Category: What’s In Bloom

Top Plant Picks December 2021

There are still plenty of beautiful plants that stand out during winter! Cheekwood’s Plant Collections Manager, Shanna Jones, shares her top plant picks for December.

Persian Parrotia (Parrotia persica)

Bloom Time: April – May

Sun Requirement: Part shade – full sun

Water Requirement: Medium

Tolerates: Clay soil

Native to North America: No

Zones: 6 – 9

Other: Beautiful bark. Excellent street tree. Flowers are attractive, though very small. Yellow, orange, and scarlet fall color. Prefers slightly acidic soil which will also increase the fall color value. Wind pollinated. Hamamelidaceae family.

Location: Carell Dogwood Garden & Martin Boxwood Gardens

Creeping Raspberry (Rubus hayata-koidzumii)

Bloom Time: July

Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Dry – medium

Wildlife: Birds will eat the fruit.

Tolerates: Acidic soils & drought

Native to North America: No

Zones: 7 – 9

Other: Evergreen. Incredibly attractive fall color. Beautiful ground cover!

Location: Wills Perennial Garden

Coral Bark Willow (Salix alba subsp. vitellina ‘Britzensis’)

Bloom Time: April – May

Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Medium – wet

Wildlife: Butterflies

Tolerates: Deer, wet conditions

Native to North America: No

Zones: 4 – 8

Other: Vibrant red stem color provides winter interest. Thrives in wet conditions. Excellent screen selection.

Location: Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden

American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Bobozam’ MR. BOWLING BALL)

Bloom Time: Non-flowering

Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Tolerates: Clay soil

Native to North America: Yes

Zones: 3 – 7

Other: “Arborvitae” translates to “tree of life”. ‘Bobozam’ is a globular, dwarf variety that rarely requires pruning. Maximum size is 3ft. x 3 ft. Gray-green and needle-like, though soft. Also known as ‘Linesville’. Prefers limestone soils.

Location: Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden

Alabama Croton (Croton alabamensis)

Bloom Time: March – April

Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Tolerates: Drought

Native to North America: Yes

Zones: 6 – 8

Other: This is a RARE plant that is currently on the global vulnerable list. Terrifically unique foliage with excellent fall and winter color. Semi-evergreen to evergreen.

Location: Howe Garden & the Ann & Monroe Carell Jr. Family Sculpture Trail

Weeping Alaskan Cedar (Callitropsis nootkatensis ‘Pendula’)

Bloom Time: April

Sun Requirement: Full sun

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Provides cover for birds, small mammals

Tolerates: Strong winds, alkaline soil, and shade

Native to North America: Yes

Zones: 4 – 7

Other: Sometimes known as Cupressus (or Xanthocyparis) nootkatensis. Drought tolerant once established. Outstanding specimen tree. Male cones and female flowers exist on same tree.

Location: Martin Boxwood Gardens

Possumhaw (Ilex decidua ‘Warren’s Red’)

Bloom Time: May

Sun Requirement: Full sun

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Birds, deer, possums & other small mammals eat the fruit.

Tolerates: Clay soil & low pH

Native to North America: Yes

Zones: 5 – 9

Other: A deciduous holly, the berries provide exceptional winter interest. Excellent component for rain gardens.

Location: Turner Seasons Garden

Bearberry Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster dammeri ‘Coral Beauty’)

Bloom Time: May – June

Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Butterflies

Tolerates: Drought & Deer

Native to North America: No

Zones: 5 – 8

Other: Tough Plant! Excellent evergreen, woody groundcover used for erosion control.

Location: Blevins Japanese Garden

Top Plant Picks November 2021

Fall is the perfect time to check out all the color in the gardens! Cheekwood’s Plant Collections Manager, Shanna Jones, shares her top plant picks for November.

Aster (Aster oblongifolius ‘Raydon’s Favorite’)

Bloom Time: October – November

Sun Requirement: Full sun

Water Requirement: Dry – medium

Wildlife: Bees & butterflies

Tolerates: Deer & rabbits

Native to North America: Yes

Zones: 3 – 8

Other: Wonderful selection for late season color; plant in masses for best effect

Location: Howe Garden & Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden

Fragrant Sumac (Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Low’)

Bloom Time: March – April

Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Medium – dry

Wildlife: Berries provide winter nourishment for small mammals and birds.

Tolerates: Drought & erosion

Native to North America: Yes

Zones: 3 – 9

Other: Magnificent fall color. Four-season interest.

Location: The Carell Trail (Tree Poem)

Arkansas Amsonia (Amsonia hubrichtii)

Bloom Time: April – May

Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Butterflies

Tolerates: Deer

Native to North America: Yes

Zones: 5 – 8

Other: Golden fall color. Cut back to half after flowering to avoid floppiness.

Location: Carell Dogwood Garden & Howe Garden

Maidenhair Tree (Ginkgo biloba)

Bloom Time: March – April

Sun Requirement: Full sun

Water Requirement: Medium

Tolerates: Deer

Native to North America: No

Zones: 4 – 8

Other: Exceptional yellow fall color. Female trees produce messy and foul-smelling fruit.

Location: Reflecting Pool & Blevins Japanese Garden

Coralberry (Symphoricarpos orbiculatus)

Bloom Time: June – July

Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Birds

Tolerates: Deer, drought, & dry soil

Native to North America: Yes

Zones: 2 – 7

Other: Excellent winter interest; use stems for floral arrangements.

Location: Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden

Osage Orange (Maclura pomifera)

Bloom Time: June

Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Medium – dry

Wildlife: Some deer & squirrels

Tolerates: Drought & poor soil

Native to North America: Yes

Zones: 4 – 9

Other: Tough tree! Thrives in poor soil. Wood is orange and resistant to decay. The seeds of the fruit are edible.

Location: Robinson Family Water Garden

Arrowhead Viburnum (Viburnum dentatum ‘Blue Muffin’)

Bloom Time: June – July

Sun Requirement: Part sun – full sun

Water Requirement: Medium – dry

Wildlife: Birds & butterflies

Tolerates: Deer

Native to North America: Yes

Zones: 3 – 8

Other: Brilliant fall color. Berries attract birds.

Location: Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden

Orange Coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida)

Bloom Time: July – November

Sun Requirement: Full sun

Water Requirement: Medium – dry

Wildlife: Bees & butterflies

Tolerates: Drought, deer, & some shade

Native to North America: Yes

Zones: 3 – 9

Other: Plant to aid late season pollinators.

Location: Wills Perennial Garden

Top Plant Picks October 2021

There’s so much more than mums to see during Cheekwood Harvest! Cheekwood’s Plant Collections Manager, Shanna Jones, shares her top plant picks for October.

Chinese Abelia (Abelia chinensis)

Bloom Time: August – October

Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Butterflies & bees

Tolerates: Deer

Native to North America: No

Zones: 7 – 9

Other: Makes an effective hedge when planted in mass.

Location: Bradford Robertson Color Garden

Toadlily (Tricyrtis hirta ‘Miyazaki’)

Bloom Time: August – October

Sun Requirement: Part shade – full shade

Water Requirement: Medium – wet

Wildlife: Butterflies, bees & hummingbirds

Native to North America: No

Zones: 4 – 8

Other: Plant where detailed flowers can be appreciated up close. Rabbits enjoy eating the new leaves and flower buds.

Location: Carell Dogwood Garden

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)

Bloom Time: April – May

Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Butterflies

Tolerates: Deer & drought

Native to North America: Yes

Zones: 4 – 8

Other: Seed heads provide attractive garden interest in the fall

Location: Wills Perennial Garden

Devil’s Walking Stick (Aralia spinosa)

Bloom Time: July – August

Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Birds

Tolerates: Drought

Native to North America: Yes

Zones: 4 – 9

Other: Leaves present a tropical effect. Fruit is an excellent food source for birds.

Location: Ann & Monroe Carell Jr. Family Sculpture Trail & Herb Study Garden

White Oak (Quercus alba)

Bloom Time: May – June

Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Dry – medium

Wildlife: Acorns provide fruit for a variety of wildlife

Tolerates: Drought, dry soil

Native to North America: Yes

Zones: 3 – 9

Other: The white oak is commonly used as a street tree and makes a picturesque shade tree at maturity.

Location: Sigourney Cheek Literary Garden

Fig (Ficus carica ‘Chicago Hardy’)

Bloom Time: Spring – inconspicuous

Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Birds

Tolerates: Colder temps than any other F. carica

Native to North America: No

Zones: 6 – 10

Other: Produces fruit in late summer or early fall. ‘Chicago Hardy’ is the most cold-hardy of the species.

Location: Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden

Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)

Bloom Time: June – July

Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Medium – wet

Wildlife: Birds

Tolerates: Wet soil

Native to North America: Yes

Zones: 3 – 9

Other: Be sure to plant at least one male in a grouping to ensure berry production occurs.

Location: Ann & Monroe Carell Jr. Family Sculpture Trail & Howe Garden

Tartarian Aster (Aster tartaricus ‘Jindai’)

Bloom Time: September – October

Sun Requirement: Full sun

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Butterflies

Tolerates: Disease and insect damage

Native to North America: No

Zones: 4 – 8

Other: This cultivar seldom needs summer pinching to control height as long as it is grown in full sun.

Location: Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden

Top Plant Picks September 2021

As the autumn season sets in, our gardens become a canvas for fall florals. From cardinal flowers to the ever-popular chrysanthemums that steal the show, there’s so much to see in our gardens this month. Cheekwood’s Plant Collections Manager, Shanna Jones, shares her top plant picks for September.

Salvia argentea

Bloom Time: May – June

Sun Requirement: Full sun

Water Requirement: Dry – Medium

Tolerates: Drought, deer, rabbit

Native to North America: No

Other: Short-lived perennial. Adds fantastic interest to the garden with both texture and color

Location: Herb Study Garden: Blue and Silver

Toad Lily (Tricyrtis hirta ‘Miyazaki’)

Bloom Time: August – September

Sun Requirement: Part shade – full shade

Water Requirement: Medium – wet

Wildlife: Butterflies & bees

Tolerates: Good disease and pest resistance

Native to North America: No

Zones: 4 – 8

Other: Plant in front borders where the flowers can be best appreciated. For best performance, plant in moist, organic, rich soil. Will naturalize in optimal conditions.

Location: Carell Dogwood Garden

Shrub Rose (Rosa ‘Quietness’)

Bloom Time: May – October

Sun Requirement: Full sun

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Butterflies

Native to North America: No

Zones: 5 – 9

Other: Constantly blooming! Little pruning required.

Location: Rose Study Garden

Goldenrod (Solidago rugosa ‘Fireworks’)

Bloom Time: September – October

Sun Requirement: Full sun

Water Requirement: Medium – wet

Wildlife: Butterflies & bees

Tolerates: Deer & wet soil

Native to North America: Yes

Zones: 4 – 8

Other: Graceful habit. No serious insect or disease pressures. DOES NOT cause hay fever. .

Location: Howe Garden

Fortune Tea Olive (Osmanthus xfortunei ‘Fruitlandii’)

Bloom Time: September – October

Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Bees

Tolerates: Deer

Native to North America: No

Zones: 7 – 9

Other: Most cold tolerant species of Osmanthus. Extremely fragrant, similar to the scent of gardenia. A member of the olive family.

Location: Blevins Japanese Garden

Bur Oak/Mossycup Oak (Quercus macrocarpa)

Bloom Time: April

Sun Requirement: Full sun

Water Requirement: Dry – medium

Wildlife: The acorns of this oak provide food for wood ducks, wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, rabbits, mice, squirrels and other rodents.

Tolerates: Drought & dry soil

Native to North America: Yes

Zones: 3 – 8

Other: Monoecious. Leaves can be variable in shape. Twigs are sometimes winged. Fruit is fringed.

Location: Ann & Monroe Carell Jr. Family Sculpture Trail

Northern Maindenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum)

Sun Requirement: Part shade – shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Provides shelter for lizards and frogs.

Tolerates: Heavy shade

Native to North America: Yes

Zones: 3 – 8

Other: Beautiful, swirled frond arrangement with black stems.

Design tip: Combine with broad-leaved plants such as hostas for best effect.

Location: Howe Garden, Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden, and the Ann & Monroe Carell Jr. Family Sculpture Trail

Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis ‘SMCOSS’ Sugar Shack®)

Bloom Time: June – July

Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Medium – wet

Wildlife: Butterflies & hummingbirds

Tolerates: Wet soil

Native to North America: Yes

Zones: 4 – 10

Other: Sugar Shack® is a compact form. Fragrant flowers. Showy fruit.

Location: Robinson Family Water Garden – Weaver Walk

Top Plant Picks June 2021

Published: June 1, 2021

Say hello to summer by taking a stroll through our gardens! Cheekwood’s Plant Collections Manager, Shanna Jones, shares her top plant picks for June.

Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’)

Bloom Time: April

Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Tolerates: Rabbit

Native to North America: No

Zones: 5 – 8

Other:  Small tree, growing to 15 – 20′. Vibrant, red-purple summer foliage.

Location: Blevins Japanese Garden

Blue Star (Amsonia tabernaemontana)

Bloom Time: May – June

Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Bees & Butterflies

Tolerates: Deer & drought

Native to North America: Yes

Other:  Nice rounded habit, adds great shape and texture to the perennial border.

Zones: 3 – 9

Location: Wills Perennial Garden

Chinese Astilbe (Astilbe chinensis ‘Visions in Purple’)

Bloom Time: June – July

Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Bees, moths, butterflies

Tolerates: Heavy shade, deer & rabbit

Native to North America: No

Other:  Foliage is fern-like. The color of blooms is almost electric. Looks best when planted in groups.

Zones: 4 – 8

Location: Weaver Walk

Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata ‘Soulmate’)

Bloom Time: June – July

Sun Requirement: Full sun

Water Requirement: Medium – wet

Wildlife: Butterflies

Tolerates: Deer & wet soil

Native to North America: Yes

Other:  Provides nectar for butterflies and is a vital food source for Monarch butterfly larvae.

Zones: 3 – 6

Location: Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden

Red False Yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora)

Bloom Time: May – June

Sun Requirement: Full sun

Water Requirement: Dry

Wildlife: Butterflies & Hummingbirds

Tolerates: Drought & heat

Native to North America: Yes

Other: A desert plant with a long bloom period.

Zones: 5 – 10

Location: Sigourney Cheek Literary Garden

Big Leaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Twist-n-Shout’)

Bloom Time: May – August

Sun Requirement: Part shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Bees & butterflies – however only the smaller florets are fertile

Tolerates: Shade

Native to North America: No

Other:  Showy blooms which vary in color from blue to pink depending on the soil pH. ‘Twist-n-Shout’ is the first reblooming cultivar.

Zones: 6 – 9

Location: Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden

Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana ‘Green Shadow’)

Bloom Time: June

Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Medium – wet

Wildlife: Bees

Tolerates: Clay, wet soil & deer

Native to North America: Yes

Other:  Fragrant flowers. Oval, tight growth habit.

Zones: 5 – 10

Location: Weaver Walk

Miniature Rose (Rosa ‘Minnie Pearl’)

Bloom Time: May – August

Sun Requirement: Full Sun

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Bees & Butterflies

Tolerates: Alkaline soils

Native to North America: Yes

Other:  Spicy fragrance emits from an elegant, light peach tone.

Zones: 4 – 11

Location: Rose Study Garden

Top Plant Picks April 2021

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. Use this as your guide as you explore the grounds!

Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)

Bloom Time: April – May

Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Medium to wet

Wildlife: Raccoons, squirrels, and possums love the fruit

Tolerates: Wet soil

Native to North America: Yes

Other: Spreads by roots to form tree colonies. Fruit is fully developed by September here and tastes like banana custard!

Zones: 5 – 9

Location: Howe Garden and the Ann and Monroe Carell Jr. Family Sculpture Trail

Katsura Tree (Cercidiphyllum japonica ‘Pendulum’)

Bloom Time: March – April

Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Bees

Tolerates: Clay soil

Native to North America: No

Other: Native to Japan & China. Yellow fall color. Pendulous form provides winter interest.

Zones: 4 – 8

Location: Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden

Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida ‘Plena’)

Bloom Time: April – May

Sun Requirement: Part Shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Bees, birds, and butterflies

Tolerates: Deer, Clay Soil

Native to North America: Yes

Other: Double white flower

Zones: 5 – 9

Location: Carell Dogwood Garden

Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida Red Beauty®)

Bloom Time: April – May

Sun Requirement: Part Shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Bees, birds, and butterflies

Tolerates: Deer, Clay Soil

Native to North America: Yes

Other: Heavy bloomer with rosey-red color. A hybrid developed through the Rutgers University dogwood breeding program.

Zones: 5 – 9

Location: Carell Dogwood Garden

Barrenwort/Bishops Hat (Epimedium)

Bloom Time: March – May

Sun Requirement: Part shade – full shade

Water Requirement: Dry – medium

Tolerates: Deer & heavy shade

Native to North America: No

Other: Perfect contenders for dry, shady gardens. Flowers appear before the foliage.

Zones: 5 – 9

Location: Carell Dogwood Garden, Robinson Family Water Garden, Howe Garden, and Burr Terrace Garden

Small Anise Tree (Illicium parviflorum)

Bloom Time: April – May

Sun Requirement: Part shade – full shade

Water Requirement: Dry – medium

Wildlife: Bees & butterflies

Tolerates: Heavy shade, wet soil

Native to North America: Yes

Other: Fragrant and evergreen, spreads by root suckers to form colonies.

Zones: 7 – 10

Location: Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden, Howe Garden, and Carell Dogwood Garden

Kerria (Kerria japonica ‘Golden Guinea’)

Bloom Time: April – May

Sun Requirement: Part shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Bees

Tolerates: Deer & heavy shade

Native to North America: No

Other: This cultivar can grow up to 8 feet tall. Serves well as a single specimen or as a mass planting. Best to prune in spring after flowering.

Zones: 4 – 9

Location: Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden

Mountain azalea (Rhododendron canescens)

Bloom Time: April

Sun Requirement: Part shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Butterflies & Hummingbirds

Tolerates: Rabbit

Native to North America: Yes

Other: Loves acidic soils! Flowers are lightly fragrant. Perfect for open, shady woodland areas.

Zones: 5 – 9

Location: Blevins Japanese Garden, Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden, and Carell Dogwood Garden

Gardeners’ Top Picks December 2019

There are still plenty of beautiful plants that stand out during winter! Our garden team has hand selected their top plant picks for December from 8 of our distinct gardens. Use this as your guide as you explore the grounds.

Bushy Bluestem (Andropogon glomeratus)

Bloom Time: September – February

Sun Requirement: Full sun

Water Requirement: Medium – wet

Wildlife: Attracts butterflies in summer. Birds and small mammals eat the seeds. Provides nesting material for birds.

Tolerates: Deer

Native to North America: Yes

Other: Low maintenance, ornamental grass. Excellent rain garden component.

Zones: 5 – 9

Location: Howe Garden

Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)

Bloom Time: November – December

Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Birds will eat the fruit.

Tolerates: Poor soil, clay soil

Native to North America: Yes

Other: Showy, fragrant flower

Zones: 5 – 9

Location: Herb Study Garden

Possumhaw (Ilex decidua ‘Warren’s Red’)

Bloom Time: May, but flower is insignificant

Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Birds, deer, opossums & other small mammals eat the fruit.

Tolerates: Clay soil, low pH

Native to North America: Yes

Other: A deciduous holly, the berries provide exceptional winter interest. Excellent component for rain gardens.

Zones: 5 – 9

Location: Turner Season’s Garden (Winter)

Weeping Alaskan Cedar (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis)

Sun Requirement: Full sun

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Provides cover for birds, small mammals & (sometimes) deer.

Tolerates: Strong winds, alkaline soil, shade.

Native to North America: Yes

Other: Drought tolerant once established. Outstanding specimen tree.

Zones: 4 – 8

Location: Martin Boxwood Garden / Petite Swan Lawn

Persian Parrotia (Parrotia persica)

Bloom Time: March – April

Sun Requirement: Full sun

Water Requirement: Medium

Tolerates: Clay soil

Native to North America: No

Other: Beautiful bark. Excellent street tree. Flowers are attractive, though very small. Yellow & orange fall color.

Zones: 6 – 9

Location: Carell Dogwood Garden

Japanese Camellia (Camellia sasanqua)

Bloom Time: October – January

Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Squirrels and birds will eat the seeds.

Tolerates: Acidic soil & drought (once established)

Native to North America: No

Other: Evergreen. Very showy & fragrant blooms. Reliably hardy to zone 6.

Zones: 7 – 9

Location: Shōmu-en, Blevins Japanese Garden

Creeping Raspberry (Rubus hayata-koidzumii – formerly calycinoides)

Bloom Time: July

Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Dry – Medium

Wildlife: Birds will eat the fruit.

Tolerates: Difficult sites with poor soils & drought.

Native to North America: No

Other: Wonderful ground cover, especially for rock gardens. Edible fruit. Brilliant fall color.

Zones: 7 – 9

Location: Wills Perennial Garden

Dwarf Fothergilla (Fothergilla gardenii ‘KLMTWO’ Beaver Creek®)

Bloom Time: April – May

Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Tolerates: Wet soils, drought

Native to North America: Yes

Other: Showy, fragrant flower. Vibrant fall color. Works well as an accent or planted in groupings.

Zones: 4 – 8

Location: Burr Terrace Garden