GardenWeek Virtual Visits April 4, 2000

Editor's Journal: Stonecrop

The best surprises are in the Woodlands where countless different small bulbs are now blooming. And the most amazing sight is the flower stalks of the Petasites that look like they are the flower stalks of an entirely different plant blooming among the Petasites. Representatives of many genera are now blooming--Chionodoxa, Scilla, Anemone, Omphalodes, Primula, Hacquetia, Corydalis, Jeffersonia and Narcissus. But the temperature was only in the high fifties and turned a bit cooler after a brief shower so the Gunneras remain protected by their boxes with the lids on tight waiting for warmer days.

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Across the pond the Gunnera may still be wintering in its box, but the Daffodils and Petasites are blooming.
Petasites japonicus var. giganteus
Chionodoxa luciliae
A member of the Liliaceae family native to Asia Minor and Crete. Just one of the many species of early spring bulbs blooming in the Woodland.
The rounded flower heads of the Petasites rise on stalks with bracts so different from the main Petasites leaves, they appear to be the flower stalks of a different plant growing among the Petasites! Really amazing.
Petasites japonicus var. giganteus
Petasites japonicus var. giganteus
Although Stonecrop may be the home of some very tiny Alpines, it is also the home of some giants--check back later in the summer to see just how huge the Petasites (and the Gunnera) can be. A member of the Compositae family native to Japan where the the stalks are used as a vegetable.
A member of the Umbelliferae family and European native, this is the only species of the genus. The yellow flower heads are surrounded by green bracts and will be followed with rounded three part leaves.
Hacquetia epipactis
Anemone blanda
Anemone blanda blows in the breeze.
Another of the many early spring blooming bulbs.
Chionodoxa sp.
Omphalodes cappadocica
A member of the Boraginaceae family native to the Lazistan and Cappadocia regions of Turkey (from which it gets its name).
Icy white flowers with a blue stripe down the outside of each petal make masses of this early spring bloomer a treat in the Woodland.
Puschkinia scilloides var. libanotica
Abeliophyllum distichum
There are also several interesting spring blooming shrubs in the Woodland including this member of the Oleaceae family native to Korea. The only species of the genus--named for its Abelia-like leaves--the fragrant flowers look like a white Forsythia.
Several yellow Corylopsis bushes brightened the Woodland in a more subtle way than Forsythia. A member of the Hamamelidaceae family native to (depends on species)
Corylopsis spicata
.
A distinctive Daphne in the Woodland.
Daphne mezereum
Primula sp.
A gently nodding pale yellow Primula in the lower Woodland below the Wisteria Pavilion.
Stonecrop--The Conservatory

Stonecrop--The Cliff Garden, Alpine and Pit Houses

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