Peren_B 09

Baptisia ‘Purple Smoke’ Zn4a (-30º to -25ºF) Papillionaceae

Baptisias are incredibly tough yet elegant perennials that are amazingly showy in bloom

and thrive in a host of challenging conditions. Native to the eastern United States they

tolerate clay soils as well as drought and are long lived. The handsome foliage makes

way for towering spikes of smoky purple pea flowers in late June to August. Full sun and

virtually any soil except for perpetually boggy. To 4’ tall and forming a tight clump.

An excellent drought tolerant perennnial.

Baptisia ‘Twilight Prairie Blues’ Zn4a (-30º to -25ºF) Papillionaceae

False indigos are prized for their tough dispositions as well as a long season of stunning

flowers. Somewhat reminiscent of a Lupine they have no issues with pests or disease

and are long lived and rewarding perennials. Tall spikes of purple/blue flowers tower

to 4’ tall on this tightly clumping perennial. Tolerant of clay soils as well as dry

conditions. Blooms from late June to early August.

Begonia boliviensis Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Begoniaceae

A fairly hardy perennial Begonia that may even survive temperatures colder than

we list. To 14" tall and forming a clump it produces pendulous tubular orange

flowers from mid summer into fall. Part shade to shade in rich well drained soil with regular water in summer. Mulch in fall. Great in a woodland under large shrubs and with other perennials. Amazing, cascading container plant. One of the parents of modern Tuberous Begonias.

Begonia grandis ‘Heron’s Pirouette’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Begoniaceae

A cold hardy perennial Begonia that is very easy to grow. Excellent in a woodland in part shade in regular to amended moist garden soil. It makes a carefree companion under shrubs or with other perennials such as Astilbe and Hosta. Pink flowers from June until frost. Angelwing shaped leaves that gleam slightly golden on top with a rich red on the underside. Deciduous. Spreads to make bold patches.

Begonia ‘Metallic Mist’ PPAF Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Begoniaceae

Possibly the most striking Hardy Begonia to grow in the PNW. Very large maple-like leaves have a heavy metallic sheen and arch from stems up to 18" tall. Deep green veins add to the contrast. Rockin' perennial for shady woodland gardens in rich well drained soil. Late summer pink flowers are cute but don't hold a candle to the fantastic foliage. Regular summer water. Clump forming. Winter deciduous- returns in early May.

Begonia sutherlandii Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Begoniaceae

A little perennial Begonia from South Africa. To 10" tall and as wide with vivid single orange trailing flowers. Part shade and rich WELL DRAINED soil with regular water in summer. Hardy in a protected location in the ground. Remember where you plant it, comes up late. Excellent container plant. Cold gardens may lose this plant. Lift as a houseplant for insurance. Blooms May- frost. Some gardeners have it for years.

Berlandiera lyrata Zn4b (-25º to -20ºF) Asteraceae

Chocolate Daisy is a short lived perennial native from Kansas to N.Mexico. Yellow daisy like flowers exude the amazing fragrance of Cocoa- but only during the day. YUM! Blooms June until frost, especially if spent flowers are removed. Full sun and very well drained soil in the ground- (Rock garden conditions). Great in containers. Occasional water. Sweeter than Chocolate Cosmos. Butterflies like it too.

PNW NATIVE PLANT

Blechnum spicant Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Dryopteridaceae

Deer fern is an excellent native evergreen fern that does wonderfully in gardens. Native to wooded

hillsides throughout the western Pacific Northwest it forms a bold rosette of symmetrical leaves

that are evenly indented. To 2’ tall and up to 3’ wide when happy in well drained soil that retains

moisture in part shade. An easy to grow climatically adapted fern for gardens.

Bletilla striata Zn6a (-10º to -5ºF) Orchidaceae

This terrestrial Chinese orchid is one of the easiest to grow in gardens and produces weeks of

intricate showy flowers in woodland conditions. Individual leaves rise and have a palm-like accordian appearance. In July and August long stems support beautiful complex flowers that are dark pink

with a white lip. Woodland conditions in rich well drained soil with ample moisture. Long-lived

and undemanding it will eventually form large patches in time. Cold hardy and winter deciduous.

Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost‘ Zn4a (-30º to -25ºF) Boraginaceae

Siberian Bugloss is a fantastic foliage perennial was well as producing clouds of sky blue flowers in

spring. ‘Jack Frost’ has leaves washed neatly in silver with the slightest hints of darker veins. Each

leaf is up to 4” across and remains beautiful through the summer. Clouds of small but vivid blue

flowers appear for weeks in spring. To 2’ tall and up to 3’ wide as a clumps spreads in time.

Excellent woodland plant.

Brunnera macrophylla ‘Looking Glass’ Zn4a (-30º to -25ºF) Boraginaceae

Siberian Bugloss is an indispensable perennial for the woodland garden. The leaves of ‘Looking Glass’ are bold and wide and wrapped in a sheen of silver. In mid-spring to late spring clouds of

sky blue flowers add to the overall package. Part shade in rich well drained soil that retains

moisture in summer. This is a first class foliage plant that pairs wonderfully well with Hosta and

ferns and is spectacular with Actaea ‘Black Negligee’. Long lived and not really bothered by

pests. To 2’ tall and forming patches up to 3’ wide in time. Regular summer water.

Perennials

Perennials return year after year and are the organic heart of the garden. They represent the most sustainable type of landscaping. So many are available today that we focus on the best and most unusual.