Peren_R 09

Perennials

Ranunculus ficaria ‘Brazen Hussy’ Zn5b (-15º to -10ºF) Ranunculaceae

A bold form of winter buttercup- (also known as Lesser Celandine) with deep purple

black leaves that have a curious metallic sheen. The arrow shaped leaves emerge

in late fall and grow through winter. In late winter glossy yellow butter cup flowers

appear and shine like miniature suns during a dark time of year. Spreads moderately

fast to form colonies in full sun to part shade. In late spring it goes quietly dormant

waiting to emerge the following fall.

Ranunculus ficaria ‘Brambling’ Zn5b (-15º to -10ºF) Ranunculaceae

A special form of winter butter cup with leaves that are mottled in black and creamy

yellow flowers that appear from late January to March. Part shade to full sun

in rich moist soil. Summer dormant.

Ranunculus ficaria ‘Double Mudd’ Zn5b (-15º to -10ºF) Ranunculaceae

A charming form of winter buttercup with fully double flowers born low in a rosette of

handsome glossy leaves that are mottled with black. The creamy flowers have

a reverse on the petals of dark gray (hence the mudd). Full sun to part shade

in average to rich soil. This form spreads slower than the others. Summer dormant.

Ratibida pinnata Zn4a (-30º to -25ºF) Asteraceae

This is a coneflower! Towering up to 6 feet tall strong stems support flowers that have

a strongly exerted black cone center that is surrounded by strongly reflexed long yellow petals.

An excellent and bold perennial native to the mid-western United States. Full sun and fast draining soils with regular irrigation for the best performance. The leaves are intricately divided and

are handsome as well.

Reineckia carnea Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Lilaceae

This perennial deserves to be better known. Its a delightful evergreen with arching ribbon shaped

leaves that are deep green. In late summer it produces white flower clusters born from red buds

and followed by bright red berries. In rich, moist soil that drains quickly it forms vast evergreen

colonies. Ideal under large shrubs or in a woodland. Vigorous but not invasive it also tolerates

dry conditions in shade. This is a handsome and useful perennial. Not bothered by slugs or

other pests. Occasional summer water. Part shade to shade.

Rhazya orientalis Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Apocynaceae

The Asian version of the North American species Amsonia. A strong growing perennial for the

toughest locations enduring heavy clay soils and drought as well as sand. Upright growing to

30” tall and in May-July it bears a vast amount of deep blue star shaped flowers. In fall the

foliage turns bright yellow and holds for weeks before fading away. In bloom this tough perennial

is spectacular. Very easy to grow and long lived. This perennial was given to us by our good

friend Bruce Wakefield.

Rhodea japonica Zn6b (-5º to 0ºF) Lilaceae

At first glace you may not think this is the most exciting plant, only when you find out that it is EXTREMELY tolerant of dry shade, evergreen and hardy to cold that you realize this plant ROCKS! Slow growing, evergreen, lily relative from Japan. Good looking year round. Water to establish and then only occasionally. Humus enriched soil, good drainage. Requires shade. To 14" tall and slowly to 2' wide. Red berries follow tiny green flowers.

Romneya coulteri Zn6b (-5º to 0ºF) Papaveraceae

Matilija Popppy is a bold and spectacular perennial with glaucus blue foliage and immense 8” wide white flowers with a yellow center that appear continually from June to late September. Spreading

far and wide by underground stolons it requires a large location in very well drained soil and full sun. Anticipate that once it is established it will grow to at least 10’ wide. Woody stems appear from the base each spring and rise to 5’-7’ tall in a very few weeks once they’ve emerged. In most winters (below 20ºF) these stems freeze to the ground. They are are best cut back in early spring to allow new ones to emerge. Also known as ‘Fried Egg Flower’ for the lax appearance of the ruffled white petals surrounding a large golden center. Matilja poppy has a delicate root system when young. Be very gentle settling it into its new home. Water occasionally for the first season to establish then very little or none is required in subsequent years. Native to coastal southern California. For a picture

click here.

Rosmarinus o. ‘Gorizia’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Lamiaceae

'Gorizia' was selected for its wider leaves and large medium blue flowers which appear from late winter to early spring. Excellent for culinary use and/or a nice hedge. Evergreen, to 3' tall with a very upright habit and 2' wide. Full sun and well drained soil. Shear in late spring to maintain a compact full habit if desired. Drought tolerant, little or no summer water.

Rosmarinus o. ‘Majorca Pink’ Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Lamiaceae

A very upright form of Rosemary that has attractive lavender/pink flowers in late winter and early spring. To about 3' tall and only 18" wide it is wonderufl as a hedge, and at its best mixed with blue flowered selections for contrast. Tip prune in early spring to promote fullness. Full sun, well drained soil, very drought tolerant. Great for culinary use or just to add a spicy scent to the garden.

Rosmarinus o. ‘Shimmering Stars’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Lamiaceae

A beautiful and very floriferous rosemary that covers itself in blue flowers that open from pink buds from early spring until early summer. The effect is more pronounced when plants are in the ground. To 3' tall with somewhat winding upright stems and mounding habit. Great evergreen hedge for a hot position in full sun. Good for culinary use. Drought tolerant when established. Good cold hardiness.

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.