Plants of the Week – July 4

Pomegranate, Punica granatum, has proven reliably hardy nestled against a south-facing wall of Worth Hall and Old Tarble.  Orange-red carnation-like flowers appear in June and continue through the summer months.  Numerous cultivars offer varieties of color options.  Consider growing Punica as a container plant.  Photo credit: J. Coceano

Euphorbia marginata adds spontaneity to the garden.  A self-sown annual, snow-on-the-mountain appreciates full sun and well drained soils.  The annual euphorbia makes a great cut flower.  Like other members of the Euphorbiaceae family, stems bleed a milky sap.  Sear the stem in boiling water for 30 seconds before using in arrangements. Photo credit: J. Coceano
Fothergilla major ‘Blue Shadow’, bearing steely-blue leaves, was discovered as a sport from F. major ‘‘Mt. Airy’. Site in partial shade and provide consistent moisture.  Mature shrubs reach 5-6 feet in height.   Photo credit: J. Coceano
A dry flagstone walkway along a south facing façade of Worth Hall makes an ideal location for Eryngium yuccafolium.  The North American native is an excellent perennial for dry, sharp draining soils, and sites with intensive sun. Yucca-like foliage gives rise to spherical, thistle-like flowers.  Few pests or diseases afflict “rattlesnake master”. Photo credit: J. Coceano