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What’s Blooming June

June 01, 2009

What's Blooming

Jacaranda mimosifolia

"June Gloom" is the phrase used to describe the morning low clouds that are common here in Southern California from May to early July. It's this weather that favors the flowering of Jacaranda mimosifolia, a lavendar flowering South American tree that has been  planted all over the L.A. basin.

Jacaranda mimosifolia trees at the Arboretum

Jacaranda mimosifolia

Acacia visco

Another South American native that is blooming profusely now, Acacia visco, west of the Bauer lawn.

Acacia visceo

Acacia visco

Acacia visco close up

Fragrant Acacia visco flowers

Duranta repens

This weeping shrub, commonly known as "Sky flower" is native to North and South America. The plant produces allelopathic compouds, i.e. substances that inhibit the growth of other plants around it.

Duranta repens in the Kallam garden

Duranta repens in the Kallam garden

The Trumpet Trees of March

March 30, 2009

What's Blooming

pink trumpet treeStarting in late January, peaking in late March, and continuing on sometimes until May, what are arguably the most spectacular blooming trees in The Arboretum's collection punctuate the landscape here with their solid canopies of vibrant, almost hot-pink blooms.

They are Tabebuia impetiginosa, also known as the Pink trumpet tree, a South American native that produces its brilliant display of color in early spring through early summer. Tabebuias initiate bloom soon after most or all their leaves suddenly drop. This often leaves the tree covered only in its clustered trumpet-shaped pink blooms -a sight that takes eyes not used to such a brilliant display some time to get used to; it is almost impossible not to see them as they compete with the peacocks for the eyes of The Arboretum visitors.

The Arboretum helped introduce Tabebuia impetiginosa and other related species into the horticultural market during the 70’s, including an apricot colored cross between Tabebiua impetiginosa and chrome-yellow flowered Tabebuia chrysotricha that is still occasionally offered for sale (when it’s available) at The Arboretum's L.A. Garden Show.

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