What’s in Bloom

Smooth Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’)

Also called the “Wild Hydrangea”, the Smooth Hydrangea is a flowering shrub native to the Southern and Central United States, particularly abundant in the Southeast. It grows quickly to a height of 3-5’ with a similar spread, producing aggregates of white flowers in the early summer. The variety ‘Annabelle’ found on the Greenway, is thought to be a superior form of the plant with larger, albeit slightly later blooming flowers. The Smooth Hydrangea can currently be seen flowering in the Fort Point Channel Parks.

Smooth Hydrangea

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Native to the Eastern United States, Purple Coneflower is a summer-flowering perennial growing to approximately 2-4’ tall depending on variety. It is also believed to have medicinal properties, specifically in stimulating the immune system, however there is still much discussion as to its efficacy. Ornamentally speaking, the species has enjoyed an explosion of interest in cultivation, making available a wide range of colors and forms for the gardener to choose from. Purple Coneflower is currently flowering in the North End Parks, and soon to follow in the Fort Point Channel and Dewey Square Parks as well. Pictured here is the orange-flowering ‘Art’s Pride’ along with the standard species in the North End Parks.

Purple Coneflower

Giant Onion (Allium giganteum)

The penultimate Allium to flower as part of the Greenway’s display, the Giant Onion is a late spring to early summer flowering bulb native to Central Asia. It is one of the parent plants of the popular and earlier flowering ‘Globemaster’, though its flower aggregates are both a bit smaller and darker in flower. The Giant Onion can currently be seen flowering in the Fort Point Channel Parks.

Giant Onion