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Stepping Into May

Rhododendron 'Klondyke' and Geranium maculatum May is already here and the garden suddenly explodes with growth. We spent the weekend watering (already?) because there hasn't been significant rainfall in a while. We don't have a sprinkler system so it is all manpower, dragging hoses and sprinklers. It takes two days - one for the back and one for the front - to water everything. It is possible to get it all in one day if we start really early. The rhododendrons are beginning now - 'Mandarin Lights' 'Jean Marie De Montague' 'Percy Wiseman' - beautiful but suffers from lacebug. I'm considering replacing it or maybe I will try and treat it. A favorite right now is the Chilean Potato Vine ( Solanum crispum 'Glasnevin'). This plant is hardier than you might imagine. Some sources list it as a "9", others an "8".  It is going on its third year in our garden, having been moved once. It is sheltered somewhat by a fence but ...
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Hydrangea "Veitchii"




One for the top 10 list is this elegant but tough hydrangea that is a dependable performer. It grows in an upright habit and is always loaded with lovely flattish white lacecap sepals with fertile blue flowers. The flowers age to pink. An added bonus are the dark green leaves that turn yellow/red in the fall. It is mildew resistant and is reputed to have exceptional cold hardiness. In 2002, it received the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society. Veitchii was imported from Japan in 1861.



Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. Lisa at GreenbowJune 11, 2010 at 1:29 PM

    Sweet.

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  2. DarlaJune 11, 2010 at 1:41 PM

    How do I find out which Lacecap I have....?

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  3. Phillip OliverJune 11, 2010 at 1:52 PM

    Darla, it is often very difficult to identify a hydrangea because, as you've probably noticed, they look similar and to make matters worse, most of them will look different in other people's gardens because of the soil types. I would suggest getting a book on hydrangeas (there are several good ones) and compare yours with photos and the descriptions. Good luck!

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  4. David - Pinewood CottageJune 11, 2010 at 2:04 PM

    Phillip - thanks for your comment. I learned to put newpaper under the mulch from Frances Worthington former garden columnist for our regional newspaper here in Upstate SC The Greenville News.
    This is a beautiful hydrangea you have pictured. I'm not wild about lace caps but its pretty in the garden. I am in search of the little dwarf sized bushes i see around town.

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  5. A Brit in TennesseeJune 11, 2010 at 4:20 PM

    Oh, how absolutley lovely.
    Hydrangeas' are one of my most favorite plants, although I never have much luck with them in my own garden, I do admire them form afar.
    Just a lovely specimen.

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  6. DarlaJune 12, 2010 at 3:45 AM

    Thanks Phillip.

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  7. UnknownJune 12, 2010 at 4:24 AM

    I'm blaming you when the partner starts screeching about what I'm spending on additional hydrangeas......

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  8. Chandramouli SJune 12, 2010 at 10:58 AM

    These are lovely! I love them coz they seem to bloom forever, only I couldn't get them in my city...

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  9. Donald's GardenJune 12, 2010 at 12:45 PM

    Okay that's it - I'm moving to Alabama where Hydrangea is a happy plant. Phillip you do so well with them! If I were a Hydrangea I'd want to live right there in your garden!

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  10. F CameronJune 13, 2010 at 5:51 AM

    I'm really wishing for a shaded, fenced garden! Quite a lovely!

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