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 is Iris and Clematis time in my garden too. Of course I don't have the many varieties and the amounts of iris that are in these pictures but they make me happy when I see them. I can't imagine paying $50 for an iris. It must have been out of this world beautiful. I think all of mine have been given to me. They are great performers. I love delphiniums and lupines. They just don't grow here due to our hot dry summers. They are such striking plants. I will never forget the time I saw a moose standing in a ditch full of lupines munching away. We were in Maine at the time. A fond memory. Lupines always remind me of vacations.
ReplyDeleteWe could not grow them in Alabama. I can't wait to try some here. I have some started from seed and they are doing well.
DeleteWow. What can I say, but "Spectacular!"
ReplyDeleteWe visited an iris garden in Tennessee a few days ago, but I guess the heat here makes irises fade faster.
(Plus this was a state garden and I don't think it has the funds or the manpower for the upkeep that the garden in Oregon seems to get...)
Anyway, good timing!
Thanks!
DeleteWhat an abundance. Sensory overload! On a smaller scale, I get similar feeling in my own garden this time of year.
ReplyDeleteA couple of your pictures feature huge purple heads of Alium (drool) with another 'feathery' lighter color bloom. Can you identify that plant?
I think that is Meadow Rue (Thalictrum).
DeleteWow...just wow. Looking forward to the other two gardens.
ReplyDeleteStunning! One thing I admire about the PNW is how well perennials do there. I have visited Portland in August and walked through neighborhoods whose front yards were mini versions of Schreiner's gardens. In August! No doubt yours will be just as glorious.
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful! I remember ordering from these folks but have never visited. Thanks for letting us enjoy it vicariously through your post!
ReplyDeleteBefore I knew much about gardening, I knew about Schreiner's.
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