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Bring On The Fall Color

Gingko 'Troll' The Fall colors seem to be coming sooner this year. The Stewartia was the first tree I noticed, and it changed weeks ago. Others, such as many of the Japanese maples and dogwoods, haven't changed yet. Stewartia pseudocamellia Bluestar ( Amsonia hubrechtii) is the most colorful fall perennial. I would say the most colorful shrub is the Bloodtwig Dogwood ( Cornus 'Midwinter Fire'). It began to change color weeks ago and it has really grown this year.  The best year so far for Fothergilla 'Jane Platt'. This has been an extreme slow grower but it is finally filling in. A colorful grouping with the amazing Miscanthus 'Little Miss',  Joe Pye Weed and Sourwood ( Oxydendrum arboretum ).  Miscanthus 'Little Miss' is the most colorful ornamental grass in the garden. Black Tupelo ( Nyssa sylvatica ) changes color from the inside out. Wiegela 'Wings of Fire' Looking down the garden pathway with Cornus 'Midwinter Fire'
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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!

    ReplyDelete

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