Caracalla Bean

Sometimes referred to as “Snail Flower” for its showy curling and undulating shape, the Caracalla Bean possesses an equally spectacular fragrance. In 1807, Thomas Jefferson described the Caracalla as the "most beautiful bean in the world." Originally from tropical South America, it was being grown in American gardens by the 1830s.  In 1832, Scottish-born naturalist Robert Buist wrote in The American Flower-Garden Directory, “Snail-Flower is a very curious blooming plant, with flowers … all spirally twisted, in great profusion when the plant is grown well.”  

In bloom at Monticello August through September. Available as a live plant from our online Monticello Shop.

Blackberry Lily (Iris domestica – formerly Belamcanda chinensis)

Bright colors, a crazy corkscrew, and dark, shiny seeds are the hallmarks of this slimly graceful plant. Blackberry Lilly produces bright, red-spotted orange flowers on tall stalks. As the flowers finish blooming they twist into tight spirals that are followed by unusual seed heads that resemble blackberries.

Jefferson first received seeds of Blackberry Lily, which he called "Chinese Ixia, from nurseryman Bernard McMahon during his second term as president. These were sown in an East Front oval flowerbed at Monticello. Today the blackberry lilies that are found naturalized throughout Monticello are believed to be descendants of Jefferson's original plantings. 

In bloom at Monticello July through August.  Seeds of Blackberry Lily are available in our online Monticello Shop.

Balsam Apple (Momordica balsamina) and Balsam Pear (Momordica charantia)

These unusual vines start off shy but end with a bang. Although their pale yellow, deeply-veined flowers have a subtle beauty, their warty and lumpy orange and yellowish fruits are their most distinguishing features. When ripe, the fruits burst apart, revealing numerous seeds covered with a brilliantly scarlet, extremely sticky coating.

Thomas Jefferson planted seeds of Balsam Apple in his flower borders at Monticello in 1810 along with Larkspur, Poppies, and Nutmeg Plant. The Balsam Apple is a tropical vine native to the tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia. It was introduced into Europe by 1568 and was used medicinally to treat wounds.

In bloom at Monticello from July through October. Seeds of Balsam Pear are available in our online Monticello Shop. 

Hyacinth Bean (Dolichos lablab)

Looking for something graceful and showy that also produces for the kitchen? This fast-growing ornamental vine is just the thing. Native to tropical Africa, it is cultivated extensively in Asia and North Africa for its edible, burgundy fruit pods, which, like its deep purple flowers, are highly ornamental. 

Jefferson recorded planting "Arbor beans white, scarlet, crimson, purple. at the trees of the level on both sides of the terrasses, and on long walk of [kitchen] garden” in 1812. Although Jefferson does not specifically cite this species, hyacinth bean was sold by his favorite nurseryman, Bernard McMahon, in 1804, and it is possible that Jefferson's "purple" bean was the Dolichos lablab. Also known as Egyptian and Indian bean, it was introduced to European gardens by the early 1700s and was sold by American nurserymen by the early 19th century.

In bloom at Monticello July through October.  Hyacinth Bean seeds are available in our online Monticello Shop.

Globe Centaurea (Centaurea macrocephala)

This uncommon yellow-flowering, almost thistle-like perennial is a native to the Caucasus. It was sent to Monticello in 1812 by Bernard McMahon, Jefferson’s go-to nurseryman, who supplied nearly half of the flower species cultivated at Monticello.

Globe Centaurea’s showy flowers are frequently visited by pollinators, providing additional charm to their unusual look.  The species also comes with an amusing collection of names. In addition to Globe Centaurea, it is commonly known as Armenian Basket Flower or Great Golden Knapweed, and its Latin name roughly translates as “big-headed horseman” (from the centaurs of Greek and Roman mythology).

In bloom at Monticello late May through late June. Globe Centaurea seeds are available in our online Monticello Shop.

Cockscomb (Celosia argentea var. cristata)

One of the most remarked upon plants in the gardens at Monticello today is the Cockscomb.  Its striking furrowed and lobed scarlet comb -- which is frequently likened to a brain or the comb of a rooster -- rarely fails to attract attention and is a standout in any garden.

Jefferson noted planting seeds of "Cockscomb, a flower like the Prince's feather" in 1767. In 1811, Jefferson wrote to Bernard McMahon, "I have an extensive flower border, in which I am fond of placing handsome plants or fragrant. Those of mere curiosity I do not aim at." Still, the shockingly curious flowers of the Cockscomb must have delighted visitors to Monticello in Jefferson's time just as they do today.

In bloom at Monticello July through October. Available as a live plant from our online Monticello Shop.