Peren_S 09

Perennials

Salvia apiana Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Lamiacae
White Sage is well known for its smudging abilities. Dried leaves may be ignited to smolder and release a sweet resinous scent. A large shrub Salvia it becomes woody with age and sports large
silver white leaves that are very attractive. In summer white flowers appear from the tips. This
Southern California sage requires very well drained soils in full sun to achieve its maximum cold
hardiness. To 3’ tall and as wide.

Salvia africana-lutea Zn8b (15º to 20ºF) Lamiaceae
A tender Salvia from South Africa that forms a shrub. In our area it will grow to 3' tall and as wide in a single season. Amazing rust-orange/brown flowers appear in Spring and again in Fall and are great with the pewter colored leaves. This plant has been incredibly successful in some gardens but has frozen out in other gardens that had the same temeperature. A warm position with well drained soil in full sun is best. Mulch in Fall.

Salvia barrelieri Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Lamiaceae
Big 'ol perennial Salvia from S.W. Spain with a tongue twister of a name! Say it once, quickly....heh. Full sun and well drained fertile soil with occasional deep soaks. Large silvery and furry leaves form a rosette from which rises a 5' spike of blue flowers each with a lower white lip. Great in the back of a border or in big funky flower arrangements. Blooms June to August. Barrel-eeee-ear- EYE?

Salvia chamaedryoides Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Lamiaceae
A cold hardy and very tough Salvia that is ideal for hot, sunny, dry locations. Forms a lovely gray shrub to 20" tall and as wide and in early summer though fall provides a long display of spectacular blue flowers. Full sun and well drained soil. Great container plant. Does well when neglected a bit in summer. Cut back dead foliage after new growth has begun in spring. Occasional summer water. A long term survivor in the PNW.

Salvia clevelandii ‘Alpine’ Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Lamiaceae
A wonderful aromatic sage that forms a woody frame in time. Softly quilted sage green leaves have
a spicy sweet aroma when bruised. In early summer spikes with whorls of light blue flowers appears
from the tips. To 3’ tall and as wide in time. It appreciates very well drained soil in full hot sun to perform at its peak and achieve its full winter hardiness. Not bothered by deer. Light summer water.

Salvia disjuncta Zn9a (20º to 25ºF) Lamiaceae
An excellent annual Salvia with brilliant crimson/orange spikes of flowers for a long period and black stems and black shaded leaves. Perfect for an annual container or planted in the ground as a brilliant
summer show. To 2’ tall and as wide in season. Remove spent flowers to encourage more. Full sun and rich well drained soil with average water needs. It may over winter in mild years (above 20ºF)
with good drainage. The brilliant flowers are wonderful against the dark stems and leaves. Exceptional.

Salvia x ‘Christine Yeo’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Lamiaceae
An exciting cross of two North American Salvias as an accident in an English nursery. S. chamaedryoides x S. microphylla have produced a large growing shrubby Salvia with small leaves and brilliant deep purple/blue flowers. Begins blooming in July and continues until frost. Full sun, amended, well drained soil. Large and airy to 2' tall and as wide. Perfect w/ grasses. Cut back in SPRING- after new growth has started. Wild looking plant.

Salvia greggii ‘Chiffon’ Zn8b (15º to 20ºF) Lamiaceae
One of the best Salvia greggii varieties for flower color, ‘Chiffon’ is the only one that
boasts lovely light yellow flowers. Shrubby to 20” tall and as wide, the yellow flowers appear in mid summer and continue with increasing profusion into autumn. Full sun and well drained soil. Mulch in winter. Do not cut back until after new growth has begun in the spring. Great container plant.

Salvia x jamensis ‘Sierra San Antonio’ Zn8b (15º to 20ºF) Lamiaceae
A beautiful and very long blooming Salvia that begins to produce salmon and pale yellow flowers in early June and continues until frost. Full sun, rather dry and VERY well drained soil- which will improve the winter hardiness. To 18" tall and as wide in a single year. Wait until new growth begins in early spring to prune out dead growth. Very easy to grow with Agastaches, Perovskia.

Salvia microphylla ‘Hot Lips’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Lamiacae
We began growing this amazing Salvia again after taking a break for several years. Since its performed very well over the past two brutal winters its back. To 30” tall and forming a large
woody clump in a single season. Brilliant red flowers marked with white are showy from mid-June
to frost. The amount of red or white on the individual flowers varies from time to time and this may
have to do with the weather or cultural conditions. We’re not sure, all we know is that its
a great Salvia for full hot sun and well drained soil with occasional water in summer.

Salvia microphylla ‘La Trinidad Pink’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Lamiaceae
Profuse clear pink flowers and extremely good hardiness to cold make this one of the best shrubby Salvias for the Pacific Northwest. To 2’ tall and 2’ wide over time. Full sun and well drained soil. Must not be boggy in winter. Wait until new growth emerges in spring, then remove dead wood. Regular water during summer heat to speed growth and blooming.

Salvia microphylla ‘Red Velvet’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Lamiaceae
For shear flower power very few perennials can out match this brilliant Salvia. Intense red flowers
that appear almost with a texture of velvet for months until frost. A shrubby variety that grows to
2’ tall and as wide. Excellent in a hot and sunny site with occasional water during the hot summer months. Do not cut back winter damaged parts until spring- wait until new growth has begun. This
will improve hardiness to cold. Often this perennial will be in bloom until mid to late October.
Great in seasonal containers as well.

Salvia muelleri Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Lamiaceae
A shrubby Salvia with some of the darkest purple/blue flowers in the genus. To 20" tall and forming a clump it combines wonderfully in full sun and rich but well drained soil with such plants Agastache 'Apricot Sprite'. Extremely tolerant of drought when established. Blooms June to frost and is a magnet for hummingbirds and butterflies. Leave the stems in Fall to improve winter hardiness,cut back in spring when new growth has begun.

Salvia nemerosa ‘Caradonna’ Zn4b (-25º to -20ºF) Lamiaceae
Incredible new hardy Salvia from Europe with beautiful silver sheen to the leaves held on deep purple stems and in Summer (for a looong time) spikes of rich blue flowers. Excellent perennial for rich soil with regular summer water in full sun to light shade. Flower spikes to 30" tall on a spreading plant to 2' wide. Remove spent blossoms to encourage more. Excellent cut flower. Striking with yellow flowered Kniphofia ‘Lightning Bug’. Long lived.

Salvia ‘Nuevo Leon’ Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Lamiaceae
A Xera favorite, 'Nuevo Leon' is an autumn sage with masses intense blue-purple flowers over a long season. Semi-shrubby to 2' tall and as wide. Flowers appear from early summer to late fall. Full sun in rich, well drained soil- regular summer water. One of the most COLD HARDY and best adapted SW Salvias for the PNW. Wait to cut back until new growth begins in the spring. Remove spent flower spikes to encourage more.

Salvia patens ‘Guanajuato’ Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Lamiaceae
A larger and even more spectacular form of Salvia patens. 'Guanajuato' offers deep blue, brilliant flowers nearly 2" long on tall spikes. Each large arrow shaped leaf is marked in the center with a dark blotch. Dramatic, festive, makes summer containers and borders even better. Overwinters best in rich soil on well drained hillsides in the ground or lift and store as for Dahlias. Seems to be one of the cold hardiest S. patens. Vigor?

Salvia patens ‘Cambridge Blue’ Zn8b (15º to 20ºF) Lamiaceae
Lovely, luscious, legendary light blue. 'Cambridge Blue' is perhaps the best light blue of any Salvia. Flowers non-stop from June until frost, for very well drained soil with regular water and fertilizer in full sun to light shade. Hardiness improves remarkably in well drained soil. Returns late in spring..usually May. Remove spent flower scapes to encourage more. Amazing container plant, good with other pastel tones.

Salvia patens ‘Lavender Lady’ Zn8b (15º to 20ºF) Lamiaceae
A form of Salvia patens with large, soothing lavender flowers that appear from late June until frost. Full sun to very light shade with rich well drained soil and occasional deep irrigation. Excellent with Agastache or in containers with the large furry gray leaves of Plectranthus argentatus. Well drained soil improves cold hardiness remarkably in the ground. Remove spent flower scapes to encourage more. Deeply beautiful.

Xera Plants Introduction
Salvia x ‘Playa Rosa’ Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Lamiaceae
Our selection of a seedling of Autumn Sage and who?- with large lavender/pink flowers on a bushy, semi-woody perennial. Profuse bloomer- beginning in midsummer and continuing until frost. Full sun and rich, well drained soil, with occasional deep irrigation in summer to speed growth. To 20" tall and as wide. Leave old stems through winter to improve cold hardiness, cut back to new growth in spring. We are proud of this excellent floriferous and beautiful Salvia. YAY.

Salvia pratensis ‘Haematodes’ Zn3a (-40º to -35ºF) Lamiaceae
An excellent cold hardy perennial Salvia with tall spikes of large flowers in brilliant violet blue. The
stems rise from a basal rosette of rough leaves to 30” tall. Blooms appear from mid-June to August and more will often follow if spent flower spikes are removed. Full sun and well drained soil with regular water in summer. Excellent in perennial borders- and loved as a cutflower. Very easy and
carefree.

Salvia microphylla ‘Red Velvet’ Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Lamiaceae
After surviving the last two harsh winters we’ve decided to grow this exceptional Salvia. Velvet red
flowers are smooth and silky and have an extra plush redness. Flowers appear for up to three months
beginning in July. It forms a semi-woody shrub to 2’ tall and as wide in full sun and very well drained soil. Hold off cutting it back until new growth begins in earnest in spring. The top growth will help it
over winter to colder temperatures. Excellent in containters as well. Click here for a large photo
.
Salvia ‘Silke’s Dream’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Lamiaceae
New hybrid Salvia with a profuse display of flowers in soft melon red with hints of orange. Shrubby- to 2' tall and as wide. Flowers appear in mid-July and continue into autumn. Light textured but showy perennial. Well drained, rich soil with occasional deep soaks in summer. Full, hot sun. To increase hardiness to cold leave top growth over winter and prune back (in spring) AFTER new growth has begun. Excellent hummingbird plant.

Sanguisorba officionalis ‘Tanna’ Zn4a (-30º to -25ºF) Rosaceae
Burnets are one of the best perennials for people who garden on heavy clay soil. They boast attractive pinnate foliage and subtle but profuse flowers in late spring through summer. This variety has handsome blue/green foliage and in June-August multiple 2’ spires wiry spires are topped with spherical deep maroon flowers. Tough perennial requiring only sun and water. To 2’ wide.

Sanguisorba officionalis ‘Pink Tanna’ Zn4a (-30º to -25ºF) Rosacae
A much larger form of the popular perennial Sanguisorba ‘Tanna’. Flower spikes throughout summer
sport light pink catkin-like flowers born on upright stems. To 26” tall and forming a clump. Flowering
Burnet as its known is a tough and long lived perennial that is tolerant of a wide range of soils including heavy clay. It takes regular water or quite dry conditions when established. In bloom and
en masse it forms a wonderful prairie-like texture. Spreading to 2’ wide in several years. Regular
water improves the appearance.

Sanguisorba tenuifolia ‘Korean Snow’ Zn4a (-30º to -25ºF) Rosaceae
A fantastic and enormous late blooming Sanguisorba that towers to 6’ and produces 3” drooping white
catkin-like flowers for weeks beginning in late August. Easy to grow in almost any soil and full sun this finely foliaged plant is at home in mixed borders with large ornamental grasses and shrubs. Excellent with Miscanthus ‘Morning Light’ and Rosa glauca for a tough and bold combination. Completely winter deciduous but the frame of past stems remains erect and interesting through winter. Full sun and average water needs. Easy to grow and dramatic.

Sarracenia- See Carnivorous Plants

Saxafraga x geum Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Saxafragaceae
Remarkable spoon shaped leaves with sculptural uniform serrated edges make this inter-generic hybrid one of the most striking evergreen perennials for the woodland garden. Forming colonies over time in rich, humusy soil with that stays moist - in mid spring it produces airy white flowers to 18" tall. A cool location, grows just like Saxafaga umbrosa 'London Pride'. This is the hardcore Saxafraga from the West End. Very cool along paths.

PNW Native Plant
Saxafraga odontoloma Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Saxafragaceae
River Saxafrage is a delicate looking but easy going perennial that is native to a large range in the Pacific Northwest but is never common where it occurs. Symmetrically scalloped leaves are thick and substantial and handsome throughout the year. In mid-spring clouds of small white flowers dance above the foliage like babies breath. Spreading to form colonies in rich moist soil in part shade with ample moisture. Good in partly shaded perpetually moist rock gardens. A native treasure that is infrequently, if ever found in our gardens. To 8” tall in bloom spreading to 14” wide.

Saxafraga stolonifera ‘Cuscutiformis’ Zn6a (-10º to -5ºF) Saxafragaceae
A colony of this form of the hardy Strawberry Begonia nestled under large shrubs or even as a small scale ground cover is stunning. Rounded leaves are heavily veined in delicate silver over sage green leaves, the undersides are maroon. Part shade in moist soil with regular summer water. White, airy flowers in late spring. Forms runners which may be detached and moved around. Great in containers in shady conditions.

Saxafraga stolonifera ‘Maroon Beauty’ Zn6a (-10º to -5ºF) Saxafragaceae
A very bold colonizing woodland Strawberry Saxafrage with scalloped leaves that have an underside of maroon and a leaf top with intricate silver markings. In late April and May 18" spikes of white- flushed pink flowers on a delicate scape. Part shade to shade, enriched leafy soil. Spreads by runners. Cool under blue leaved Hostas and richly colored Heucheras. Good in containers in part shade.

Schizostylus coccineus ‘Oregon Sunset’ Zn6b (-5º to 0ºF) Iridaceae
The very best selection of the South African Flag chosen and released by Gossler Farms in Springfield, OR. Large, 1" wide watermelon red flowers appear on multiple 20" scapes from late August well into Autumn, peaking in Sept.-Oct.. Full sun and rich soil, forms colonies several feet across. Great late season cut flower. Easy to grow long blooming perennial for this climate. Occasional summer water. The best variety.

Scleranthus uniflorus ‘Olive’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Caryophyllaceae
Forming tiny dense matts of olive green this intensely dense growing perennial has the appearance
of moss. Actually its related to Dianthus. To less than 1” tall it forms cushions of green as it grows.
Full sun to light shade and well drained soil that also retains moisture is important. Its ideal for planting between pavers or as a lush patch of green in a rock garden. Scleranthus also grows wonderfully well in containers and may be used as a sort of substitute lawn for Bonsai. It resents
hot and dry conditions.

Scutellaria suffrutescens Zn6a (-10º to -5ºF) Lamiaceae
Cherry Scullcap is a drought adapted perennial native to Texas. Profuse cherry-pink shell-shaped flowers over an extremely long time mid June until frost. To only 8" tall and forming a dense bun to 1' wide for full sun to light shade and well drained soil. Little summer water. Beautiful hillside or rock garden companion with pale yellow flowered Erodiums and Agastaches. Easy to grow long performing plant. Cut back lightly in mid-spring. Tough.

Scutellaria ‘Violet Cloud’ Zn6a (-10º to -5ºF) Lamiaceae
Beautiful long blooming small evergreen perennial, well adapted to hot dry locations. Lavender violet flowers appear in early June and continue in profusion through September. Forms a small bun to 6" tall and about the size of an apple pie. Well drained soil or on a slope in full hot sun. Regular water through the first summer. Combines wonderfully with Agastache 'Apricot Sprite'. Cut back in spring AFTER new growth has begun. Sterile. Click for photo.

Selaginella moelendorfii Zn6a (-10º to -5ºF) Selaginellaceae
Beautiful and tough spike moss with the stature of a small fern, suited to deep shade and difficult conditions. To 8" tall and forming a clump about 1 foot wide with bright green fine leaves that have hints of russet in cold weather. Best in part shade to shade with regular summer water, though established plants fare well on their own. Works well where other plants have failed. Evergreen. Combine with other plants of the same size or smaller.

Sedum - see succulents

Selaginella uncinata Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Selaginellaceae
Peacock club moss is an extraordinary small foliage plant. Trailing branches are clad in surreal
green blue as well as green- a great effect. In winter it takes on tints of maroon and orange. Perfect
for shady locations with rich well drained soil that retains moisture. Excellent at the base of large
Rhododendrons with ferns and Hosta. Regular water in part shade to shade.

Semiaquilegia simulatrix ‘Early Dwarf’ Zn4a (-30º to -25ºF) Lamiaceae
A delicate woodland beauty with fine blue/green foliage and nodding raspberry/rose flowers. To only 16" tall this close relative of Columbine blooms in mid-April to mid-May. Unlike Columbine, the flowers have no reflexed spurs. Part shade to shade in rich woodland soil. Occasional summer water. May retreat to dormancy in summer. Easy and lovely. Perennial that is longer lived than Columbines. Reseeds lightly. Also known as Aquilegia escarlata.

Senecio viravira Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Asteraceae
A great and surprisingly hardy "Dusty Miller" with finely divided leaves that become nearly silver white during the summer. To 2' tall and forming a patch in rich amended soil with occasional summer water. Established plants are more tolerant of drought. Semi-deciduous in winter, able to freeze to the ground and resprout after cold winters. Cut back hard in early spring regardless. Brittle, plant back a bit from paths. Full sun to light shade.

Sideritis cypria Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Lamiaceae
A familiar looking plant that is not often grown in the PNW. Sideritis is also known as "Shrubby Hare's Ear" and is closely related to both Phlomis and Stachys (Lamb's Ears). Extremely silvery, furry leaves on a perennial that forms woody stems and in mid to late summer tall spikes with whorls of chartreuse/yellow flowers. Full sun and very well drained soil. Water until you see new growth then STOP- needs no more irrigation ever. To 3' X3'.

Silene alpestris ‘Flore Pleno’ Zn4a (-30º to -25ºF) Caryophyllaceae
Easy to grow, tough plant with scores of delicate crisp white double flowers on wiry stems. Evergreen mat forming perennial with deep green leaves to 1' wide and from late May to frost a continuation of 8" branched stems topped with pure white flowers. Great small scale ground cover with the effect of a small Baby's Breath. Full sun to light shade. Rich to average soil with occasional summer water. Remove spent flowers, more will follow.

Sinningia tubaeflora Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Gesneriacae
A remarkable perennial and its nearly insane that its as hardy to cold as it is. This relative of African
Violets is known as a hardy Gloxinia. Sage green furry leaves form a dense base from which tall
thin stems arise in mid-summer. At the end of these stems 3” long tubular white flowers emerge with an astonishing lemon fragrance. Easily grown in rich well drained soil. It forms tubers underground
but it spreads slowly to form colonies. It makes an ideal container subject and even house plant.
It is deciduous outside remerging in late spring. Regular water in summer.

Sisyrinchium ‘E.K. Balls’ Zn6a (-10º to -5ºF) Iridaceae
A profusion of glossy purple flowers on a compact plant makes this blue eyed grass one of the enduring favorites over the last century. Fan shaped green leaves to only 6" tall with many, many small flowers from May to frost. Sometimes takes a rest and then resumes blooming. Full sun in well drained moist soil is idea, though adapts to less than ideal conditions. Excellent along paths or at the front of a border.

Sisyrinchium ‘Quaint and Queer’ Zn6b (-5º to 0ºF) Iridaceae
A favorite queer Iris relative for the garden with lovely purple/cream flowers and incredibly tasteful blue green leaves. The flowers appear daily from late April to early June. Rich soil with occasional deep opulent soaks in the heat of summer. To 18" tall and forming a well mannered clump. Excellently adapted to life on the west coast. Semi-deciduous in winter.

Sisyrinchium ‘Rocky Point’ Zn5b (-15º to -10ºF) Iridaceae
One of the most striking and floriferous of this easy to grow group of Iris relatives. Forms a thick semi-evergreen clump to 6" tall and about a 1' wide. From May to frost continuous 1" wide deep satin purple flowers appear with a bright yellow center. Full sun to part shade in well drained good soil. Hardworking, easy native perennial. Drought dormant if neglected. Returns with rains. Great edging plant. Sets little or no seed.

Solierolia soleirolii ‘Aurea’ Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Urticaceae
A great common plant with an unpronouncable latin name, just call them 'Golden Baby's Tears'. Excellent in seasonal containers or in sheltered places in the ground where it is shaded, cool and moist. Plants regenerate from the roots if frozen. Spreads to form a patch 18" wide in a single season. Good under rhododendrons, fun in containers.

Spigelia marilandica Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Caryophyllaceae
A highly underused perennial native to the eastern half of the United States. Indian Pink grows along streams in woodlands from Michigan south to the Gulf. To 20" tall and forming a clump, vermillion red tubular flowers are held straight up and open to light yellow. Blooms mid-June to mid-July Part shade to full sun with regular water in RICH soil. Comes up late in the spring. Hummingbird Love Festival.

Stachys albotomentosa Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Lamiaceae
Nearly succulent and covered in fur on the bottom of the leaves and stems this aromatic perennial
has the powerful fragrance of 7-Up when disturbed. Large leaves line the stems and at the tips in
June-August whorls of peach colored flowers appear. Perfect for very well drained soil in hot locations such as a south facing slope. Little water once established.

Stachys coccinea ‘Coral’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Lamiaceae
One of the nicest Stachys for gardens this perennial puts on a non-stop profuse
show of tubular coral flowers from late May to frost. Arrow-shaped pungent leaves
form a dense clump to 1’ across in several seasons, flower are held on 2’ tall sturdy
stems that do not flop over. A hummingbird magnet. Full sun to light shade in well drained soil
with intermittent irrigation in summer.

Stachys chrysantha Zn6a (-10º to -5ºF) Lamiacae
Golden Lamb's ears is rare in gardens but ONE OF THE BEST. Easy to grow reliable perennial with very light yellow flowers above striking silver quilted foliage To 6" tall and spreading in to 18" across. Full hot sun, well drained soil. Doesn't flinch at reflected heat. May be cut back after flowering in May-June, fresh foliage will emerge. Excellent planted with Erodiums, Salvias, even cold hardy Cactus. Winter deciduous.

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.

deer resistance

low water /no water

A B C D E F-G H-K L-O P R S T-Z

A B C D E F-G H-K L-O P R S T-Z

Perennials

bamboos & restios

Low water/No water

Deer resistance

Where to buy Xera Plants

Lilyvilla Garden Design

Salvia muelleri Closeup

Salvia ‘Silke’s Dream’

Salvia muelleri

Salvia africana-lutea

Salvia ‘Nuevo Leon’

Plants for problem areas

Silene alpestris ‘Flore Pleno’

Sisyrinchium ‘E.K. Balls’

Salvia patens ‘Lavender Lady’

Salvia chamaedryoides

Salvia patens ‘Cambridge Blue’

Sisyrinchium ‘Rocky Point’

Salvia nemerosa ‘Caradonna’

Salvia greggii ‘Chiffon’

Sanguisorba officinalis ‘Tanna’

western natives

Scutellaria suffrutescens

Semiaquilegia simulatrix ‘Early Dwarf’

Stachys coccinea ‘Coral’

Saxafraga odontoloma

Saxafraga stolonifera ‘Cuscutiformis’