What's in Bloom: March

Magnolia stellata
Magnolia Slope

Star magnolias are aptly named for their many-petaled, star-like flowers that open in early spring. While the straight species has white flowers, there are also pink-blooming cultivars such as M. stellata ‘Rubra’ (red star magnolia) planted on the Magnolia Slope.

Corylopsis spicata
Witchhazel Collection

Drooping yellow flowers with red anthers hang from the branches of these large shrubs, emitting a pleasant fragrance in the garden. This type of flower arrangement is called a spike because the individual flowers do not have pedicels and are attached directly to the main flowering stalk.

Cercidiphyllum japonicum
Azalea Meadow

This champion tree stands out year-round with its sprawling form, heart-shaped leaves, textured bark, and fragrant fall foliage. In early spring, this tree produces inconspicuous red flowers along its branches.

Magnolia denudata
Azalea Meadow

Native to China, yulan magnolia has been in cultivation since the 7th century AD. Large-petaled, cream-colored flowers bloom on leafless branches, marking the transition into spring.

Viburnum x bodnantense
Widener Visitor Center

A cross between Viburnum farreri and Viburnum grandiflorum, these large shrubs open up densely-clustered pink and white flowers that add fragrance and color to the early spring garden.