shrubs

What’s Growing At The Cottage No. 059

Amy Cottage garden , , , , , , , ,
What’s Growing At The Cottage No. 059

The Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is one of the few hydrangeas native to the United States. This is a cousin to the traditional hydrangea and it’s the only hydrangea with cone-shaped flower clusters. In summer, it flowers in a creamy white and the white flowers fade to a pinkish-brown in fall. But the plant’s distinguishing characteristic is its oak leaf shaped foliage. The leathery leaves are large and turn purple, orangey-bronze in the fall just like the tree. I forgot to cut it back in the winter and all the heads are practically on the ground from the weight as you can see pictured. This plant thrives very well with little attention, little water (unlike its cousin!) and can tolerate full sun or full shade.
 
Published by Amy on Jul 31, 2018

What’s Growing At The Cottage No. 037

Amy Cottage garden , , , , , , ,
What’s Growing At The Cottage No. 037

The name Rhododendron comes from the Greek words “rodon” which means “rose” and “dendron” which means “tree,” hence Rose Tree. Rhododendrons are referred to as the ‘King of Shrubs’ since they are regarded by many as the best flowering evergreen plants for the temperate landscape. These Rhodies pictured are 72 years old and the tree must be at least 9 feet tall. Oh, and what a beaut she is! Go, Rhody! Go, Rhody!

 

Published by Amy on May 22, 2018

 

 

What’s Growing at The Cottage No. 067

Amy Cottage garden , , , , , , , ,
What’s Growing at The Cottage No. 067

Spiraea also commonly known as Bridal wreaths. These time tested flowering shrubs produce very attractive foliage as well as nice, full vibrant flower heads that last virtually all growing season long. They are a member of the rose family and once established, they are drought tolerant. Most varieties of spiraeas are extremely winter hardy and do not require any special protection. There are about 80 to 100 species (not sure what we have) and all have small leaves and fine, twiggy branches. Ours is starting to bloom right now as this picture was taken today.
 
Published by Amy on: Jan 26, 2016
#garden #gardening #flowerphotography #shrubs #whatsgrowingtuesday #cottagegarden #lomamar #sfbayarea #wherewaterfalls

 

Spirea at Loma Mar cottage

What’s Growing at The Cottage No. 026

Amy Cottage garden , , , , ,
What’s Growing at The Cottage No. 026

Daphne ‘Carol Mackie’ shrubs. They bear fragrant, white to light pink tubular flowers set in mini bouquets. The shrubs rarely get taller than a few feet. For us, they bloom in winter to late spring and sometimes they re-bloom in the fall. We have ours planted by the front gate so when guests enter they will get a whiff of the sweet fragrance. And with Valentine’s Day coming up, Daphne seems to permeate the air with love!
 
Published by Amy on: Feb 3, 2015
#shrubs #fragrance #winterflowers #whatsgrowingtuesday #lomamar #sfbayarea

Daphne shrubs at Loma Mar vacation cottage

 

What’s Growing at The Cottage No. 009

Amy Cottage garden , , , , , ,
What’s Growing at The Cottage No. 009

Red twig dogwood (I’m not sure the variety of this one) is a shrub that provides year round interest. Tiny white flower clusters emerge in late spring, giving way to beautiful porcelain-blue berries that are adored by birds in the summer. But the main reason people grow it, is for the bush’s red twigs, which are brightest in the winter. Perfect for a splash of color in the dull winter yard!
 
Twig color varies from dark maroon to coral to yellow depending on species and variety. Most have green leaves with a few variegated forms available. We have another variety with beautiful yellow-cream leaves. The long slim stems were used by Indians for basket weaving and are still used today by some.
 
Published by Amy on: Sep 23, 2014
#redtwigdogwood #shrubs #whatsgrowingtuesday #wherewaterfalls #lomamar #sfbayarea #california

Red twig dogwood growing at Loma Mar vacation cottage