Plant of the Week: June 20

Fagus sylvatica ‘Red Obelisk’

Fagus sylvatica ‘Red Obelisk’ is a European beech cultivar located in the courtyard of Worth Residence Hall. This narrow growing cultivar has foliage that stays red throughout the year. This tree will grow up to forty feet high, and maintains a very narrow width of approximately ten feet. The Red Obelisk beech requires full sun and moist soil, and is a low maintenance tree making it a great tree for the home landscape. Life expectancy is a solid 120 years. Photo Credit: Josh Coceano

Lonicera periclymenum ‘Serotina’

Lonicera periclymenum ‘Serotina’ is a well-respected honeysuckle cultivar. Located near Mertz Residence Hall parking lot, this plant has been beloved by Europeans for centuries, and is a popular favorite for gardeners in this country. This plant won the Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society in Great Britain in 1993. The fragrant flowers of this honeysuckle start pinkish purple, and past their prime turn yellow. The flowers bloom for a long period, from early to mid-summer. This plant attracts humming birds, has no disease or insect problems, and is non-invasive. Photo Credit: Josh Coceano

Rosa ‘Bonica’

Rosa ‘Bonica’ is a beautiful rose cultivar located by the steps at Sharples Dining Hall. Commonly known as the shrub rose, this plant was named World’s Favorite Rose in 1997. This rose blooms from spring until frost, is highly reliable, and is almost disease free. The flowers are pink, non-fragrant, and semi-double. The shrub grows three to four feet tall, and prefers full sun. It makes a perfect grouping. Photo Credit: Rebecca Robert