Plants of the Week: June 10

By Anna Claire Cunningham, 2019 Summer Intern

Schizophragma hydrangeoides

Japanese hydrangea-vine

Schizophragma hydrangeoides is also known as Japanese hydrangea-vine, and boy does it show off! Using aerial roots, this woody-stemmed, deciduous climbing vine can cover an area up to 30’ in height and 9’ across. This early-summer bloomer announces itself with its heart-shaped foliage and showy white flower heads.

It is a wonderful plant for climbing in shady areas, such as rock-laden areas that need a focal point, or on a low wall that needs covering. During the fall, the foliage will transition to butterscotch, which adds seasonal interest even after the flowers have fallen away. This climbing vine can be found growing on Clothier Hall at the entrance to Theresa Lang Garden of Fragrance.

Photo Credit: A. Cunningham

Impatiens omeiana

hardy impatiens

This low maintenance herbaceous perennial is a wonderful groundcover that can be showcased in any shade garden or woodland area. “Hardy impatiens” prefers to grow in moist, well-drained soil in zones 6-9 and can naturalize over time using stolons. Only growing to a height of 15”, these “hardy impatiens” are good filler plants that do not over-grow their welcome.

From September to October, these plants produce a yellow inflorescence resembling the flowers of snapdragons. Dark green leaves with white midribs and red petioles allow for all-year interest. Impatiens omeiana can be found in the Isabelle Cosby Courtyard amongst the other shade plants.

Photo Credit: A. Cunningham

Lathyrus odoratus

sweet pea

When thinking of sweet peas, one thinks of just that: a sweet fragrance. This cool season annual comes in myriad colors, from subtle pinks to vibrant combination of reds and purples. If the soil is evenly watered, fertilized regularly and deadheaded, the flowers will produce from May to June. When the plant is exposed to the heat of summer, the flowers will die back. This touchy plant is worth the effort once you see the flowers in bloom.

“Sweet peas” can be grown anywhere from zones 2 to 11 in full sun and grow to be 2’ to 3’ tall with a width of 3’ to 8’. There are some amazingly enthusiastic sweet peas growing in container trellises in the Scott Entrance Garden.

Photo Credit: J. Coceano