What’s in Bloom

Bismarckia nobilis belongs to the Arecaceae (palm) family, and is monotypic, the sole species in the Bismarckia genus. They can grow 40 to 70 feet tall with four-foot-long stiff, wide, waxy, blue/gray leaves. This palm is highly drought and salt tolerant but should be planted in well-drained soil. It can be transplanted when a trunk develops and is visible at the base of the plant. Bismarckia are dioecious and produce pendent inflorescences of small brown flowers. In female plants, the flowers mature into a brown drupe, which contains a single seed.

Parrotia persica, commonly known as Persian parrotia is an oval-shaped tree that can grow up to 40 feet tall and 30 feet wide.  This tree has winter seasonal interest with exfoliating bark, and late winter/early spring small red blossoms. Truly a four-season tree, it is also grown for its summer foliage and shape, and its orange-red fall foliage. Persian parrotia is an under-used specimen tree with ornamental value anyone can appreciate.     

Japanese camellias have glossy evergreen leaves and rose-like flowers in various shades of pink, red, and white that bloom at Longwood throughout the winter.  These beautiful flowering shrubs were one of Pierre S. du Pont’s favorite flowers and one of the first species planted in the Conservatory upon its completion in 1921.

These bulbs produce clusters of white, fragrant flowers that can be forced to bloom indoors in winter.  Easy to grow in containers, paperwhite narcissus are a wonderful accent to the home.

Laurus nobilis or bay laurel is a fragrant, evergreen tree or a large shrub, native to the Mediterranean region. Preferring well-drained soil in full sun, bay laurel is usually grown in containers in temperate climates, since it is not winter hardy. It is typically trained as a topiary in various shapes for patios, herb and formal gardens. The aromatic, glossy leaves of bay laurel are known for their culinary uses in the kitchen, often added to soups and stews. Its leaves and branches are also known to have been used for creating wreaths and crowns worn to symbolize victory or honor.