Dexter Rhododendrons are known for their brilliant colors.
June Blooms
June is a month to savor from the first day to the last. While nature's splendor is down every lane and around every corner, we'd like to introduce you to two Cape beauties.
Dexter Rhododendrons
Heritage Plantation of
Sandwich
With 76 acres of gently rolling hills dotted with lush plantings, Heritage Plantation of Sandwich is a wonderful place to stroll. This destination is also home of the world-renowned Dexter Rhododendrons. As if in honor of your visit, these prized varieties will bloom between Memorial Day and the first two weeks of June.
The plantation was once the estate of plant breeder Charles O. Dexter. During his "twilight years", he produced new varieties of rhododendrons, now revered for their hardiness, large flowers and superior coloring. Dexter planted thousands of seedlings on the grounds of his estate and donated thousands more to private gardens, nurseries and botanical collections. Today, 125 of his cultivars grace each acre of the Plantation.
From mid-July to early August almost 1,000 daylilies bloom; there are also thousands of other trees, shrubs and flowers, all labeled for your inspection and admiration.Grove Street, Sandwich · (508-888-1222)
Look for saltspray roses at most beaches.
Saltspray Roses
Growing Wild On Cape
Cod
If you visit any beach, you'll discover a hardy and beautiful plant that grows in coastal thickets and secondary dunes. Your first encounter with this wonderful rose--rosa rugosa--will be its vibrant fragrance.
This shrub-like plant grows in dense clumps several feet in diameter and up to 6 feet high. The 5-petaled, rose-purple flowers are often 4 inches in diameter and rise from short bristly stems.
Ironically, our saltspray rose is a native of the Orient. Centuries ago, sea captains brought it to our shores. Because it is tolerant of salt spray from the breaking waves and prefers sandy soil, this Orient beauty quickly thrived here. Today, its thick roots help preserve our dunes.
In the fall, blossoms develop into big rosehips, which make excellent jelly and tea.
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