Plants of the Week – February 6

Flower buds of Edgeworthia chrysantha, suspended like silver ornaments, provide promise of the spring to come. Planted along a path in the Terry Shane Teaching Garden, E. chrysantha frequently generates curiosity and comment from on-lookers. While many would make the case that the deciduous shrub is at its best while in flower, the buds add a unique appeal in winter. Photo credit: J. Coceano

The generally mild winter has extended the life of many quintessential fall annuals including that of Brassica oleracea ‘White Peacock’. Planted in seasonal containers flanking the entrance to the Wister Center, ‘White Peacock’ and ‘Peacock Red’ have withstood the weather better than other varieties of ornamental cabbage and kale.  Photo credit: J. Coceano

The sunny persona of Eranthis hyemalis can’t help but make one believe that spring is just around the corner. The tuberous ephemeral is a member of the buttercup family and is best planted in mass and left undisturbed. Over time plants will seed to create even bolder, brighter displays. Photo credit: J. Coceano

Ulmus parvifolia Allee^® is a selection of lacebark elm billed as a Dutch-elm disease resistant replacement for the American elm. The deciduous tree reaches 60-70’ in height producing a distinctive vase shape and mottled brown bark with bright orange lenticels. U. parvifolia Allee^® shows promise as a durable street tree. Photo credit: J. Coceano