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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

Variegated Leaves

Eleagnus "Gilt Edge"

Holly "O'Spring"



 "Gold Child"

Variegated Sedum

Acuba "Gold Dust"

Variegated Euonymous (ground cover)

 
Variegated Shell Ginger

Yucca "Color Guard"

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. I'm planning to bring variegated shell ginger indoors, just a little piece that I can tuck in somewhere.

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  2. Great pics == especially of the ginger and the 'Color Guard' :)

    Having had good luck with the variegated aucuba, I've added a straight species (all green) one to the garden this year. In my experience, they're pretty rare in the trade (at least here in TN).

    If you like variegation, have you tried growing Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Goshiki'? I've just added a couple to the garden this autumn and I'm very impressed so far!

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    Replies
    1. I do have that but I don't think the variegation is that strong. I need to check it.

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  3. You have a nice assortment of variegated foliage. Seeing your Sedum makes my blood boil. I had a variegated sedum and it back to being green. Why does this happen in my garden? I know your garden gets as hot and dry as mine from time to time. WHINE~~~

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  4. I thought I'd answer your question here so you won't miss it. The fountain grass pictured in my last blog post is actually Karly Rose grass. It looks that lovely all summer long, especially with backlighting. It's not really a winter grass though, the seedheads tend to shatter. I do highly recommend it, but after only three years it desperately needs dividing.

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