A Closer Look at Winter Damage
But first, take a look at this gorgeous rainbow that we had on Friday! The five-day stretch of warm temperatures last week really jump-started the garden. Now that plants are putting out new growth, it is easier to see what kind of damage the winter left. Back in mid-January, we experienced five straight days of below-freezing temperatures. This caused much damage in Portland and areas where frigid winds were a factor. Here, we were fortunate to not get the wind and the cold temperatures were dampened by a blanket of snow. That said, it was a tough time for the garden and there are noticeable casualties but no outright deaths that I have seen. The bottlebrush ( Callistemon 'Woodlander's Red') did not like the cold at all. It was planted six years ago, in the north-facing garden no less, and I've not experienced die-back on it until now. A local expert said to cut it all the way back so that is what I did. If it doesn't make it, I won't be too distraught. It is
Sweet.
ReplyDeleteHow do I find out which Lacecap I have....?
ReplyDeleteDarla, it is often very difficult to identify a hydrangea because, as you've probably noticed, they look similar and to make matters worse, most of them will look different in other people's gardens because of the soil types. I would suggest getting a book on hydrangeas (there are several good ones) and compare yours with photos and the descriptions. Good luck!
ReplyDeletePhillip - thanks for your comment. I learned to put newpaper under the mulch from Frances Worthington former garden columnist for our regional newspaper here in Upstate SC The Greenville News.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful hydrangea you have pictured. I'm not wild about lace caps but its pretty in the garden. I am in search of the little dwarf sized bushes i see around town.
Oh, how absolutley lovely.
ReplyDeleteHydrangeas' are one of my most favorite plants, although I never have much luck with them in my own garden, I do admire them form afar.
Just a lovely specimen.
Thanks Phillip.
ReplyDeleteI'm blaming you when the partner starts screeching about what I'm spending on additional hydrangeas......
ReplyDeleteThese are lovely! I love them coz they seem to bloom forever, only I couldn't get them in my city...
ReplyDeleteOkay that's it - I'm moving to Alabama where Hydrangea is a happy plant. Phillip you do so well with them! If I were a Hydrangea I'd want to live right there in your garden!
ReplyDeleteI'm really wishing for a shaded, fenced garden! Quite a lovely!
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