Plants of the Week: August 31

Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Nana Gracilis’

This beautiful Chamaecyparis situated behind Kohlberg Hall is showing off its healthy, dark green foliage. In Japanese, hinoki means “fire tree”. This dwarf hinoki cypress has likely surpassed its expected height of 9’, but the species plants grow up to 120’ in the wild. The cultivar name means “Dwarf” for nana, and “Slender or graceful” for gracilis. Photo credit: J. Preisendorfer

Edgeworthia chrysantha ‘Snow Cream’

At the corner of the Lang Performing Arts Center and the back of Kohlberg Hall, you’ll find this interesting Edgeworthia. I like this plant largely because of the whirling leaf patterns. Each cluster of leaves has a unique helicopter appearance. This plant reaches about 6’ tall and enjoys full sun. If you want to try the straight species, Edgeworthia chrysantha is available at the 2015 Scott Arboretum Plant Sale (Setpember 11 to 13, 2015.) Photo credit: J. Preisendorfer

Musa basjoo

It’s really cool to see a hardy banana! The Isabelle Cosby Courtyard has several other banana plants, but this winter-hardy one is great for the long term. Musa basjoo is native to the Ryuku Islands near Japan. The leaves can grow up to 2’ wide and 6’ long, and the plant can grow up to 14’ tall. It has a strong presence in the courtyard, and might surprise people when they realize it’s a banana plant. Photo credit: J. Preisendorfer