What’s in Bloom

This old-fashioned, climbing rose is the oldest rose growing in our formal Rose Garden, which was first planted by our founder, Pierre S. du Pont, in 1938.  ′Direktor Benschop′, also known as City of York, has a semi-double, fragrant white flower that blooms profusely in early June and then sporadically throughout the season.  It is also known to have dark green glossy foliage, and grows well in full sun and well-drained soil.

This globally rare native, terrestrial orchid species has the largest flower in the genus Cypripedium.  These orchids were grown from seed and took five years to bloom.  In the wild, mycorrhizae are critical to the survival of orchids.  The plants parasitize the fungi and use them as a food source both while the seedlings are developing and as adult plants.     

Cornus kousa, commonly known as Japanese flowering dogwood, is native to eastern Asia. This tree delights in all four seasons. In late spring, after the foliage has emerged, it has an abundance of creamy white bracts which are long lasting.  Flowers are followed by bright, red fruit that is a compound berry about one inch in diameter and resembles a raspberry.  These fruits are edible and a sweet and delicious addition to the tree's ornamental value.  The deep red fall foliage and the stunning exfoliated bark give fall and winter interest.  Cornus kousa is slower growing and later blooming than other dogwood trees. With age it reaches 30 feet high and can look quite stately.

This beautiful hybrid African daisy is derived from Osteospermum ecklonis, also known as Dimorphotheca ecklonis, an evergreen, drought tolerant, and butterfly attracting, non-hardy perennial that is native to South Africa.  From the original white and purple flowers of the species, plant breeding and selection has given the horticultural trade grand colors such as ones found in this beautiful cultivar, 'Balseronze', that is part of Ball FloraPlant's Serenity™ series.  These hybridized Osteopsermum grow 10-14" tall and produce uniform flowers and habit with magical colors that change as the flowers fully open.

Amsonia hubrichtii was named  “Perennial Plant of the Year” by the Perennial Plant Association in 2011. This species is truly distinctive and extraordinary, with clusters of powder-blue flowers in April and May. It grows to a height and width of 2 to 3 feet. In the fall, its golden-orange color rivals the best trees and shrubs. This clump-forming herbaceous perennial prefers full sun to partial shade and is native to the central and northeastern United States. Additionally, it is deer and disease resistant.

Ninebark is a native, deciduous shrub that can grow to 10 feet tall and is very hardy.  Mature branches have exfoliating bark that peels off to reveal a variety of colors underneath. The flowers bloom from May through June and are white with a hint of pale pink. ‘Seward’ is a dwarf selection that has purple summer foliage and a graceful arching habit. The shrub prefers full or partial shade and is tolerant of various soil types and will even tolerate drought.

Fringe-tree is native to the eastern and central United States. It has lacy, white, fragrant flowers in May and early June.  Growing only to 20 feet tall, fringe-tree is a great tree for small gardens or used as a woodland understory plant.  This fairly adaptable tree does well in full sun to partial shade, and has reliable yellow fall foliage.   

One of the earliest blooming peonies in our Peony Garden, ‘Cytherea’ has semi-double, fragrant flowers on strong, upright stems.  These extremely popular garden plants are long-lived perennials that do well in full sun and well-drained, moist soil.  Peonies are also wonderful cut flowers, allowing you to extend your garden’s beauty indoors.