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
Good thing you got out there to get the picture. It looks beautiful. OUrs isn't beginning to bloom yet. We won't be far behind.
ReplyDeleteHi Phillip, very beautiful photo of your star magnolia. Hope it doesn't get zapped by the low temperatures that you are expecting. Have you ever thought about protecting it somehow? It doesn't look too tall on the photo, so maybe it is possible to through a tarp over it and put a heating light under it?
ReplyDeleteChristina
So beautiful! I hope your temps won't be as low as predicted. These magnolias always seem to bloom a tad too early. My own Jane magnolia just started flowering a couple days ago, and we are supposed to get to 32 tonight. Your daffodils are also beautiful! I truly hope this is the final cold swipe from winter!
ReplyDeleteSo lovely. I hope it made it through the night. Here the magnolias will still need at least a week or two...
ReplyDeleteChristina, it is larger than it looks - I would estimate about 12 feet high. It would be a job to cover it. I don't think the temps got as low as they first predicted. It looked fine this morning although frost damage usually shows up later. We will see!
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful Phillip. The Limestone Master Gardeners would like to see your garden again. If you remember. .it was pouring rain last year. When would best time be...May? Are the roses blooming then?
ReplyDeleteEdith, May is usually the peak time. Just send me an email!
ReplyDeleteYep. It happens to my star magnolia some years, too.
ReplyDeleteRay
Ah so beautiful, but usually spoiled by cold here too.
ReplyDeleteWe are pretty north of you, but the same problem here. Magnolias always get nipped by frost. But they sure are pretty while they last!
ReplyDelete