Shomu-en, Japanese GardenKatsuratree
Cercidiphyllum japonicumMedium to large tree with rounded, heart-shaped leaves that turn a brilliant apricot-yellow in fall. Sugars are at peak production as the leaves reach the end of their life cycle, and the tree emits a sweet, sugary smell often described as cotton candy, baked apple pie or brown sugar.
Wills Perennial GardenFlowering Ginger
Hedychium coronariaTall, stately perennial with almost tropical foliage hardy in Zone 7 through 9. Blooms in the fall with a lovely fragrance.Turner Seasons GardenAmerican Beautyberry
Callicarpa americana var. lacteaWhite-fruiting variety of the more common purple-fruiting species.
Burr Terrace GardenCherry Dazzle® Dwarf Crape Myrtle
Lagerstroemia indica ‘Cherry Dazzle’
Deciduous shrub, 3′ tall 4’ wide, handsome foliage, crepe-papery inflorescences, of cherry-red flowers
Robinson Family Water Garden
Kalimeris pinnatifida ‘Hortensis’
Dainty perennial with white daisy-like flowers borne on a thin, delicate stem. Blooms from early summer to early fall.
Howe GardenShort’s Aster
Symphyotrichum shortiiFamiliar fall perennial that airily branches into a billow of tiny leaves and pale lavender-blue flowers.
Carell Dogwood GardenFlowering Dogwood
Cornus florida ‘Xanthocarpa’
A small deciduous tree that typically grows 15 – 30’ tall and featuring the characteristic showy bracts in spring. ‘Xanthocarpa’ has yellow drupes in the fall instead of the red fruit more typical of the species.
Herb Study GardenAmerican Beautyberry
Callicarpa americanaNative shrub of the southern US with an open habit and producing large clusters of purple berry-like drupes in September and October.October is one of the most beautiful times of year in the South, and what better way to enjoy it than with a stroll through the Cheekwood gardens? We’ve highlighted some must-see blooms in the gardens this month, and believe us, it is definitely more than mums!
As you’re touring the gardens, be sure to keep an eye out for the name cards that identify each plant. Take notes for inspiration for your own garden!
Bradford Robertson Color GardenMexican Bush Sage
Salvia leucantha ‘Santa Barbara’
Stout and coarse-textured perennial featuring gray-green foliage and contrasting purple flowers.
Drought tolerant and reliable landscape selection.
Martin Boxwood Gardens
Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfeniiSpurge
Herbaceous perennial with blue-green leaves and yellow, bottlebrush-like inflorescences; almost ‘Seussical’ in appearance. Best grown in well-drained soils in full sun.