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Tag: Cornell Pink Rhododendron

  • Tree Petunia Flowers?

    Tree Petunia Flowers?

    The other day, I spotted a beautiful pink flower two feet off the ground and felt a rush of adrenalin, thinking I discovered tree petunia flowers.

    Upon closer inspection, I realized my self-sewn petunias had grown into a Cornell Pink Rhododendron.

    I still think it’s cool!

    Tree Petunia

    You’ll see Hartlage Wine Calycanthus foliage to the right of the tree petunia flower. To the upper left of the tree petunia flower, in the shadows, is a Lenten Rose that self-sowed.

    This picture was taken in early October. Petunia flowers start to fade when the days begin to get shorter. Hence, while there are flowers, the petunia patch looks pretty beat up.

    You can see the buds of the Cornell Pink Rhododendron. I can’t wait for them to beckon spring again.

    Tree Petunia Flower Closeup

    I find garden novelties, such as tree petunia flowers, the most exciting parts of the garden.

  • Early Spring Blooming Plants – Part 1

    Early Spring Blooming Plants – Part 1

    I visited the Bartlett Arboretum in mid-April and had a ball looking at early spring blooming plants.  Below are some pictures from my visit.

    Cornell Pink Rhododendron (Rhododendron mucronulatum ‘Cornell Pink’)

    Cornell Pink Rhododendron (Rhododendron mucronulatum 'Cornell Pink')
    Cornell Pink Rhododendron was in full bloom. Cornell Pink is a deciduous rhododendron and blooms before foliage emerges.

    Cornell Pink Rhododendron (Rhododendron mucronulatum 'Cornell Pink')
    A close up of Cornell Pink Rhododendron flowers.

    Winter Hazel (Corylopsis pauciflora)

    Winter Hazel (Corylopsis pauciflora)
    Winter Hazel in full bloom. I’ve never planted it but I like the compact habit and bright yellow blooms in early-spring.

    Winter Hazel (Corylopsis pauciflora) Flowers
    Winter Hazel flowers aren’t big but there’s enough of them to catch your eye.

    Lenten Rose Sp. (Helleborus sp.)

    Lenten Rose - Helleborus Species
    The Lenten Rose was in full bloom. You can see last years foliage under the flowers. If you have Lenten Rose you can prune the foliage back in early winter once it goes dormant or early spring. There’s no harm if you don’t cut back last years foliage before bloom.

    Star Magnololia (Magnolia Stellata)

    Star Magnolia - Magnolia Stellata
    Gorgeous! Absolutely gorgeous.

    Star Magnolia Flowers Magnolia Stellata flowers
    Because they flower so early Star Magnolia blooms are often damaged by frost. These blooms are as good as it gets for Star Magnolia.

    More pictures from my visit coming soon.