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Stepping Into May

Rhododendron 'Klondyke' and Geranium maculatum May is already here and the garden suddenly explodes with growth. We spent the weekend watering (already?) because there hasn't been significant rainfall in a while. We don't have a sprinkler system so it is all manpower, dragging hoses and sprinklers. It takes two days - one for the back and one for the front - to water everything. It is possible to get it all in one day if we start really early. The rhododendrons are beginning now - 'Mandarin Lights' 'Jean Marie De Montague' 'Percy Wiseman' - beautiful but suffers from lacebug. I'm considering replacing it or maybe I will try and treat it. A favorite right now is the Chilean Potato Vine ( Solanum crispum 'Glasnevin'). This plant is hardier than you might imagine. Some sources list it as a "9", others an "8".  It is going on its third year in our garden, having been moved once. It is sheltered somewhat by a fence but ...
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My Favorite Plant This Week - Duetzia 'Magician'



It seems a bit ridiculous to proclaim a favorite plant of the week when truthfully I have many favorites and would be hard pressed to choose just one. But it sounds good on a blog post, doesn't it?

Deutzia 'Magician' (sometimes spelled as 'Magicien') is new to me and was planted two years ago. It didn't bloom very much last year but my word, it was stunning this year. Standing about 4 feet tall with long, arching canes, it was smothered with deep pink blooms that are edged in white. The floral extravaganza is a bit brief (about 2 weeks) but it is memorable.

Most descriptions list it as about 8 feet tall when mature but the one I've seen at Joy Creek Nursery is the size of a small tree and easily 10 feet if not more. Pruning should be done after blooming.


Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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Comments

  1. Lisa at GreenbowJune 7, 2020 at 2:10 PM

    This shrub has a lot going for it. Color is the best. Light green leaves and those blooms!

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  2. chavlinessJune 7, 2020 at 6:55 PM

    Stunning blooms. I wish I had the room for this shrub. I have a neighbor that cuts it down to the ground every year...

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  3. UnknownJune 9, 2020 at 8:55 AM

    I thought that looks like my deutzia "Pink-A-Boo" only to find out it's the same plant - your name is more dignified.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hoover BooJune 9, 2020 at 2:51 PM

    Beautiful photo and flowers--not a genus grown around here. Enjoyed seeing it.

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