MBG Plants in Bloom: at a Glance

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Missouri Botanical Garden: Plants in Bloom

AT A GLANCE

FEBRUARY 11, 2000 - FEBRUARY 17, 2000

Spring has arrived in the Shoenberg Temperate House! The glorious yellow blooms of the Australian Cootamundra wattle tree (Acacia baileyana) are eye-catching. The peak of fragrance is right now, featuring the sweet scent of the Winter daphne (Daphne odora 'Variegata'), Paperbush (Edgeworthia papyrifera), Sweet box (Sarcococca ruscifolia) and Arrowwood (Viburnum suspensum).
The camellias are nearing their peak of bloom in the Linnean House, accompanied by the rich scent of the the Fragrant olive trees (Osmanthus fragrans). Colorful cyclamen and Fairy primroses (Primula malacoides) decorate the beds below the camellia trees.
The peak season for Witchhazels (Hamamelis spp.) has arrived. The finest grouping of specimens can be seen in the Oak Grove along the Hedley Wildflower Walk, accessible from the National Council for State Garden Clubs grounds just south of the English Woodland Garden.
The emergence of the first few clumps of Snowdrops (Galanthus spp.) in various locations on the grounds, while not quite a sure sign of spring, nonetheless inform us that the seasonal tides have started to turn and winter will soon begin to lose its grip.
The bridge in the Climatron is a great spot to view the showy Red powderpuff tree (Calliandra haematocephalaClerodendrum splendens) on the bluff overlooking the fallen log exhibit is also noteworthy.
Recent cold temperatures have brought an end to the lengthy flowering season of the many pansies planted last autumn in display beds throughout the grounds. Flowers will continue to be produced on a sporadic basis during mild spells all winter and the well-established plants will resume heavy bloom in the spring.

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