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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

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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