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
That's a good story. We often don't know how plants ended up for sale in our local nurseries or on line. Millions growing around the world that were once a single seedling.
ReplyDeleteThat intense color sure wakes up the eyes in a grey spring!
It's pretty and cheerful - just what you want to kick off spring!
ReplyDeleteI agree it is an interesting story. It is a beauty too. Happy Spring.
ReplyDeleteI planted PJM Rhododendrum a few years ago. Very little direct sun made it grow leggy branches, it lost the lovely bronze-colored leafs it had when I punched it, and it produced 5 blooms this year. I'm rather discouraged.
ReplyDeleteChavli
Actually mine is not very dense. I wonder if pruning would help?
DeleteSo commanding with the bright color. I know rhododendrons are common, but I miss them (grew up in Portland, OR now in CA).
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story! Thank you for that! I know they are common, but damn - there is a reason for that. I love that dark foliage contrasted with that nearly fluorescent purple. If I had room, I would totally plant one.
ReplyDeleteAnna K