Camellias, know as the rose of winter in southern gardens, are in the Theaceae family. There are thousands of cultivars in this genus, the one pictured here is Camellia japonica 'Nuccio's Cameo'.
Helleborus niger 'Potter's Wheel' is a late winter, early spring blooming plant in the Ranunculaceae family. Its flowers, unlike most Hellebores, face outward. It's simple beauty is a delight to behold.
Hammemallis virginiana, common or woodland witch hazel is the last blooming native of the year. It defies the chill of a frosty December morning and calls out to any pollinators that might still be buzzing around our New England forests.
Nerine sarniensis is a South African plant in the Amarylladaceae family. Common names include Guernsey Lily, Jersey Lily, Cornish Lily and Cape flower. Classified as a half hardy bulb, in the Northeast, it would not survive in winter.
Spring is the time to visit the Rock Garden! It is home to over 800 different types of alpine, dwarf, and woodland plants, making it the most intensively planted area on the Smith campus.
