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Serviceberry
Plant of the week
Photo by Dave Brigner

Sunday June 7, 2009

Common name: Serviceberry

Light: Full sun

Height: 15-25 ft.

Spread: 5-10 ft.

USDA Hardiness Zone: 4

Origin: North America


The Serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis) is a multi-stemmed small growing tree, which is included in the rose family (Rosaceae). Its many favorable characteristics make this tree ideal for the home landscape. In late April, 2-4 inch clusters of fragrant white flowers hang from the branches. New growth is purple later turning into 1-3 inch dark green leaves. By late spring clusters of pinkish-red berries appear turning dark purple when ripe, which birds will enjoy. The edible berries are sometimes used in jams, jellies and pies. Like the flowers, the fall color is short-lived but has attractive yellow-orange to red leaves. The younger branches are reddish-brown while the older wood is dull gray, giving a nice contrast and winter interest. These trees have a moderate growth rate, are adaptable to many soil types and can grow in part sun as well. Serviceberries are
located in the Brides Garden at Franklin Park Conservatory.

- Dave Brigner Franklin Park Conservatory

Bear’s breeches
Plant of the week
Photo by Dave Brigner

Sunday June 14, 2009

Common name: Bear’s breeches

Light: Full sun

Height: 3-4 ft.

Spread: 2-3 ft.

USDA Hardiness Zone: 5

Origin: Mediterranean


Bear’s breeches (Acanthus spinosus) are herbaceous clump-forming perennials ideal for the perennial border or group plantings wherever a tall and course-textured vertical is needed. The spiny and glossy arching leaves, up to two feet in length, are deeply cut and grow into dramatic clumps, which are attractive when not in flower. Flowering occurs June through August. Tall sturdy spikes of white flowers with mauve-purple spiny bracts are long lasting and held high above the foliage. Bear’s breeches do best in a well-drained soil and do equally as well in part shade. They will attract butterflies and are deer and drought resistant, once established. They should be planted in a permanent location as they can be propagated from root cuttings and any roots left behind will grow. This leaf shape was a common design used in Greek Corinthian columns and other architectural structures. Bear’s breeches are located at the entrance gates at Franklin Park Conservatory.

- Dave Brigner Franklin Park Conservatory

Scarlet milkweed
Plant of the week
Photo by Dave Brigner

Sunday June 21, 2009

Common name: Scarlet milkweed

Light: Full sun

Height: 2-3 ft.

Spread: 1.5-2 ft.

USDA Hardiness Zone: 9

Origin: South America


There are over 100 species of Milkweeds. The Scarlet milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) is one of the most widely used in cultivation. Unlike our native Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa), which is deciduous, the Scarlet milkweed is a tender tropical perennial that is mainly grown as an annual in temperate climates. The narrow glossy leaves grow to 5 inches. Clusters of reddish-orange and yellow flowers will provide color to the garden or containers June through October. Although hummingbirds will visit this plant, it is mainly used in butterfly gardening. Butterflies feed and lay eggs only on selected “host” plants. This plant is a particular host plant for the Monarch butterfly. These plants will often attract aphids, a small insect pest, which is food for ladybugs and finches. As with many other tender perennials, this plant can be over-wintered indoors as a houseplant. Plants will grow quickly from seed if started 6-8 weeks before the frost-free date. Scarlet Milkweeds are used to attract Monarch butterflies in the Native Butterfly Garden at Franklin Park Conservatory.

- Dave Brigner Franklin Park Conservatory

Rose campion
Plant of the week
Photo by Dave Brigner

Sunday June 28, 2009

Common name: Rose campion

Light: Full sun

Height: 3 ft.

Spread: 1-1.5 ft.

USDA Hardiness Zone: 4

Origin: N. Africa, S. Europe


Rose campion (Lychnis coronaria) is a clump-forming biennial with mounds of attractive silver-gray wooly narrow leaves. It spends its first year forming a basal rosette, then blooming in its second year and reseeding and then declining in the third year. The flowering stems are multi-branched having many flowers, each lasting only one day, and blooming over a long period. The brightly colored flowers are eye-catching from a distance and are often used in cottage and meadow gardens. Unlike most perennials, Rose campion prefer poor soils and are drought tolerant. After flowering, the stems can be cut back to encourage a second flush of bloom. Hummingbirds are attracted to them and are deer resistant. If starting from seed, they should be pressed into the soil and not covered, as they need light for germination. Seed can be sown 2-3 weeks before the last frost, as they need a cool temperature treatment. There are many varieties on the market including ‘Oculata’ (pictured) and ‘Abbotswood Rose’ which is bright magenta. Rose campion is located in the Demonstration Garden at Franklin
Park Conservatory.

- Dave Brigner Franklin Park Conservatory
Franklin Park Conservatory Sponsors: City of Columbus, Franklin County Board of Commissioners, The Columbus Foundation and Scotts Miracle Gro
   
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