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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 "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

Comments

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

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  2. 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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  3. 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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  4. 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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  5. I'm blaming you when the partner starts screeching about what I'm spending on additional hydrangeas......

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  6. 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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  7. 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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  8. I'm really wishing for a shaded, fenced garden! Quite a lovely!

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