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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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Autumnal Equinox 9/23/23


Today is the official first day of fall - the Autumnal Equinox when the sun passes directly over the equator and progresses southward.  Weather-wise, it certainly feels like fall with the temperatures only in the 60s today and our first major rain event beginning tomorrow.

The garden looks good considering it is soooooo dry. The rain is needed badly. I glanced through the Farmer's Almanac while Michael was shopping for fabric this morning and the winter forecast for the Pacific Northwest is colder and dryer. On a brighter note, next summer is supposed to be cooler.









Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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Comments

  1. Kris PetersonSeptember 23, 2023 at 7:05 PM

    Your garden is looking very colorful on the first day of fall. Enjoy that rain! I'm envious.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Barbara H.September 23, 2023 at 9:38 PM

    Phillip, your gardens are always so beautiful. These pictures look like paintings.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Patricia CSeptember 24, 2023 at 8:48 AM

    So fabulous. Just love your garden and your posts. Always inspiring. Always gorgeous. Cheers, Phillip

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousSeptember 24, 2023 at 10:10 AM

    I'm envious of your variegated Dogwood wolf-eyes. I fell in love when I saw it in your Alabama garden. The pink and gray phormium in front complements it beautifully.
    Chavli

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Phillip OliverSeptember 24, 2023 at 8:57 PM

      It has really gotten much bigger here than it did in Alabama!

      Delete
  5. Angie // Roots & HearthSeptember 25, 2023 at 10:28 AM

    Your gardens are always so beautiful. Our Equinox came with my favorite kind of fall weather-- rainy and cool. Perfect for reading. And after the drought we had, it was a welcomed change.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Lisa at GreenbowSeptember 27, 2023 at 4:28 AM

    Your garden looks so lush even if it has been so dry. My garden is quite parched. Plants look wilted for the most part. I am looking forward to cool and rainy. I hope this fall brings the rain at least.

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