Helleborus
Photo by Dave Brigner
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Light: Part shade
Height: 12-18 in.
Spread: 18-24 in.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4
Origin: Europe, Asia
Hellebores (Helleborus x hybridus), often-called Christmas or Lenten rose, are not related to the rose. They are in the Ranunculaceae, or Buttercup, family. They have been grown in gardens around the world for centuries and much folklore surround them. During medieval times, they were thought to fight off witches, madness and evil spirits. These deep-rooted evergreen perennials start blooming as early as December and continue into late spring. Their nodding flowers grow on strong stems and the colorful sepals will remain looking attractive during the development of the fruit. Color range varies from white and cream to shades of purple, pink, pale yellow and green. In 2005, the Perennial Plant Association named the hellebore Perennial Plant of the Year. Although they are known as shade plants, they flourish with early or late afternoon sun. They are ideal for naturalizing in woodland gardens and are deer resistant. They prefer compost enriched soils and should be given supplemental water during periods of drought. The tattered leaves should be cut back mid-late winter at the onset of new growth. Care should be taken as the sap of this plant may cause skin irritation. Hundreds of hybrids are available on the market. Hellebores are located in the Education Garden at the Franklin Park Conservatory.- Dave Brigner Franklin Park Conservatory
Cornelian cherry dogwood
Photo by Dave Brigner
Sunday April 20, 2008
Common name: Cornelian cherry dogwood
Light: Full sun
Height: 15-20 ft.
Spread: 15 ft.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4
Origin: C & S Europe
The Cornelian cherry dogwood (Cornus mas) is a tree with many attributes yet its use is limited in the landscape. This small deciduous tree is the first dogwood to flower. Many showy dense clusters of small yellow flowers appearin late March to early April. The 2-4 inch glossy green leaves are simplein shape turning yellow with purple to red highlights in autumn. After flowering, 1-inch olive-shaped fruits appear in mid-summer and are eaten by various birds and squirrels. The fruits are sometimes used to make preserves and syrup. The Cornelian cherry dogwood is considered a winter-interest tree as it has attractive gray and tan exfoliating bark. This tree has a short trunk and branches low to the ground. Selective pruning of lower branches will reveal the bark. They prefer a rich well-drained soil and are adaptable to many soil types. They work well in a mixed shrub border, specimen or in small groupings. Its wood is used to make tools, machine parts and because it is heavier than water it will not float. There are several varieties available on the market. A grove of Cornelian cherry dogwood is located at the Pergola at the Franklin Park Conservatory.- Dave Brigner Franklin Park Conservatory
Crinum lily
Photo by Dave Brigner
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Height: 5 feet
Spread:5 feet
Hardiness: Zones 9 to 11
Origin: Tropical Southeastern Asia
Crinum lilies (Crinum asiaticum) are tropical plants that grow quite large and are closely related to the amaryllis. The clump-forming plants make a rosette with their dark-green glossy leaves that can grow more than 4 feet long and 8 inches wide. Huge, loose clusters of narrow-petaled fragrant white flowers are set high on thick stalks. Crinums are commonly used as landscape plants in warm climates such as Florida and California. Because they grow rapidly, they make attractive summer garden additions or potted plants. They create dramatic focal points when placed in an urn in the center of a flower garden. Varieties such as Sangria and Splendens have stunning dark-red leaves with rosy pink flowers. Crinums prefer well-drained soil and can withstand occasional periods of drought. If room allows, they can spend winters indoors. The pots also can be allowed to dry out, the leaves can be cut back, and the plants can be stored dry until the next spring. All parts of the plant are toxic, and the sap can irritate skin. Large crinum specimens flower throughout the year at the Franklin Park Conservatory.- Dave Brigner Franklin Park Conservatory
