Bloom Report #28
July 12, 2023
90F, Sunny
Hostas
Hosta ventricosa or Blue Hosta with their lavender-purple flowers elegantly wash down from Azalea Woods and across both sides of the March Bank. Blue Hosta can also be found adorning the edge of Oak Hill.
The Quarry Garden’s hillside is covered in pale-lavender-to-white spikes of the hybrid Honeybells hostas aka Hosta Honeybells.
There are so many blooming Hosta, which makes for very happy Hummingbirds who visit to sip on their sweet nectar.
Learn more about the planting and care of Hostas from the Spruce.
Magnolia grandiflora Southern Magnolia
Did you know?
Southern Magnolias can live an average of 80 years, but many will age to 120 years old.
They top out at around 120 feet tall, categorizing the tree as a medium to large evergreen.
Magnolia flowers produce lots of pollen, but they do not produce nectar.
The flowers of the magnolia grandiflora are large and very fragrant.
Many cultures claim the magnolia as a symbol of many things, such as natural beauty, purity, strength, freedom, nobility and more.
Today, the southern magnolia symbolizes peace, harmony and hope for a better future.
The magnolia flower is considered a muse, a symbol, and a treasure by many. You will find numerous photos, paintings, poems and songs honoring the sweet southern magnolia.
Rhododendron prunifolium Plumleaf Azalea
The plumleaf azalea is one of the latest native azaleas to bloom each year. The large, showy deep orange to red flowers are gorgeous in the late summer garden. They bloom in clusters and are a great source of nectar to hummingbirds and varieties of butterflies.
Their common name comes from their deep green leaves that turn a warm plum shade in the cool fall weather. The plant grows to a height of 6-8′ and prefers partial shade.
Rhododendron prunifolium was winner of the 2014 south east region’s “Rhododendron of the Year” award; this honor was bestowed on the plant by the American Rhododendron Society.
Visit the plumleaf azalea in the Winterthur Garden today and you’ll understand why it’s an award winning rhododendron!!
Search the Winterthur Garden map to find your favorite garden area or to plot an exciting new area to explore!
What’s blooming at Winterthur now? Download the full report below:
Bloom Report presented by: Pauline Myers