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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

Chinese Snowball

Chinese Snowball (Viburnum macrocephalum)





Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. Oh my goodness, that is stunning. I planted one 2 years ago. Last year it didn't bloom at all. This year it's about 4'-5' tall and has dozens of blooms, but they're still lime green. Can't wait until it's as huge and beautiful as yours! Did you prune it to shape it like that?

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  2. C.C., it hasn't been pruned except for some of the older limbs. Actually, it probably needs it. I'm thinking about doing some pruning on it this year after the blooms fade. It grows fast once it gets going.

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  3. It looks good enough to eat, Phillip! How wonderful!

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  4. Love, love, LOVE your flowers! Your blog header is gorgeous, too...I assume that's your own doings, too? Just beautiful!
    ~Margaret

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  5. Wonderful! I grow common snowball, viburnum opulus Roseum, which I hope wont get so big :). Your is simply amazing.

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  6. Gorgeous! Do they have any scent?

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  7. Hi Christine, unfortunately they do not!

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