Chilean Fire Bush - a hidden jewel in our garden
It is heartbreaking that this beauty is hidden in our garden but at least the hummingbirds have found it. Hidden because it is planted behind a 7 feet tall rose. I planted it there because I was under the impression that it would become a tree. It can indeed become a tree and there is one growing about a mile from our house that is around 20 feet tall. In our garden, it is taking its sweet time and is only 4 feet tall after being planted seven years ago (2017). It did not begin to bloom until its fifth year and this is the first year flowering has been so profuse. Whenever I think about this plant, I always remember what the Gosslers said in their book "The Gossler Guide to the Best Hardy Shrubs". I quote it here: "Since this plant comes from southern Chile, we begin with a word of warning: it will not grow anywhere in the United States outside western Washington, Oregon and northern California. People wanting to grow E. coccineum in the eastern part of the country will
I need flowers! When I first moved here I was so amused by the antics of the hummingbirds in my garden, fighting over the flowers in my garden. Then I bought into the whole "foliage is better" thing and took out a bunch of wonderful flowering plants in favor of foliage in order to be trendy. Guess what happened? No more hummers. Now I'm putting the flowers back. Your photos are lovely, and foliage is nice to look at, but leaves don't feed the birds and bees.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you 100%! We have more hummingbirds this year than ever before. It is my #1 gardening motivator!
DeleteOoh, you've created craving again! I need to get that Hypericum 'Pumpkin' very soon. I have one with pinkish fruit that I love, lost the tag, and always on the lookout for others that have staying power.
ReplyDeleteBarbara, it is a pretty cool plant!
DeleteOh that photo of the Aralia 'Sun King' and Eupatorium rugosum 'Chocolate' is to die for!
ReplyDeleteI may be a Flower Floozy, but Foliage is Fabulous, too.
ReplyDeleteThe color of the Picea, the bubbly texture of the Hosta, the gloss of the Acuba, the drama of the Trachelospermum--oooohhh!!!!!!!!
Oh the foliage ! Love my flowers but foliage carries the day when flowers start to fade. Beautiful photos and combinations every one. The Picea.
ReplyDeleteThis time of year the foliage does begin to come into play in a big way. When the drought time descends on our area that is about all you get. I like seeing your foliage. Foliage is what is the backbone of the garden.
ReplyDeleteThe Dwarf Birch is a riot. That and the 'Ogon Nishiki' call for a little research. I love them both.
ReplyDelete