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 ...
That's an ingenious solution and well worth it to help that beautiful shrub shine. Deutzia is another plant I love but it's so far outside my zone it's not something I'd even try to grow.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kris!
DeleteYou are absolutely right ! This is one gorgeous plant albeit tree ? .. I would have thought the same things as you did .. in the family of deutzia so why not a small shrub? However what a beauty to "out grow" your expectations ! Great ideas for staking too.
ReplyDeleteThat first photo is a stunner Phillip.
Thanks!
DeleteYou remember correctly - the one at Joy Creek was MASSIVE! And, as I recall, also had to be supported. I believe they had it growing over an arch, entering the Terrace Garden. I'm sorry I missed your open garden. I bet anyone who didn't didn't miss the Deutzia much. You have so many other wonderful plants to admire!
ReplyDeleteThanks Anna - I could not remember exactly where it was or what it was growing on.
DeleteI understand this shrub can be pruned hard every year. Do you prune it?
ReplyDeleteYes but not hard. I plan to do so after bloom for sure. I have it in a limited space spot anyway so it will need it.
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