Plants of the Week: January 26

The dinner-plate-sized inflorescence of Hydrangea arborescens ‘Haas’ Halo’ is particularly appealing with a fresh dusting of snow. The magnitude of each bloom, often up to 14” across, never fails to capture attention. Sturdy stems keep the flowers upright and large leaves give the shrub a full and vigorous look. As winter precipitation falls and cold winds blow there is no worry whether flower buds will be killed. H. arborescens blooms on new wood thus guaranteeing a spectacular floral display each season. We hope to feature Hydrangea arborescens ‘Haas’ Halo’ at the 2015 Scott Arboretum Plant Sale.  Photo credit: J. Coceano

Garden location: corner of Bond Hall

Coleus ‘Swinging Linda’ has a propensity for trailing and thus possesses a smaller stature than other more upright coleus. What ‘Swinging Linda’ lacks in height is more than made up for in vibrant colors. Petite burgundy purple leaves are edged with electric iridescent pink. A thin sliver of white lines the margin of each serrated leaf. Great in containers or in the front of a bed or border. Look for a varied selection of Coleus at the upcoming Unusual Tropicals and Annuals Sale. Photo credit: J. Coceano

Garden location: seasonal warm-weather plantings, overwintered in the Wister Center Greenhouses

Magnolia virginiana var. australis ‘Henry Hicks’ is an excellent specimen tree possessing a habit that fits the scale of most home gardens, sports glossy green foliage, and bears the most delicious smelling flowers in in mid- to late spring. With protection from Kohlberg Hall, this particular tree exhibits little to no leaf drop throughout the winter (degree of leaf retention is tied to temperature and exposure). Photo credit: J. Coceano

Garden location: Various locations throughout the Arboretum, the pictured specimen can be found in the Isabelle Cosby Courtyard