what's blooming in august

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Botanical Name:
Nymphea Hybrids

Common Name:
Waterlily

Family:
Nymphaeaceae 

Native Region:
World-wide distribution

Description:
Waterlilies are a diverse group of aquatic plants distributed over most of the world. The waterlily collections at Denver Botanic Gardens feature both hardy and tropical groups. Some of the waterlily selections that have evolved through our waterlily trials include:
Nymphea ‘Denver’ (Hardy)
Nymphea ‘Denver’s Delight’ (Hardy)
Nymphea ‘Colorado’ (Hardy)
Nymphea ‘Joey Tomocik’ (Hardy)
Nymphea ‘Stan Skinger’ (Tropical)
Nymphea ‘William McLane’ (Tropical)
New to our collections is the Nymphea 'Pink Ribbon' developed by the Water Gardeners International. This new waterlily is part of an international project to raise money for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation for fighting breast cancer.

Garden Locations:
Distributed all over the Gardens in the pools

 
Botanical Name:
Echinacea spp.

Common Name:
Purple Coneflower

Family:
Asteraceae

Native Region:
North America

Description:
Purple Coneflower is a great choice for a low maintenance garden. The plant has been used by many Native American tribes to cure a multitude of ailments, and Echinacea supplements are still used today to boost the immune system. This flower is both drought tolerant and virtually disease free. Use this flower in borders, natural areas, and in flowers beds. Blooms attract a variety of birds and insects, and goldfinches especially like the seed. Flower blooms are most commonly purple (E. purpurea), but may also be white (E. pallida) or pink.

Garden Locations:
Lilac Garden, South end of Romantic Garden, Shady Lane

Botanical Name:
Hibiscus moscheutos

Common Name:
Hardy Hibiscus

Family:
Malvaceae

Native Region:
North America

Description:
Hardy hibiscus, Hibiscus moscheutos, is a deciduous shrub that grows from 4 to 7 feet in height. Related to hollyhocks and prairie winecups, the hardy hibiscus is native to the U.S. In the wild it is found along creeksides in the southeastern states. Late summer and early fall are peak bloom times for the plant. The flowers of the hardy hibiscus can be up to 8 inches across – salad plate size. Typically in shades of red, pink or white or in a combination of these colors, the flowers bring a tropical feel to any landscape. Unfortunately, the dramatic blossoms only last a day.

Garden Locations:
Perennial Walk, Lilac Garden

Botanical Name:
Tabebuia heterophylla

Common Name:
Whitewood

Family:
Bignoniaceae

Native Region:
Puerto Rico and Cuba

Description:
Tabebuia heterophylla is a medium size, semi deciduous tree. In areas where it experiences a distinct dry season, there is an explosion of pink flowers in mid winter. In landscapes where it receives year round moisture (including in our conservatory) the bloom season is extended over a longer period with fewer flowers appearing at any one time. Tabebuia is gaining popularity as a source of wood for furniture and flooring.

Garden Location:
Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory