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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

Tree Peony "Kamatanishiki"



Two days ago I showed you the swelling buds of this tree peony and today, during my lunch hour, I discovered that it had burst into bloom. Isn't this a beauty? I just planted this tree peony last year. It has a total of three buds and the second one had opened by the evening. Rain is predicted for Sunday and I'm almost tempted to cover it up!

Comments

  1. For heavens sake cover it. The rains will be heavy and won't take mercy. It sure is bootiful. So how much water do they need. I have one and it's drooping during the day. I'm afraid to over water it. Don't they like it a bit on the dry side?

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  2. Absolutely beautiful. You could also (God forbid) pick them and put them in a pretty vase...

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  3. Oh, you sure should over it! That exquisite beauty needs to be preserved. Love the way their petals are arranged!

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  4. Hi Phillip, thanks for posting this gorgeous photo! This is the third tree peony in my garden and has never bloomed, but it looks healthy. It really does look like the photo on the tag too. Yours is just divine and the capture is number one!
    Frances

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  5. Spectacular! I have seen several pictures of very nice Japanese umbrellas positioned over tree peonies so the blossoms will last longer, maybe that is what you should do.

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  6. I love Tree Peonies! I have 6 including one that looks like your pic. But I'm not sure of the name.

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  7. I'm coming to see your garden! :-) That's just stunning. BTW--did you ever find a garden gate?

    Cameron

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  8. Nice photograph. I too saw a tree peony at Lowe's last year and contemplated buying it but didn't. Now, seeing this, I wish I had. It really is nice.

    I fascinate myself, from time to time, by making a tree out of a bush and the last one I did was about 8 years ago. I cut off a small limb from a Rose of Sharon bush because the blossoms are creamy white with blushing red centers. The bees love it. I stuck that in the ground and when it took root and began to leaf out, I would pinch off most of the buds or leaves. And as it grew larger and the twig got to be an inch in diameter I had to cut off the lower branches and now it is a tree, rose of sharon and looks great.

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  9. That's gorgeous. I'd cover it.
    We have about 4 or 5 tree peonies. They're great.

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  10. It's a beauty Phillip...save it if you can! I put a patio umbrella over mine one year!

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  11. Phillip it's beautiful and you've photo'd it so well.

    I think you should cover it.

    Rob

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  12. Oh yes, cover it if you wish to enjoy those blooms longer. It is gorgeous.

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  13. That is a pretty one. I think you're lucky to have 3 flowers already! My tree peony is quite a bit older and I only see 3 buds on it this year.

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  14. If you're lucky enough to have something like that in your garden, I would erect a big old beach umbrella over it to protect it from the coming rain. Forecast for AL seems to be heavy rains....let the neighbors talk....get an umbrella for her!

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  15. I love the tree peonies--the flowers are so large and they smell so nice. A neighbor has these and always cuts me some blooms.

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  16. I was looking into buying a tree peony. I live in Cullman, AL. Are there any nurseries central or north Alabama that sell them? And, if so, when would I want to plant one?

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