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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

Firecracker Vine



Firecracker Vine (Manettia cordifolia) brightens the otherwise drab late summer garden with its hot red flowers. The small tubular blooms are profuse and adorn a vigorous but well-mannered vine. (Think Cypress Vine but without the headache of the invasiveness.) Hummingbirds love it!

This plant came to me from my great aunt Lesbie who loved to garden as much as I do.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. Great vine, Phillip! I'm always looking for plants for the hummingbirds and may try this as an annual next year as it wouldn't be hardy here in zone 5.

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  2. looking at the blooms that close they look like fish. i know i see everything different than the rest of the world! Hope all is well with you and yours!

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  3. LostRoses, it is hardy here and that is great.

    Carol, they do look like fishes!

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  4. One I've often thought about picking up, glad to hear it is well behaved.

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  5. I have never seen this vine before. I bet it is a Southern vine. It is pretty.

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  6. I need to give that a try next summer. I don't think I've ever seen it around here. Did you start it fram seed or buy it as a plant?

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  7. Casa, it was a plant given to me. I don't know if it is easily grown from seed.

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