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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
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The Ugliest Winter Tree



My vote goes for Acer palmatum 'Shaina'. Don't get me wrong - this is a beautiful tree any other time of year (see photo below). During the winter months, the leaves cling to the tree and it is an unsightly mess. The leaves are also difficult to remove. I've tried using the rake but that doesn't work. The leaf blower didn't do a thing. Hand-picking is the best method although, as you can see, not too effective -



The new leaves are emerging and they will eventually push the old leaves off. It is just a matter of time -




Last May - 




Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. Kris PetersonApril 19, 2023 at 8:26 PM

    It looks like it's worth waiting for, Phillip! Maybe the tree's leaves provide it with some winter protection?

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  2. AnonymousApril 20, 2023 at 9:21 AM

    Ugly now, yes, but soon it will be gorgeous!
    I 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

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  3. Hoover BooApril 21, 2023 at 1:25 AM

    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.

    Lagerstroemias 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.

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  4. Linda BrazillApril 21, 2023 at 9:36 AM

    I 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.

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    1. Phillip OliverApril 21, 2023 at 9:23 PM

      Texture is an interesting way of looking at it - I must do that!

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  5. Lisa at GreenbowApril 22, 2023 at 10:51 AM

    Texture, we all need texture in the winter garden. This tree is quite a beauty during summer.

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