Plants of the Week: July 13

Alocasia macrorrhizos ‘Black Stem’

Although the Terry Shane Teaching Garden has many interesting and beautiful plants, this Alocasia really caught my eye with its black stem and strong leaves. The dark venation on the underside of the leaves adds a very nice contrast to the green, and it complements the plants around it as well as looking great in front of the wall which shows it off. Photo credit: J Preisendorfer

Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’

Adding some interesting purple foliage to the  Rose Garden Circle is this great Cotinus ‘Royal Purple’. With its upright shape and upright leaves, ‘Royal Purple’ makes a great hedge or shrub border. I’ll be very interested in seeing it in autumn with its scarlet fall color. Parish Hall is behind the plant, and I enjoy that contrast with the stone. Photo credit: J Preisendorfer

Juniperus virginiana ‘Grey Owl’

The John W. Nason Garden has many plants that appeal to texture, and this one caught my eye. The color is strong and makes for a nice difference from the plants around it. This juniper is large, creating an impressive area to view! The berries are a nice touch, adding color, and the ebb and flow of the small leaves draw the eye around ‘Grey Owl’. This plant is available at the 2015 Scott Arboretum Plant Sale. Photo credit: J Preisendorfer