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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

Signs of life



In the midst of winter, there are buds. It was sleeting this morning when I ventured out and took this photo. This is Daphne Odora, commonly known as Winter Daphne. In a few weeks, it should be in full bloom. The blooms have a wonderful lemony fragrance.

Comments

  1. We have about 10inches of snow right now. I don't mind because I don't have to get out in it. The pussy willow has a few buds on it. That is all I can see right now.

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  2. Daphne is beautiful, Phillip, even with just her buds to share! She'll be breathtaking once she's fully bloomed!

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  3. phillip,

    Hi...I have wondered about this lovely plant. My dear friend from England says she dreams about it and wishes we could grow it in Nashville. It is really lovely. I love the signs of life in your garden. gail

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  4. I'm always glad to see winter plants especially the smell good kind.

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  5. I'm so happy to see this in your garden, Phillip. I left behind a huge one in my old garden and will have to search diligently this spring for one to put in my new Alabama garden.

    Barbara

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  6. Another daphne owner! :-) Gotta love it! Mine is so fragrant. I was sitting on the front porch this past weekend and kept smelling lemons -- from all the way around on the side of the house! The wind was perfect to carry the fragrance.

    Cameron

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  7. YEA for signs of life and colour in buds. Shall I tell you that we're getting snow again? Sigh....April seems like a long, long time from now.

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  8. Nice! I like the variegation on the leaves. Daphne should be on my list.

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  9. That's a beautiful sight, Phillip. I can't even see my 'carol mackie' daphne because we have over a foot of snow. Oh I hope she'll be okay as this is her first winter.

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  10. Can't wait to see them blooming, Philip! Do post it's bloomed photo. A fragrant flower during gray! That's something.

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  11. Nice shot, Phillip. It's good to see some signs of spring starting, isn't it? Daphne looks like a shrub with lots to love.

    Jon at Mississippi Garden

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  12. I've never heard of that plant but it is lovely, especially in the midst of winter.

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  13. Hi Phillip, what a great shot! I have the same shrub, fully loaded for quite a while, just waiting for those warm temps. Will they ever come back?

    Frances

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  14. Wonderful Signs that Spring is righ around the corner. Thank you for sharing this on such a cold winter day up North. Warm Wishes !

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  15. A lovely photo, Philip! Today I visited Cameron's garden and smelled hers ... and now yours! I've seen you posting here and there ... delighted to finally meet you :)

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  16. Lucky you! I haven't been able to grow one. Looks pretty even now. I'm nuts about blooms cause they are hope.

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  17. How lovely, Phillip. I have often wondered it Daphne would grow down here. I seem to remember reading that it isn't very long-lived. Has that been your experience?

    Jan
    Always Growing

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  18. Thanks everybody!

    Thanks for visiting Joey, do come again!

    Jan, it is only two years old and I haven't read anything about their life span. I sure hope not!

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  19. It's nice to see all the lovely plants that don't grow in Michigan! :)

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  20. Mine had the edges of its leaves burned a bit by the 14 degree night last week, but is still loaded with buds. D. odora can be short lived unless drainage is very good - they need to be high and dry, or phytophthera and other nasties can take hold quickly. Still, I've had one in the same place for about 10 years; I start a cutting or two every year, just for safety's sake. The old plant is encroaching on the pathway, but my inclination is to move the path before moving or cutting back the Daphne!

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  21. Well that explains it because mine is planted in a raised bed and it is a very dry area also.

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