Frost on abelia

The frost is late this winter, waiting until the first week of January. Tiny crystals form on the red new growth of the abelia (Linnaea x grandiflora), which is still lush, green and shiny after the long hot summer of 2018.

Ruta graveolens 'Jackman's Blue' is a hardy little shrub. The species is native to southern Europe, but it is supposed to be evergreen in these parts, though I start to wonder when I see it in a jacket of ice:

In 2019/01 Callicarpa bodinieri pays no mind to cold. Birds pass its berries by, as they are non-native tucker and look bilious to boot.
And thanks to the lovely lady who took these brilliant photographs.

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