What's Blooming
Garden volunteer and avid photographer Jim Fanning visits the South Carolina Botanical Garden several days each week to photograph plants, flowers and trees. His images have been on display in galleries throughout the Upstate, and visitors can learn more about the Garden and our plant collections by perusing his photo albums in the Fran Hanson Discovery Center.
Jim also graciously provides images each month of what's in bloom right now the in Garden. Thank you, Jim, for sharing your talent with us!
What's Blooming This Month
November 2009
Camellia x. 'Snow Flurry'
Camellia x. 'Snow Flurry' is one of the many exciting new introductions to the Camellia Collection. 'Snow Flurry' is a hybrid of Camellia oleifera and C. heimalis introduced by the US National Arboretum through a breeding program directed by Dr. William Ackerman. This specimen produces white Peony-form blooms and prefers higher light levels than Camellia japonica or C. sassanqua. This year is shaping up to be an excellent display along the Camellia trail so be sure to visit frequently during the fall and winter!
Photo by Jim Fanning.
What's Blooming Archive
October 2009
Camellia japonica 'Governor Moulton' / Japanese Camellia
This showy camellia has medium to large oriental red and white variegated semi-double to loose peony-form blossom.
Photo by Jim Fanning.
September 2009
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Queen of Pearls'
(commonly called "Bigleaf Mophead Hydrangea").
This very attractive plant has individual flowers (florets) that open with "green eyes," or centers, becoming a solid white. As the flowers age, the outer edge of the petals begin turning to a rose color, giving the appearance that the flowers are two-toned. This particular plant has been in color for well over six weeks, from late summer to early fall.
Prefers light shade with moist, well-drained soils. Flower buds are set on the previous year's wood.
Oakleaf Hyndrangeas can be found throughout the Garden, including in the Hydrangea Garden.
Photo by James Arnold.
August 2009
'Royal Standard' Hosta, hybrid of Hosta plantaginea x Hosta sieboldiana
Both species of this hybrid are native to Japan, China and Korea. Hosta 'Royal Standard' was one of the first American hosta introductions and was the first to be patented.
It has attractive, shiny green foliage and a fast growth rate. Its greatest feature may be its flowering: over a 3-4 week period, a single mature clump can produce 20-30 scapes, each bearing 30-40 beautifully fragrant flowers. At the peak of bloom, a well placed specimen can brighten up a small garden with its fragrant, white flowers.
These hostas can be found in the Cruickshank Hosta Garden.
June 2009
Hydrangea quercifolia 'Semms Select'
Commonly referred to as the "Oakleaf Hydrangea," this plant is one of only two species of Hydrangeas native to the Eastern U.S. The Oakleaf Hydrangea has great fall color, large erect, panicle flowers, and great exfoliating bark that stands out in the winter months.
Oakleaf Hydrangeas prefer light shade with moist, well-drained, rich soils. Roots will do well when mulched to help retained moisture and cooler conditions.
Oakleaf Hyndrangeas can be found throughout the Garden, including in the Hydrangea Garden.
May 2009
Antirrhinum majus "Snapdragon"
These large, blossom-laden flowers come in a variety of colors. They thrive in well fertilized soil and full sun.
In the SC Botanical Garden, red and pink snapdragons can be found in the Children's Garden area, including the beds around the Sprouting Wings greenhouse.
March 2009
Shortia galacifolia "Oconee Bell"
This rare plant is found only in seven counties of the Carolinas and Georgia. It grows predominately on eastern-facing shaded stream banks with rich organic soil. Oconee Bells were discovered by Andre Michaux and remain threatened due to habitat destruction in the area.
The SCBG has one substantial colony, but even here foot traffic plays a heavy toll on its performance.
This photo was taken by Ryan Merck, SCBG Nursery Manager.
February 2009
Prunus mume "Japanese Apricot"
Prefers full sun, good drainage, semi-fertile soil and a good organic mulch.
Trees flower from late January to mid-March, depending on variety.
January 2009
Camellia Japonica "Alta Gavin"
Glossy green leaves with showy double blooms in white and pink.
Prefers semi-moist, well drained soil and partial sun.