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May Trees

Redbud 'Flame Thrower' (Cercis canadensis) As May comes to an end, I thought I would share some trees that look good now.  First, the insanely beautiful 'Flame Thrower' redbud. I always hesitate to praise this tree because of their finicky nature. So far, so good on this one which is near our front door.  Snowbell and 'Wolf's Eyes' Dogwood in the background The Snowbell tree ( Styrax japonica ) has been spectacular for many weeks. I was up on the roof of the garden shed this morning and got an aerial view of it. It looks so much larger from above. The blooms are so heavy that the branches are bending down. A few years ago, I recall standing underneath it and the roar from bees buzzing around it was deafening. Last week, I was saddened to hear no bees at all. Fortunately, there are some a week later but not nearly as many as in the past. On the opposite side is 'Wolf's Eye' Dogwood ( Cornus kousa ) which always delivers. This is a small dogwood c...

A few early blooming rhododendrons





The rhododendrons are just beginning to bloom. The first one is the beautiful red 'Taurus'. This is one of the first I planted and it has improved every year. This is the first time it has had this many blooms.



 
'Blue Baron' is one I found at Home Depot after first moving here. It is a puny shrub but that color makes me weak.




Another small one is 'Ramapo'. It is planted next to the front steps. True to the description, it is staying under 2 feet.

'Ramapo'


And finally, 'PJM', the very first rhododendron to bloom. It has been blooming about two weeks now.


'PJM'




Text and photos by Phillip Oliver

Comments

  1. These photos make me want to dash out and purchase some early blooming Rhodies. I too love that blue one.

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  2. Azaleas were once widely planted in SoCal because they were familiar plants to the many people who moved here from elsewhere, but have been vanishing--too vulnerable to our increased heat and higher water bills. The Rhodies in your garden are marvelous. It is a treat to see them.

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