Native to Colombia, this rare houseplant is renowned for its striking foliage. When mature, this epiphytic plant develops leaves up to three feet long, showcasing a rich green color and deeply corrugated texture. For optimal care, Wyatt recommends, “watering once a week using a well-draining potting mix and providing indirect sunlight exposure.”
-Wyatt Peterson, Greenhouse Manager

Fothergilla is a wonderful multi season interest shrub for the garden. Honey-scented white flowers in the spring are followed by greenish blue foliage that changes to wonderful reds, yellows, and oranges in the fall. Fothergillas are native to the southeastern United States and grow best in full sun to partial shade in moist well drained soil.
-Robin Howell, Japanese Garden Curator

“I want to highlight two varieties of kale (Brassica oleracea). Along with the go-to Lacinato (a.k.a Dinosaur) kale, I will also have Scarlet and Dwarf Blue Curled Scotch (a.k.a. Vates) at the Fall Plant Sale.” Scarlet kale is a beautiful plant with deep red-purple color that intensifies as the weather cools. Scarlet kale is just at home in a mixed container with violas as it is in the vegetable garden. It will grow to 2-3’ tall and about 2’ wide. In addition to the numerous vitamins and minerals that all kale varieties have, Scarlet kale has more antioxidants than others. For something smaller, Colin recommends Dwarf Blue Curled Scotch, which tops out at just over a foot tall (about 16”) while still stretching as wide as 2’. The crinkled, blue-green leaves also add great visual interest. Dwarf Blue Curled Scotch is one of our most cold-hardy greens, overwintering into zone 5, and as with all kale, it gets sweeter after a light frost. Plus these varieties are grown from seed by Colin himself!
-Colin Rye, Urban Home Garden Curator

This shrub is a perfect fit for any area. It can tolerate a wide range of light conditions, from full shade to full sun. This native shrub produces delicate white flowers in the early Summer that attract a variety of pollinators. If you have moist soil, this plant will thrive, but once it is established, it can tolerate droughts well. In the fall, the foliage will change into different hues of orange and red. If you are looking for a small shrub for a woodland or edge planting that requires little maintenance, this one is right for you!
-Bella Kirkpatrick, Arboretum Horticulturist

Sweet azalea (Rhododendron arborescens), also known as smooth azalea, is a must-have native shrub. The sweetly fragrant flowers bloom from late spring to early summer, lighting up shaded areas with their white to pale pink petals and extended red pistils. One of the latest blooming native azaleas, sweet azaleas attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. The glossy green summer foliage turns brilliant shades of yellow, orange, bronze, red, or even purple in autumn. Sweet azaleas will reach around 8 to 10 feet tall or more and will spread by underground runners. The shallow roots do not respond well to cultivation but do appreciate a good layer of organic mulch. Site this species in perennial woodland gardens, such as under the high shade of pines, in areas with acidic, moist, well-drained soil for best results.
-Brian Kissinger, Director of Design & Donor Engagement

Golden Alexanders, Zizia aurea: This delightful small perennial is native to the southeast U.S. It blooms generally May-June but sometimes even longer (we have several plants in our Woodland that are blooming as I write this, in mid-August!). The clusters of small, cheery yellow flowers attract local pollinators, especially small bees, and the foliage is a preferred host plant for black swallowtail caterpillars. In mild winters, the basal leaves will stay evergreen, though the plants may go completely dormant during severe winters.This plant matures to 1-2’ tall and about 2’ wide. It thrives in moist locations in partial shade, especially afternoon shade. It looks best planted in a group of 5-7 plants, where the little flowers can make more of an impact, and where the leaves can support a host of hungry caterpillars.
-Jill Maybry, Seasonal Displays and Tropical Plants Curator

Daylilies are very easy to grow, making them perfect for the most inexperienced gardener. They also come in 1000s of varieties, making them attractive to even the most seasoned gardener. For over 100 years, breeders have been hybridizing daylilies, resulting in a multitude of colors, heights, and forms. Colors range from pure white to nearly black. Daylily heights range from less than a foot tall, to nearly five feet tall. These flowers can be simple, super ruffled, double and spider forms, meaning whatever your taste, there is a daylily out there for you. Drought, heat and humidity tolerant, everyone should consider a few daylilies for their garden.
-Amy Ballentine, Horticulture Staff

The scent of Lavender is among the most treasured in the Western world. With the strong lemon-perfume taste of the petals, lavender is one of the most useful culinary herbs. Leaves and flower heads can be steeped for use in drinks, jellies, soufflés, sorbets, and ice cream.
-Agustin Diaz, Herb Garden Curator