Shrubs
Bupleurum fruticosum
Abelia x grandiflora ‘Rose Creek’ Zn6a (-10º to -5ºF) Caprifoliaceae
A HUGE improvement on an already tough and beautiful evergreen shrub. ‘Rose Creek’ is a much more compact and floriferous selection. Very slow rounded growth to 3’ tall and as wide in 5 years. Profuse clusters of white flowers appear from July until frost. The small rosy calyxes remain after flowering and continue to be showy through winter. Foliage turns bronze in cold weather. A true dwarf Abelia x grandiflora with all the best attributes of the more common variety. Full sun to light shade in well drained soil. Tolerates some drought when established. Great low hedge, en masse, or as a border shrub.
Arbutus unedo Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Ericeae
Well known and grown in the Pacific Northwest this remains a wonderful ornamental shrub. A close
relative of our native Madrone it forms a small tree in time to 16’ tall with a wide spreading crown. Fall
flowers are white and urn shaped and barring an early freeze transform into showy berries that first
turn yellow and orange and then a brilliant red. The latin epithet unedo means “I eat only one” and though they are edible they don’t taste so hot. Full sun to part shade in well drained soil. Very tolerant of drought.
Arbutus unedo ‘Elfin King’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Ericaceae
A slower growing compact variety of Strawberry Bush that is extremely floriferous and, therefore, fruit laden. Year round this form is in bloom and is constantly sporting its green then yellow then vivid red fruit. To 6’ tall in 5 years and half as wide. Full sun to light shade in well drained soil. Great hummingbird shrub for winter. White urn shaped flowers are most abundant in Fall and Winter. Eventually makes a good small tree in a landscape. Good resistance to blackspot.
Manzanita Ultimate Shrub of the West.
No other shrub is more symbolic of the Pacific Coast than Manzanita. From Baja to Canada one species or another is native from the coast to the mountains. Picturesque bark and familiar flowers make them great transitional shrubs from cultivated borders to wild areas. In the Pacific Northwest they are great echos for Madrones and are at home in a variety of landscapes. Pink to white urn-shaped flowers appear for a long time in late winter to spring and followed by copious amounts of small shiny fruit. Manzanita is Spanish for little apple to which the fruit resemble. One reason they are such striking shrubs is that they hold their leaves perpendicular to the stem an adaptation to avoid moisture loss. The myth that Manzanitas are difficult to cultivate most likely comes from the fact that they do not take well to regular summer irrigation. In a garden where summer watering is non-existent they are among the easiest and most handsome shrubs one can grow. They do best in acid soil on slopes with full sun and good air circulation. Avoid amendments, mulch with bark, NOT COMPOST. Newly planted Manzanitas can take weekly irrigation until they begin to grow in earnest- then taper off. Eventually, they are best with no water during the warm months and can handle the driest of years with no visible stress. Manzanitas bloom on wood from the previous year. They may be tip pruned to limit size and as they age they can be limbed up to reveal the striking bark. This also helps ensure good air circulation which they very much appreciate. All are evergreen (of course).
Arctostaphylos auriculata ‘Diablo’s Blush’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Ericaceae
One of the very finest of all Manzanitas for PNW gardens. Silver foliage sparkles and is held
symmetrically on the stems. In early spring pearl pink flowers decorate the branch tips. In time
it develops handsome mahogany bark. Slow growing to only 3’ tall and as wide in 5 years. Excellent for smaller gardens this fantastic and showy shrub is good looking year round. It appreciates
good air circulation as do all Manzanitas. Limited quantities of this spectacular evergreen shrub.
Arctostaphylos bakeri ‘Louis Edmonds’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Ericaceae
One of the most picturesque Manzanitas this selection with lovely gray-green leaves that are nearly circular held perpendicular to the stems. The bark is one of the best of all species and selections, deep burgundy/purple and smooth. Pearl pink flowers that appear in late winter to spring transform into small russet red apple shaped fruits. To 6’ tall and 4’ wide in 5 years. Requires well drained soil with little additional irrigation when established. Cold hardy. Good looking year round.
Arctostaphylos canescens var. sonomaensis- Not enough yet to sell. [photo]
Extraordinarily rare in its habitat this is a spectacular Manzanita that is surprisingly easy
to grow in gardens. A naturally compact shrub to only 3’ tall and as wide in 5 years it
has large round leaves of intense silver blue that give it a distinct rounded appearance. In time
it develops stunning mahogany/purple bark that contrasts wonderfully with the foliage.
In very early spring clusters of white flowers appear for weeks. Full sun and well drained
soil with little or no water once established. One of our most beautiful west coast native
shrubs. Good air circulation is appreciated. Click for a large photo.
Arctostaphylos x densiflora ‘Harmony’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Ericaceae
A fantastic selection of Sonoma Manzanita that is similar to ‘Howard McMinn’ when young but reveals its different character with age. Taller growing with a more arboreal habit. Glossy green leaves are the largest on any densiflora type. To 7’ tall and 5’ wide in time. Clusters of pink flowers appear in late winter and are showy for 4-6 weeks. Wonderful as a specimen and easy to grow.
Arctostaphylos x densiflora ‘Howard McMinn’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Ericaceae
A FANTASTIC Manzanita ‘Howard’ forms an extremely handsome evergreen shrub to 6’ tall and as wide. Striking red, shiny bark with dark glossy leaves. Profuse clusters of pink urn-shaped flowers appear in late winter and change to white over a period of six weeks. Maroon berries follow in summer. One of the most adaptable to landscapes, takes irrigation better than others. Cold hardy- slight leaf damage at 0ºF. Tip prune in summer to limit size and shape. Click for Large Photo.
Arctostaphylos x densiflora ‘Sentinel’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Ericaceae
Very striking for an A.densiflora type ‘Sentinel’ has a very different appearance with leaves that are covered in a downy fur that gives this Manzanita a softer look. Deep pink flowers in late winter to early spring are followed by mahogany berries. Stems and bark are smooth dark orange. One of the finest for gardens, adaptable to many situations. To 5’ tall and as wide in five years. As with all A.densiflora types tip pruning at an early age improves density and looks. Good air circulation.
Arctostaphylos x ‘Greensphere’ Zn6b (-5º to 0ºF) Ericaceae
Possibly the best Manzanita for gardens in the PNW because of size, hardiness to cold, and adaptation to occasional summer irrigation. Very slow growth to 2’ tall and as wide in 5 years. New growth is tinted vivid orange and then settles down to a handsome blue green. Leaves become dramatically tinted in cool weather. Profuse light, pearly pink flowers in spring are followed by copious berries. Eventually, shows beautiful mahogany bark. Resistant to black spot. Great drought tolerant, all season shrub for full sun. Unfortunately, its restrained growth (which makes it so wonderful in a landscape) makes it slow to mature in our Nursery. Thus, it is more expensive, but definitely worth the price. EXCELLENT SHRUB.
Arctostaphylos x ‘John Dourley’ Zn7b (5 to 10ºF) Ericaceae
A handsome garden tolerant Manzanita hybrid that is well scaled for the average garden. Stunning new growth is orange-red and changes to a distinct blue-green. A somewhat compact shrub to 3’ tall and 4’ wide in 5 years. Mature growth has leaves edged in red. Mahogany-to black bark quickly becomes showy. Very light pink, urn shaped flowers in late winter and early spring. Somewhat flattened red berries in summer. Low spreading habit is ideal for slopes in full sun with little additional water when established. Tolerates clay with little summer water.
Arctostaphylos ‘Margarita Pearl’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Ericaceae
A very fun Manzanita with silvery blue leaves that have slight indentations and new growth that
emerges a rich bronze. To 5’ tall and as wide in 5 years. Flowers are clusters of pearl pink urns
that appear in early spring and then become russet colored berries loved by birds. The bark is
a rich mahogany brown and peels to expose a smooth surface it time. Full sun and very well
drained soil with good air circulation. Little water once established.
Arctostaphylos rudis Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Ericaceae
A distinct Manzanita. Very round leaves are covered in small hairs with a somewhat informal habit. Fast growing handsome shrub with vivid orange bark to 5’ tall and as wide in 5 years. Small white flowers are followed by a good fruit-set. Manzanita berries are beloved by birds and will often be stripped by late summer. Especially good selection with native Madrones. Very tolerant of drought when established. Great resistance to black spot. This species seems to do especially well on the sandy soils of Puget Sound.
Arctostaphylos x ‘Pacific Mist’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Ericaceae
Grown for a long time in our region this excellent low spreading shrub has been difficult to find. Striking gray/blue leaves line winding mahogany stems on a trailing plant that is wonderful on steep slopes. May be tip pruned faithfully when young to improve density or even limit the size to smaller spaces. To 2’ tall and up to 6’ wide. ‘Pacific Mist’ is a great ground cover for parking strips where it will handle the rough conditions. Good shrub to interplant with spring bulbs, daffodils and species tulips will come up through it and dying leaves are neatly tucked beneath the foliage. Takes irrigation if drainage is sharp. Prune in late spring.
Arctostaphylos pajaroensis ‘Lester Rowntree’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Ericaceae
A spectacular selection of Pajaro's Manzanita from the central coast of CA.
Large, spreading evergreen shrub with new foliage that emerges bright
orange/red and then fades to blue green for a dramatic contrast. Small flowers of light pink/white appear in early spring followed by small berries. Bark is a sinuous deep mahogany/purple. To 4' tall and quickly to 8' wide. Hot sun, well drained soil. Little summer water. Good air circulation.
Arctostaphylos pajaroensis ‘Myrtle Wolf’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Ericaceae
One of the very best cultivars this medium growing shrub has fantastic new foliage and masses of intense pink flowers in spring. New growth is bright rose red with hints of orange in spring. The
flowers open in January and remain showy for a month or more. The mature foliage is blue green
and held symmetrically on the stems. In time the bark sheds to reveal smooth burgundy. To 6’
tall and as wide in 5 years. Full sun to very light shade in well drained soil. Light water to establish
but ‘Myrtle’ is extremely tolerant of drought. For flowers, foliage, and bark this is an outstanding
shrub.
Arctostaphylos pajaroensis ‘Warren Roberts’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Ericaceae
Brilliant red new growth, perhaps the most striking of any Manzanita, makes this a very dramatic shrub for a dry hillside, with little irrigation and good air circulation. Not as adaptable as most Manzanitas but such a handsome thing with triangular blue leaves that are edged in deep orange/red. Mahogany bark is a great backdrop to this foliage. Fast growing to 6’ tall and 7’ wide in 5 years. Large spreading shrub- combine with Stipa gigantea and Yucca glauca. Small urn-shaped flowers are white- tinted ever so slightly pink, they open in late winter and are followed by deep red/brown berries.
Arctostaphylos pajaroensis ‘Lester Rowntree’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Ericaceae
If you’ve never read ‘Shrubs of California’ by Lester Rowntree you should. She was a plant explorer
in California in the 1930’s and she was intrepid and amazing. She explored all points of the state
and wrote about it brilliantly. This Manzanita is fantastic and so is aptly named for this early
feminist explorer. New growth is an amazing coral orange before settling to blue green as for
the species. This selection bears intense pink clusters of flowers in early spring. Fantastic.
To 6’ tall and spreading to 8’ wide in time. The bark exfoliates to a smooth and artistic mahogany.
Well drained rather poor soil for the best results. Little water when established. An excellent
shrub named for an excellent person.
Arctostaphylos x ‘Sunset’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Ericaceae
A favorite Manzanita named released and named for the 50th anniversary of Sunset Magazine in
1977. It is prized for handsome new growth and excellent garden adaptability. New growth emerges coppery and then changes to a stylish olive green. Leaves are edged with small white hairs that make foliage handsome year round. To 4’ tall and spreading to 6’ wide in 5 years. May be severely pruned to limit size, shape. Small off-white flowers in late winter followed by clusters of small berries. Wonderful shrub as a transition to less formal areas. Natural with evergreen huckleberry, salal, and madrone. Very easy to grow. Appreciates supplemental irrigation when new then completely tolerant of drought once established. Cold hardy. Click for a larger photo.
Arctostaphylos x ‘Austin Griffiths’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Ericaceae
The very best large tree-type Manzanita for PNW gardens. A hybrid that includes A. m. ‘Dr. Hurd’ but exceeds it in size of flowers and larger leaves. Fast growing to 12’ tall and 8’ wide over time. Large clusters of pearl pink flowers open in early February and last for six weeks. Clusters of burnt orange showy berries follow. Smooth twisting bark is deep mahogany black. Excellent as a single specimen in a garden. Good garden tolerance with clean foliage year round. Long lived with neglect. Excellent Cold hardiness.
Arctostaphylos manzanita ‘Dr. Hurd’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Ericaceae
A wonderful old selection of this widespread species that can eventually form a small tree.
Twisting mahogany stems become glossy with age and support a cloud of sage green
leaves, all held perpendicular to the sun. In late winter large clusters of white and pink tinted
urn shaped flowers are showy for 1 to 2 months, enduring the coldest weather with no
damage. Small apple shaped fruit (Manzanita- little apples in Spanish) are delight
for birds. Full sun and well drained soil, avoid overly fertile conditions. with little or better, no water in summer. To 12’ tall and 8’ wide after 5 years. Vegetative architecture at its best. Amenable to
clay on slopes.
Xera Plants Introduction
Arctostaphylos x media ‘Martha Ewan’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Ericacae
Our own introduction of a naturally occurring hybrid Manzanita found on the N. Oregon coast near the coastal community of Manzanita. Extremely dapper evergreen shrub to 30” tall and densely foliaged to 5' wide. Full sun to light shade in well drained soil. Light pink to white flowers in early spring followed by extremely large showy red berries. An excellent native shrub for hillsides or as a weed blocking ground cover. Acid fertilizer in spring. Leaves are a handsome paddle shape giving a great texture and are tinged gray from a distance.
Arctostaphylos x ‘Rosy Dawn’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Ericaceae
A low mounding Manzanita that excels on dry banks and will spill over walls attractively. Dense growing to only 18" tall spreading to 6' wide in time. Glossy deep green leaves are immaculate year round. In late winter profuse pink urn-shaped flowers are followed by new growth tinted a dramatic red. Full sun, well drained soil. Little water when established, but tolerant of irrigation. Faster than Kinnick Kinnick. A pretty weed smothering ground cover.
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi ‘San Bruno Mountain’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Ericeaeae
Though this form of Bear Berry or Kinnick Kinnick hails from California it makes a comfortable home
in the northwest. Low and spreading to only 1’ tall it stretches out to several feet in a few years. In early spring white urn shaped flowers are followed by HUGE, showy red berries that remain attractive
through winter. Full sun to light shade in well drained soil. The better the drainage the more
regular water it will accept and this will speed growth. An excellent ground cover for a slope.
Xera Plants Introduction Oregon Native Plant
Arctostaphylos viscida ‘Sweet Adinah’ Zn6b (-5º to 0ºF) Ericaceae
A spectacular and immediately striking Manzanita that was discovered near Ashland in southern
Oregon. Large perfectly round leaves are the palest shade of gray. New growth emerges tinted
bronze before settling to the final color. A rounded shrub to 5’ tall and as wide in 5 years. The
bark is an amazing feauture. Smooth and subtle it peels each year to a glossy sheen of mahogany.
Early spring flowers are pearl pink/white and are followed by dark red berries- these are
quickly stripped by birds. Full sun and very well drained soil with little water once established.
Avoid overly enriched soils and give it good air circulation.
Arctostaphylos x ‘White Lanterns’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Ericaceae
A picturesque and fantastic Manzanita for smaller gardens. Slow growing to only 3’ tall and as wide
in 5 years. The stems and trunks are a dramatic glossy mahogany after their yearly exfoliation in
summer. In very early spring the branch tips produce copious small white lantern shaped flowers.
In autumn the russet orange berries are loved by birds. Full sun and well drained soil. Supremely
tolerant of dry conditions. Excellent as a specimen the twisting trunks and stems form a
living sculpture. Good air circulation. Click for a photo.
Acuba japonica ‘Longifolia’ Zn6b (-5º to 0ºF) Cornaceae
Shiny, dapper and always glossy green this form of Acuba is often overlooked, but its
a supreme shrub for dry shade. Long slightly indented leaves have a willowy effect
and add light and grace to woodlands, especially where greedy roots take away
soil moisture. To 8’ tall and 5’ wide in 5 years. Small flowers are not conspicuous.
Easy to grow, hardy to cold. Pairs well with Rhododendrons and as a
not too dense backdrop. AKA ‘Angustifolia’.
Baeckia gunniana Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Myrtaceae
A lovely little shrub with delicate branches clad in small olive green leaves very reminiscent of an Erica. In May-June even more delicate sprays of small white flowers clothe the stems. To 2’ tall and
as wide in time forming a somewhat arching shape. A member of the Myrtle family with DELICIOUSLY pungent foliage. Native to the highest elevations of Tasmania where it is cold an snowy. Wonderful in combination with heaths and heathers where it accepts similar conditions. Easy to grow in average to amended soil with regular water in summer in full sun. Evergreen.
Berberis replicata (of horticulture) Zn7a ( 0º to 5ºF) Berberidaceae
Good looking the whole year through this ideal hedgerow evergreen shrub boasts long
prickily leaves that emerge vivid mahogany red before morphing to glossy forest green.
The stems are armed mightily with spines-which add an extra textural element and
make it a great plant for deer prone locations. To 6’ tall eventually attaining a
vase shape. Light yellow pendant flowers in spring add to its appeal. Full sun to light shade
in well drained soil. Very tolerant of dry conditions when established.
Berberis x thunbergii ‘Crimson Treasure’ Zn4a (-30º to -25ºF) Berberidaceae
There are so many varieties of this tough and showy shrub we think that this large growing variety
is one of the best. Large round leaves have a smooth substance and stained deep merlot red.
The leaves are much larger than other varieties in this group and thus are more striking. Tall growing
and arching to 8’ tall and 6’ wide in 5 years- larger with time. Small, pendant yellow flowers
precede the new foliage in spring. Fall color is an insanely dramatic orange and red for weeks. We
have found this shrub to be very drought tolerant as well as adaptable to clay soils. Also- it
has been reported that it is not bothered by deer. Long spines line the stem and deserve respect.
Perfect for foliar depth at the back of a border or in rough areas that require a plant with a tough
disposition.
Brachyglottis (Senecio) greyii Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Asteraceae
An attractive low evergray shrub that is tolerant of poor soil and lives a surprisingly long time under less than stellar conditions. To 3’ tall and as wide. Rounded leaf surface is dark gray with and underside and stems of light gray. Clusters of golden yellow daisies in summer. Grows quickly and subsequently dies quickly on over amended rich soils. Poor well driained soil is best- tolerates clay with minimal water during the warm season. Sunny golden yellow daisies may be removed if you prefer it as a foliage plant only.
Buddleia colvillei ‘Kew Form’ Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Loganaceae
A large growing butterfly bush that is very different than what most people are used to. Fast growing to 10’ in a single year with large sage green leaves. On second year wood 5” pendulous racemes of large bright pink/red flowers. Very unusual. Tender to cold best in a protected location such as the edge of a woodland or against a warm wall. Surprisingly tolerant of shade as well as full sun. Blooms on second year wood- do not prune back until after it has bloomed. Spectacular flowers appear June through September. Tender enough that it has no chance of becoming an invasive pest in our climate.
Buddleia loricata Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Loganaceae
Amazing foliage shrub from S. Africa with thin silvery leaves that are heavily quilted. The top of the leaves is slightly darker gray, the undersides of the leaves and stems are clothed in white fur. Impressive flowers of clear sparkling white flowers are borne of wood from the previous year. Prune after flowering. Blooms in July-August. A rounded shrub to 3’ tall and as wide. Best in slightly poor well drained soil. Tolerates drought when established. Excellent butterfly plant. wonderful with Phlomis and Lavender.
Buddleia x pikei ‘Hever Castle’ Zn6a (-10º to -5ºF) Loganaceae
Because of the ban on B. davidii cultivars- and rightly so they are thugs, the search is on to find
sterile Butterfly Bushes. This seems to be a good replacement. Large growing with silver sheened
leaves and in summer large panicles of sweetly scented lavender flowers. A magnet for butterflies
and Hummingbirds alike. It blooms on new wood and may be stooled in early spring to grow
to a 6’ tall shrub (and as wide) in a single season. Full sun and well drained soil. Drought tolerant.
Bupleurum fruticosum Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Apiaceae
A subtle but very sophisticated hardy evergreen shrub that is found in all the best gardens. Shiny sea-green leaves are reminiscent of a Euphorbia and are handsome year round. In summer long stems sport umbels of chartreuse green flowers give away its familial affinity to Dill. Tough shrub that is adaptable to all but boggy soils. To 6’ tall and as wide in several years. Blooms on new wood, may be hard pruned in early spring nearly to the ground to refresh. Equally tolerant of drought and regular irrigation. A great plant that instantly makes a planting look sophisticated. Excellent with Lavenders and Russian sage. Click for a photograph.
Shrubs play a vital role as the backbone of Pacific Northwest gardens. Our winters are mild enough to enjoy a multitude of choices. Evergreen to deciduous they offer so much from profuse bloom to handsome structure.
Shrubs
Artostaphylos bakeri ‘Louis Edmonds’
Shrubs A-B
Shrubs A-B
Plants for problem areas
Artostaphylos d. ‘Harmony’
Arctostaphylos pajaroensis ‘Myrtle Wolf’
Arctostaphylos pajaroensis ‘Myrtle Wolf’
Artostaphylos ‘Sonoma’
Arctostaphylos pajaroensis ‘Lester Rowntree’
Arctostaphylos x densiflora ‘Sentinel’