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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

Abyssinian gladiolus

Gladiolus murielae  
This is the first time I've grown these bulbs. I just picked them up at Home Depot early in the spring. Gladiolus murielae is also known by a variety of common names including "Peacock Orchid," "Sword Lily," "Acidanthera" and "Fragrant Gladiolus". It is native to the mountain areas of East Africa. They grow about 2 feet tall and bloom in late summer. They are supposedly hardy in our zone (zone 7). So far, not as much profuse bloom as I'd hoped but there has been a scattering of blooms during the past weeks.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. What a beautiful flower & photo, dear Phillip!!

    Gerri xxoo

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  2. I like lilies a lot but not sure I like that black in the center. I guess it is black, maybe really dark purple?

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  3. Maybe they need a year or so to get established. They do have a pretty bloom.

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  4. I discovered these last year and they have quickly become a favorite. My bulbs from last year survived the winter in a pot. I bought more this year and have put some of the bulbs in the ground. I love them because they are fragrant.

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  5. I've grown these for years and anxiously await their beautiful fragrance all summer. Love them!

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  6. Never heard of them, but after your photo, I will start looking for them now! Thanks for the introduction! Best to you!

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  7. I tried those a few years back,here in Florida.They didn't bloom profusely,but they were beautiful when they did.But they didn't come back the next year.

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  8. Beautiful blossom. These are new to me and I'm anxious to see some my sister has growing. Great photo....makes me want to try them!

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  9. Beautiful, Phillip, I hope they come back for you next year and bloom profusely!

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