Chilean Fire Bush - a hidden jewel in our garden
It is heartbreaking that this beauty is hidden in our garden but at least the hummingbirds have found it. Hidden because it is planted behind a 7 feet tall rose. I planted it there because I was under the impression that it would become a tree. It can indeed become a tree and there is one growing about a mile from our house that is around 20 feet tall. In our garden, it is taking its sweet time and is only 4 feet tall after being planted seven years ago (2017). It did not begin to bloom until its fifth year and this is the first year flowering has been so profuse. Whenever I think about this plant, I always remember what the Gosslers said in their book "The Gossler Guide to the Best Hardy Shrubs". I quote it here: "Since this plant comes from southern Chile, we begin with a word of warning: it will not grow anywhere in the United States outside western Washington, Oregon and northern California. People wanting to grow E. coccineum in the eastern part of the country will
It's very striking. :)
ReplyDeleteDo you like the kousas? We had more than a dozen plain dogwoods in our yard that died 5+ years ago from blight, I suppose. I'd like to replace some of them, but I'm concerned that the blight is in the soil now.
C.C., I do love the kousa dogwood. They may not be as showy as the other but I think they are very elegant. The blooms sit on top of the leaves so if it is possible to have a view looking down on them, it would be an advantage. I know ours is spectacular from a top story bedroom window but of course no one is usually up there to see it.
ReplyDeleteWe can see which limb of the family tree is quite lively during fall. ;) It is odd.
ReplyDeletePerhaps it is blushing in honor of your maiden. I have had this happen before but not so dramatically. Very beautiful Phillip. I just posted my Kousa too... all gone now and I have to say it was never so brilliant as yours! Carol
ReplyDeleteNot to jinx you, but that odd color pattern may indicate some kind of stress. Nevertheless it is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThe blooms sit on top of the leaves so if it is possible to have a view looking down on them, it would be an advantage.
ReplyDeleteThen they would be perfect for us. We have a large picture window that overlooks the back yard. Thanks!
Oh no Les, don't tell me that!
ReplyDeleteBoy, you garden sure is in a lot better shape than mine is right now!
ReplyDeleteWell, it sure is a beautiful red. The rest of the tree can't be far behind. Beautiful grounds, by the way.
ReplyDeletePhillip, your garden is lovely, even this late in the season. Those paths that disappear round curves beckon us to follow;)
ReplyDeleteMarnie
I had the opposite on my Japanese Maple. All of the tree was red except for one branch that stayed green.
ReplyDeleteWhat a pretty color. Maybe a wave of cold air hit only it and not the rest of the tree. We have three blueberry bushes and only one is brilliant red, the other two are green. I believe it is colder in that spot. Your garden scene looks fabulous!
ReplyDeleteFrances
Hi Phillip, I think nature has still a lot to teach us. Here in Chile nature also has been very different.
ReplyDeleteCariños
María Cecilia
They are the best trees for brilliant fall color and the fruit is awesome looking....It is odd that only that one branch is red. Your garden is lovely~~I love the curve and the material you've chosen for the paths. gail
ReplyDeleteI've seen quite a few odd foliage happenings this year. Red maples with yellow centers and red borders on the leaves. The weather is probably the culprit!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Les but nevertheless it's very striking, and then again, may just be an oddity. These plants always keep you guessing!
ReplyDeleteVery odd! I think the weather has confused many plants.
ReplyDeleteHow odd! We sometimes have a few maple leaves turn early during a dry summer but never a whole section of the tree. I hope Les is wrong about the stress, but it looks that way. At least it is beautiful and you still have leaves.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting! This fall has been pretty interesting with the foliage- we get a little chill, the color turn starts, but then we get a warm spell that halts everything (and makes my daylillies start to sprout). Perhaps that is what happened here?
ReplyDeleteIn any event, a great study in contrast!