What’s in bloom

Summer snapdragon’s name is somewhat misleading. Summer snapdragon, Angelonia angustifolia, is not even closely related to the common snapdragon, Antirrhinum majus, which is a cool season favorite of many.

African Daisy is a member of the daisy family with many similarities to its cousins. Like any other member of the aster family, it has symmetrical petals that radiate out from a central eye. Flower petals come in many different colors, from white to deep purple, and can be double, fringed, or spoon-shaped.

Gold Star magnolia, or the Cucumber Tree, is one of several deciduous magnolias that we have an opportunity to grow successfully in the Ozark region. Unlike the more common deciduous magnolias (Magnolia x soulangeana and Magnolia stellata), Gold Star has light yellow flowers vs. the purplish to white blossoms of the others.

Narcissus ‘Tete-a-Tete’ is a heirloom daffodil that is often overlooked from the many different daffodils gardeners can plant. This early fragrant buttercup-yellow flowering daffodil is a must have. Each six inch tall stem will produce 2 to 3 flowers.

The scientific name for “snowdrops” is Galanthus nivalis, which means, ‘milk flower of the snow’, which refers to the flower color and its early flowering time. This bulb is often overlooked in our gardens because of its short stature.

Paperbark Maple is an excellent choice to plant where you need a small statured tree. This deciduous tree originates from Central China. At maturity it can reach 20 feet tall with a similar spread.