Cytisus Week

In week 2009/20, the finest flowering effect comes from Cytisus. Pope Benedict is visiting the Holy Land and a news feature by Paul Badde in Die Welt informs us that the yellow of the broom bushes is succeeding the blue of rosemary flowers on Mount Herzl overlooking Jerusalem. It is good to know we are in step with one another. Here in Hamburg, the Syringa vulgaris is fading, whereas its relation Syringa hungaricus with its thicker petals is now flowering. Robinia hispida begins to flower late in the week, and Clematis montana becomes more perfect. This is the week when Hibiscus finally comes into leaf, and the crepe myrtle finally starts to green again after barely surviving the winter.

Sorbus Week

2008/20: The Paulownia tomentosa, transplanted in 2005 is finally in bloom in its third season, purple Allium hollandicum below it is flowering as a mauve complement and Sorbus vulgaris offers a white contrast. The Apple Blossom azalea is at its peak. At the Ellerhoop Arboretum, the tree peonies are in enormous and luxuriant flower and the judas tree is blooming. Syringa is still showing its flowers and our northern neighbour's big park rhododendron is showing its white flowers.