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
That is a beautiful hydrangea. I love the deep blue.
ReplyDeleteThe color is beautiful. Nice, big blooms on a relatively compact plant.
ReplyDeleteMarnie
Very nice specimen. I know that aluminum is necessary in the soil to produce blue pigment.
ReplyDeleteI really like these blue hydrangea. I did however see a really tacky display of them which left a bad taste in my mouth. I'm trying to get over it, but it's going to take some time.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet plant. It looks like a baby Niko blue.
ReplyDeleteIt is a beauty dress in its blue. The compact shrub makes it very appealing for small gardens.
ReplyDeleteYou are torturing me with these gorgeous hydrangea blooms and vignettes! :-)
ReplyDeleteVery nice! I sure with I had more shady spaces for hydrangeas like that. Of course then I'd be providing a deer buffet...
ReplyDeleteYou sure have the touch with the Hydrangeas. The frilly petals are so pretty.
ReplyDeleteThe concrete steps would add alkalinity to the soil which would turn the blooms pink. That is our problem in So. Cal. with highly alkaline water, we can't get those beautiful blue bloom like you do. It is lovely!
ReplyDeleteYour hydrangea looks perfect by the steps and birdbath. I like hydrangeas planted along a path, so I can enjoy the blossoms close-up as I walk past. I am planning to add more hydrangeas to a path which already has several varieties. I will keep this one in mind!
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