Summer's Striking Variety Has Arrived at Rotary Botanical Gardens

Summer's striking variety has arrived at Rotary Botanical Gardens, and the pollinators agree. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are out in force, drawn to the bright colors that define this time of year. New blooms and new colors are appearing every day, with plenty more on the way.

This week is not about one standout bloom but about variety. We have a little of many things rather than a lot of any one thing, and when those many things come together, they create the layered, striking look that summer in the gardens is known for.

Sea Holly

Sea Holly is particularly interesting this week in an almost neon blue. Eryngium, commonly known as Sea Holly, has a cone-like flower head surrounded by silvery blue, spiny bracts. Be careful reaching for a closer look, since the spines have a real bite. Its thistle-like appearance and drought tolerance make it a favorite for rock gardens, and its striking color holds up beautifully in dried flower arrangements.

Rodgersia

Meet the Rodgersia, a plant with only two specimens in the gardens, both now in bloom. Rodgersia aesculifolia is a moisture-loving perennial that thrives in partial shade. While its flowers are lovely, this plant is really known for its foliage. The leaves are large,

crinkled, coarsely toothed, and palmate, with a deep, dark coloring that makes it a standout even when it is not flowering. Look for both plants in the Shade Garden.

Hostas

The hostas are

next up, and they are about to become the next big show in the gardens. Most of Hosta Hollow is in full bloom, with other garden areas beginning to follow. There is so much happening with hostas this season that we plan to give them their own dedicated feature in the coming weeks.

Stop by this week to see the variety for yourself, and check back soon as even more color makes its way into the gardens.

Thank you to Melissa, and her team of volunteers for creating and maintaining the Bloom Report each week and a special thank you to Melissa for the beautiful photos!

Click to Download This Week's Bloom Report