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Scott Arboretum Logo The Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College The Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College The Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College The Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College The Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College
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MenuMenu
  • Visit
        • Visit Our “Garden of Ideas”

          Hours
          Dawn to Dusk, 365 days a year
          Office Hours
          Monday through Friday,
          8:30 am to noon and 1:00 to 4:30 pm.

        • Hours
        • Directions
        • Parking
        • Virtual Tour
  • Support
        • Support the Arboretum

          Your support helps us delight, inspire, and educate the public. Donations, membership, and proceeds from special events helps us to create beautiful horticultural displays and educational programming.

        • Donations
        • Membership
        • Dedicate a Gift
  • Education & Events
        • Programming & Events for All Ages

          We are proud to offer in-person and virtual programming for adults, students, families, and children. Whether you are looking for something recreational or educational, there is a program for you.

        • CalendarView our full calendar of upcoming events & search by category
        • Celebrations & SaleSupport the Arboretum by joining in our seasonal celebrations and holiday sale.
        • Group Tours & ProgramsBook a guided tour of the Arboretum for your group—adults & youth tours available.
        • Adult ProgramsAttend lectures, guided tours, wellness programs, and more in-person and virtual events available.
        • School & Youth ProgramsEngage young nature explorers through on-site and virtual programming for individuals and groups.
        • Swarthmore College EngagementImmerse yourself in the beauty of your unique campus with courses, programs, and events designed to enhance your experience.
  • Get Involved
        • Learn & Grow With Us

          Help us maintain our gardens and plant collections by getting involved with the Arboretum.

        • Community Gardening
        • Volunteer
        • Internships
  • About
        • A “Garden of Ideas”

          The Scott Arboretum cultivates a variety of plants that create some of the region’s most intimate, authentic, and accessible horticultural experiences.

        • History
        • Gardens
        • Staff
        • Arthur Hoyt Scott Medal & Award
        • Publications
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Author: Josh Coceano
Home > Articles posted by Josh Coceano
February 17, 2022 in Plant of the Week / 0 Comments
Plants of the Week: Feb. 14
January 31, 2022 in Plant of the Week / 0 Comments
Plant of the Week: January 31
November 11, 2021 in Plant of the Week / 2 Comments
Plants of the Week: November 8
Leaves with red tint
January 8, 2021 in Plant of the Week / 0 Comments
Plants of the Week: January 4
Bergenia is one of those plants you love showing to garden visitors. My first introduction to the genus was with Bergenia cordifolia. Commonly known as pigsqueak, the fleshy, cabbage-like leaves emit a squeaky noise when rubbed. Using your thumb and index finger, gently make a rubbing motion back and forth across the leaf surface as if trying to remove Elmer’s glue from your fingers after a crafting project. Hailing from the Himalayas, Bergenia ciliata ‘Wilton’ (hairy bergenia) is the fuzzy cousin of B. cordifolia. The large, finely-haired leaves are a highlight, especially when coated with a fine dew. For best results grow in partial shade to avoid leaf scorch, and encourage the leaves to grow as large as possible by mulching annually with an aged compost. Bergenia ciliata ‘Wilton’ is planted along the north side of Kohlberg Hall. Photo credit: J. Coceano Liatris microcephala (Appalachian blazing star; dwarf blazing star) is found throughout the Southern Appalachian Mountain range on lean, dry soils. While small in stature, individual plants produce multiple upright flowering stalks, each bearing a multitude of small, rosy-purple flower heads. Each flower head is composed of 4 - 6 disc-shaped florets. Plants must have dry, lean soils to thrive. In the landscape L. microcephala is a good choice for rock gardens, pollinator gardens, or water-wise plantings. A planting is found on a slope in the Cut Flower Garden. Photo credit: J. Coceano Hydrangea paniculata ‘SMHPFL’ (Fire Light® panicle hydrangea) creates a dramatic pop of color in the garden. Blooms emerge creamy white then transition quickly to red and pink hues. I’ve noticed that my perception of their color varies according to the intensity of the sunlight. The blooms have a fuschia pink tone on cloudy days, only to look more rusty red in the bright sunlight. While there are numerous cultivars of panicle hydrangea to choose from, this one is a stand-out with its two distinct floral displays. A group planting is found along Whittier Hall. Photo credit: J. Coceano
October 3, 2020 in Plant of the Week / 0 Comments
Plant of the Week: September 28
September 19, 2020 in Plant of the Week / 0 Comments
Plants of the Week: Sept. 14
September 3, 2020 in Garden Plants, Plant of the Week / 0 Comments
Plants of the Week: Aug. 31
yellow flower on blue sky
July 23, 2020 in Plant of the Week / 2 Comments
Plants of the Week: July 20
Spirea
June 11, 2020 in Plant of the Week / 0 Comments
Plant of the Week: June 8
White blooms on evergreen leaves
May 1, 2020 in Plant of the Week / 0 Comments
Plant of the Week: April 27
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