What’s In Bloom?

2, Sep, 2010 Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy

by Matthew Lobdell

Sweet Autumn Virgin’s Bower (Clematis terniflora var. terniflora)

Originally native to China, Japan, and Korea, Sweet Autumn Virgin’s Bower has found a new home growing amongst the Pergolas of the North End Park. Though the flowers are only slightly more than an inch across, their interesting shape, fragrance, and sheer quantity produces an impressive effect regardless.

Clematis Terniflora var. terniflora

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)

Actually a naturally occurring hybrid of Water Mint (Mentha aquatica) and Spearmint (Mentha spicata), peppermint has seen some use in ornamental gardens due to its purple flowers, purple-tinged stems, and characteristic fragrance. Use with caution however as it is a rampant grower considered invasive in some parts of the world. Peppermint can currently be seen blooming in Dewey Square Park next to related Pineapple Mint (Mentha suaveolens ‘Variegata’).

Mentha x piperita

Purple Lovegrass (Eragrostis spectibilis)

A native plant with a range as wide as Southern Canada throughout the Eastern United States and all the way into Mexico and parts of Central America, Purple Lovegrass is a plant adaptable to a wide array of conditions. Being extremely drought tolerant, it continues to perform well in spite of the rather dry summer we have experienced. The pinkish-purple inflorescences come are borne the base of the plant, hiding the foliage while in bloom and giving the grass a “cloudy” look. It can be seen in the Wharf District Parks planted amongst other New England Natives.

Eragrostis Spectibilis

Also in Bloom:

  • North End Parks: Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia), Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa), Robust Grape-leaf Anemone (Anemone tomentosa ‘Robustissima’)
  • Wharf District Parks: Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis), White Wood Aster (Eurybia divaricata), Heavy Metal Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’)
  • Urban Arboretum: Pink Velour, Red Rocket, and Burgundy Cotton Crapemyrtles (Lagerstroemia indica ‘Whit III’, ‘Whit IV’, and Whit ‘VI’), Zuni Crepemyrtlye (Lagerstroemia ‘Zuni)
  • Fort Point Channel Parks: Neon Showy Stonecrop (Hylotelephium spectabile ‘Neon’), Tri-color Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii ‘Tri-color’), Pamina Anemone (Anemone ‘Pamina’)
  • Dewey Square Park: Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica), Variegated Pineapple Mint (Mentha suaveolens ‘Variegata’)
  • Chinatown Park: Adagio Chinese Silvergrass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Adagio’)