speckle the garden, complementing the warm hues of the surrounding foliage. Emilia javanica ‘Irish Poet’ begins blooming in mid-summer and continues to produce an immense amount of flowers into late summer. Since there are plenty of blooms, these tassel flowers act as a great filler for summer bouquets and arrangements. Native to the tropics and sub-tropics of Africa and Asia, this herbaceous wildflower is consequently an annual in this region. However, since this species is in the Asteraceae (daisy) family, the achene-like seeds are easy to collect, allowing you to easily sow and enjoy year after year! photo credit: C. Morrissey

Chelone lyonii ‘Hot Lips’

Called turtlehead for its distinct flower shape that is reminiscent of a turtle head emerging from the water, Chelone lyonii ‘Hot Lips’ adds a splash of soft pink late in the growing season after most of the other flowers in the garden have withered and gone to seed. This native perennial of southern Appalachia is featured on the College Avenue side of Cunningham House, which is a spot that provides some needed shade for this woodland species. This moisture-loving perennial would be a great addition to any woodland, shade, or bog garden, as well as in pond or stream peripheries. photo credit: C. Morrissey