It’s been a strange couple of weeks weather-wise—remember when it was 80 degrees and sunny, and now it’s rainy and chilly? No matter! The cool weather actually helps prolong the flowering season for our rhododendrons and other late-spring bloomers. The weather is supposed to be nice this weekend, so why not stop by and check out what’s poppin’? 

Holden Arboretum 

It’s still rhododendron season at the arboretum with large-leaved rosebay rhododendrons coming into their prime. Some of our largest and most spectacular rhododendron specimens are in bloom right now, like Rhododendron ‘Edmond Amateis’ on the southwest end of the Rhododendron Discovery Garden.  

Cleveland Botanical Garden 

In Cleveland, a garden favorite is beginning to unfurl its flowers: Cornus kousa, or kousa dogwood. Unlike the native Cornus florida that I featured a few weeks ago, kousa dogwoods are native to Japan, Korea and China. Another woody plant to look for is Calycanthus floridus, or Carolina sweetshrub. The red flowers of this shrub have a unique fruity scent, but make sure to seek out a freshly opened flower, because the scent fades quickly. As you explore the gardens, you’re sure to notice freshly opened bearded irises and ornamental onions too. 

Rhododendrons are still going strong, and there’s plenty more to see. Don’t miss your chance to catch the late-spring beauty before it fades into summer!