Category: What’s In Bloom

Top Plant Picks August 2022

August is in full effect and the gardens are loving it! Cheekwood’s Plant Collections Manager, Shanna Jones, shares her favorite plants at the estate!

Hibiscus ‘Lord Baltimore’ (Hibiscus)

Bloom Time: July – September

Sun Requirement:  Full sun

Water Requirement: Medium – wet

Wildlife: Butterflies

Tolerates: Deer & wet soils

Native to North America: Yes

Zones: 4 – 9

Other: Keep deadheaded for optimal blooming. Great specimen for wet areas!

Location: Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden

Juniperus chinensis ‘Hetzii Columnaris’ (Upright Chinese Juniper)

Bloom Time: N/A

Sun Requirement:  Full sun

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Berries provide food for birds

Tolerates: Deer & drought

Native to North America: No

Zones: 4 – 9

Other: Fast-growing; easily shaped. Can grow to 15′ x 15′. Good size for a large container display.

Location: Gillespie Border/ Beer Garden

Indigofera amblyantha (Chinese Indigo)

Bloom Time: May – September

Sun Requirement: Full sun

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Bees

Tolerates: Some shade

Native to North America: No

Zones: 6 – 8

Other: A member of the pea family, this plant is the source of the dye, indigo. It is a deciduous shrub. Can grow to be 4′ – 6′ tall.

Location: Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden

Nelumbo nucifera ‘Drunken Concubine’ (Lotus)

Bloom Time: June – August

Sun Requirement: Full sun

Water Requirement: Wet

Wildlife: Pollinated by beetles

Tolerates: Acidic waters

Native to North America: No

Zones: 4 – 11

Other: Grows in submerged water. In addition to the beautiful flower bloom, its fruiting body is very unique and used in floral displays

Location: Herb Study Garden

Rosa ‘Quietness’ (Rose)

Bloom Time: May – October

Sun Requirement: Full sun

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Bees & butterflies

Tolerates: Some shade

Native to North America: No

Zones: 5 – 9

Other: Introduced in 2003, ‘Quietness’ is a double bloom and moderately fragrant.

Location: Rose Study Garden

Clethra tomentosa ‘Cottondale’ (Summersweet)

Bloom Time: July – September

Sun Requirement: Part shade

Water Requirement: Medium – wet

Wildlife: Butterflies

Tolerates: Wet soil & erosion

Native to North America: Yes

Zones: 7 – 9

Other: A fragrant, deciduous shrub, it was found growing wild in the Florida panhandle.

Location: Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden

Vernonia lettermanii (Ironweed)

Bloom Time: July – August

Sun Requirement: Full sun

Water Requirement: Dry – medium

Wildlife: Butterflies & hummingbirds

Tolerates: Drought

Native to North America: Yes

Zones: 4 – 9

Other: A low-maintenance, late summer blooming perennial that tolerates a range of soil types.

Location: Bracken Foundation Children’s Gard

Saponaria officinalis (Common soapwort)

Bloom Time: July – September

Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Dry – medium

Wildlife: Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds

Tolerates: Deer & rabbit

Native to North America: No

Zones: 3 – 9

Other: A native to Europe, soapwort has naturalized well in N. America. Is leaves contain as substance that lathers!

Location: Herb Study Garden

Top Plant Picks July 2022

July is in full effect and the gardens are loving it! Cheekwood’s Plant Collections Manager, Shanna Jones, shares her favorite plants at the estate!

Ajuga tenorii ‘Princess Nadia’ (Bugleweed)

Bloom Time: May – June

Sun Requirement:  Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: White-tailed bumblebees & green-veined butterflies

Tolerates: Rabbit & deer

Native to North America: No

Zones: 4 – 9

Other: Amazing weed barrier due to it’s mat-forming habit. Naturalizes well.

Location: Howe Garden

Cercis canadensis ‘Merlot’ (Eastern Redbud)

Bloom Time: March – April

Sun Requirement:  Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Butterflies

Tolerates: Deer

Native to North America: Yes

Zones: 4 – 8

Other: ‘Merlot’ tolerates more heat and dry conditions than other cultivars.

Location: Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden

Rudbeckia laciniata ‘Autumn Star’ (Tall Coneflower)

Bloom Time: July – September

Sun Requirement: Full sun

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Butterflies

Tolerates: Deer

Native to North America: Yes

Zones: 3 – 9

Other: A native plant found in moist soil habitats.

Location: Wills Perennial Garden

Cryptomeria japonica ‘Globosa Nana’ (Dwarf Japanese Cedar)

Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Tolerates: Deer, drought, & heat

Native to North America: No

Zones: 6 – 9

Other: Beautiful evergreen with a soft texture that serves as a great substitution for boxwood.

Location: Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden

Eryngium x zabelli ‘Big Blue’ (Sea Holly)

Bloom Time: June- September

Sun Requirement: Full sun

Water Requirement: Dry

Wildlife: Bees & butterflies

Tolerates: Rabbit & drought

Native to North America: No

Zones: 5 – 9

Other: Thistle-like, blue flowers make stunning dried flowers.; A water-wise plant

Location: Sigourney Cheek Literary Garden

Kniphofia ‘Poco Orange’ (Dwarf Red Hot Poker)

Bloom Time: June – July

Sun Requirement: Full sun

Water Requirement: Dry – medium

Wildlife: Bees, butterflies & hummingbirds

Tolerates: Drought, deer, & rabbits

Native to North America: No

Zones: 5 – 9

Other: ‘Poco Orange’ is a compact form of the species. Plant in grouping for optimal effect.

Location: Sigourney Cheek Literary Garden

Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas Fern)

Sun Requirement: Part Shade – full shade

Water Requirement: Dry – medium

Wildlife: Birds use its material for nest building. Deer will browse.

Tolerates: Tolerant of wide range of soil moistures.

Native to North America: Yes

Zones: 3 – 8

Other: Evergreen in Nashville and other temperate climates.

Location: Carell Family Sculpture Trail

Quercus montana (Chestnut Oak)

Bloom Time: March – April

Sun Requirement: Full sun

Water Requirement: Dry – medium

Wildlife: Acorns provide food for many woodland animals.

Tolerates: Drought

Native to North America: Yes

Zones: 4 – 8

Other: Great oak selection for rocky, drier soils. Long-lived. Often confused with Q. muehlenbergii.

Location: Mansion Front Lawn

Top Plant Picks June 2022

Summer is in full swing in our gardens! Cheekwood’s Plant Collections Manager, Shanna Jones, shares her top plant picks for June.

Ginkgo biloba ‘Magyar’ (Ginkgo / Maindenhair Tree)

Bloom Time: March – April

Sun Requirement:  Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Tolerates: Deer and pollution

Native to North America: No

Zones: 3 – 8

Other: Introduction from Princeton University. Excellent street tree! A male clone of G. biloba, it does not possess the stinky fruit.

Location: Frist Learning Center Courtyard

Athyrium niponicum var. pictum (Japanese Painted Fern)

Sun Requirement: Part shade – full shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Tolerates: Rabbits, deer, & heavy shade

Native to North America: No

Zones: 5 – 8

Other: Best red color shows in heavier shade; weeping habit.

Location: Burr Terrace Garden

Delosperma cooperi ‘WOWDOY3’ Wheels of Wonder® Orange Wonder (Ice Plant)

Bloom Time: spring – fall

Sun Requirement: Full sun

Water Requirement: Dry

Wildlife: Butterflies, moths, hoverflies, & bees

Tolerates: Poor Soils

Native to North America: No

Zones: 5 – 10

Other: Great water wise plant with an exceptionally long blooming period.

Location: Sigourney Cheek Literary Garden

Magnolia grandiflora ‘Southern Charm’ Teddy Bear® (Southern Magnolia)

Bloom Time: June – September

Sun Requirement: Full sun

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife:Seeds feed birds, squirrels, rabbits, & wild turkey

Tolerates: Acidic soils, wet soils

Native to North America: Yes

Zones: 7 – 9

Other: Largest native flower in North America.

Location: Weaver Walk

Boxwood macrophyla ‘Green Pillow’ (Littleleaf Boxwood)

Bloom Time: Insignificant

Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Tolerates: Rabbit & deer

Native to North America: No

Zones: 6 – 9

Other: A dwarf, cushion’y cultivar. 3ft. X 3ft. max size.

Location: Howe Garden: Wildings

Hydrangea quercifolia (Oakleaf Hydrangea)

Bloom Time: May – June

Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife:Bees and butterflies

Tolerates: Some dry conditions

Native to North America: Yes

Zones: 5 – 9

Other: Wonderful cut flower! Amazing fall color. Native to the southeastern U.S.

Location: Carell Dogwood Garden: Hydrangea Trail

Cornus florida ‘Cherokee Sunset’ (Flowering Dogwood)

Bloom Time: April – May

Sun Requirement: Part shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife:Attracts long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, & butterflies

Native to North America: Yes

Zones: 5 – 9

Other: Larval host for cecropia silkmoth & spring azure butterfly. Striking variegated leaves.

Location: Museum Front Lawn

Lysimachia lanceolata ‘Burgundy Mist’ (Lance-leaved Loosestrife)

Bloom Time: June

Sun Requirement: Full sun – part sun

Water Requirement: Medium – dry

Wildlife:Short-tongue bees

Tolerates: Deer & heat

Native to North America: Yes

Zones: 4 – 8

Other: A great plant solution for weedy areas of the garden.

Location: Howe Garden

Top Plant Picks May 2022

We’re gearing up for summer and so are our gardens! Cheekwood’s Plant Collections Manager, Shanna Jones, shares her top plant picks for May.

Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa ‘Big Apple’)

Bloom Time: May – June

Sun Requirement: Part sun

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Bees and butterflies visit the flowers. Birds love the fruit.

Tolerates: Deer

Native to North America: No

Zones: 4 – 8

Other: Attractive element for flower arrangements. Wear gloves when handling as the milky sap can be toxic to skin.

Location: Carell Dogwood Garden

White Azalea (Rhododendron ‘Delaware Valley White’)

Bloom Time: May – June

Sun Requirement: Part shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Bees & butterflies

Tolerates: Deer

Native to North America: No

Zones: 6 – 9

Other: An old fashioned hybrid first introduced from China into England in 1819. The blooms are pure white.

Location: Blevins Japanese Garden

Wisteria (Wisteria frutescens ‘Amethyst Falls’)

Bloom Time: April – May

Sun Requirement: Full sun

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. A host plant for the Marine blue butterfly, Silver-spotted skipper, and Long-tailed skipper.

Tolerates: Deer

Native to North America: Yes

Zones: 5 – 9

Other: Fragrant! Less aggressive than the Asian species. It is a member of the pea family

Location: Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden

Linden Viburnum (Viburnum dilatatum ‘Asian Beauty’ )

Bloom Time: May – June

Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Birds & butterflies

Tolerates: Wide range of soils

Native to North America: No

Zones: 4 – 8

Other: Multi-season interest. Ornamental fruits last from fall to late winer. Plant at least two for optimal fruiting!

Location: Bradford Robinson Color Garden

Siberian Flag (Iris sibirica)

Bloom Time: May – June

Sun Requirement: Full sun

Water Requirement: Medium – wet

Wildlife: Butterflies

Tolerates: Deer & rabbit

Native to North America: No

Zones: 3 – 8

Other: Plant rhizomes en masse for best effect. Irises are a suitable rain garden selection.

Location: Wills Perennial Garden

Love-in-a-mist (Nigella damascena)

Bloom Time: May

Sun Requirement: Full sun

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Bees

Tolerates: Drought

Native to North America: No

Zones: 2 – 11

Other: An annual re-seeder with fern-y foliage. Not only are the flowers of great interest, but the seed pods that follow are also very attractive.

Location: Sigourney Cheek Literary Garden

Itoh Peony (Paeonia ‘Julia Rose’)

Bloom Time: May

Sun Requirement: Full sun-part shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Bees & butterflies

Tolerates: Deer & rabbit

Native to North America: No

Zones: 4 – 9

Other: A cross between tree peony & herbaceous peony. ‘Julia Rose’ transforms in color from dark pink and purple to apricot.

Location: Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden

Top Plant Picks April 2022

Spring has sprung, and our gardens are in full bloom here at Cheekwood! Cheekwood’s Plant Collections Manager, Shanna Jones, shares her top plant picks for April.

Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)

Bloom Time: April – May

Sun Requirement: Part shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Birds & butterflies

Tolerates: Deer & clay soil

Native to North America: Yes

Zones: 5 – 9

Other: Grows to a height of 15 to 25 feet tall.

Location: Carell Dogwood Garden

Bearded Iris (Iris ‘Natchez’)

Bloom Time: April – May

Sun Requirement: Full sun

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Bees

Tolerates: Drought, once established

Native to North America: No

Zones: 4 – 8

Other: Bred by iris hybridizer, Jesse Wills, for whom the Wills Perennial Garden is named for.

Location: Wills Perennial Garden

Doublefile Viburnum (Viburnum plicatum var. tomentosum ‘Mariesii’)

Bloom Time: April – May

Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Bees, birds, & butterflies

Tolerates: Full sun, if roots are kept moist

Native to North America: No

Zones: 5 – 8

Other: Native to China & Japan. Multi-seasonal interest.

Location: Weaver Walk

Jacob’s Ladder (Polemonium caeruleum)

Bloom Time: April – May

Sun Requirement: Part shade – full shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Bees, flies, beetles, and butterflies

Tolerates: Deer

Native to North America: No

Zones: 4 – 8

Other: Clump-forming perennial. Polemonium caeruleum is intolerant of heat and humidity.

Location: Carell Dogwood Garden

Black Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica ‘Wildfire’)

Bloom Time: May – June

Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Medium – wet

Wildlife: Bees visit flowers for nectar. Birds enjoy the fruit.

Tolerates: Clay soil

Native to North America: Yes

Zones: 3 – 9

Other: A lowland species. Amazing color on new leaves in spring as well as in the fall

Location: Howe Garden

Native Azalea (Rhododendon ‘Knap Hll’)

Bloom Time: April – May

Sun Requirement: Part shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Provides nectar for bees, hummingbirds, & butterflies.

Tolerates: Rabbits; can also tolerate more sun exposure in northern climates

Native to North America: Yes

Zones: 5 – 8

Other: Slightly fragrant

Location: Weaver Walk

Bellwort (Uvularia perfoliata)

Bloom Time: April – May

Sun Requirement: Full shade

Water Requirement: Medium – wet

Wildlife: Bees

Tolerates: Cold temperatures

Native to North America: Yes

Zones: 4 – 8

Other: The leaves and young shoots are edible and taste similar to asparagus after being cooked.

Location: Howe Garden

Buckeye (Aesculus pavia)

Bloom Time: April – May

Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Provides nectar for hummingbirds & butterflies; squirrels enjoy the nuts.

Tolerates: Clay soil

Native to North America: Yes

Zones: 4 – 8

Other: Hummingbirds will flock to the blooms!

Location: Carell Dogwood Garden

Top Plant Picks March 2022

With over 250,000 blooming bulbs in our gardens, there’s plenty to see this spring during Cheekwood in Bloom!  Cheekwood’s Plant Collections Manager, Shanna Jones, shares her top plant picks for March.

Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

Bloom Time: March – April

Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Butterflies and bees are attracted to the blooms. Cardinals, wild turkey, and deer will eat the bean pod’s seeds.

Tolerates: Deer

Native to North America: Yes

Zones: 4 – 8

Other: Best planted when still young. Heart-shaped leaves. In the pea family, Fabaceae.

Location: Bradford Robertson Color Garden, Howe Garden, The Carell Trail

Liverwort or Sharp-lobed Hepatica (Hepatica acutiloba or Anemone acutiloba)

Bloom Time: February – March

Sun Requirement: Dappled shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Early pollinators like bees and flies.

Tolerates: Acidic soils

Native to North America: Yes

Zones: 3 – 9

Other: This spring ephemeral has recently been classified under the genus, Anemone. Three sharply pointed lobes. Wonderful little plant for woodland gardens. Also can be seen in shades of pink, blue, and purple.

Location: Herb Study Garden

Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia Xsoulangeana ‘Lilliputian’)

Bloom Time: March – April

Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Larval food source for the saddleback caterpillar.

Tolerates: Clay Soil

Native to North America: No

Zones: 5 – 8

Other: Fragrant flowers. Will grow to a height of 15 – 20 feet. Plant in northern exposure of your landscape to avoid bloom frost.

Location: Carell Dogwood Garden

Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica)

Bloom Time: March – April

Sun Requirement: Part shade – full shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Cross-pollinated by long-tongued bees.

Tolerates: Rabbit

Native to North America: Yes

Zones: 3 – 8

Other: Summer dormant. Be sure to plant in mass and along with ferns and other woodland perennials that do not go dormant during the growing season.

Location: Howe Garden

Weeping Higan Cherry (Prunus subhirtella ‘Pendula’)

Bloom Time: March – April

Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Bees

Tolerates: Heat & winter cold

Native to North America: No

Zones: 4 – 8

Other: Has good disease resistance. Best flowering occurs in full sun.

Location: Blevins Japanese Garden

Spirea (Spiraea thunbergii ‘Ogon’)

Bloom Time: March – April

Sun Requirement: Full sun

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Bees & butterflies

Tolerates: Deer

Native to North America: No

Zones: 4 – 8

Other: “Ogon” traslates to “gold” in Japanese. Adds a light, feathery texture to the garden.

Location: Howe Garden

Leatherleaf Viburnum (Viburnum rhytidophyllum)

Bloom Time: March – April

Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Butterflies

Tolerates: Heavy shade

Native to North America: No

Zones: 5 – 8

Other: Native to central & western China. Evergreen in the South. Can be used as a hedge.

Location: Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden

Wakerobin/Trillium (Trillium ssp.)

Bloom Time: March – April

Sun Requirement: Part shade – full shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Bees and other pollinating insects enjoy the nectar. Moths use this plant as a larval host. Small mammals enjoy the berries as a food source.

Tolerates: Heavy shade

Native to North America: Yes

Zones: Various, depending on species

Other: The darling of spring ephemerals. About 45 different species! Native to both North America & East Asia.

Location: Howe Garden, Carell Dogwood Garden, The Carell Trail

Top Plant Picks February 2022

We may be gearing up for spring, but these featured winter plants are not to be missed! Cheekwood’s Plant Collections Manager, Shanna Jones, shares her top plant picks for February.

Japanese Cornelian Dogwood (Cornus officinalis)

Bloom Time: January – March

Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Birds eat the fruit.

Tolerates: Deer

Native to North America: No

Zones: 5 – 8

Other: Native to Japan, China, and Korea. Grows 15 – 25 feet tall. This dogwood is similar in appearance to the Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas), which flowers later.

Location: Carell Dogwood Garden

Boxwood (Boxwood ‘Dee Runk’)

Bloom Time: March – April

Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Provides cover for birds.

Tolerates: Deer, rabbits

Native to North America: No

Zones: 6 – 8

Other: Natural, pyramidal form. Great specimen plant.

Location: Howe Garden

Chinese Wild Ginger (Asarum splendens)

Bloom Time: March – April

Sun Requirement: Part shade

Water Requirement: Dry – medium

Wildlife: Pollinated by ants and other small critters that crawl in and out of flower

Tolerates: Drought, deer, & rabbits, shade

Native to North America: No

Zones: 5 – 9

Other: Evergreen groundcover

Location: Herb Study Garden

Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus foetidus)

Bloom Time: February – April

Sun Requirement: Part shade – full shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Bees

Tolerates: Deer

Native to North America: No

Zones: 5 – 9

Other: Evergreen perennial. Showy and unpleasantly fragrant. The leaves, stems, and roots of hellebore are toxic and poisonous to humans if ingested.

Location: Turner Seasons Garden

Thompson’s Yucca (Yucca thompsoniana)

Bloom Time: March – May

Sun Requirement: Full sun

Water Requirement: Dry

Wildlife: Pollinated by the Yucca moth. Birds, deer, small mammals and nectar-feeding bats feed on the fruit and seeds.

Tolerates: Drought

Native to North America: Yes

Zones: 7b – 11b

Other: Adaptable to many soil types. Will grow up to 6 – 12 feet tall with a width of 5 – 8 feet wide.

Location: Sigourney Cheek Literary Garden

Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)

Sun Requirement: Part shade – full shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Seeds are a food source for birds and mammals. Provides nesting habitats for many bird species.

Tolerates: Deer & heavy shade

Native to North America: Yes

Zones: 3 – 7

Other: Evergreen. Risky climate conditions in zone 6! Does not perform well with heat and humidity. Intolerant of drought.

Location: Carell Dogwood Garden

Winter Aconite (Eranthis hyemalis)

Bloom Time: March – April

Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Provides early season food for bees and other pollinators, like the drone fly.

Tolerates: Deer

Native to North America: No

Zones: 3 – 7

Other: Normally blooms before crocus in late winter. Like daffodils, naturalize well. Native to Southern Europe.

Location: Howe Garden

Eastern Red Cedar (Juniper virginiana)

Sun Requirement: Full sun

Water Requirement: Dry – medium

Wildlife: The berry-like cones are a food source for birds and small mammals.

Tolerates: Deer, drought, & erosion

Native to North America: Yes

Zones: 2 – 9

Other: Best drought resistance of any native conifer in the Southeast. The rot resistant wood is used for cedar chests and fencing

Location: Bradford Robinson Color Garden