Perennials
Helianthemum ‘Annabel’ Zn6a (-10º to -5ºF) Cistaceae
Tons of fully double pink flowers appear for nearly two months on this strong growing and showy
sunrose. Each flower is packed with petals and adds a voluptuous sumptuous quality when in
full bloom. Sage green foliage is handsome and reliably evergreen. Cut back hard after flowering.
For full sun and well drained soil with light irrigation in summer. To 8” tall and forming a large
plant to 2’ across. Excellent growing along walls, on slopes.
Helianthemum ‘Belgravia Rose’ Zn6a (-10º to -5ºF) Cistaceae
Sunroses are tough, drought tolerant, and incredibly dependable in our climate. This selection with sage green leaves is reliably evergreen and has lovely vivid rose colored flowers from late April to early June. Full sun and well drained soil.
Cut back hard after blooming has ended. Makes a neat ground cover 8" high and about 3' wide. Excellent plant for steep hillsides. Good with Sedum 'Bertrand Anderson'.
Helianthemum ‘Cheviot’ Zn6a (-10º to -5ºF) Cistaceae
An exceptional selection of Sunrose, 'Cheviot' covers itself in 1" apricot orange flowers from April to July. Excellent evergreen ground cover, silver leaves are a great backdrop to the flower color. Full sun and well drained soil that is slightly enriched. To 6" tall and each plant forming a mat to 3' wide in 3 years. After blooming cut back hard, up to 2/3rd of the plant. Drought and heat tolerant. Great plant for our climate.
Helianthemum ‘Henfield Brilliant’ Zn6a (-10º to -5ºF) Cistaceae
An exemplary evergray low spreading plant that covers itself in April and May with brilliant dark orange flowers, each with a golden center. Full sun and well drained to average soil. Striking with the dark purple flowers of Lavendula x stoechas, Spanish Lavender. Tough and very tolerant of drought. To 8" tall and spreading to 2' wide. Cut back hard after blooming ends. One of the best of all sunroses. Occasional summer water.
Helianthemum ‘Stoplight’ Zn6a (-10º to -5ºF) Cistaceae
Sunroses are one of the best adapted perennials for this climate. Silver evergreen foliage looks good year round and they are very tolerant of neglect. 'Stoplight' has beautiful tomato red flowers that virtually glow and appear for weeks in late April to early June. To 6" tall and spreading to form a mat 20" wide. Cut back hard after blooming to with in 3" of the ground. Full sun well drained soil- occasional water in summer, though not essential. Excellent show stopping perennial for hillsides.
Helianthemum ‘The Bride’ Zn6a (-10º to -5ºF) Cistaceae
Sunroses are a great spring blooming perennial and then they earn their keep for the rest of the year by being reliable evergreen groundcovers. This selection has lovely white flowers that play well against the silver/gray leaves. Blooms late April to early June. To 6" tall and forming a mat 30" across. Cut back hard after flowering ends. Full sun and well drained soil. Extremely tolerant of drought. Occasional summer water.
Helichrysum tianshanicum Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Asteraceae
SUPERB silver leaved hardy perennial/shrub native to dry cold areas of northern China that thrives through our wet winters. To 18" tall and forming a rounded shrub this evergreen perennial takes hot sun and drought in stride. Well drained soil with little to average summer irrigation. Small gold button-like flowers on long stems in late summer. Good in w/ roses. Aromatic. Cold hardy. Cut back in early spring. Great plant.
Helleborus ‘Hot Flash’ PPAF Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Ranunculaceae
STUNNING hybrid Hellebore chosen for its instensely pewter leaves that are ruffled on the edges, the undersides of the leaves are a beautiful red. Evergreen, it does best in well drained soil in part shade. In late winter/early spring incredible madder-maroon flowers top the silver foliage for an amazing contrast. To 20" tall and forming a clump to as wide. I'm really feeling this plant are you? Great climate adaptation.
Helleborus x hybridus Zn5a (0º to 5ºF) Ranunculaceae
Our open pollinated seed strain that has a great range in flower color from deep raspberry reds to even near yellows. Evergreen winter blooming perennial for part shade. Palmate leathery leaves are best removed before blooming to reveal the late January through March flowers. Well drained soil that is light and airy is best. A natural companion plant for Snowdrops and Cardamine trifolia. Part shade or full sun with protection from afternoon heat.
Helleborus x ‘Cherry Blossom’ Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Ranunculaceae
Extraordinary strain of semi-double intricately patterned flowers that are white with a picoteed
edge of deep raspberry. The expanded nectaries which are raspberry pink a well give the substance
of a double flowered Hellebore. These excellent plants are from the breeding work of Oregon’s
own O’byrnes. Tough drought tolerant perennials that begin to bloom in late winter and give
months of showy flowers. Part shade in rich soil that drains well. Occasional summer water.
Helleborus x sternii Zn6a (-10º to -5ºF) Ranunculaceae
A refined Hellebore hybrid with pewtery leaves on red stems. To 18" tall and forming an evergreen clump twice as wide. In late winter green flowers emerge often with a tint of pink or gray. Full sun to part shade in good, but well drained soil. Combines nicely with Euphorbia x martinii. Flowers are effective from early February into April. Occasional water in summer. Carefree when established.
Heuchera ‘Cinnabar Silver’ PPAF Zn4a (-30º to -25ºF) Saxafragaceae
Gorgeous silver leaves underlain with burgundy are a wonderful foliar accent to this new Heuchera. Profuse spikes of brick red flowers on wiry stems to 18" tall in May and June. Beautiful along a partly shaded border or even a container. In rich, well drained soil that is somewhat moist in summer. Evergreen, so it works well in year round color schemes. Excellent in a border in front of Hydrangeas and especially with blue leaved Hosta.
Heuchera ‘Green Spice’ Zn4a (-30º to -25ªF) Saxafragaceae
Excellent evergreen foliage perennial that is one of the easiest and longest lived of all Heucheras. Bold maple-shaped leaves marked with gray and sage green with red veins. New leaves emerge with a stronger red tint. To 10" tall and as wide. Insignificant flowers of white. Its the leaves though that makes this a favorite. Part shade in rich to average well drained soil. Best with regular summer irrigation. Works well in containers. Tough Heuchera.
Heuchera ‘Obsidian’ PP#14836 Zn4a (-30º to -25ºF) Saxafragaceae
The very darkest leaved Heuchera so far and sure to become a classic. Scalloped shiny leaves of deepest burgundy to near black make Obsidian an apt name. To 10" tall and 16" wide with early summer flowers of airy white to 24" tall. Mysterious perennial at its best near silver leaved Japanese Painted Ferns or blue Hosta. Full sun to part shade in rich soil with regular summer water. Great container plant. Evergreen.
Heuchera ‘Peach Flambe’ PP#17195 Zn4a (-30º to -25ºF) Saxafragaceae
Large smooth leaves that have amazing tones of orange and rust on top with an underside of rich plum. Excellent as a container plant with unobtrusive but delicate white flowers in early summer. To 1' tall and as wide for part shade to full sun ( but not reflected heat) and regular water in rich soil. One of the finest of the new Heucheras. Excellent with Hosta 'Fire Island'. Maroon winter color. Ever lovely.
Heucherella ‘Sweet Tea’ PPAF Zn4a (-30º to -25ºF) Saxafragaceae
Sweet indeed this fantastic foliage perennial is one of the most striking to appear on the market in
years. Deeply indented leaves emerge the color of stained tea with darker veins. As the leaves age
they go through a procession of deep coral orange tones. In summer spikes of fluffy white flowers
rise above the foliage and happily do not compete with it. Rich soil that retains moisture in part
shade is ideal- though it appears to thrive in full sun with adequate moisture. Wonderful in mixed
containers- semi-evergreen. To 1’ tall and forming clumps eventually to 2’ wide.
Hosta ‘Blue Mouse Ears’ Zn4a (-30º to -25ºF) Lilaceae
One of the very best dwarf Hostas, 'Blue Mouse Ears' forms multiple rosettes of steel blue leaves with a great thick substance. Only 6" tall at most, the clump will slowly spread to an area about 14" across. Small scapes of lavender flowers appear in midsummer and are proportionate to the clump. Very lovely in part shade to shade in rich soil that is not boggy in winter. Protect from slugs, especially when leaves emerge in early spring
Hosta ‘Fire Island’ Zn4a (-30º to -25ºF) Lilaceae
A medium sized Hosta that sizzles in the garden. New leaves emerge bright gold and fade to chartreuse during the summer AND red petioles (stems) with small dots that rise up the stem and move out onto the leaf. Deep lavender flowers in August. To 20" tall and wide. Rich soil and regular water in summer, no standing water in winter. Part shade, dappled shade. Amazing with Heuchera 'Peach Flambe'. Bait for slugs in spring.
Hosta ‘June’ Zn4a (-30º to -25ºF) Lilaceae
Few Hosta are as lovely as 'June'. An instant classic the moment it was released it has become known as one of the great foliage perennials of all time. Substantial gold leaves drip with deep green and gray blue. A large clump is stunning. Part shade to shade in rich amended soil. Takes FULL sun in rich soil with irrigation. Lavender flowers to 2' in summer. Foliage to 1' tall. Deciduous, regular water and bait for slugs. June is worth it.
Hosta ‘Thunderbolt’ PP#11232 Zn4a (-30º to -25ºF) Lilaceae
Wonderful Hosta. Large, rubbery blue leaves with a dramatic flash down the center that appears gold and changes to cream over the summer. To 2' tall and at least as wide over time. EXCELLENT foliage plant with substantial and distinct clean look. Great with Golden Japanese Forest Grass to echo the colors. One of our favorites. Best in rich, moist soil. Part shade to shade-not at its best in full sun. Protect from slugs. Large Hosta- give it room.
Hyssopus officionalis var. aristatus Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Lamiaceae
Sounds familiar but this plant is actually very rare in gardens. This form of Hyssop forms a semi-evergreen rounded sub-shrub to 10" tall and as wide. Pleasant deep green leaves are aromatic but the real glory of this plant is in late summer when it blooms. Intense deep blue flowers are showy. Late July to Sept. Well drained, average soil in full sun. Infrequent watering. Beautiful plant for lovers of blue flowers- pair with Salvias, Kniphofias.
Impatiens omeiana Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Balsaminaceae
Palmate leaves that are strikingly veined in silver make this hardy impatiens a great spreading ground cover for a woodland garden. Leaves are up to 6” across and are deciduous in winter. Part shade in leafy moist soil is best. In late summer light yellow/orange helmet shaped flowers are charming. Protect from slugs in early spring. To 10” tall and 3’ wide in time.
Iris cristata Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Iridaceae
Precious, precious easy to grow woodland Iris that is native to the mid-atlantic coastal plain. Beautiful, violet blue flowers with falls centered in white and orange appear on spreading fan-shaped plants in late April and May. Part shade and woodland conditions suit it best. Moist humus enriched soil with occasional summer water. Lovely under shrubs and planted among Acorus gramineus 'Ogon'. Easy.
Known as dwarf crested iris substantial clumps have multitudes of flowers in time. Spectacular.
Iris cristata ‘Powder Blue Giant’ Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Iridaceae
An excellent and much larger form of this adorable spring blooming beauty. Pale blue flowers to 4”
across are marked with deeper blue and orange on the falls (the petals that bend downward). Spreading to form substantial patches in time in part shade and woodland conditions. Blooms in
April-May. Regular summer water.
Iris cristata ‘Tennessee White’ Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Iridaceae
A sparkling white flowered form of this cute spring iris. Native to the eastern United States in
woodland conditions. Each flower is intricately marked with an orange stripe in the center.
Easy to grow in rich, moist soil in part shade. Mixes well with Japanese Forest grass whose
acid green shoots are emerging as this little Iris reaches full bloom. Regular irrigation in summer.
Iris japonica Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Iridaceae
A tough and beautiful evergreen Iris that is very vigorous. In mid spring sprays of
delicately ruffled, orchid-like white flowers stippled in purple and orange. A vigorous spreader that is great in dry shade and away from other perennials that it might overwhelm. Forms impressive colonies quickly. To 2' tall as wide as you let it. Part shade to shade. Not bothered by deer. Some water in summer. Dry organic fertilizer every other year.
Pacific Coast Iris Beautiful and Native
We’ve fallen in love with these species and derivative hybrids of west coast species and we’re
dedicated to making them available to Pacific Northwest Gardeners. Eleven species are native from Washington south into California. Oregon has seven native species. Surprisingly, research has shown that the closest relative of our native Iris are Siberian Irises and it is possible for the two to cross. These crosses have been designated Cal-Sibs. We have found that the species and individual hybrids of these Iris vary in their ease of culture- especially in a nursery. All are naturally adapted to dry summers and resent water in summer. In the garden this is easy to accomplish- they simply require a lack of care. They thrive on slopes and some are even native to heavy clay soils. To establish them in a garden setting they require deep but infrequent water during the first summer. As long as they do not remain soggy they will
become established. In subsequent years they will actually thrive with
no summer water. They make wonderful companions for drought tolerant shrubs such as
Cistus and Ceanothus with which they bloom concurrently- an amazing show. Pacific Coast
Iris are also known as PCI’s or more recently Pacifica Iris. They range in their
hardiness to cold- varieties with a great deal of blood from California species can be
tender in our region and we have limited those varieties. Through natural selection in our
nursery we have culled out the most difficult and have been left with what we think are the
best garden varieties. Iris tenax- Tough leaved iris or as it is more popularly known Oregon
Iris that is native to Western Washington and Western Oregon is the best for our
region. We are working hard to produce it in its varying color forms and to find cultivars
of this species that are easy to cultivate. Pacific Coast Iris offer a wonderful glimpse
into our native flora with showy flowers in a multitude of colors.
Pacific Coast Hyrbrids Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Iridaceae
We are offering a large selection of named varieties of Pacfica Iris. Many of which are
not described on this site. We have more than 30 varieties. They will become available
as they are in bloom. We also offer Pacific Coast Mixed seedlings that have a wide range of colors.
Click here for a sample of cultivars. Assorted varieties are often in limited quantities. Order
promptly for specific cultivars. Iris Gallery.
Xera Plants Introduction PNW Native Plant
Iris tenax ‘Meadow Lavender’ Zn6b (-5 to 0ºF) Iridaceae
Our own selection of Oregon Iris with larger flowers that open dark purple before fading gracefully to very light lavender. To 14" tall forming a clump as wide in time. Flowers late April to early June. Full sun to part shade, adapted to clay soil on slopes in habitat. Regular water through the first summer then little after that. Deciduous perennial for natural areas. Iris tenax resents disturbance- do not divide. Excellent garden tolerance and easy to grow.
Xera Plants Introduction PNW Native Plant
Iris tenax ‘Meadow White’ Zn6b (-5º to 0ªF) Iridaceae
Our own outstanding selection of native Oregon Iris. 'Meadow White' sports
large, wavy, sparkling white flowers with a small zone of yellow on the lower petals. Blooms late April to early June on 14" stems. Lots of flowers on a clump to 1' wide. Regular water for the first summer- then little when established. Adapted to heavy clay on slopes in western Oregon. Part shade to sun. Resents division. Fantastic mixed w/ other color forms of I. tenax.
Xera Plants Introduction PNW Native Plant
Iris tenax (ssp gormanii) ‘Meadow Yellow’ Zn6b (-5º to 0ºF) Iridaceae
A wonderful form of Oregon Iris that produces large flowers that emerge light yellow and then mature
to creamy white within a few days. It spreads to form substantial clumps in time in average, well drained soil- though it is tolerant of clay when established. To 14” tall in bloom- which is profuse
from May to June. Water occasionally during the first summer to establish then none in subsequent years.
Xera Plants Introduction PNW Native Plant
Iris tenax ‘Oregon Watercolor’ Zn6b (-5º to 0ºF) Iridaceae
Our selection of an excellent deep purple form of Oregon Iris. This variety produces profuse flowers
on a low and spreading plant. To 14” tall in bloom. Each fall- or downward pointing petal is intricately
marked with black and white veining. Flowers appear in May to early June. A strong growing
variety that has been easy to cultivate.
Xera Plants Introduction PNW Native Plant
Iris x dougten ‘Shimmer’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Iridaceae
This naturally occurring hybrid between Iris douglasiana and Iris tenax was found on the southern
Oregon coast where the range of these two species intersect. From the Iris douglasiana parentage
it inherited glossy evergreen leaves. On the I. tenax side it received deep purple intricately marked
petals. A vigorous and easy to grow wild Iris that is at home in less than favorable conditions. Full sun to part shade in soil that is not boggy nor wet in summer. It thrives on neglect forming large clumps
that yield profuse flowers born on long 16” stems in late April through early June. Long lived.
PNW Native Plant
Iris innominata ‘Purple Form’ Zn6b (-5º to 0ºF) Iridaceae
Graceful, delicate but tough Iris species native to S.W. Oregon- primarily on slopes. This is the purple flowered form from a species with a wide range of colors including yellow and orange. To 1' tall it forms evergreen clumps in well drained soil and in light shade. Occasional summer water during the first year. Lavender/purple flowers appear in profusion from late April to late May. Tolerant of drought when established. Excellent on slopes.
Iris x pacifica ‘Sea Admiral’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Iridaceae
One of the showiest of Pacifica hybrid Iris ‘Sea Admiral’ combines blue/lavender and white flowers in a tall growing plant. To 20” tall its flowers soar above grass green blades. Full sun to part shade in sharp draining soil. Occasional summer water will speed it to form a clump 2’ wide.
Iris x Pacifica ‘Violetta’’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Iridaceae
Intense purple flowers are the hallmark of this very easy to grow Pacific Coast Hybrid Iris. One of the most floriferous of PCI’s a clump 1’ wide can have as many as 20 flowers in May to early June. Well drained soil, ideal on a slope with occasional summer water. Part shade to shade.
Kniphofia ‘Bressingham Comet’ Zn6a (-10º to -5ºF) Asphodelacae
One of the very finest selections of Torch Lily, 'Bressingham Comet' is a light textured hybrid with glowing flowers to 2' tall. Spikes of intense orange/red flowers fade eventually to yellow. Excellent intense color - blooms mid-July to October. Rich soil, that drains quickly is best, avoid standing water or clay. Perfect companion perennial with Salvias. Full sun. To 2' tall x 18" wide. Amend soil with compost- regular water with dry intervals in between.
Kniphofia caulescens Zn6a (-10º to -5ºF) Asphodelaceae
An astonishing Torch lily or Red Hot Poker that actually forms a trunk! Large blue-green leaves radiate out from a short trunk that eventually grows to about 1' tall. In mid-summer large spikes of apricot flowers fade to light yellow on spikes that reach to 4' tall. Flowers contrast with the blue foliage for an excellent effect. Full sun and well drained soil. Cut back spent foliage in early spring. Occasional summer water. Good on hillsides.
Kniphofia ‘Toffee Nosed‘ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Asphodelaceae
A spectacular selection of poker that produces towering spikes of flowers that rise to nearly 4’ tall
with a beautiful change of colors. Each spike opens with flowers that are toffee brown before changing to coral and finally soft cream. A robust perennial for full sun to light shade in rich well drained soil with occasional summer water. Flowers appear for six weeks in late June to early August. They are cherished by hummingbirds at our nursery. It forms rosettes of spikey leaves eventually to several
feet across. Blooms increase as the clump increases. An excellent long lived perennial.
Kniphofia hirsuta Zn5b (-15º to -10ºF) Asphodelaceae
Adorable little Kniphofia that forms rosettes of evergreen strappy blue/green leaves. In mid to late summer 1’ tall spikes of flowers that start at the top as vivid orange before they slowly morph to vivid chartreuse green. Slowly forms patches of multiple rosettes in
about 3 years. Not a bad idea to plant more than one to get a better effect sooner. One of our favorite red hot pokers. Appreciates regular irrigation in the summer, established plants tolerate some drought.
Xera Plants Introduction
Kniphofia ‘Lightning Bug’ Zn6a (-10º to -5ºF) Asphodelaceae
Our own selection of Torch Lily with a compact habit and continuous re-blooming into early autumn. Light yellow flower spikes fade to creamy white at the base and rise to 20" tall. Semi-evergreen and tightly clumping to 18" across. Well drained and lightly amended soil. Regular water improves blooming and appearance. Remove spent flower spikes. A soft color that is easy to mix with other perennials. Full sun to light shade. Long lived. Click here for a photograph on our introductions page.
Kniphofia pumila Zn6a (-10º to -5ºF) Asphodelaceae
Nothing small about this poker that produces huge spikes of creamy white flowers on 3’ stems in early spring and again in late summer- an unusual thing for a perennial. Forming substantial clumps of deep green thin foliage and in time large clumps 4’ across. An excellent flower color for mixing in
borders- it goes with everything. Excellent. Easy and satisfying to grow in rich well drained soil with
average summer moisture. Give this one room to grow. Semi-evergreen in winter.
Kniphofia ritualis Zn5b (-15º to -10ºF) Asphodelaceae
A colorful and easy to grow species of Kniphofia with dramatic flowers. 2' spikes of flowers emerge in mid to late summer with vivid orange/red and acid green flowers. Large swirling rosettes of leaves. Semi-deciduous. Full sun in rich well drained soil with regular water in summer. Flowers again if you remove the first spent spikes. Clumps spread slowly. Excellent with blue flowered Salvias. South
Africa.
Kniphofia sarmentosa Zn6b (-5º to 0ºF) Asphodelaceae
WINTER BLOOMING PERENNIAL. Though it may never become wildly popular this excellent
perennial poker produces tall spikes of glowing coral and yellow flowers for months in the middle of winter. The flowers are unperturbed by the coldest temperatures. To 3’ tall or taller in bloom forming large clumps of strappy green leaves eventually to 4’ across. An excellent food source for Anna’s
hummingbirds. Rich, well drained soil with occasional deep irrigation in summer. Full sun to part
shade.
Kniphofia ‘Timothy’ Zn6a (-10º to -5ºF) Asphodelaceae
One of the most stunning and sumptuous of all Kniphofia cultivars this rare perennial produces
soaring spikes of a delicate color. 4’ stems support rich coral/pink flowers from early summer to
frost. This variety will faithfully rebloom through summer if spent flower spikes are removed. It
naturally produces less foliage than other pokers forming low grassy clumps. A slow spreader in
time it is not fussy about soil so long as it is well drained. Average water needs in summer. Long lived and cold hardy. A fantastic color. Yum. Click for larger photograph.
Kniphofia typhoides Zn6a (-10º to -5ºF) Asphodelaceae
Intriguing and beautiful Kniphofia species with blue/green leaves shaped like a cattail that eventually forms large clumps. In late summer and fall 30" tall spikes of dense cocoa brown flower spikes that smell of coconut oil, or suntan lotion. Spectacular offbeat cut flower. Winter deciduous. Full sun in average to rich soil with regular water in summer. Wonderful fall blooming perennial that draws hummingbirds. Warm location.
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.
Iris tenax ‘Meadow Lavender’
Helianthemum ‘Cheviot’
Helichrysum tianshanicum
Helleborus x ‘Hot Flash’ PPAF
Iris x pacifica ‘Sea Admiral’
Iris tenax ‘Meadow Yellow’
Heuchera ‘Cinnabar Silver’ PPAF
Hosta ‘Fire Island’
Impatiens omeiana
Kniphofia hirsuta
Plants for problem areas
Hosta ‘June’
Kniphofia ‘Toffee Nosed’
Hyssopus officionalis var. aristatus
Kniphofia pumila
Xera Plants Introduction
Xera Plants Introduction
Helianthemum ‘The Bride’
Iris tenax ‘Oregon Watercolor’
Xera Plants Introduction
Kniphofia ‘Lightning Bug’
Xera Plants Introduction
Kniphofia ‘Shining Scepter’
Iris cristata
Iris cristata ‘Tennessee White’
Helianthemum ‘Stoplight’
