Plants of the Week: July 28

Allium angulosum ‘Summer Beauty’

While all other Allium sp. blooms have faded and gone to seed this time of the year, Allium angulosum ‘Summer Beauty’ is in full bloom in the Harry Wood Courtyard Garden. ‘Summer Beauty’ is also a sterile cultivar, unlike others of this genus, thus removing the worry of dense reseeding. Its light lavender and orb-shaped inflorescence, which emerges in late June and remains until early August, attracts an array of pollinator species. Once the blooms fade and go to seed, the stem reddens, the foliage yellows, and the seed heads remain upright, adding interest in the fall and winter months. photo credit: C. Morrissey

Stokesia laevis ‘Peachie’s Pick’

Compared to other Stokes’ asters, as the monotypic genus is commonly called, ‘Peachie’s Pick’ is a late bloomer. And don’t be confused by the cultivar name, the beautiful periwinkle bloom color you see in front of Parrish Hall is normal! Because this species is native to southeastern United States, it does well and continues to flower with ease during our hot and humid summer days, as we have been experiencing lately. Another reason to pick this cultivar is for its dwarf stature and dense and tidy covering, making it a great choice for walkway edges, the foreground of perennial beds, and patio containers. To enjoy ‘Peachie’s Pick’ in your garden, be sure to plant in sunny, well-drained areas. photo credit: C. Morrissey

Colutea × media ‘Copper Beauty’

Named ‘Copper Beauty’ for its brilliant, pea-shaped flowers, the shrubs in the John W. Nason Garden are already developing their reddish, bladder-like seed pods, which caught my eye from afar. Because it is a leguminous plant, it can tolerate a variety of soil conditions, but it will thrive in well-drained areas of your garden that are exposed to full sun.  Described as a low-maintenance and hardy shrub, this cultivar is a great choice for the novice gardener and green-thumb, alike! photo credit: C. Morrissey