Plants bloom throughout the spring season, starting in March and continuing in April and May. These weekly reports will help visitors identify what’s currently in bloom and where the plants can be found at the Conservatory or in Franklin Park.
Reports are typically published on Thursdays and can also be found in the weekly newsletter and on the Conservatory’s social media channels.
Please be sure to check what’s in bloom before visiting! The plants that make up Columbus Blooms do not all bloom simultaneously.
April 25, 2024 Report
While many of our spring bulbs are just about done blooming, the rest of the garden has an abundance of blooms! Come and discover all the beauty the garden has to offer!
Newly Blooming: Hardy Trees & Shrubs
Carolina Silverbells (Halesia carolina) Pale rose to white colored flowers that are bell-shaped.
Locations: Franklin Park – near the bus loop
Oriental Spruce (Picea orientalis ‘Aureospicata’) This beautiful conifer caught our attention this week as the male cones are a bright pink color!
Slender Deutzia (Deutzia gracilis) Hundreds of bead-shaped buds line the arching branches of this shrub. These buds give way to an abundance of beautiful white flowers in late spring. The first of these flowers are opening with many on the way in the coming week.
Locations: Botanical Garden Welcome Patio, North Courtyard, Celebration Garden, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Cucumber Magnolia(Magnolia acuminata) This magnolia species blooms late spring to early summer and is one of the largest types of magnolias. Yellow flowers are opening up this week!
Locations: Broad Street Entrance Garden, Main Parking Lot
Trumpet Honeysuckle(Lonicera sempervirens) A vigorous vine with trumpet-shaped red/pink flowers, attracting many pollinators, including hummingbirds.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Flowering Abelia(Abelia sp.) Very fragrant, small, white flowers.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Franklin Park – Water Smart Garden
Fragrant Sumac(Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Low’)
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus) Burgundy flowers are tightly held along the stems.
Location: Grand Mallway – South Mallway Bed
Sugar Plum Fairy Lilac (Syringa x ‘Bailsugar’) Lavender flowers with lots of sweet fragrance.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea ‘Isanti’)
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Red Lake Currants (Ribes rubrum ‘Red Lake’)
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Spring Bulbs
Wild Hyacinth (Camassia sp.) This flower is in the asparagus family and produces a tall stalk with lavender/blue flowers.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Wells Barn
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria sp.) These flowers do not come from true bulbs but are called pips which once planted can grow similar to a groundcover. Small and fragrant bell-shaped flowers hang off the flower spikes.
While many of our spring bulbs are just about done blooming, the rest of the garden has an abundance of blooms! Come and discover all the beauty the garden has to offer!
Newly Blooming: Hardy Trees & Shrubs
Carolina Silverbells (Halesia carolina) Pale rose to white colored flowers that are bell-shaped.
Locations: Franklin Park – near the bus loop
Oriental Spruce (Picea orientalis ‘Aureospicata’) This beautiful conifer caught our attention this week as the male cones are a bright pink color!
Slender Deutzia (Deutzia gracilis) Hundreds of bead-shaped buds line the arching branches of this shrub. These buds give way to an abundance of beautiful white flowers in late spring. The first of these flowers are opening with many on the way in the coming week.
Locations: Botanical Garden Welcome Patio, North Courtyard, Celebration Garden, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Cucumber Magnolia(Magnolia acuminata) This magnolia species blooms late spring to early summer and is one of the largest types of magnolias. Yellow flowers are opening up this week!
Locations: Broad Street Entrance Garden, Main Parking Lot
Trumpet Honeysuckle(Lonicera sempervirens) A vigorous vine with trumpet-shaped red/pink flowers, attracting many pollinators, including hummingbirds.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Flowering Abelia(Abelia sp.) Very fragrant, small, white flowers.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Franklin Park – Water Smart Garden
Fragrant Sumac(Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Low’)
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus) Burgundy flowers are tightly held along the stems.
Location: Grand Mallway – South Mallway Bed
Sugar Plum Fairy Lilac (Syringa x ‘Bailsugar’) Lavender flowers with lots of sweet fragrance.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea ‘Isanti’)
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Red Lake Currants (Ribes rubrum ‘Red Lake’)
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Spring Bulbs
Wild Hyacinth (Camassia sp.) This flower is in the asparagus family and produces a tall stalk with lavender/blue flowers.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Wells Barn
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria sp.) These flowers do not come from true bulbs but are called pips which once planted can grow similar to a groundcover. Small and fragrant bell-shaped flowers hang off the flower spikes.
Location: Bonsai Courtyard
Perennials
Bloody Cranesbill (Geranium sanguineum) Bright pink flowers that will last from late spring to the end of summer.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Wells Barn
Mayapple (Podophyllum pettatum) Umbrella-like leaves shade the singular white flower. This is a wildflower that forms as a groundcover in wooded areas and the flower itself is very fragrant.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Sweet Woodruff (Galium ordoratum) Tiny, white clusters of flowers.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Dwarf Crested Iris (Iris cristata) Pale purple flowers that reach a height of 4 to 9”.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Red Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) An attractive perennial with a nodding, red and yellow flower.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Grand Mallway
Pasqueflower (Anemone pulsatilla ‘Rote Glocke’) Red/purple flowers with golden stamens. These flowers are fuzzy on the outside and silky on the inside of the petals.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Heartleaf Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia) A woodland perennial with delicate flower spikes.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Creeping Mazus (Mazus reptans) A creeping groundcover with tiny purple flowers. This groundcover can be used in place of grass in a lawn and doesn’t mind being stepped on.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Paul Busse Railway Garden, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Ornamental Onion (Allium sp.) Large purple inflorescence of small star-shaped flowers are in bloom right now! Check out the Allium ‘Globemaster’ coming into bloom in the Broad Street Entrance Garden.
Locations: Everywhere!
Honey Lily (Allium tripedale) Several, individual flowers are emerging from one stalk in a light pink color.
Locations: Grand Mallway – South Mallway Bed
Hubricht’s Bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtill) This perennial has thread-leaf foliage and produces a star-shaped blue flower.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Wells Barn, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) Purple flowers and very aromatic leaves that cats are attracted to.
Location: Paul Busse Railway Garden
Concord Grape Spiderwort (Tradescantia x anderaoniana) This perennial has three main petals that are a rice purple color.
Location: Main Entrance Garden
Still in Bloom: Annuals
Pansy –Hundreds of pansies can be seen throughout the garden in almost all colors of the rainbow!
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens! Check out our Children’s Garden rainbow welcome bed on your next visit!
Spring Veggies –Many Bok Choy, Lettuce, Cabbage, and Kale can be seen in containers throughout the Botanical Gardens. Many more veggies and herbs are being grown in the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus right now including Swiss Chard, Radishes, Carrots, Beets, and Sweet Peas.
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens.
Sweet Alyssum – Planted in several annual containers throughout the garden.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Snapdragon – Check out the Let’s Garden area of the Children’s Garden to get close up with many veggies, and spring color, including yellow, pink, and red snapdragons.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Hardy Trees & Shrubs
Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) Don’t miss seeing these on your next visit! As the flowers mature, they open up and have a bright red/pink or white bloom. This is one of our favorite spring blooms!
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Broad Street Entrance Garden, Franklin Park
Red Chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia ‘Brilliantissima’) & Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa)These shrubs produce clusters of flowers, called corymbs, that are white with pink/red anthers which contain the pollen. The main difference between these two types of Chokeberry are the color of the pome fruit that appears in the fall.
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens.
Alcock’s Spruce (Picea alcoquiana ‘Howell’s Dwarf Tigertail’) Many different conifers, including Picea, Abies, and Pinus, are producing their cones for the season right now. This variety of Picea is especially interesting due to its purple/red set of cones with a silvery blue foliage backdrop.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) Many varieties of redbuds are in full bloom at the garden this week! The branches are adorned with pink/purple flowers, you won’t want to miss seeing them!
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens
Japanese Flowering Cherry (Prunus x ‘Kwanzan’ or ‘Kanzan’) Pink, ruffly flowers.
Locations: Bonsai Courtyard, Grand Mallway, Zen Terrace, Franklin Park Japanese Garden, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Magnolia (Magnolia x brooklynensis ‘Yellow Bird’) Yellow flower buds are in full bloom!
Location: Pergola
White Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis var. alba)
Location: Celebration Garden
Lilac (Syringa sp.) We are starting to see the first of the lilac blooms appear this week in a couple spots in Franklin Park. Many other Syringa are still in bud and their purple color is becoming more apparent. Be on the lookout for these fragrant, purple flowering shrubs in the next couple of weeks!
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens.
American Bladdernut(Staphylea trifolia) This tree has tiny, white, bell-shaped flowers.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Fothergilla (Fothergilla x intermedia ‘Blue Shadow’) Fragrant, creamy flowers that whirl around the flower spike, giving the appearance of a bottle-brush. This shrub attracts many pollinators as it has an abundant source of nectar.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Wells Barn
Sassafras(Sassafras albidum) Clusters of bright yellow flowers are covering the canopies of these trees this week!
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Willow (Salix sp.) These specialized flowers are called catkins and look similar to a fuzzy caterpillar, having a cylindrical shape.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
River Birch (Betula nigra) Many hanging catkins can be seen throughout the canopy of these trees.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, along the Main Botanical Garden Pathway
Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) The flowers on these trees are now a dark, burgundy color. These flowers give off a slight fragrance, similar to rotting meat or fermenting fruit, to attract their pollinators which include flies and beetles.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Japanese Rose (Kerria japonica) Bright yellow flowers arch along the delicate stems of this shrub.
Locations:Bonsai Courtyard, Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
Locations: Bonsai Courtyard, Franklin Park Japanese Garden
Five Leaf Akebia (Akebia quinata) Clusters of small white flowers hang from this vine that is crawling up the arbor.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) Yellow-green catkins.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Many species of Viburnum are flowering this week. Some of these include the following species.
Japanese Snowball (Viburnum plicatum) These blooms are often confused with Snowball Hydrangea blooms. Hydrangea flowers bloom longer than Viburnums do and tend to be shorter in stature than Viburnums. This type of Viburnum flowers from April to May. Another telltale sign is the deep grooved venation in the Viburnum leaves.
Locations: Paul Busse Railway Garden, Bonsai Courtyard, Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Botanical Garden Welcome Plaza
American Blackhaw(Viburnum prunifolium)
Locations: Main Botanical Garden Pathway, Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Spring Bulbs
Spanish Bluebell (Hyacinthoides hispanica) Late blooming bulb that has blue, pink, or white bell-shaped flowers. This is in peak bloom this week all throughout the garden!
Locations: Everywhere!
Perennials
Peony (Paeonia x ‘Sarah Bernhardt’) This peony is full of beautiful deep pink/red flowers. Many other peonies around the garden have swelling buds this week and will start opening in a few weeks.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Strawberries (Fragaria sp.) – Many white flowers are appearing this week.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden – Let’s Garden, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Snowdrop Anemone (Anemone sylvestris) White, fragrant blooms that are cup-shaped. This Anemone is borne on a tall stem and has large, rounded petals.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus, Grand Mallway
White Bleeding Heart (Dicentra sp.) A pure white variety of Dicentra is in bloom this week!
Location: Franklin Park – Shade Garden
Spotted Deadnettle (Lamium maculatum) A shade loving groundcover with attractive, variegated foliage and purple flowers.
Location: Pergola
Jacob’s Ladder (Polemonium reptans) A woodland-type wildflower with blue, bell-shaped flowers.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Creeping Jacob’s Ladder (Polemonium reptans ‘Stairway to Heaven’) Variegated foliage with a blue/lavender flower.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Dwarf Larkspur (Delphinium tricorne) A native wildflower with purple blooms.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Spotted Cranesbill (Geranium maculatum) Saucer-shaped, pale pink flowers.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum biflorum) Arching stems with creamy flowers dangling from them. This perennial is opening up this week! Dainty, bell-shaped flowers line the stems.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Franklin Park – Shade Garden
Artic Raspberry (Rubus stellarcticus subsp. articus ‘Sophia’) Thornless, low-growing bramble with a small pink flower.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Bergenia (Bergenia x ‘Pink Dragonfly’) A groundcover, usually used in shady areas, with a rosy cluster of pink blooms.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Lungwort (Pulmonaria x ‘Shrimps on the Barbie’) – A low growing perennial with spotted/speckled foliage and bright pink flowers or violet flowers. These flowers will age and turn a blue like color.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Siberian Bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla) Small clusters of blue flowers raised up above the silvery-green foliage.
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens!
Golden Alexander(Zizia sp.) A North-American wildflower with yellow, firework-like blooms.
Locations: Franklin Park, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus, Wells Barn
Wood Spurge (Euphorbia amygdaloides)
Locations: North Courtyard, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Bleeding Heart(Dicentra sp.) This plant got its name from the shape of the flowers that resemble a pink heart hanging along a curved stem.
Locations: Franklin Park Shade Garden, Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Community Garden Campus
Cushion Spurge (Euphorbia polychroma) The yellow color of these flowers against the foliage are vibrant this week!
Location: Franklin Park – Watersmart Garden
Catchfly (Silene sp.) Small pink flowers. This plant has sticky sap that captures small insects.
Location: Franklin Park – Watersmart Garden
Catmint (Nepeta sp.) A low maintenance perennial that has a long bloom time with purple flowers. This plant is part of the mint family and helps repel certain pests like aphids from the garden.
Locations: Broad Street Entrance Garden, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Final Week of Blooms at FPC: Hardy Trees & Shrubs
Pearlbush (Exochorda x macrantha ‘The Bride’) – The flower buds resemble small white pearls giving way to small white flowers. This beautiful flowering shrub is starting to fade this week.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Grand Mallway
Flowering Quince (Chaenomeles x superba ‘Cameo’) Rosettes of peach flowers line the arching stems of this shrub.
Locations: Watersmart Garden in Franklin Park, Outside of Pergola in Franklin Park
Korean Spice Viburnum (Viburnum carlesii) One of the more fragrant types of Viburnum.
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens
Crabapple (Malus sp.) These trees are just about done blooming for the spring. You can still see some white and pink flowering varieties around the garden.
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens
Spring Bulbs
Persian Lily (Fritillaria persica) – Dark purple, bell shaped flowers are blooming on tall spikes.
Location: Botanical Garden Welcome Patio
Daffodils (Narcissus) Only a few spots left to see our Daffodils before they are done for the season. The varieties that are flowering now are frilly and very beautiful late bloomers. These bulbs will be done blooming within this coming week.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Wells Barn, Grand Mallway, Franklin Park
Summer Snowflake (Leucojum aestivum) Not to be confused with Snowdrop (Galanthus) which is one of the first bulbs to appear in late winter. While both of these spring bulbs look very similar, Summer Snowflake is taller, has bell shaped flowers with green dots around the tips of each petal, and has foliage similar to that of Narcissus.
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens.
Perennials
Lenten Rose (Helleborus) These flowers are nearing the end of their blooming cycle as warmer weather is around the corner. They are starting to produce an abundance of seeds.
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens.
Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica) Blue bell shaped flowers are starting to fade this week.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Flowers Getting Ready to Bloom Hardy Trees & Shrubs
Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus glabra) The state tree of Ohio – The Buckeye State! This ornamental tree is currently pushing out clusters of buds that will soon open up to a large cluster of yellow flowers.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Snowmound Spirea(Spirea nipponica ‘Snowmound’)
Location: Paul Busse Railway Garden
Common Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea ‘Cato’)
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Mulberry (Morus sp.)
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Ash(Fraxinus sp.)
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Honeylocust(Gleditsia triacanthos f. inermis)
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Bonsai Courtyard
Cranberry Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster apiculatus) Red buds are covering this low mounding shrub.
Location: Franklin Park – Water Smart Garden
Perennials
False Indigo (Baptisia x ‘Indigo Spires’)
Location: Paul Busse Railway Garden
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Red Trillium (Trillium erectum) A spring wildflower that when blooming, will produce a three-petaled, burgundy flower.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Meadow Rue (Thalictrum aquilegifolium ‘Nimbus Pink’)
Locations: Grand Mallway – South Mallway Bed, Wells Barn
Bluestar (Amsonia x ‘Blue Ice’) Blue flower buds are swelling this week.
Locations: North Courtyard, Main Entrance Gardens, Wells Barn
Kirilow Indigo (Indigofera kirilowii)
Location: Main Entrance Gardens
Cheddar Pink (Dianthus gratianopolitanus)
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
A Tulip update this week:
This will be the final week of tulips at the garden as we head into a warm weekend. Some late tulip varieties are still up and flowering while most of the tulips have lost their flower petals and have started making seed heads. We are still seeing some colors in pink, red, white, yellow, and deep purple throughout the garden.
Locations: Grand Mallway – North & South Circle Bed as well as the South Mallway Bed, North Courtyard, Botanical Garden Welcome Plaza, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus, Franklin Park
April 18, 2024 Report
This week is certainly a beautiful week to come and visit the gardens and discover all that is in bloom! Our tulips are still blooming this week and many other parts of the garden are alive with color as we near the beginning of summer! Many trees are blooming throughout the garden right now, of which carry a lot of pollen that is released through wind dispersal. Some of the best spots to come and take a stroll through this week are the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, the Celebration Garden, the Grand Mallway, and the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus.
Newly Blooming: Annuals
Snapdragon – Check out the Let’s Garden area of the Children’s Garden to get close up with many veggies, and spring color, including yellow and red snapdragons.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Hardy Trees & Shrubs
Magnolia (Magnolia x brooklynensis ‘Yellow Bird’) Yellow flower buds are starting to open up!
Location: Pergola
Willow (Salix sp.) These specialized flowers are called catkins and look similar to a fuzzy caterpillar, having a cylindrical shape.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
River Birch (Betula nigra) Many hanging catkins can be seen throughout the canopy of these trees.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, along the Main Botanical Garden Pathway
American Bladdernut(Staphylea trifolia) This tree’s white, bell-shaped flower buds are opening up!
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Fothergilla (Fothergilla x intermedia ‘Blue Shadow’) Fragrant, creamy flowers that whirl around the flower spike, giving the appearance of a bottle-brush. This shrub attracts many pollinators as it has an abundant source of nectar.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Sassafras(Sassafras albidum) Clusters of bright yellow flowers are covering the canopies of these trees this week!
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
White Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis var. alba)
Location: Celebration Garden
Lilac (Syringa sp.) We are starting to see the first of the lilac blooms appear this week in a couple spots in Franklin Park. Many other Syringa are still in bud and their purple color is becoming more apparent. Be on the lookout for these fragrant, purple flowering shrubs in the next couple of weeks!
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens.
Red Chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia ‘Brilliantissima’) This shrub produces clusters of flowers, called corymbs, that are white with pink/red anthers that contain the pollen.
Location: Paul Busse Garden Railway
Apple (Malus x domestica ‘Golden Delicious’) White flowering tree with pink buds.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Alcock’s Spruce (Picea alcoquiana ‘Howell’s Dwarf Tigertail’) Many different conifers, including Picea, Abies, and Pinus, are producing their cones for the season right now. This variety of Picea is especially interesting due to its purple/red set of cones with a silvery blue foliage backdrop.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Many species of Viburnum are newly flowering this week with sweet smelling blooms! Some of these include the following species.
Japanese Snowball (Viburnum plicatum)
Locations: Paul Busse Garden Railway, Bonsai Courtyard
American Blackhaw(Viburnum prunifolium)
Location: Main Botanical Garden Pathway
Korean Spice Viburnum (Viburnum carlesii)
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens
Several species of white flowering Crabapple are newly blooming including the following.
Crabapple(Malus x ‘Adirondack’)
Location: Bonsai Courtyard
Snowdrift Crabapple(Malus x ‘Snowdrift’)
Location: Broad Street Entrance Garden
Perennials
Peony (Paeonia x ‘Sarah Bernhardt’) A little surprise for this week, this pink/red flowering peony has just started pushing out its first blooms! Many other peonies around the garden are still working on pushing out foliage and producing their flower buds.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Snowdrop Anemone (Anemone sylvestris) White, fragrant blooms that are cup-shaped. This Anemone is borne on a much taller stem than the Balkan Anemone has and has larger, more rounded petals.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus, Grand Mallway
White Bleeding Heart (Dicentra sp.) In addition to the pink flowering variety that has been blooming, we have started to see a pure white variety bloom this week!
Location: Franklin Park – Shade Garden
Spotted Deadnettle (Lamium maculatum) A shade loving groundcover with attractive, variegated foliage and purple flowers.
Location: Pergola
Jacob’s Ladder (Polemonium reptans) A woodland-type wildflower with blue, bell-shaped flowers.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Creeping Jacob’s Ladder (Polemonium reptans ‘Stairway to Heaven’) Variegated foliage with a blue/lavender flower.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Dwarf Larkspur (Delphinium tricorne) A native wildflower with purple blooms.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Spotted Cranesbill (Geranium maculatum) Saucer-shaped, pale pink flowers.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum biflorum) Arching stems with creamy flowers dangling from them. This perennial is still budding and will be opening up this week with tiny bell-shaped flowers.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Franklin Park – Shade Garden
Artic Raspberry (Rubus stellarcticus subsp. articus ‘Sophia’) Thornless, low-growing bramble with a small pink flower.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Strawberries (Fragaria sp.) – Many white flowers are appearing this week.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden – Let’s Garden, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Still in Bloom: Annuals
Pansy –Hundreds of pansies can be seen throughout the garden in almost all colors of the rainbow!
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens! Check out our Children’s Garden rainbow welcome bed on your next visit!
Spring Veggies –Many Bok Choy, Lettuce, Cabbage, and Kale can be seen in containers throughout the Botanical Gardens. Many more veggies and herbs are being grown in the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus right now including Swiss Chard, Radishes, Carrots, Beets, and Sweet Peas.
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens.
Sweet Alyssum – Planted in several annual containers throughout the garden.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Hardy Trees & Shrubs
Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida ‘Comco NO. 1’) Don’t miss seeing these on your next visit! As the flowers mature, they open up and have a bright red/pink bloom.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Broad Street Entrance Garden, Franklin Park
Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) Many varieties of redbuds are in full bloom at the garden this week! The branches are adorned with pink/purple flowers, you won’t want to miss seeing them!
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens
Japanese Flowering Cherry (Prunus x ‘Kwanzan’ or ‘Kanzan’) Pink flowers.
Locations: Bonsai Courtyard, Grand Mallway, Zen Terrace, Franklin Park Japanese Garden, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Alpine Currant (Ribes alpinum ‘Green Mound’)
Location: Botanical Garden Welcome Patio
Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) The flowers on these trees are now turning a dark, burgundy color. These flowers give off a slight fragrance, similar to rotting meat or fermenting fruit, to attract their pollinators which include flies and beetles.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Crabapple (Malus sp.) Several different species of crabapple are blooming this week from shades of deep red, to light pink, and white varieties.
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens.
Sour Cherry (Prunus x ‘Montmorency’) This is a popular variety of Sour Cherry and produces white clusters of flowers.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Pearlbush (Exochorda x macrantha ‘The Bride’) – The flower buds resemble small white pearls giving way to small white flowers. These are in full bloom this week and look stunning!
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Grand Mallway
Japanese Rose (Kerria japonica) Bright yellow flowers arch along the delicate stems of this shrub.
Locations:Bonsai Courtyard, Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
Locations: Bonsai Courtyard, Franklin Park Japanese Garden
Five Leaf Akebia (Akebia quinata) Clusters of small white flowers hang from this vine that is crawling up the arbor.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Flowering Quince (Chaenomeles x superba ‘Cameo’) This beautiful shrub will make you stop and stare a while! Rosettes of peach flowers line the arching stems of this shrub.
Locations: Watersmart Garden in Franklin Park, Outside of Pergola in Franklin Park
Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) Clusters of green flowers.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Japanese Orixa (Orixa japonica) Small green flowers.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Oregon Grape Holly (Berberis aquifolium) Yellow flowering shrub that attracts many pollinators.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Community Garden Campus, Bonsai Courtyard
Magnolia (Magnolia sp.) Several hybrid Magnolia species are still blooming this week. With the warmer weather we will most likely only have a little over a week left of these beautiful blooms.
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens.
Eastern Hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana) Pollen bearing catkins can be seen hanging in clusters of three.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) Yellow-green catkins.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Spring Bulbs
Spanish Bluebell (Hyacinthoides hispanica) Late blooming bulb that has blue or white bell-shaped flowers. This is in peak bloom this week!
Location: Bonsai Courtyard
Persian Lily (Fritillaria persica) – Dark purple, bell shaped flowers blooming on tall spikes.
Locations: Botanical Garden Welcome Patio
Daffodils (Narcissus) Only a few spots left to see our Daffodils before they are done for the season. The varieties that are flowering now are frilly and very beautiful late bloomers.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Wells Barn, Grand Mallway, Franklin Park
Grape Hyacinth (Muscari) A small, perennial, bulb that has clusters of flowers that resemble an upside-down cluster of grapes. While this bulb’s common name has “Hyacinth” in it, this flower is not related to Hyacinthus and is part of the Liliaceae, or Lily family. Many varieties are flowering including some fully white varieties, variegated varieties, and even some blue hues.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Community Garden Campus, Celebration Garden
Summer Snowflake (Leucojum aestivum) Not to be confused with Snowdrop (Galanthus) which is one of the first bulbs to appear in late winter. While both of these spring bulbs look very similar, Summer Snowflake is taller, has bell shaped flowers with green dots around the tips of each petal, and has foliage similar to that of Narcissus.
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens.
Perennials
Yellow Trout-Lily (Erythronium ‘Pagoda’) Yellow, nodding flower, with petals facing backward to expose its stamens.
Location: Crane Ornamental & Grass Collection
Bergenia (Bergenia x ‘Pink Dragonfly’) Many more of these cute pink flowering clusters are emerging this week!
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Lungwort (Pulmonaria x ‘Shrimps on the Barbie’) – A low growing perennial with spotted/speckled foliage and bright pink flowers or violet flowers. These flowers will age and turn a blue like color.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Bishop’s Hat (Epimedium x versicolor ‘Sulphureum’) This perennial is still blooming but has started pushing out new foliage growth, covering most of the delicate white blooms.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Siberian Bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla) Small clusters of blue flowers raised up above the silvery-green foliage.
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens!
Golden Alexander(Zizia sp.)
Locations: Franklin Park, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Wood Spurge (Euphorbia amygdaloides)
Location: North Courtyard
Bleeding Heart(Dicentra sp.) This plant got its name from the shape of the flowers which resemble a pink heart hanging along a curved stem.
Location: Franklin Park Shade Garden, Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Community Garden Campus
Cushion Spurge (Euphorbia polychroma) The yellow color of these flowers against the foliage is vibrant this week!
Location: Franklin Park – Watersmart Garden
Catchfly (Silene sp.) Small pink flowers. This plant has sticky sap that captures small insects.
Location: Franklin Park – Watersmart Garden
Balkan Anemone (Anemonoides blanda) Small, white flowers that grow low to the ground.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Community Garden Campus
Lenten Rose (Helleborus) These flowers are nearing the end of their blooming cycle as warmer weather is around the corner. They are starting to produce an abundance of seeds.
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens.
Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica) Blue bell shaped flowers are still looking nice this week. Their blooms will most likely start to fade in the coming week as we get warmer weather.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden – Sandstone Creek
Celandine Poppy (Stylophorum diphyllum) Yellow, cup shaped flowers.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden – Sneak Peak Forecourt
Catmint (Nepeta sp.)
Location: Broad Street Entrance Garden
Final Week of Blooms at FPC: Hardy Trees & Shrubs
Red Elderberry (Sambucus sp.) – Small, white clusters of flowers in conical spikes that are fragrant.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Weeping Cherry Tree (Prunus sp.) Pink blossoms are fading to white.
Location: Broad Street Entrance Garden
Spring Bulbs
Crown Imperial (Fritillaria imperialis) Many of these striking flowers have faded but there are still a few in the Community Garden Campus that are in full bloom this week.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Flowers Getting Ready to Bloom Hardy Trees & Shrubs
Cucumber Magnolia(Magnolia acuminata) This magnolia species blooms late spring to early summer and is one of the largest types of magnolias. We are seeing these fuzzy buds start to swell.
Location: Broad Street Entrance Garden
Trumpet Honeysuckle(Lonicera sempervirens) A vigorous vine with trumpet-shaped red/pink flowers. Once this vine blooms it will attract many pollinators including hummingbirds.
Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Flowering Abelia(Abelia sp.)
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Snowmound Spirea(Spirea nipponica ‘Snowmound’)
Location: Paul Busse Garden Railway
Perennials
Hubricht’s Bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtill) This perennial has thread-leaf foliage and will produce a star-shaped blue flower.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
False Indigo (Baptisia x ‘Indigo Spires’) We are starting to see flower buds appear above the light green foliage of this perennial.
Location: Paul Busse Garden Railway
Ornamental Onion (Allium ‘Globemaster’) Buds are starting to swell and will open up fully in late spring or early summer, giving way to a large purple inflorescence of small star-shaped flowers.
A Tulip update this week:
All our tulips are in bloom or have just finished blooming this week. Many of the spots in peak bloom from last week are fading while other areas are in peak bloom this week! While the early blooming tulips are done for the season, the late bloomers, including many deep purple, red, and white varieties, are in their prime. Come see the tulips this week before they are all gone!
Locations: Everywhere! The best spots to come and see this week are the Botanical Garden Welcome Patio, the Grand Mallway, and the North Courtyard.
April 11, 2024 Report
The sunshine is out and the birds are singing! Our gardens are alive with color and beauty as many flowers emerge this week. It is a wonderful time to come and visit and see all the tulips and spring colors that make up Columbus Blooms. So come, take a stroll, and see if you can spot all these blooms!
Newly Blooming: Hardy Trees & Shrubs
Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) The buds on these native trees have started to open up this week! Later in the week or early next week we should be able to see the dark burgundy flowers on this tree.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Viburnum (Viburnum sp.) Many varieties of Viburnum, in addition to the Korean Spice Viburnum, have started flowering this week, giving off a wonderful fragrance similar to that of a Lilac.
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens
Five Leaf Akebia (Akebia quinata) Clusters of small white flowers hang from this vine that is crawling up the arbor.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) Many different varieties of redbuds can be found around the garden, with branches lined with pink buds. This week the first signs of flowers can be found on certain varieties of Redbud and by next week many more will have started to open up.
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens
Alpine Currant (Ribes alpinum ‘Green Mound’)
Location: Botanical Garden Welcome Patio
Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) Clusters of green flowers.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Sour Cherry (Prunus x ‘Montmorency’) This is a popular variety of Sour Cherry and produces white clusters of flowers.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida ‘Comco NO. 1’)
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Eastern Hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana) Pollen bearing catkins can be seen hanging in clusters of three.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) Yellow-green catkins.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Japanese Flowering Cherry (Prunus x ‘Kwanzan’) Pink flowers.
Location: Bonsai Courtyard
Spring Bulbs
Persian Lily (Fritillaria persica) Dark purple, bell shaped flowers are starting to bloom this week!
Locations: Botanical Garden Welcome Patio
Spanish Bluebell (Hyacinthoides hispanica) Late blooming bulb that has blue bell-shaped flowers.
Locations: Bonsai Courtyard
Perennials
Bergenia (Bergenia sp.)
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Golden Alexander(Zizia sp.)
Locations: Franklin Park, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Yellow Trout-Lily (Erythronium ‘Pagoda’) Yellow, nodding flower, with petals facing backward to expose its stamens.
Locations: Crane Ornamental Grass and Conifer Collection
Still in Bloom: Annuals
Pansy –Hundreds of pansies can be seen throughout the garden in almost all colors of the rainbow!
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens!
Spring Veggies –Many Bok Choy, Lettuce, Cabbage, and Kale can be seen in containers throughout the Botanical Gardens. Many more veggies and herbs are being grown in the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus right now including Swiss Chard, Radishes, Carrots, Beets, and Sweet Peas.
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens.
Sweet Alyssum – Planted in several annual containers throughout the garden.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Hardy Trees & Shrubs
Snow Good Japanese Flowering Cherry (Prunus serrulata ‘Snow Goose’) White flowering cherry.
Locations: Japanese Garden in Franklin Park
Crabapple (Malus sp.) Several different species of crabapple are blooming this week from shades of deep red, to light pink, and even some white varieties. A really beautiful spot to see is over in the Community Garden Campus!
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens.
Red Elderberry (Sambucus sp.) – Small, white clusters of flowers in conical spikes that are fragrant.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Pearlbush (Exochorda x macrantha ‘The Bride’) – The flower buds resemble small white pearls giving way to small white flowers.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Serviceberry (Amelanchier sp.) – Small, delicate white flowers that are in full bloom this week!
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens
Japanese Rose (Kerria japonica) Bright yellow flowers arch along the delicate stems of this shrub.
Locations:Bonsai Courtyard, Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
Locations: Bonsai Courtyard
Flowering Quince (Chaenomeles x superba ‘Cameo’) This beautiful shrub will make you stop and stare a while! Rosettes of peach flowers line the arching stems of this shrub.
Locations: Watersmart Garden in Franklin Park, Outside of Pergola in Franklin Park
Japanese Orixa (Orixa japonica) Small green flowers.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Weeping Cherry Tree (Prunus sp.) Pink blossoms are covering this tree and make a beautiful backdrop for our tulip beds.
Locations: Broad Street Entrance Garden
Yoshino Cherry (Prunus x yedoensis) Make sure you take a walk around Franklin Park during your visit to see these beautiful trees before their blooms are gone!
Locations: Lower Lake in Franklin Park
Oregon Grape Holly (Berberis aquifolium) Yellow flowering shrub that attracts many pollinators.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Community Garden Campus, Bonsai Courtyard
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) Native to Ohio, this shrub has tiny clusters of green/yellow flowers.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Magnolia (Magnolia sp.) Several hybrid Magnolia species are in full bloom right now bursting with bright pink colors.
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens.
Spring Bulbs
Crown Imperial (Fritillaria imperialis) These striking bell-shaped flowers are blooming. We can see many in colors of yellow, and burnt orange/red.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden – Pollen Movers & Makers, Main Garden Pathway – Peninsula Island Bed, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Daffodils (Narcissus) Many of our Daffodils are ending their blooming cycle for this year but there are still a few varieties that are in bloom for another couple of weeks. The best spots to see them right now are in the Children’s Garden and Grand Mallway!
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens.
Grape Hyacinth (Muscari) A small, perennial, bulb that has clusters of flowers that resemble an upside-down cluster of grapes. While this bulb’s common name has “Hyacinth” in it, this flower is not related to Hyacinthus and is actually part of the Liliaceae, or Lily family. We are seeing many varieties pop up with some fully white varieties, variegated varieties, and even some blue hues.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus, Celebration Garden
Summer Snowflake (Leucojum aestivum) Not to be confused with Snowdrop (Galanthus) which is one of the first bulbs to appear in late winter. While both of these spring bulbs look very similar, Summer Snowflake is taller, has bell shaped flowers with green dots around the tips of each petal, and has foliage similar to that of Narcissus.
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens.
Perennials
Lungwort (Pulmonaria x ‘Shrimps on the Barbie’) – A low growing perennial with spotted/speckled foliage and bright pink flowers.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Bishop’s Hat (Epimedium x versicolor ‘Sulphureum’)
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Siberian Bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla) Small clusters of blue flowers raised up above the silvery-green foliage.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, North Courtyard
Wood Spurge (Euphorbia amygdaloides)
Locations: North Courtyard
Bleeding Heart(Dicentra sp.) This plant got its name from the shape of the flowers that resemble a pink heart hanging along a curved stem.
Locations: Shade Garden in Franklin Park, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Cushion Spurge (Euphorbia polychroma)
Locations: Watersmart Garden in Franklin Park
Catchfly (Silene sp.) Small pink flowers. This plant has sticky sap that captures small insects.
Locations: Watersmart Garden in Franklin Park
Balkan Anemone (Anemonoides blanda) Small, white flowers that grow low to the ground.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Lenten Rose (Helleborus) Several beautiful varieties can be seen flowering right now including colors in shades of dark purple/black, pink, and white. A long and showy bloomer. These flowers are nearing the end of their blooming cycle as warmer weather is around the corner.
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens
Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica) Blue bell shaped flowers are in peak bloom this week!
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden – Sandstone Creek
Celandine Poppy (Stylophorum diphyllum) Yellow, cup shaped flowers.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden – Sneak Peak Forecourt
Final Week of Blooms at FPC: Spring Bulbs
Hyacinth (Hyacinthus) We are starting to near the end of these beautiful spring bulbs as warmer weather comes.
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens
Siberian Squill (Scilla) Masses of these bulbs are just about done blooming. We might have some pockets here or there still blooming in coming weeks in shadier areas.
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens
Flowers Getting Ready to Bloom Hardy Trees & Shrubs
American Bladdernut(Staphylea trifolia) This tree’s flower buds are just starting to emerge.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Fothergilla (Fothergilla x intermedia ‘Blue Shadow’)
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Sassafras(Sassafras albidum) These buds are still swelling and we should hopefully start seeing flowers by next week!
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Lilac (Syringa sp.) Purple buds are getting bigger by the day. We will most likely see these bloom in the following weeks.
Locations: Broad Street Entrance Garden
White Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis var. alba)
Locations: Celebration Garden
A Tulip update this week:
An abundance of tulips are blooming this week, including beautiful mixes of purples, oranges, yellows, pinks, reds, and whites. Even day to day there will be more blooms appearing throughout the gardens! All our early and mid season tulips are up and our late tulips will be blooming by the end of the week! Plan your next visit to Franklin Park Conservatory this week so you can see the peak of these beautiful blooms!
Locations: Everywhere! Our favorite spot is the North Courtyard!
April 4, 2024 Report
April showers bring spring flowers! We are certainly seeing quite a lot of new blooms pop up around the garden this week including our tulips! The ground is beginning to warm up and the pollinators are out and about. With the forecast of sunshine and warm days ahead, be sure to come visit and see all the wonderful flowers that make up Columbus Blooms here at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens!
Newly Blooming: Annuals
Pansy – Over the last week our horticulture staff have been planting hundreds of pansies in purple, blue, orange, yellow, and red colors throughout the gardens in containers and in beds with other spring colors.
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens!
Spring Veggies –Many Bok Choy, Lettuce, Cabbage, and Kale can be seen in containers throughout the Botanical Gardens. Many more veggies and herbs are being planted over in the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Community Garden Campus right now including Swiss Chard, Radishes, Carrots, Beets, and Sweet Peas.
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens.
Sweet Alyssum – Planted in several annual containers throughout the garden.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Hardy Trees & Shrubs
Snow Good Japanese Flowering Cherry (Prunus serrulata ‘Snow Goose’) White flowering cherry.
Location: Franklin Park Japanese Garden
Crabapple (Malus sp.) Several different species of crabapple are either in bloom this week or about to bloom. A wonderful area to take a peek is in the Community Garden Campus!
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens.
Red Elderberry (Sambucus sp.) – Small, white clusters of flowers in conical spikes that are fragrant.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Pearlbush (Exochorda x macrantha ‘The Bride’) – The flower buds resemble small white pearls giving way to small white flowers.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Serviceberry (Amelanchier sp.) – Small, delicate white flowers. This small tree blooms as soon as the ground begins to thaw in the spring and flowers for only a few short days.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, The Wells Barn
Japanese Rose (Kerria japonica) Bright yellow flowers arch along the delicate stems of this shrub.
Locations:Bonsai Courtyard, Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
Location: Bonsai Courtyard
Weeping Katsura (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) Small red petals are starting to emerge this week.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Main Entrance Gardens
Flowering Quince (Chaenomeles x superba ‘Cameo’) Our red and white varieties are fading but we have a bright peach colored variety coming into bloom right now.
Location: Watersmart Garden in Franklin Park
Japanese Flowering Cherry (Prunus serrulata) A beautiful pink variety that you can take a stroll through the park to see.
Locations: Franklin Park Japanese Garden
Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata) These beautiful trees are on their second full flush of growth after coming out of the few cold nights we have had the last couple of weeks.
Locations: North Courtyard, along the Main Botanical Garden Pathway, Celebration Garden entrance
Japanese Orixa (Orixa japonica) Small green flowers.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Weeping Cherry Tree (Prunus sp.) Our white weeping variety is finishing blooming this week but a pink variety is just starting to show its colors.
Location: Broad Street Entrance Garden
Spring Bulbs
Crown Imperial (Fritillaria imperialis) These striking bell-shaped flowers are starting to bloom this week! We can see many in colors of yellow, and burnt orange/red.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden – Pollen Movers & Makers, Main Garden Pathway – Peninsula Island Bed
Perennials
Lungwort (Pulmonaria x ‘Shrimps on the Barbie’) – A low growing perennial with spotted/speckled foliage and bright pink flowers.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Bishop’s Hat (Epimedium x versicolor ‘Sulphureum’)
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Siberian Bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla) Small clusters of blue flowers raised up above the silvery-green foliage.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, North Courtyard
Wood Spurge (Euphorbia amygdaloides)
Location: North Courtyard
Bleeding Heart(Lamprocapnos spectabilis) This plant got its name from the shape of the flowers that resemble a pink heart hanging along a curved stem.
Locations: Franklin Park – Shade Garden, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Cushion Spurge (Euphorbia polychroma)
Location: Franklin Park – Watersmart Garden
Catchfly (Silene sp.) Small pink flowers. This plant has sticky sap that captures small insects.
Location: Franklin Park – Watersmart Garden
Still in Bloom:
Hardy Trees & Shrubs
Korean Spice Viburnum (Viburnum carlesii) This variety is currently blooming with clusters of white flowers that are highly fragrant and smell similar to the sweet smell of a Lilac.
Locations: Bonsai Courtyard, Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, The Wells Barn
Sargent’s Cherry (Prunus sargentii) Pink blossoms are adorning the canopy this week.
Locations: Bonsai Courtyard
Yoshino Cherry (Prunus x yedoensis) Make sure you take a walk around Franklin Park during your visit to see these beautiful trees before their blooms are gone!
Location: Franklin Park – Lower Lake
Boxwood (Buxus)
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens.
Oregon Grape Holly (Berberis aquifolium) Yellow flowering shrub that attracts many pollinators.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus, Bonsai Courtyard
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) Native to Ohio, this shrub has tiny clusters of green/yellow flowers.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Magnolia (Magnolia sp.) Several hybrid Magnolia species are in full bloom right now bursting with bright pink colors.
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens.
Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Franklin Park
Spring Bulbs
Daffodils (Narcissus) Still many great photo opportunities of the newly blooming, showy Daffodils with bright colors in yellow, white, orange, and peach. Our favorite spots right now include the Carpinus Alley in the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Community Garden Campus, the peninsula island bed along the Main Botanical Garden Pathway, and the Grand Mallway perennial beds.
Locations: Everywhere!
Hyacinth (Hyacinthus) Lots of blooms are up in shades of purple, white, and pink this week! Very fragrant!
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens.
Grape Hyacinth (Muscari) A small, perennial, bulb that has clusters of flowers that resemble an upside-down cluster of grapes. While this bulb’s common name has “Hyacinth” in it, this flower is not related to Hyacinthus and is actually part of the Liliaceae, or Lily family. We are seeing many varieties pop up with some fully white varieties, variegated varieties, and even some blue hues.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Siberian Squill (Scilla) Large patches of these in the garden beds look like a sea of brilliant blue.
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens. Our favorite spot is in the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus!
Summer Snowflake (Leucojum aestivum) Not to be confused with Snowdrop (Galanthus) which is one of the first bulbs to appear in late winter. While both of these spring bulbs look very similar, Summer Snowflake is taller, has bell shaped flowers with green dots around the tips of each petal, and has foliage similar to that of Narcissus.
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens.
Perennials
Balkan Anemone (Anemonoides blanda) Small, white flowers that grow low to the ground.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Lenten Rose (Helleborus) Several beautiful varieties can be seen flowering right now including colors in shades of dark purple/black, pink, and white. A long and showy bloomer. These flowers are nearing the end of their blooming cycle as warmer weather is around the corner.
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens
Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica) Blue bell shaped flowers are in peak bloom this week!
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden – Sandstone Creek
Celandine Poppy (Stylophorum diphyllum) Yellow, cup shaped flowers.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden – Sneak Peak Forecourt
Final Week of Blooms at FPC:
Hardy Trees & Shrubs
Forsythia (Forsythia sp.) As these blooms are aging, their bright yellow color is starting to fade to a more golden tone. We have several different varieties around the garden and most are wrapping up their blooming cycle this week.
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens
Spring Bulbs
Glory-of-the-Snow (Chionodoxa) Slightly larger than Scilla, these flowers are star-shaped, in lavender and blue hues that fade to white in the center.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden – Salamander, West Terrace, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Spring Starflower (Ipheion uniflorum) White and blue tinted flowers with grass like foliage.
Location: The Zen Terrace
Flowers Getting Ready to Bloom
Hardy Trees & Shrubs
Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) The buds on these native trees are swelling and starting to burst open! We can expect to see dark burgundy blooms in the next week or two.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Viburnum (Viburnum sp.) Many varieties of Viburnum have buds that are starting to swell this week.
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens
Redbud (Cercis canadensis) While these trees are not quite blooming, their pink flower buds along the trunks/stems of the tree make it look like it is glowing pink.
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens
Sassafras(Sassafras albidum)
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Five Leaf Akebia (Akebia quinata) Clusters of small white buds hanging from this vine are getting ready to open.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Lilac (Syringa sp.) Purple buds are getting bigger by the day. We will most likely see these bloom in the following weeks.
Location: Broad Street Entrance Garden
Spring Bulbs
Persian Lily (Fritillaria persica) – This week we are starting to see some of the rich dark purple color show up on these buds.
Location: Botanical Garden Welcome Plaza
A Tulip update this week:
Our tulips are finally in full bloom this week! Enjoy a stroll through the entire garden and see bursts of pink, purple, red, yellow, orange, and even some close to black colored tulips making an appearance this week! Loads of early tulips are in full bloom and we are starting to see our mid-season bloomers appear as well! Don’t miss seeing the peak of these blooms!
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens! The best locations to come and see this week are the Broad Street Entrance Beds, the Grand Mallway, along the Main Botanical Garden Pathway, and the North Courtyard!
March 28, 2024 Report
If you have started to see Dandelions popping up around town then it is a good sign that the ground is warming up for spring! Dandelions only bloom after the ground temperature is above 50 degrees Fahrenheit which also means we will start to see more spring bulbs and flowers appear in the coming weeks. Since dandelions are blooming, we are seeing many of our pollinators out and about, like bees, gathering food and pollen. Since there are not many sources of nectar and pollen during the later half of March up through mid May, these Dandelions are an important source of food for several of the pollinators. Having bees around our garden is also a good sign that the air temperature is rising and is above 61 degrees Fahrenheit.
In the following week, our Horticulture Staff will be installing our annual spring color which includes hundreds of Pansies, Bok Choy, & Lettuce that will complement the spring bulbs that are appearing all around the garden.
Newly Blooming: Hardy Trees & Shrubs
Korean Spice Viburnum (Viburnum carlesii) Many viburnum varieties are starting to produce red clusters of buds that are starting to swell. This variety is on the earlier side and is currently blooming with clusters of small white flowers.
Locations: Bonsai Courtyard
Sargent’s Cherry (Prunus sargentii) Due to the protected environment this tree is in we are seeing an early sprinkle of pink blossoms throughout the canopy.
Locations: Bonsai Courtyard
Yoshino Cherry (Prunus x yedoensis) Make sure you take a walk around Franklin Park in the coming week to see all these Cherry blossoms as they begin blooming!
Locations: Franklin Park – Lower Lake
Boxwood (Buxus)
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus, Main Garden Pathway (EVE)
Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Elderberry (Sambucus sp.)
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Spring Bulbs
Summer Snowflake (Leucojum aestivum) is Not to be confused with Snowdrop (Galanthus) which is one of the first bulbs to appear in late winter. While both of these spring bulbs look very similar, Summer Snowflake is taller, has bell shaped flowers with green dots around the tips of each petal, and has foliage similar to that of Narcissus.
Locations: Broad Street Entrance Garden
Spring Starflower (Ipheion uniflorum) White and blue tinted flowers with grass-like foliage.
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) Native to Ohio, this shrub has tiny clusters of green/yellow flowers.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Weeping Cherry (Prunus sp.) A stunning group of low-growing trees with a mass of white flowers hanging all around at eye level, perfect for a photo.
Locations: Broad Street Entrance Gardens
Magnolia (Magnolia sp.) Most of our Star and Saucer Magnolias are on their last few blooms this week. However several beautiful and smaller hybrid magnolias are budding in pink colors and are starting to bloom throughout the gardens.
Locations: Grand Mallway, Broad Street Entrance Gardens, Franklin Park Japanese Garden, Crane Ornamental Grass & Conifer Collection
Sour Cherry (Prunus cerasus ‘Montmorency’) Creamy white flowers with pink centers.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Forsythia (Forsythia sp.) As these blooms are aging, their bright yellow color is starting to fade to a more golden tone. We will likely have one more week of blooms on these beautiful shrubs.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden – Sensory Garden, Grand Mallway, Broad Street Entrance Garden, Franklin Park Japanese Garden
Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Franklin Park
Spring Bulbs
Daffodils (Narcissus) As some of our earliest Narcissus are starting to fade, our mid and late spring blooming Daffodils are starting to appear with showier blooms. Still many great photo opportunities with bright colors in yellow, white, orange, and peach. This week we are seeing many new varieties start to bloom that are small and delicate but are a sight to see!
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens!
Hyacinth (Hyacinthus) Lots of blooms are up in shades of purple, white, and pink this week!
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens!
Grape Hyacinth (Muscari) A small, perennial, bulb that has clusters of flowers that resemble an upside-down cluster of grapes. While this bulb’s common name has “Hyacinth” in it, this flower is not related to Hyacinthus and is part of the Liliaceae, or Lily family.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Glory-of-the-Snow (Chionodoxa) Slightly larger than Scilla, these flowers are star-shaped, in lavender and blue hues that fade to white in the center.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden – Salamander, West Terrace, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Siberian Squill (Scilla) Large patches of these in the garden beds look like a sea of brilliant blue.
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens!
Perennials
Balkan Anemone (Anemonoides blanda) Small, white flowers that grow low to the ground.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Lenten Rose (Helleborus) Several beautiful varieties can be seen flowering right now including colors in shades of dark purple/black, pink, and white. A long and showy bloomer.
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens!
Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica)
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden – Sandstone Creek
Final Week of Blooms at FPC: Hardy Trees & Shrubs
Cornelian Cherry Dogwood (Cornus mas) Flowers are turning more golden in color as they age and start to fade.
Locations: Pergola – Outside EVE in Franklin Park, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Flowering Quince (Chaenomeles x superba ‘Crimson & Gold) It is a great pollinator plant and can be seen around the garden in a bright red color as well as a creamy white.
Locations: Pergola, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Flowers Getting Ready to Bloom: Hardy Trees & Shrubs
Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) The buds on these native trees are starting to swell! We can expect to see dark burgundy blooms in the following weeks.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Japanese Rose (Kerria japonica)
Locations:Bonsai Courtyard
Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
Locations: Bonsai Courtyard
Weeping Katsura (Cercidiphyllum japonicum)
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Spring Bulbs
Crown Imperial (Fritillaria imperialis) These striking bell-shaped flowers are in bud right now throughout the garden and we can expect to see them opening up in the coming weeks. Our first couple buds are going to be opening up by the end of this week!
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden – Pollen Movers & Makers, Main Garden Pathway
A Tulip update this week:
Our early blooming tulips are starting to open this week and we can expect to see a large amount of these in full bloom by next week! Several of the mid and late blooming tulips are still growing their foliage and will still be a few weeks out to bloom.
Tulip – Many red and yellow colors are appearing this week with even some hints of purple coming up.
Locations: All throughout the Botanical Gardens!
March 21, 2024 Report
Even with cooler, cloudier days this week, spring is still pushing forward and we are seeing quite a bit of new color pop up around the garden.
Newly Blooming: Hardy Trees & Shrubs
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) Native to Ohio, this shrub has tiny clusters of green/yellow flowers.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Weeping Cherry (Prunus sp.) A stunning group of low-growing trees with a mass of white flowers hanging all around at eye level, perfect for a photo.
Locations: Broad Street Entrance Gardens
Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata) These white star-shaped flowers give off a nice fragrance when blooming.
Locations: Main Garden Pathway across from Children’s Garden, Celebration Garden, West Terrace, North Courtyard, Franklin Park – Davis Center
Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia x soulangeana) One of the prettiest spots to take a picture during your visit is with these pink flowering Magnolias beside the historic John F. Wolfe Palm House.
Location: West Terrace
Magnolia (Magnolia sp.) Several beautiful and smaller magnolias blooming in pink and white colors are sprinkled throughout the gardens.
Locations: Grand Mallway, Broad Street Entrance Gardens, Franklin Park Japanese Garden, Crane Ornamental Grass & Conifer Collection,
Flowering Quince (Chaenomeles x superba ‘Crimson & Gold) This shrub is one of the earliest to bloom in the spring, loading its branches with blooms before any foliage growth happens. It is a great pollinator plant and can be seen around the garden in a bright red color as well as a creamy white.
Locations: Pergola, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Sour Cherry (Prunus cerasus ‘Montmorency’) Creamy white flowers with pink centers.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Spring Bulbs
Grape Hyacinth (Muscari) A small, perennial, bulb that has clusters of flowers that resemble an upside-down cluster of grapes. While this bulb’s common name has “Hyacinth” in it, this flower is not related to Hyacinthus and is part of the Liliaceae, or Lily family.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden – Wetlands, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Hyacinth (Hyacinthus) We have started to see many of our hyacinths come into full bloom this week in colors of white, plum purple, and bubblegum pink. Some varieties are still on their way up and will be seen within the coming weeks.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden – Sneak Peak Forecourt & Sensory Garden, Celebration Garden, Paul Busse Railway Garden, Franklin Park outside gate from Pergola, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Glory-of-the-Snow (Chionodoxa) Slightly larger than Scilla, these flowers are star-shaped, in lavender and blue hues that fade to white in the center.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden – Salamander, West Terrace, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Perennials
Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica) These blue bell shaped flowers ring in spring as they have a long blooming season from March to May.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden – Sandstone Creek
Balkan Anemone (Anemonoides blanda) Small, white flowers that grow low to the ground.
Location: Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Still in Bloom:
Hardy Trees & Shrubs
Forsythia (Forsythia x ‘Courtasol’) Even with a cloudy and cold week these shrubs put on a brilliance of yellow strappy petals that will catch your eye from far away.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden – Sensory Garden, Grand Mallway, Broad Street Entrance Garden, Franklin Park Japanese Garden
Red Maple (Acer rubrum ‘New World’)
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Franklin Park
Okame Cherry (Prunus ‘Okame’)
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Spring Bulbs
Daffodils (Narcissus) Even more of these flowers are appearing in sunny yellow and white colors with orange and peach touches being seen this week as well. Many varieties can be seen this week throughout the garden, each with different color variations, textures, and heights. Don’t miss coming to see these beautiful bulbs in bloom!
Locations: Everywhere!
Siberian Squill & White Squill (Scilla) are some of the smallest blooms but in large patches can be a beautiful blanket of blue or white blooms.
Locations: North Courtyard, Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Broad Street Entrance Garden, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Perennials
Lenten Rose (Helleborus) Several beautiful varieties can be seen flowering right now, including dark purple/black, pink, and white colors. A long and showy bloomer.
Locations: Botanical Garden Welcome Patio, Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Lower West Terrace Beds, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus, Tour Entry Doors, Franklin Park
Final Week of Blooms at FPC: Hardy Trees & Shrubs
Cornelian Cherry Dogwood (Cornus mas) Flowers are turning more golden in color as they age and start to fade.
Locations: Franklin Park, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Flowers Getting Ready to Bloom Hardy Trees & Shrubs
Yoshino Cherry (Prunus x yedoensis)
Location: Franklin Park – Lower Lake
Sargent’s Cherry (Prunus sargentii)
Location: Bonsai Courtyard
Japanese Rose (Kerria japonica)
Location:Bonsai Courtyard
Spring Bulbs
Crown Imperial (Fritillaria imperialis) These striking bell-shaped flowers are in bud right now throughout the garden and we can expect to see them opening up in the coming weeks.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden – Sneak Peak Forecourt
A Tulip update this week: To our surprise, we have had some early blooming tulips appear this week! Just a few pops of red and orange colors have appeared with many more on their way. Different varieties of tulips bloom in different periods of spring, including early, mid, and late bloomers, so don’t worry if you have not seen your tulips come up yet. We can expect at the beginning of April to see many more of our tulips coming into bloom. Most of our tulips around the garden are now pushing 4+” of foliage growth and will continue to grow as we get warmer days.
Locations: Main Garden Pathway – West Carriage Path Gate Bed, Grand Mallway, Main Entrance Gardens, Broad Street Entrance Gardens, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
March 14, 2024 Report
With the warm weather, we are seeing an array of blooms pop up all around the garden. With all the sunshine we have been getting in Central Ohio, many of our early spring bulbs are up and flowering already. A good note is Spring is moving about 15 miles North a day. As we are seeing our earliest bulbs, perennials, and trees blooming, expect some of these same flowers to start showing up within the coming week North of Columbus.
Newly Blooming:
Hardy Trees & Shrubs
Cornelian Cherry Dogwood (Cornus mas) A mass of bright yellow blooms makes this tree stand out from far away
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus, Franklin Park (outside of gate from Pergola)
Okame Cherry (Prunus ‘Okame’) This light pink flowering tree is one of the earliest cherry trees to produce flowers in the spring.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus (Caretakers Loop)
Forsythia (Forsythia x ‘Courtasol’) A shrub with bright yellow flowers and longer petals. It is said that these early spring flowers signal there will be three more snowfalls after blooming.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Grand Mallway, Broad Street Entrance, Franklin Park Japanese Garden
Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata) These white, star-shaped flowers give off a nice fragrance when blooming.
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Franklin Park
Spring Bulbs
Daffodils (Narcissus) We are seeing an abundance of these in sunny yellow and white colors. Several different varieties are coming in to bloom at staggered times giving more longevity to see these blooms.
Locations: Bonsai Courtyard, North Courtyard, Botanical Garden Welcome Patio and surrounding the Botanical Gardens
Hyacinth (Hyacinthus) We are starting to see hints of pink, purple and white hyacinths pop up this week. Look for these blooms as we get warmer weather at the end of the week!
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Grand Mallway, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Still in Bloom:
Hardy Trees & Shrubs
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis vernalis)
Locations: Along Main Garden Pathway across from the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Spring Bulbs
Siberian Squill & White Squill (Scilla) Some of the smallest blooms but in large patches, they can be a beautiful blanket of blue or white blooms.
Locations: North Courtyard, Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Broad Street Entrance, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Winter Aconite (Eranthis hyemalis)
Locations: Peninsula Island Bed, Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden
Perennials
Lenten Rose (Helleborus) Several beautiful varieties can be seen flowering right now, including dark purple/black, pink, and white colors. It is a long and showy bloomer.
Locations: Botanical Garden Welcome Patio, Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Final Week of Blooms:
Crocus
Locations: North Courtyard, Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
Dwarf Iris (Iris reticulata)
Locations: Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus
A Tulip update this week:
Our tulips are loving the warm sunshine that is heating up the ground. We are seeing quite a bit of foliage growth appear in all our garden beds, with the most growth being seen in more protected areas like the North Courtyard. Most tulips have foliage out above 3″ this week and we can expect a lot more growth in the coming weeks. Even with the possibility of below-freezing nights, the foliage is very hardy and adept at withstanding these cooler temperatures as compared to the soft tissue of the flowers.
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