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Current Plant Highlights

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June

Climbing hydrangea, Hydrangea anomala ssp. petiolaris, is as choice an ornamental as its shrubbier relatives. This vine attaches itself to surfaces with tiny rootlike holdfasts, and in time can reach over 50 feet in height, though establishment may take a few years. In June and July, spectacular white flowers are produced in flattened inflorescences nearly a foot in diameter. The leaves are a handsome glossy green, and with time the stems begin to exfoliate, providing additional interest. A climbing hydrangea graces the Arnold Arboretum's Hunnewell Building near the main entrance.

Scotch broom, Cytisus scoparius, is a very durable plant, ideal for planting in difficult sites where soils may be dry and of poor quality. The slender green twigs have a wispy, fine texture, unique among shrubs. Mature plants reach about 5 feet tall and as wide, and in late May to early June are covered with bright yellow pea-like flowers (Cytisus is in the legume family). Several scotch brooms can be found growing among other shrubby Fabaceae, in beds south of the lilacs and east of Bussey Hill.

Beauty bush, Kolkwitzia amabilis, and its relative the rosy dipelta, Dipelta floribunda, were both introduced into cultivation from Asia by Arnold Arboretum plant explorer E. H. Wilson. Both shrubs have upright, vase-shaped habits and produce pinkish yellow, tubular flowers. Though attractive in flower, the displays of both shrubs last only a few weeks. However, the flowers of dipelta are associated with large bracts that surround the ovary and provide additional interest through the rest of the growing season. Also, the older stems of both species develop flaking, peeling bark that is of interest year-round. Examples of these two shrubs can be found growing along Chinese Path.

Cladrastis kentukea, the American yellowwood, is a wonderful shade tree for smaller spaces. Though its smooth, gray bark may resemble that of the beeches, this tree is much more manageable, reaching only 30 to 50 feet in height and comparable width. During the growing season, its bright green leaves stand out against the darker leaves of many other shade trees. The fragrant, white flowers are pendulous, forming clusters that reach 8 to 14 inches in length. The tree is relatively low-branching with a broad, rounded habit. Its common name refers to the freshly cut heartwood, which is yellow. C. kentukea is located on the west side of Meadow Road just before the ponds.

A North American native, Chionanthus virginicus, the white fringetree, resembles a soft, white cloud when in full bloom. Its flowers, which are lightly fragrant, have fringed petals that give the plant a relatively fine texture. Though its shape can be variable, the white fringetree is usually widespreading and open, becoming wider than tall. The egg-shaped fruit is dark blue, but it is often obscured by the foliage. A slow-growing plant, the white fringetree is well worth the wait; not only is it beautiful, but it also tolerates air pollution and has very few disease and insect problems. A large C. virginicus is located on Chinese Path.

Chionanthus retusus, the Chinese fringetree, is the Asian relative of C. virginicus, our native white fringetree. Though the two species share many traits (flowers and fruit are quite similar), some describe the Chinese species as the more ornamental of the two. Its snow-white, fleecy flowers appear on the new branch tips (unlike the native species, which holds its flowers on the previous season's wood). Of further interest is the bark, which begins to flake at a relatively young age. The plant has a spreading, rounded habit and may reach 40 feet tall in the wild (though in cultivation it more commonly reaches 15 to 25 feet in height). The Arboretum's specimen of C. retusus, located on Chinese Path, has been described as the finest specimen of this species in the country, and possibly the world.

Catalpa speciosa, the northern catalpa, has a bold, coarse texture in winter that suggests its tough constitution. The tree is very tolerant of soils, withstanding wet, dry, and alkaline conditions. The wood, which is rot resistant, has been used in the past for railroad ties. Even during the growing season, the northern catalpa makes a bold statement with its very large, heart-shaped leaves and white, bell-shaped flowers. The fruit capsule is long and thin, resembling a very large green bean. C. speciosa is located on the south side of Bussey Hill Road above the lilac collection.