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Plant Talk

Inside The New York Botanical Garden

Azalea Garden

Morning Eye Candy: Lady Barbara

Posted in Photography on July 21 2014, by Matt Newman

On a hint passed along by our Curator of Woody Plants, Deanna Curtis, Ivo headed out to the Azalea Garden for some hunting. His quarry was a flower, of course, and he was shooting with a camera—no worries there. He came back with photos of another winning deciduous azalea lighting up this collection during summer.

Rhododendron 'Lady Barbara'

Rhododendron ‘Lady Barbara’ by the Azalea Garden overlook – Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen

A Rare Find in Bloom

Posted in Horticulture on July 16 2014, by Deanna Curtis

Deanna F. Curtis is Curator of Woody Plants at The New York Botanical Garden where she develops, documents, and helps manage the historic hardy tree and shrub collections.

Platycrater arguta
Platycrater arguta

The uncommonly cultivated cobweb flower (Platycrater arguta) is one of many rare Asian woodland species grown in the Azalea Garden. A hydrangea relative, this species is native to southern Japan, as well as a small range in eastern China, where it is considered threatened.

This deciduous shrub reaches about 3-4’ feet high and wide and is sure to stump many a horticulturalist with its lovely, unique blooms. Four-petaled white flowers form a balloon shape before opening to display abundant, large yellow stamens. Floral bracts persist into fall, adding texture while the leaves fade to yellow.

If you can find this plant at a nursery, it might be a perfect addition for a partial shaded, well-drained spot in your garden. At the center of the Azalea Garden you’ll find this lovely, well-behaved species in bloom right near the overlook.

Morning Eye Candy: Late Bloomer

Posted in Photography on July 9 2014, by Matt Newman

While their May-blooming cousins may get more attention for their all-at-once lightshow, the deciduous azaleas blooming now deserve some praise. As you can see.

Rhododendron 'Golden Showers' 06

Deciduous azaleas (Rhododendron) in the Azalea Garden – Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen

Morning Eye Candy: Last Firecrackers

Posted in Photography on May 24 2014, by Matt Newman

The daydreamy colors of the Azalea Garden’s spring bloom have peaked and are on their way back down. The last of the fireworks aren’t at all quiet, of course.

Rhododendron 'Hinomayo'

Rhododendron ‘Hinomayo’ – Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen