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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

Wednesday Vignette

Euonymous japonicus Albomarginatus

Despite all the snow and ice we have had this winter, the season here in southwestern Washington is essentially a green one. Shining like a beckon on a rare sunny day yesterday was Euonymous japonica 'Albomarginatus' (I am thankful that the previous house owner left the plant tag attached). It is also sometimes called "Japanese Spindle".

Wednesday Vignette is hosted by Anna at Flutter and Hum.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. Beautiful contrast with the dark green around it. The "marginatus" lights up that corner!

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  2. What a beauty is this little plant. It doesn't look any worse for the snowy/icy conditions that your area has been having.

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  3. What else can one wish for? Tough as nails, and so bright and cheery! I have something similar called an Eleagnus 'Gilt Edge'. It serves the same purpose, and it too sailed through our adverse weather conditions.

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  4. Bright spots like this are so nice in the winter, especially when they're provided by tough plants that can take whatever our winters can throw at them.

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  5. That's a very pretty Euonymous! I bet all those gold edges really brighten up the spot it's in.

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  6. One of my favourite shrubs. It is easy to take cuttings but them, then they grow so slowly for several years, and you almost forget you have them, until one day they are lighting up the garden like a little beacon.

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