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
Breathtaking. I think I need more hydrangeas.
ReplyDeleteI am also a Hydrangea fan. Yours do pop in all that shade.
ReplyDeleteThe rose climbing through the crape myrtle is brilliant.
ReplyDeleteI only have one (oakleaf) hydrangea at the moment.
I'm with Jean -- I probably need more.
But I don't have much shade. And hydrangeas need at least some afternoon shade in the South, right? (Unless you want to be out there everyday with a hose.) At least that's what I've heard...
Aaron, the rose combo was an accident! I have seen oakleaf hydrangeas growing in sun but they prefer some shade, especially afternoon shade.
ReplyDeleteHi Phillip, I love your garden, I think we have similar tastes in plants, although I only have 3 hydrangeas! You are a few months ahead of me though as my New Dawn has one flower open so far. I have been looking for a hydrangea for a shady corner. I was thinking of Annabelle, but not sure of the shade factor or of the droopy blooms
ReplyDeleteClare x
This is beautiful! Would love it if you would share this and your upcoming posts at my 'Home Sweet Garden' party! Here is the link to this weeks party... http://creativecountrymom.blogspot.com/2014/05/home-sweet-garden-party-527.html ♥ Brooke ♥
ReplyDeleteClare, Annabelle blooms really well in the shade.
ReplyDeletePhillip, it's because of you that I started growing hydrangeas in my mostly shady woodland garden. I've been eager to see your hydrangeas this year, and of course they didn't disappoint. Just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely beautiful Phillip! My favorite plant as I have lots of shade. The Snowflake is my favorite. Have you been to Aldridge Gardens..it is also beautiful.
ReplyDeleteEdith, I have been there but it has been a while. I need to get back.
ReplyDeleteLast October, I visited callaway gardens (it was late October) and the one thing I noted more than anything was the hydrangeas
ReplyDeleteJealousy. I killed my only oak leaf hyrdangea, (or the excessively wet spring killed it) two years ago. Rot set in. I look forward to another in the future, and you garden gives me ideas.
ReplyDeleteRay
Beautiful woodland scenes, Phillip. My eyes are too accustomed to looking at drought.
ReplyDeleteI love hydrangeas. I have planted 2 this year and really want to add a white one. How can a pink and blue be planted side by side and maintain their colors? I have seen pictures like that and want to do that. I have planted one of each with about 7 ft between them. Any suggestions?
ReplyDeleteCarol, it is hard to control the colors but basically, adding aluminate sulfate will promote blue blooms and lime will give you pink. I have heard that it is difficult to do and have not tried it myself.
ReplyDelete