What's In Bloom...

Within the Sanctuary Hotel grounds are multiple gardens designed to please the eye and the environment. It’s almost impossible to stroll in and out of the hotel and not appreciate the beautiful colors and textures the gardens blended into the landscape.

The Resort is proud to maintain the hotel gardens as a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. Every consideration was taken to ensure that the plants selected would benefit the island’s ecosystems. Butterflies, birds, and caterpillars are some of the most frequent hotel guests thanks to food sources they find in the vibrant gardens.

The variety of plants in the Sanctuary Garden changes as often as the seasons, providing an ever-fresh experience for island guests. The best way to appreciate these beautiful gardens is to tour them with a professional. The Resort’s Nature Program offers a Butterfly Walk, a unique walk for anyone interested in learning more about the gardens and the creatures that live in them.  For more information or to sign-up for this walk, please contact the Nature Center, 843.768.6001 or ext. 86001.

Kiawah Island Golf Resort Marathon recently created a new wildlife garden in recognition for our 2009 marathon winners. Our hope is that this garden will inspire and educate others to create a wildlife habitat in their own community. To learn more, click here.

July 2010 ~ Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata)

It’s hard to miss the array of violet blooming along the edges of our ponds this month. The rich shiny green leaves of Pickerelweed provide a brilliant contrast to the delicate violet flowers towering above in clusters. This is a native plant to South Carolina and one you may want to incorporate at the margin of a garden pond. Pickerelweed is a perennial plant that can grow up to 3½ feet tall. The showy violet-blue flowers bloom throughout the late spring and summer.  Each elaborately beautiful flower lasts only one day, and yet a single stalk seems to never be without a multitude of blossoms.  Pickerelweed reproduces both by seed and by spreading rhizomes (“root-stalk”) underground. Dense stands can form if given the right habitat. So what is the right habitat and how is this plant useful for our pond ecosystem? As mentioned earlier, the edges of ponds and fresh-water wetlands is where you are going to find this plant. Lots of sun and regular flooding (or plenty of water) is what this plant needs to thrive. Like all aquatic plants, the submerged portion of Pickerelweed provides habitats for many invertebrates (Check out June 28, 2010 post). These small invertebrates, in turn, are food for fish and other wildlife species (young gators, turtles, ducks, etc.). Ducks also consume the seeds of the plant, and so could we if we were so inclined to do so. The young leaves can be picked and used in a salad as well. Perhaps the most important benefit to Pickerelweed in our ponds is its ability to filter polluted water. If including the seeds and leaves in a dinner party menu doesn’t sound appealing, I am sure the blossoms could be used as a table arrangement. When viewed up close, the individual flowers are remarkably beautiful and will last several days in a vase of water. Whether you view this plant up close in your home and garden, or along our ponds in the summertime, its inflorescence of violet is sure to make you enjoy the beauty of our barrier island all the more. Written by Naturalist Jennifer Barbour

June 2010 ~ Coral Bean  (Erythrina herbacea)

With more and more people realizing the benefits of planting native plants in their yards, coral bean has sprung up just about everywhere on the island.  Sometimes called cardinal spear or Cherokee bean, the legume’s native habitat is hardwood hammocks throughout the southern states and into Mexico. This low maintenance shrub prefers sandy soils and is moderately resistant to drought and salt. You can expect it to be hardy and will not need to put fertilizer or pesticides on it in order for it to flourish. However, you better make up your mind on the right spot before you plant it. Once established, the woody root of coral bean becomes massive and can be difficult to transplant. Hummingbirds and butterflies are attracted to the red tubular flowers. The woody seedpods that open in the fall reveal bright coral-colored beans (namesake). And while this plant is most noticeable with its splash of red in the spring and fall, there is something to be said about the leaves as well. The uniquely shaped tri-foliate leaves twist and turn to change their orientation to the light throughout the day maximizing photosynthesis. If you decide to incorporate coral bean into your landscape, make sure to consider its accessibility to children or pets that may be tempted to try the alluring, yet highly toxic beans. Actually, toxic alkaloids are found throughout the plant, but ingesting the beans may cause paralysis. Native Americans had many beneficial uses for this plant. Roots were used for digestive problems and to increase perspiration. The seeds were used to paralyze fish for an easy catch. In Mexico, to this day, the seeds are used as a rat poison. The uses of coral bean historically tell us how people once valued it. Today, we may not use the beans to catch fish, and I am certain we are not seeking ways to increase perspiration here in the South, but we can continue to enjoy its natural beauty in its native habitat.

May 2010 ~ Japanese Privet (Ligustrum japonica)

April’s showers have certainly brought about May’s flowers on Kiawah. Among the native plants that are in bloom this month, there’s a Japanese species that always seems to raise questions. Believe it or not, I think it’s the smell of the blossoms that peeks the interest of passer-bys more than the blossoms. To be sure, the white, four-lobed flowers clustered together are beautiful when you stop to look at them up close. However, it’s the strong odor those blossoms emit that people come in asking about. Interestingly enough, many times, the people don’t even associate this plant with the odor since the scent can be carried by the wind some distances. All this to say that people either like, or really dislike the smell of Ligustrum. Do you know if you like the smell or not?  Look for this plant in areas that have been landscaped. It’s often used as a natural fence or border. Landscapers like using this species since it grows fast and has beautiful shiny evergreen leaves. It’s a hardy plant tolerant of a variety of soil conditions and requires very little care other than pruning to produce a desired shape. This shrub or tree will typically grow 6-12 feet in height, but is capable of reaching heights over 20 feet!  Green berries that ripen to a dull black color in the winter will follow the blossoms we see now.

April 2010 ~ Cross-vine (Bignonia capreolata)

If you enjoy walking or biking along the many paths throughout the island, there’s a good chance you’ve noticed the orange-yellow flowers of our native Cross-vine after they’ve fallen from their lofty perch above, littering the ground below.   Cross-vine is in the Bignonia family, and with Bignonia as its genus name as well, this flowering vine honors a certain Paris court librarian, Abbe Jean-Paul Bignon (1662-1743).  The common name comes from the anatomy of the stem.  A cross-shaped pith is revealed when the stem is cutting, aiding in the identification of this species. Cross-vine is close in appearance to Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans), however, there are several differences worth noting.  Cross-vine has a compound leaf with two leaflets, and leaflet that is modified into a tendril that is useful for climbing.  The flowers are a reddish-orange color on the outside, with yellow on the inside pedals.   Trumpet vine has no tendrils, but instead, climbs via aerial roots.  The leaves are pinnately compound, having a closer resemblance to wisteria.  Flowers look very similar to Cross-vine, except usually do not have as much yellow coloration.  Trumpet vine is also known as “cow-itch” and can cause a rash to those sensitive to the plant.  In the Lowcountry, Cross-vine usually blooms from April to May.  Trumpet vine will follow with blooms in June and July, keeping hummingbirds around throughout the summer with more red tubular flowers.

March 2010 ~ Laurustinus Viburnum (Viburnum tinus, ‘Spring Bouquet’)

March’s plant of the month is probably the only plant that’s common name is harder to say than it’s scientific name. This viburnum is not native to our area but loves our conditions and is good for wildlife. Therefore it is definitely my favorite of the viburnums. Spring Bouquet is the most common cultivar grown because of its compact size compared to the species. It is also sometimes called ‘Compacta’. It grows to about 6 feet in height and 4 to 5 feet in width. It is evergreen and has clusters of pink buds that open into white flowers in late winter to early spring. These fragrant flowers turn into blue-black to black colored fruit or berries. The flowers are great nectar sources for butterflies and bees, and birds cherish the berries. Viburnum tinus tolerates coastal conditions and is drought tolerant. It will grow well in full sun or partial shade and is a great shrub for Kiawah. The common name Laurustinus refers to the similarity of the leaves to the leaves of Bay Tree (Laurus nobilis). The genus Viburnum goes so far back in time that it is said to only mean this group of plants. The species tinus is actually the ancient name of this plant. Viburnum tinus is native to the Mediterranean part of Europe. There it blooms during the wintertime. It is also called wayfaring tree. This plant is a wonderful addition to any landscape. Due to its evergreen nature, it makes great cover for wildlife, and also the berries are a good food source for birds. The flowers are also useful in providing nectar very early in spring, when other sources have yet to open. Most viburnums have great uses for wildlife and should be added to all landscapes. Photos by Pete Nelson

February 2010 ~ Upright Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis)

Upright Rosemary is an evergreen shrub that is used all over Kiawah Island. Rosemary can withstand cold, wind, heat, salt, and is drought tolerant. Our climate is ideal for this herb. Oh yeah, and deer won’t eat it! The only thing that bothers Rosemary is too much water. Upright Rosemary will grow to about 3 to 5 feet, and has beautiful blue flowers up and down the branches. It is used in many recipes and our chefs at The Sanctuary use Rosemary from the landscape. Rosemary has a strong aroma that can be used for potpourri or just as an air freshener. It also has many medicinal and cosmetic uses. It will relax muscles and calm nerves, as well as strengthening hair and refreshing your body after an illness. Rosemary can also be used as a companion plant in vegetable gardens. It will repel cabbage moths, bean beetles, and carrot flies. Rosemarinus is derived from a Latin word meaning “Dew from the sea”; this refers to the pale blue dew-like flowers, and that it is normally grown near the sea. Rosemary is a symbol of remembrance and friendship. Wedding couples often carry it as a sign of love and fidelity. Sprigs of rosemary were placed under pillows to ward off evil spirits and bad dreams. Rosemary is native to Mediterranean countries. This wonderful herb is worthy of a place in all gardens. Plant some and enjoy the fragrance and many uses of this plant.  Photos by Pete Nelson

January 2010 ~ Delphinium (Delphinium elatum)

Delphiniums are well known perennials throughout the United States. However, Delphiniums cannot withstand our temperatures in the summer months, so on Kiawah we use it as a winter annual. Candle Delphinium is the parent of the new regal hybrids or cultivars of Delphiniums. This is because of its beauty and durability. They come in many colors ranging from blue, purple, pink and white. This species will grow 3 to 4 foot spires of blooms. They grow best in full sun and well-drained soils, but will tolerate some shade. They are a good source of nectar for butterflies and hummingbirds during the winter months and are also great plants to mix in containers with other annuals. Delphinium elatum is native to Europe and western Asia. The genus Delphinium derives from delphis or delphin, which refers to the flower's resemblance to the old sculptures of dolphins. The species elatum derives from elatus which means high or lofty, since the blooms are so tall. Delphiniums or Larkspurs add wonderful color to The Sanctuary's gardens and planters during our cold winter months. Photo by Pete Nelson, Sanctuary Master Landscape

December 2009 ~ Sasanqua Camellia (Camellia sasanqua)

Sasanqua camellias are beautiful autumn-flowering shrubs available in many different styles, all of which make great specimen plants. There are low, spreading varieties and taller varieties that can be used for screens, foundation plantings or borders. Mature heights range from 4-15 feet. Unlike their cousin, camellia japonica, sasanquas can take full sun. They are evergreen shrubs with glossy, rich green leaves that make an excellent backdrop for other deciduous and perennial flowering plants. Sasanquas are relatively pest-free and easy to grow. Sasanqua's blooms make them very appealing to most gardeners; their flowers can come in single, semi-double, or double petal arrangements. Colors range from white, light pink, rose, dark pink, red or a variegated pattern. The major difference between sasanquas and japonicas is their blooming periods. Sasanquas bloom before Christmas while japonicas bloom after. Japonicas are what most people think of as a camellia. They have large blooms that make nice flower arrangements. Sasanquas, though, make beautiful additions to any landscape. They bloom profusely, and even cover the ground with beautiful petals. They prefer rich organic soil that is also acidic. They are drought-tolerant once they are established. Sasanqua camellias are native to China and Japan, where they have been grown in gardens for centuries. The genus Camellia was named by Linnaeus, in honor of Jesuit botanist Georg Joseph Kamel, who spent most of his life in the Philippines. In Japan, this plant is known as Sazanka, a word containing three Kanji characters meaning “mountain,” “tea” and “flower.” In China it is known as “cha-mai,” written with two characters meaning “tea” and “pretty." Camellias and tea are used together for a reason, camellia sinensis is called “tea plant.” They go well with roses, since they start blooming when roses are coming to the end of their season. Enjoy these fall and winter beauties! Photos by Jamie Rood, coming soon

November 2009 ~ Winter Cassia (Senna bicapsularis)

If you spot a shrub with beautiful yellow blooms in late fall and early winter, a Winter Cassia has probably caught your eye! Cassia is a medium grower that can reach 8 -12 feet tall and 8 -10 feet wide. It makes a great specimen plant, growing in full sun or partial shade. Winter Cassia is native to northern South America, from Panama to Venezuela, Columbia and the West Indies. Winter Cassia can really brighten up a yard as other plants are going dormant. On Kiawah and throughout the Southeast, Cassias either die back to the ground or stay semi-evergreen, depending on how frigid the winter is.  In the spring, wait until the leaves begin to sprout then trim the dead wood back to a green bud.   Cassias are a “must have” for butterfly enthusiasts since they are a host plant for many species of Sulphur butterflies. Sulphur caterpillars feed on various Senna species, including Cassia and some native Sennas often mistaken for weeds. So, remember to watch for caterpillars before pulling weeds! Our Cassias are mainly a host plant for Cloudless Sulphurs. These caterpillars are interesting because they are green when feeding on foliage and yellow when feeding on buds and blooms. Damage from these caterpillars is minimal - you won’t even know they are there unless you look for them!    Enjoy the late fall beauty of the Cassias! Photos by Jamie Rood

October 2009 ~ Confederate Rose (Hibiscus mutabilis)

One of our most talked about plants during the autumn months is the Confederate Rose. They are beginning to bloom and will continue through the month of October. Confederate Rose is a large, perennial flowering shrub. It can grow 8 to 15 feet tall and just as wide. For this reason, it should be used as a specimen plant, with room around it. The flowers are large, double, and resemble a rose or camellia blossom. What makes this plant special is that the flowers will open pure white, and then the petals will turn pink and finally a dark rose pink. The plant will usually have flowers in all three colors at the same time throughout the day. Confederate Roses put on quite a show in the fall!   Confederate Rose is not a rose and it is not confederate, they are actually native to Southern China. Their common name is believed to come from colonial times when these plants flourished in the southern states. Because they were easily grown and available, they were planted in Confederate cemeteries in the 1800’s.  Furthermore, it is not a rose plant, it’s a hibiscus! The genus name ‘Hibiscus’ is Greek for ‘mallow’. Other plants in the mallow family are cotton, okra, hollyhock, and rose-of-sharon. The species ‘mutabilis’ means ‘changeable’, referring to the color-changing blooms.   These plants are easy to grow from seeds or cuttings and are low-maintenance. Here on Kiawah, the plants normally do not die completely back in the winter. In most areas, they die back and then grow just as large or larger the following season. They also are resistant to deer and drought. Enjoy them in your garden!

September 2009 ~ Scarlet Milkweed (Asclepias curassavica)

Scarlet Milkweed, also known as Bloodflower, Silkweed, Indian Root and Butterfly weed, is a perennial plant that will self-seed throughout your garden.  It grows 3-4 feet tall with an open or airy appearance. While related to our native Butterfly weed, Asclepias tuberosa, the Scarlet Milkweed is better adapted to Kiawah's climate. It has clusters of orange and red flowers that bloom through spring, summer, and fall.  There is also a yellow cultivar called Silky Gold - both varieties are found throughout our gardens. No coastal butterfly garden should be without Scarlet milkweed. This plant and the native Butterfly weed are the only host plants on which Monarch butterflies can lay their eggs.  From late August through November, these plants have Monarch caterpillars on them.  If you're lucky, your garden may even host the rare Queen butterfly and its' caterpillars.  Since the flowers of these plants provide nectar for all of your butterflies and hummingbirds, they are wonderful plants to include in your garden.   Some interesting facts about Scarlet Milkweed: (1) It is poisonous, like all milkweeds. This is where Monarchs get their poison. (2) They grow in dry climates, which make them low maintenance. (3) Because of milkweeds folk-medicinal uses, the genus Asclepias refers to Asclepius, the Greek god of healing. Curassavica, the species, is named after Curacao, where the first specimens were collected. (4) These plants are thought to be native to the Caribbean, South and Central America, and Mexico. They are now found worldwide in the tropics. Plant them and enjoy all of your flying friends.

August 2009 ~Joe Pye Weed  (Eupatorium maculatum)

Joe Pye Weed is one of our favorite perennials, or wildflowers. It is native to the entire East Coast, and is very easy to grow. Joe Pye Weed grows naturally in moist areas. It loves a rich humus, or organic soil that will not dry out for long periods. It needs to be watered once a week, if there is no rainfall. These plants grow 4-7 feet tall and should be planted towards the back of a mixed garden. The dull pinkish-purple flowers appear from mid-summer through fall and they attract numerous butterflies. One flower head can have as many as three species of butterflies at one time. Other common names include Queen-of-the-meadow or Gravel root. There are many different species of Joe Pye Weeds; they are all native and easy to grow. There is even a dwarf cultivar called ‘Little Joe’.   Joe Pye Weed has many medicinal qualities. It was used in the 19th century both herbally and homeopathically to treat urinary tract and gall bladder problems, rheumatism, and other medical conditions. It is named for Joe Pye, an Indian herb doctor of Pilgrim days, who used the root to induce sweating in typhus fever. The genus Eupatorium derives from Mithridates Eupator, King of Pontus, who discovered a species to be an antidote against poison. The species maculatum is Latin for spotted, referring to the purple spots on the stems. Joe Pye Weed, a native wonder, should be planted in all butterfly gardens.

July 2009 ~ Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)

Zinnias are herbaceous annuals that thrive in a hot, dry climate. We use them here at The Sanctuary for various reasons. Not only do they love our climate, but also they are one of our butterflies' favorite nectar source. There are scores of butterflies all over our Zinnias in the butterfly garden. There are 20 different species of Zinnias, so you can find them in numerous colors and styles. A wonderful thing about Zinnias is that they are so easy to grow from seeds. We remove the spent flower heads and toss them into the garden. This way they re-seed themselves every year and don’t need to be re-planted. Zinnias grow between 6 and 40 inches in height, and should be spaced 4 to 12 inches apart. They come in single and double flowers that range from less than an inch to 7 inches across. Zinnias are American natives that originally grew in the southwestern United States, Mexico and Central America. The genus name comes from the German botanist Johann Gottfried Zinn. The species elegans means elegant in Latin. Another common species is augustifolia, which means majestic in Latin. This shows the beauty in Zinnia flowers. One tip that I have been given over the years is prune your Zinnias in half when they are full grown and you will have many more blooms and stronger plants. Zinnias are wonderful annuals for people and butterflies. They make great flower arrangements or just cut flowers in a vase. The only problem I have seen with Zinnias is powdery mildew, but is not a major problem in our climate and can be controlled organically with Sulfur. Enjoy your Zinnias all the way up to frost.

June 2009 ~ Fan Flower  (Scaevola aemula)

Fan Flower is an herbaceous annual, but can be perennial in warmer regions. Here on Kiawah Island, it is an annual. Scaevola is a groundcover that will only grow to about 6” to 1 foot in height. They will get about 2-3 feet in diameter though. The name “Fan Flower” is very appropriate for this plant. The blooms are small and shaped like a hand held fan. They will bloom from spring, all through summer, and fall. Lavender or “blue” is the primary color. They do however also come in pink, and white. This year, here at The Sanctuary, we have planted some that have all three colors in the same pot. This is achieved by using three cuttings, or plugs when first potted. Scaevolas love full sun; they will survive in partial shade, but bloom more prolifically in sun. They need a well drained soil and have no real pest problems. The genus name Scaevola comes from the Latin word scavus, which means left-sided. This to the one-sided flowers, hence fan-shaped. The species name aemula comes from aemulus, which means comparing with or rivaling of. It is uncertain where this originates. Scaevolas are native in Australia, primarily the western side. Here at The Sanctuary, we love Scaevolas for many reasons. They can take full sun, heat, arid conditions, and salt. They are low-maintenance plants that have beautiful flowers. They can be used for many different situations. They make great hanging baskets, good for over-hanging planters, or good for low groundcover. Come see our amazing Fan Flowers, and get some for yourselves.

May 2009 ~ Stoke's Aster

Stoke’s Aster is an herbaceous perennial that’s foliage can be evergreen in warmer climates. It is a native plant to the southeastern coastal plain; thus it can be found on Kiawah Island. Each plant can grow to 1-2 ft. tall and 1-2 ft. in diameter. It has 3-4 in. delicately fringed flowers that will last for several weeks. Blooms can be used as long lasting cut flowers, and come in several colors. Blue and lavender are the most common colors, but flowers can also come in pink, white, and yellow. Deadheading the spent blooms will encourage more flowers. Stoke’s Aster like an acidic soil, so don’t add lime. They prefer full sun, but will grow in partial shade. No insect or disease causes serious problems, and they are very low-maintenance plants. Butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds utilize the flowers as a great source for nectar. Propagation can be done by division, or by seed. They are hardy in zones 5-9. These plants will spread naturally, so plenty of space is recommended. The plants nomenclature is derived from Dr. Jonathan Stokes. Dr. Stokes was a 19th century Scottish physician, writer, and botanist. He was also a friend of Linnaeus’ son Carl. Stokesias were very popular in old gardens. It is a wonderful perennial and should be used more in today’s gardens. The only problem that we have seen is that deer sometimes find them tasty. I have also heard that rabbits are fond of them. Many Stoke’s Asters were planted in the original landscape at The Sanctuary. They were used because they are very drought tolerant, salt tolerant, and sun loving. We still use them in many of our gardens because butterflies love them, and they attract many varieties. We have mostly lavender blooming plants, but are starting to use white ones as well. Come and see these beautiful perennials.