Plants of the Week: October 24

Oxydendrum arboreum transitions to its fall adornment between the Cunningham House and the Wister Center. This small native tree can be found from New York, south to Florida, and west to Arkansas. For success, plant sourwood in acidic soils in a location with limited root competition. Fall color ranges from red and scarlet to maroon and plum. Photo credit: J. Coceano

While a majority of alliums bloom in the spring and summer months, some, including Allium thunbergii ‘Ozawa’ help conclude the growing season, blooming through October and November. Plant the rhizomatous, bulbous perennial in fall or spring. Tufts, 9 to 12” tall produce thin, grass-like leaves. Purple-violet florets touched with red are borne on thin scapes above the foliage. Ornamental onions have few pest or disease problems. Photo credit: J. Coceano

Species impatiens have a devoted fan base and for good reason. Unlike the common Impatiens walleriana, species impatiens, like Impatiens arguta, bear intricate, tubular flowers. Impatiens arguta, native to Nepal, has been happily growing in the Terry Shane Teaching Garden. Consider growing in a hanging basket to fully appreciate the trumpet-like light purple flowers. Licorice-red stems and serrated leaves round out the plants attributes.   Photo credit: J. Coceano

Impatiens mengtszeana, also growing in the Terry Shane Teaching Garden, bears a blossom similar to I. arguta, but in a shade of soft yellow blushed with peach highlights. Plants create sizeable masses, up to 15” in height and 2-3’ wide! I. mengtszeana produces an abundance of blooms from September to frost. Photo credit: J. Coceano