Top Plant Picks July 2022
July is in full effect and the gardens are loving it! Cheekwood’s Plant Collections Manager, Shanna Jones, shares her favorite plants at the estate!
Ajuga tenorii ‘Princess Nadia’ (Bugleweed)
Bloom Time: May – June
Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade
Water Requirement: Medium
Wildlife: White-tailed bumblebees & green-veined butterflies
Tolerates: Rabbit & deer
Native to North America: No
Zones: 4 – 9
Other: Amazing weed barrier due to it’s mat-forming habit. Naturalizes well.
Location: Howe Garden
Cercis canadensis ‘Merlot’ (Eastern Redbud)
Bloom Time: March – April
Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade
Water Requirement: Medium
Wildlife: Butterflies
Tolerates: Deer
Native to North America: Yes
Zones: 4 – 8
Other: ‘Merlot’ tolerates more heat and dry conditions than other cultivars.
Location: Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden
Rudbeckia laciniata ‘Autumn Star’ (Tall Coneflower)
Bloom Time: July – September
Sun Requirement: Full sun
Water Requirement: Medium
Wildlife: Butterflies
Tolerates: Deer
Native to North America: Yes
Zones: 3 – 9
Other: A native plant found in moist soil habitats.
Location: Wills Perennial Garden
Cryptomeria japonica ‘Globosa Nana’ (Dwarf Japanese Cedar)
Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade
Water Requirement: Medium
Tolerates: Deer, drought, & heat
Native to North America: No
Zones: 6 – 9
Other: Beautiful evergreen with a soft texture that serves as a great substitution for boxwood.
Location: Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden
Eryngium x zabelli ‘Big Blue’ (Sea Holly)
Bloom Time: June- September
Sun Requirement: Full sun
Water Requirement: Dry
Wildlife: Bees & butterflies
Tolerates: Rabbit & drought
Native to North America: No
Zones: 5 – 9
Other: Thistle-like, blue flowers make stunning dried flowers.; A water-wise plant
Location: Sigourney Cheek Literary Garden
Kniphofia ‘Poco Orange’ (Dwarf Red Hot Poker)
Bloom Time: June – July
Sun Requirement: Full sun
Water Requirement: Dry – medium
Wildlife: Bees, butterflies & hummingbirds
Tolerates: Drought, deer, & rabbits
Native to North America: No
Zones: 5 – 9
Other: ‘Poco Orange’ is a compact form of the species. Plant in grouping for optimal effect.
Location: Sigourney Cheek Literary Garden
Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas Fern)
Sun Requirement: Part Shade – full shade
Water Requirement: Dry – medium
Wildlife: Birds use its material for nest building. Deer will browse.
Tolerates: Tolerant of wide range of soil moistures.
Native to North America: Yes
Zones: 3 – 8
Other: Evergreen in Nashville and other temperate climates.
Location: Carell Family Sculpture Trail
Quercus montana (Chestnut Oak)
Bloom Time: March – April
Sun Requirement: Full sun
Water Requirement: Dry – medium
Wildlife: Acorns provide food for many woodland animals.
Tolerates: Drought
Native to North America: Yes
Zones: 4 – 8
Other: Great oak selection for rocky, drier soils. Long-lived. Often confused with Q. muehlenbergii.
Location: Mansion Front Lawn
