After a slow start nature has finally caught up with
the times and springtime is in full swing. May is the month that many exotic
trees and shrubs, and yes even bulbs and perennials show of their blooms
against the emerging leaves. The Magnolias and Rhododendrons are well known
examples, but these trees and shrubs are familiar to most people. Around this
time there is more to be seen, if only one has a keen eye for the unusual or
unexpected!
Fraxinus ornus, the Flowering ash, grows naturally
from Hungary east into the Caucasus. The scented creamy white plumes (shown
left) are nice to look at, but I personally don't like the smell. Styrax
japonica is unknown to many, but these small trees are covered in dangling
white blossoms (in the middle) that some find to resemble snowdrops. The warm
weather and subsequent cold spell has caused the plant to flower profusely (on
the right).
Wisteria (on the left) is known to many as it is a
much-used ornamental climber. In most gardens it is grown against a wall or an
a pergola. It naturally clambers up trees and the effect is incredible as the
picture shows. Although most ornamental cherries have finished flowering. This
Japanese Village Cherrie (Prunus 'Ukon') with its somewhat green, creamy-white
flowers with a cherry-pink centre typically flowers later end of April or early
May. Another Asian exotic is the Paulownia tomentosa with its very fragrant
lilac flowers in large pinnacles (on the right). For these flowers it's known
as the Foxglove Tree. An alternative name is the Royal Empress Tree, as it was
named by Von Siebold in honour of Anna Paulovna, a Romanov princess who became
Queen of the Netherlands by her marriage to William II.
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