Plant of the Month
Abelia ×grandiflora 'Frosty'

by Mark Weathington, Assistant Director and Curator of Collections
Glossy abelia is a hybrid shrub between two Asian abelias with semi-evergreen to evergreen foliage. Since it was first raised in Italy in the late 1800s, it has become a major part of many landscapes due to its long season of bloom, pale pink flowers, and great pest resistance. In recent years, new forms have been introduced from variegated forms to gold foliaged selections and dwarf clones. In fall of 2012, a new dwarf, white variegated selection was introduced and named 'Frosty' by Currin's Nursery in North Carolina.
Abelia ×grandiflora 'Frosty' was discovered as a branch sport from the dwarf cultivar, 'Little Richard'. It has white-edged, small leaves that are cupped while still retaining the glossy sheen that has given the hybrid its common name. The evergreen to semi-evergreen leaves are held on fine, red twigs on dwarf plants growing only to about 2.5' tall by slightly wider. The foliage takes on some pink and plum tones in winter. Unlike the typical form with pale pink flowers, 'Frosty' has pure white flowers over an extended season from late spring to frost. This new selection does not revert like other variegated forms and does not sprout the tall, vertical shoots prevalent among many other forms.
'Frosty' grows in full sun to part shade and does not burn even in bright locations. It tolerates some drought once fully established making it a good choice for under trees or other dry spots. Glossy abelia is hardy to zone 6 and will tolerate both cold and high heat and humidity well. It makes a neat, low bun without pruning but will tolerate shearing as well.
Abelia ×grandiflora 'Frosty' can be used almost anywhere in the landscape except permanently damp spots. The small size, tidy habit, pest resistance, and tough constitution make it an excellent choice for containers, foundation plantings, and massing. The bright foliage, four-season appeal, and butterfly-attracting flowers are perfect for use as a specimen in small gardens, in perennial borders and wildlife gardens, and for lighting up shade gardens.
'Frosty' is one of the three plants available this fall through the JCRA and Johnston County Nursery Marketing Association's Choice Plants marketing program. Ask for it at your local garden center.
A Gift of Membership
by Anne M. Porter, Director of Development
Won't you help us expand our membership program by giving a special gift of membership? It is not only a gift that keeps on giving 12 months of the year, but it is your opportunity to introduce a friend or family member to the wonders of this magical garden and to share your passion for the JC Raulston Arboretum.
In addition, with your gift of membership to a friend, colleague, or loved one, you both will receive a personalized family calendar featuring some extraordinary JC Raulston Arboretum plant photography and important JCRA event dates to remember. There are even special discounts for friends who give multiple gift memberships. What better gift to show someone how much you care about them and their green world?
Use the gift membership form to purchase a membership as a gift and to order your personalized calendars. Gift memberships must be ordered before December 15, 2012, in order to receive the calendars. Please call Judy Morgan-Davis at (919) 513-0264 if you are interested in multiple gift membership discounts.
Propagation Workshops
by Christopher Todd Glenn, Programs and Education Coordinator
Saturday, February 2, 2013 – 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
Saturday, May 18, 2013 – 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
Saturday, June 1, 2013 – 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
Join Tim Alderton, Chris Glenn, Lizzi Lathers, and Mark Weathington in these hands-on workshops (February, May, and June) and learn how to asexually propagate some of your favorite plants in the JC Raulston Arboretum's collections via cuttings. Participants will go home with a greater knowledge of plant propagation and with many freshly propagated plants. Techniques discussed can be done at home. This workshop is open to all knowledge/experience levels.
To register for one or more of these workshops, please call Chris Glenn at (919) 513-7005. Each workshop costs $100.00 and is only open to JCRA members.
Seasonal Garden Photography Workshops
by Christine Ramsey, JCRA Volunteer
Saturday, January 12, 2013 – 8:00 AM–3:00 PM
Saturday, April 13, 2013 – 8:00 AM–3:00 PM
Saturday, June 22, 2013 – 8:00 AM–3:00 PM
Saturday, October 12, 2013 – 8:00 AM–3:00 PM
Don't Just Capture the Garden with Your Camera—Create and Celebrate
Join the JCRA and two award-winning photographer/instructors for a series of four seasonal photography workshops with the accent on creativity. Learn to create more powerful, meaningful outdoor images with your camera. Learn to celebrate the special joys of each season in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Four one-day workshops taught by acclaimed photographers and experienced workshop leaders Susan Bailey and Mary Doherty.
Winter: January 12, 2013 The focus is on creative exposure as students explore the unique light and stark beauty of winter in the garden.
Spring: April 13, 2013 Nature's most bountiful season is a jumping off point for a study of creative composition.
Summer: June 22, 2013 Hot temperatures and hot colors in the garden make this the perfect season for exploring creative color.
Fall: October 12, 2013 The golden season brings the best natural light of the year and is prime time to discover what creative lighting can do for your photos.
To register for one or more of these workshops, please call Chris Glenn at (919) 513-7005. Each workshop costs $125.00 for members and $140.00 for nonmembers. Save 20% by registering for all four workshops at one time.
2013 JCRA Apparel
by Barbara Kennedy, Volunteer Coordinator
The 2013 JCRA T-shirts and sweatshirts have arrived and are ready for holiday giving. This year's design illustrated by Sue Aldworth, a botanical illustrator, is Acer palmatum. Short sleeve T-shirts are available in coral silk and prairie dust, long-sleeve shirts come in willow, and the sweatshirts color is maroon. They're $15.00, $20.00 and $30.00, respectively. Stop by the Arboretum and pick up yours.
Children's Program
by Elizabeth Overcash, Children's Program Coordinator
It’s almost December. It's finally feeling cold and wintery outside. It's time for some winter discovery! This winter, we are having a Winter Discovery Series for children ages six and up. One Sunday afternoon in December, January, and February, children are invited to learn and have fun with us. They're a great reason to get out of the house and an even better way to chase away those winter blues!
I don't know about your family, but this is my family’s first full week of school in a month! This past month was full of teacher workdays, vacation days, and holidays since we are on a traditional calendar schedule. All of those days out inspired me to schedule a Schools Out! program for the next teacher workday, January 22. The program will also work for students on Track 3. Break the boredom by creating a terrarium to take home and observe. We will provide all the materials needed and use the terrariums to teach a few lessons about ecosystems and the water cycle. Register early because I have a feeling I'm not the only one running out of ways to fill those days off!
Check out the Children's Program Web page on the JCRA Web site for more information on upcoming programs. I look forward to seeing you and your family soon!
Coming Attractions
by Nancy Doubrava, Interpretive Specialist
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Abutilon megapotamicum 'Little Imp'
flowering maple |
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Acer palmatum
Japanese maple
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Ilex vomitoria 'Yawkey'
yellow-berry yaupon holly |
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Mahonia ×media 'Winter Sun'
grapeholly |
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Prunus mume 'Trumpet'
pink Japanese flowering apricot |
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Iris unguicularis
winter flowering iris |
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Nandina domestica
heavenly bamboo |
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Camellia ×vernalis 'Hiryû'
hybrid camellia |
Visit Showtimes for a much more detailed listing of what's in flower in December at the Arboretum.
Recent Members Only Additions
by Chris Glenn, Programs and Education Coordinator
Two new videos were recorded for the Members Only section on the Arboretum's Web site in November.
Click on the images below to play the videos or visit the Members Only section to for a complete listing of all videos.


Content in the Members Only section is password protected and is only available to Arboretum members. In order to access these special features, members need to know the password that was printed on the label (use all lower case letters) of the latest Friends of the Arboretum Newsletter or included below.
user name = jcra
password = root |