Skip to main content

Featured

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

Aralia cordata "Sun King"



Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. A gorgeous color and form for the garden.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I bought one of these in May, and have yet to figure out where to put it, but I had to have it.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Great plant, Phillip. I spent ten minutes trying to figure out why the genus Aralia sounds so familiar to me, but I can't. Do you know if it's hardy to Zone 5?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Some sources say zone 3, most say zone 4. So it should work for you!

      Delete
  4. Beautiful!

    I'm trying to grow native Aralia racemosa this year for the 1st time.

    So far, it's been a steady if not spectacular performer, but I have a feeling it's just settling in for the long haul...

    (At least, I hope so!) :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. I just planted some a few weeks ago and they still have a way to go before reaching that size, thanks for the timely inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Beautiful! I really love these. Ya gotta love a bright plant for shade. :o)

    ReplyDelete
  7. That really lights up a shady spot! Wonderful. The three leaf textures in the foreground, so simple and elegant. It is interesting that while that lovely plant is not appropriate to my climate, we have a golden Duranta that provides the same effect.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Phillip, this is beautiful a beautiful aralia. I love the color! I must do some research to see what growing conditions it likes, but I suspect if it will grow for you, it will grow for me too!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular Posts