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 ...
It looks like it's worth waiting for, Phillip! Maybe the tree's leaves provide it with some winter protection?
ReplyDeleteUgly now, yes, but soon it will be gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI thought it was an indication of stress, but heard there may be a benefit to the tree when it hangs on to its old foliage, something that quite surprised me. It is possible it has value when it regrows new foliage.
So hang in tight, it won't be much longer.
Chavli
Very interesting. It's certainly breathtaking in non-winter. The 'Emperor I' in the back gully here will cling somewhat to its dead foliage into winter but the Santa Ana winds are effective in pulling them off.
ReplyDeleteLagerstroemias always look dead in the winter and always surprise by leafing out just fine come spring. They fool me every year. You'd almost believe they have a sense of humor.
They are very late!
DeleteI initially hated the foliage on my Korean maples. But now I love having them as yet another color and texture in the winter garden. Though they usually have blown off by the time the new leaves arrive.
ReplyDeleteTexture is an interesting way of looking at it - I must do that!
DeleteTexture, we all need texture in the winter garden. This tree is quite a beauty during summer.
ReplyDelete