Rhododendrons

Despite (or because of?) the harsh winter, it has been a beautiful year for the rhododendrons. Just a few dead branches. Not sure what to do: thin them out? deadhead the flowers? I read conflicting advice, but being lazy I am inclined to believe that deadheading does not improve next year's display.

5/26/14

5/26/14

Winter damage

Winter damage to yew shrubs, presumably wind burn (though this is not a particularly exposed spot). This is the worst of the three. However, it looks like new growth is already coming in, so I am not going to panic.

5/17/14

5/17/14

Morrow's honeysuckle

I have a bad feeling this is another invasive. (I seem to have just about every one I have read about.) This looks like Morrow's honeysuckle (Lonicera morrowii). I just pruned it back, and it has the indicative hollow stems. Flowers are white/pinkish, with yellow stamens. There are two of these bushes, both filling spots that will look strange if empty, so I may wait to remove them till I have alternatives. The sites are both very shady; one is moderately moist while the other is very dry. Too bad - they are reasonably attractive. Maybe a native honeysuckle to replace this?

4/29/14

4/29/14

4/29/14