Plants of Week: December 7

Lindera obtusiloba

Lindera obtusiloba sports dark green three-lobed leaves. One nursery described them as a fat Batman emblem. In October, the show begins: Lindera obtusiloba turns a brilliant yellow, even in the shade, and holds its color for two to three weeks. Photo credit: J. Coceano

Mahonia x media ‘Winter Sun’

The statuesque Mahonia x media ‘Winter Sun’ never fails to garner attention with its bright yellow candelabra-like inflorescences. Part of the evergreen shrub’s appeal is that the flowers open in late fall and continue through early winter, a time when most plants are dropping leaves and going dormant, let alone flowering. Beautiful foliage and upright growth habit make this hybrid mahonia a strong focal point in the late fall garden. ‘Winter Sun’ was selected at Slieve Donard Nursery in Ireland in 1966. It has a more compact habit of growth and more fragrance than related cultivars. Photo credit: J. Coceano

Sorbus alnifolia

Sorbus alnifolia, growing near the Biostream, is considered one of the best mountain ashes due to its form and good pest resistance. Five-petaled creamy white flowers borne in May give way to clusters of scarlet-pink berry-like pomes. After birds have gobbled all the fruit, the pink hued pedicles are quite attractive in the soft, low late fall light. Photo credit: J. Coceano