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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

Hydrangea "Angel's Lace"



Another new line of hydrangeas is the "Halo" series. They were originally bred in Japan in the early 90s by Hiroshi Ebihara and later marketed in Europe as the "Frau" series. Now they are available here in the U.S. with names like "Angel Eyes" and "Angel Smile". We have "Angel's Lace" and it is quickly becoming one of our favorites.

Described as the first picoteed lacecap in the world (that is when the flower color has one basic color with a margin of another color), it is bred to be compact with sturdier limbs and larger flowers. It is marketed as being suitable for containers. It can grow to be 4 to 5 feet so it is certainly fine in the ground, as ours is. It is very hardy (to zone 6). So far, this has been a spectacular addition to the garden and one that I would highly recommend.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. That bloom is unusual with the white edge around the bloom.

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  2. does it have any fall color in the leaves?

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  3. The white edge is awesome, and really makes the bloom pop

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  4. It's beautiful. I adore hydrangeas and it's great to learn about these.

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  5. Absolutely beautiful. What I wouldn't give to be able to grow lacecaps.
    Marnie

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  6. Hot pink--love the 'halo' on the edges, too!

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  7. Absolutely stunning! Can't wait to see it in person.

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  8. I love picoteed flowers. That lacecap is so pretty!

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  9. Hydrangeas are one of my favorite shrubs, mostly because of the gorgeous blooms. So it's nice to see a completely different look in a lacecap - that white edge sets off the bold pink beautifully. I bet it stands out in the garden like no other! Yet another plant I'll have to track down and add to the garden....

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  10. Phillip I have heard of this series but never saw them. Stunning!! Keep those hydrangea shots coming.
    Sandra

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  11. Beautiful! This is one i would like to add to my own garden. it is quite interesting.

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  12. And what about powdery mildew on the foliage. Many of these have major problems with this leaf problem.

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  13. Awesome! But of course........only zone 6. I'm barely a 5......

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  14. Phillip, You are surely increasing the sale of hydrangeas everywhere! This one is stellar! gail

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  15. Nice...I haven't seen that variety before.

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  16. The comments say it all. Beautiful shrub.

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  17. Absolutely beautiful!!! Love the white outlines around the petals.
    Marnie

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  18. Okay Phillip, how long do we have to wait for more hydrangeas?

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  19. Whoa! I never knew Hydrangeas come in so many colors! I learnt a lot about them from your posts on Hydrangeas. Thank you :)

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