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Rhododendron 'Blue Baron' Greetings from a wet, wet garden. In between rains, I've managed to get a few photos... (And sorry for the erratic quality of these. I have a new phone and still learning how to use it. Some of these are from the phone and others from my camera). Acer japonicum 'Aconitifolium' ('Dancing Peacock') Flowering Currant ( Ribes sanguineum ) 'King Edward VII' Clematis 'Stolwijk Gold' is beautiful for the first time after languishing in the garden for five years. Turns out, it is all my fault. This is a clematis that should not be cut to the ground in early spring. You live and learn, and I know that I will never understand the rules of pruning clematis.  Clematis 'Stolwijk Gold'  Aucuba japonica 'Rozannie' - the aucuba that doesn't really look like the others.  But what a fine shrub this is, especially for shady situations. This was planted in 2019 and didn't grow much for the first few years but n...
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July Hydrangeas



Despite several hot periods (and another one starting Thursday, lovely), it has been a good year for hydrangeas. We have them in various places throughout the garden but the largest concentration is on the terraced area underneath the dogwood tree.


Taking a closer look...

Four hydrangeas are visible in this photo - 'Pistachio' in front left and 'Twist-n-Shout' on the right. 'Bloomstruck' is on the back left and an unknown variety at the back right.

A closer look at 'Pistachio'. Lime green and pink - an odd combination for sure but it seems to work.

'Pistachio' alongside Persicaria 'Golden Arrow'
and 'Eldorado' grass in a pot behind them.



'Annabelle' is really nice this year with more blooms than ever and sturdy, upright stems (it still needs support).

A new arborescens called 'Invincibelle Ruby'. I didn't expect to like this one but it has surprised me. 

'Fire Island' is really, really pink.

'Tuff Stuff' is being shaded by a Sourwood tree in a pot.

'Fairytrail Bride' in a pot. The jury is still out on this one. I think it needs more sun...

I hate it when I lose the name of a plant. This hydrangea is an unknown, probably purchased on the Home Depot sale rack.

A view from the top with 'Nikko Blue' on the left
and 'Annabelle' again on the right. 

'Little Fresco', a panicle hydrangea advertised as very small. We shall see. From the looks of stalks that are shooting skyward, my guess is "no".

'Little Quickfire', a panicle hydrangea, in a large pot.


Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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Comments

  1. Kris PetersonJuly 31, 2024 at 8:43 AM

    Oh, Phillip. Here I thought I'd put the idea of growing hydrangeas far behind me and now I once again find myself enamored with them. As if the Fling tour hadn't already stirred my interest, you've gone and reinforced that with this post.

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    Replies
    1. Phillip OliverJuly 31, 2024 at 9:50 PM

      Thanks Kris! I'm guessing hydrangeas are difficult to grow in CA?

      Delete
  2. Ardith FergusonJuly 31, 2024 at 7:21 PM

    Phillip, these are beautiful photos. I counted at least 13 different hydrangeas. How did you decide on which ones to start with when you were beginning your garden design?

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    Replies
    1. Phillip OliverJuly 31, 2024 at 9:49 PM

      Ardith, most are spur of the moment purchases. I'm more of "buy now, decide where its going later" gardener.

      Delete
  3. tz_gardenAugust 12, 2024 at 8:56 AM

    Oh wow, beautiful. I love the picture with the pathway, so enticing!

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