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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

Lilies in pots - "Muskadet"



Lily "Muskadet" growing in a pot on the patio. I have found that lilies do quite well in pots and they even bloom in shady locations. It is wise to select varieties that do not get too tall - "Muskadet" is only about 2 feet tall. I have had this one for years. I just put it in our unheated basement during the winter where it goes dormant. 

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. I tried Agapanthus in a pot this spring and was so pleased that I plan to dig most of them and pot. Maybe I'll pot Lilies, too. I used to have Muscadet, need it again.

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  2. That's a beauty, and a wonderful photograph.

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  3. When you store the lilies for the winter, in order for them to go dormant, do you water them at all?

    Thanks for answer! ) Love your blog!

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  4. This is a cheerful colorful lily. Love the red spots.

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  5. Very pretty. Is it fragrant as well? I am surprised it even has to go in the basement, as there are quite a few lilies surviving in big containers here in our neighborhood that are out on the sidewalk year-round. Or is it just so the bare pot is out of sight in the winter?

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    Replies
    1. You are right, it would probably be okay left outside. The main reason I do it is to protect the pot. When I leave pots out, they tend to crack and break when we have icy weather.

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  6. Very nice. I think I now have a few new options for a few of the containers on my deck, thanks to you.
    Ray

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  7. What a beauty! I would never have thought of putting lilies in pots--thanks for the suggestion!

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  8. Beautiful! I like that it only grows to 2 feet.

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