What’s in Bloom

Laurus nobilis or bay laurel is a fragrant, evergreen tree or a large shrub, native to the Mediterranean region. Preferring well-drained soil in full sun, bay laurel is usually grown in containers in temperate climates, since it is not winter hardy. It is typically trained as a topiary in various shapes for patios, herb and formal gardens. The aromatic, glossy leaves of bay laurel are known for their culinary uses in the kitchen, often added to soups and stews. Its leaves and branches are also known to have been used for creating wreaths and crowns worn to symbolize victory or honor.

Commonly known as spotted Joe-Pye weed, Eutrochium maculatum is a hardy native perennial valued for its tall, elegant presence in the garden. Native to eastern North America, it can reach heights of 4 to 7 feet. From mid to late summer, it produces large, dome-shaped clusters of mauve-pink flowers that attract a wide variety of pollinators, including butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Beyond its striking appearance, this species plays a vital ecological role by supporting biodiversity and contributing to healthy habitats. It thrives in well-drained soils with full to partial sun, and its sturdy, spotted stems, attractive foliage, and late-season blooms offer lasting visual interest. Be sure to explore other species and cultivars of Joe-Pye weed blooming throughout the gardens!

Goldenrod has been called by some the single most important plant for North American pollinator biodiversity. It is considered a keystone species and is the host plant for approximately 104 species of butterflies and moths. Many bees are goldenrod specialists, meaning that about 42 species of bees will visit only goldenrod for a food source. Although abundantly important in its native range, it is considered an invasive species in introduced areas due to its ability to rapidly spread and thrive in a variety of conditions.

Jewelweed or spotted touch-me-not, is a vibrant North American wildflower prized for its striking orange, speckled blossoms and its ecological value. Thriving in moist, shaded areas, it attracts hummingbirds and pollinators throughout the summer. One of its most fascinating features is its seed dispersal mechanism.  When the ripe seed pods are touched, they burst open with surprising force, flinging seeds several feet away. This explosive trait not only adds intrigue but also aids in the plant's widespread natural propagation. 

Blooming from mid summer to early fall, panicle hydrangea gets its name from its large, showy panicles of flowers.  Leaving the dried flowerheads on the plant can add interesting forms and textures to the garden in winter.  Combined with its long bloom time, panicle hydrangea offers nearly year-round interest.

Melinis nerviglumis 'Savannah', commonly known as ruby grass, is a compact, clump-forming ornamental grass native to southern Africa. It features soft blue-green foliage that takes on rich red tones in the fall, adding seasonal color to the landscape. In mid to late summer, it produces showy, 3 to 4-inch-long plumes of ruby-pink flowers that gradually fade to creamy white and persist well into autumn. The airy blooms rise about a foot above the foliage, making them excellent for both fresh and dried floral arrangements. Growing to just 6 to 12 inches tall and 9 to 12 inches wide, 'Savannah' is ideal for borders, containers, and small garden spaces.  Its drought tolerance, deer resistance, and long-lasting ornamental value make it a versatile choice for low-maintenance plantings.

Mussaenda ‘Marmalade’ is a vibrant tropical shrub prized for its striking ornamental appeal. This plant is known for its large, eye-catching bracts that range in warm shades of apricot, peach, and soft orange, resembling the color of marmalade, hence its name. These colorful bracts surround the plant’s small, star-like yellow flowers, creating a stunning contrast that lasts through much of the year in warm climates. Native to tropical Asia and Africa, Mussaenda thrives in full sun.  In the Philippines, certain Mussaenda species are traditionally planted in cemeteries or near homes as symbols of remembrance and beauty. Their showy bracts, which look like petals, have led to them being associated with purity and gentleness.  In other areas, their lush and constant bloom makes them symbols of vitality and resilience in tropical gardens.  

Derived from Canna glauca, as part of a canna breeding program during the 1970s at Longwood Gardens, 'Endeavour' can grow in moist to fully saturated soil, being submerged 6 inches below the water's surface. 

Crape myrtle Lagerstroemia ‘Sioux’ is a deciduous ornamental tree valued for its vibrant pink blooms, smooth mottled bark, and attractive summer foliage that turns reddish-orange in fall. Blooming from mid to late summer, ‘Sioux’ offers long-lasting color and thrives in full sun with good heat and drought tolerance. This cultivar was developed by the U.S. National Arboretum and named ‘Sioux’ in honor of the Native American Sioux Nation, as part of a series recognizing Indigenous tribes. Its upright, multi-stemmed form and resistance to powdery mildew make it a outstanding choice for both home landscapes and public plantings. Check out other cultivars of Lagerstroemia throughout the gardens!