Plants of the Week: August 4

Allium cernuum

While most ornamental onions are prized for their fireworks-like globe of flowers, Allium cernuum sports umbels that hang from crook-shaped stems. Their pendulous blooms can bring butterflies and whimsy to your garden from June to August. They require little maintenance and will spread less than a foot.

Location: Glade Garden

Photo credit: A. Auner

Cleome hassleriana

For a summer bloomer that does evoke the image of fireworks, look no farther than Cleome hassleriana, or spider flower. These rabbit-resistant annuals bloom from early summer until frost and can be found in colors ranging from white to purple. They can get up to six feet tall, and their palmate leaves add yet more interest throughout the season.

Location: Scott Entrance Garden and Terry Shane Teaching Garden

Photo credit: A. Auner

Coprosma repens ‘Martini Midnight’

The gleaming foliage of Coprosma repens (more commonly known as the mirror plant) with its undulating margins is interesting in any cultivar, but ‘Martini Midnight’ really shines in the Cosby Courtyard containers with its cherry-red margins. The orange –tinged leaf undersides add depth to the variegation.

Location: Isabelle Cosby Courtyard (Container #58)

Photo credit: A. Auner