Plants of Week – February 13

Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Strawberries and Cream’ bears atypical bicolor pale yellow and red flowers flushed with pink notes. The deciduous shrub earned high marks for 0% leaf retention. Some cultivars have a tendency to retain desiccated leaves, thus detracting from the floral display. A young specimen is planted between Clothier Hall and Parrish West Circle. Photo credit: J. Coceano

Galanthus are found in abundance throughout The Scott Arboretum. Their pendulous white flowers are some of the first to emerge, heralding the new season. Growers and admirers enamored with the bulb are referred to as galanthophiles. Collectors beware: becoming involved with the genus may cause one to lose sense and coin. Dr. John Grimshaw, a gardening botanist and author, based in Colesbourne, Gloucestershire and former Woody Plant Conference speaker, shared in his blog of single Galanthus ‘Green Tear’ bulb selling in 2011 for roughly $560! Photo credit: J. Coceano

While likely Daphniphyllum macropodum, the shrub was originally collected as Daphniphyllum glaucescens for the chalky-blue bloom on the underside of the leaves. The evergreen shrub has been steadily gaining in popularity for both its adaptability to various site conditions and for providing a rhododendron-like feel to the landscape. Photo credit: J. Coceano

Look for fruits of Rohdea japonica nestled at the base of established plants. The green leathery leaves provide a true evergreen presence in the winter landscape and partner well with ferns, epimediums, and hostas during the growing season. Seed will be collected, cleaned and sown in the upcoming weeks. Young plants will bulk up existing plantings and provide a durable solution for dry, shady conditions. Photo credit: J. Coceano