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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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Rose 'Swany'



'Swany' is a rose that you don't hear much about. It was introduced by Meilland in 1977 and advertised as a groundcover rose. When I purchased it from Joy Creek Nursery in 2018, I envisioned it as a good choice to go in a concrete trough that borders the driveway. It has succeeded for that purpose although it now wants to climb the fence behind it and continues to reach skyward.


The small double blooms appear in heavy clusters and are snow-white, turning to pink as they age. In the past, this pink shift has been slight but this year, much more dramatic. Cooler weather? Probably. 

Disease resistance is quite good. I don't spray harsh chemicals on my roses. I have used Neem oil for powdery mildew and aphids. Safer Garden Fungicide is also a good product and has worked against blackspot when it rears its ugly head. That said, I've not seen any mildew or blackspot on 'Swany'.

This rose has a long bloom period, almost non-stop. It is very thorny.


Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. tz_gardenAugust 2, 2023 at 9:23 AM

    Such a beauty, and so dependable with blooms. I'm tempted to replace one of my fussier David Austin roses with a more reliable gal like yours.

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  2. Kris PetersonAugust 2, 2023 at 9:53 AM

    I don't think I'd mind the ample thorns if I could get a robust display like that!

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  3. Hoover BooAugust 3, 2023 at 11:26 AM

    Very nice--looks like a great bloomer. 'Groundcover' roses can make good small climbers; I've got one grown on a short trellis that functions quite well. Not as good as yours, though!

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