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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

Still hanging on - Euphorbia "Diamond Frost"



This tough little annual is still going strong after two light frosts. It is now a "must have" on my annual list. It blooms non-stop and looks great in containers.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. Yes, this is a must for me too. I have three containers full of it. Some people grow it in the shade, mine is in full Florida sun and does great. I am trying to over winter one of them.

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  2. I also can't say enough good things about it, except I wish it came in another color. The first time I saw them was planted with Poinsettias, it was a nice combo.

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  3. My "Diamond Frost" is still going strong as well - one in a hanging basket and the other in a large container with geraniums - which are also still going strong. Maybe I'll try bringing it inside to over winter.

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  4. It is a marvelous plant. I use it every year. The one with the dark leaves does as well plus you have the darker leaves.

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  5. I have not tried this although I see it in lots of my gardening mags. I am always for a tough plant. It's on my list!

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  6. Phillip, I have to get this plant into my garden~It's stellar. gail

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  7. It is amazing. Have two friends who have a garden on James Island used in sweeps in a gray-white-blue garden. It always looks like mist rising early morning!

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