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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

Hydrangeas

The hydrangeas are really looking good this year! So far (knock wood) we have had sufficient rainfall and I sure hope it continues. (Click on photos for larger images)

"Annabelle" and "Madame Emile Mouillere" with hosta


"Madame Emile Mouillere" and "Bluebird"

"Madame Emile Mouillere" and "Bluebird"

Oakleaf hydrangeas "Dayspring" and Native

Hydrangea "Nikko Blue"




Oakleaf Hydrangea "Snowflake"


Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. Wow...I'm seriously envious...they are so beautiful! I'm especially taken by that blue/purple lacecap...serious plant lust!

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  2. There is simply nothing to compare with hydrangeas and they come in so many versions!

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  3. Looks very refreshing and inviting.

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  4. Your hydrangeas look great. My Bluebird (you knew I would have it because of the name) never looks this good. You must have 'the soil' to make it bluuue.

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  5. Oh!!! Those are just gorgeous!

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  6. Every time I see a posting entitled Hydrangeas I have to go check them out. LOL! Your garden is spectacular. The hydrangeas are beautiful. I adore the Bluebird lacecap.

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  7. Absolutely beautiful! Your hydrangeas are doing really well! We have had some issues with mites on our hydrangeas down here

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  8. Philip, how lovely, lovely! Believe it or not, my Limelight and Pinkie Winkie are not blooming yet. My variegated lacecap has a few flowers. Just a couple of flowers on the mopheads. Wonder why that is. Yours are definitely older than mine. Maybe that's it.

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  9. Phillip, this is one of the best Hydrangea years in a while. No late frosts! Mine are looking fabulous but if we dont get some rain soon....

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  10. Your hydrangeas are beautiful; I will always be a fan of Oak-leaved hydrangea but your white 'Madame' and the blue lacecape are wonderful are making me a convert.

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  11. They are all so beautiful and I'm feeling a twinge of envy because I lost *both* of my hydrangea's this year. Lovely pics!

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  12. I should say they are putting on an excellent show!

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  13. OMG!!!!!!SO BEAUTIFUL.

    DO YOU GROW PEONIES AND IF SO PLEASE SHARE HOW TO DO THAT IN THE SOUTH.

    SUE

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  14. Hello. Your hydrangeas are wonderful !!! Romantic garden ...
    Kate from Poland

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  15. They filled out very nicely since my visit, just stunning. My oakleafs are starting to open. Had some damage from last night storm. Hope everyone will overlook it (and the weed filled beds) at my open garden Saturday. Mary

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  16. As always, a perfect show. Beautiful photographs by the way.

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