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Shrubs

Leptospermum s. ‘Washington Park’

Laurus nobilis ‘Aureus’ Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Lauraceae

The gold leaved form of Sweet Bay is difficult to find but has been grown in PNW gardens for many years. Conical shaped evergreen with gold leaves are powerfully aromatic. Classic culinary herb. To 12' tall and spreading over time to 8' wide. Tip prune for a dense form. Takes full sun to part shade. Leaves may be damaged in a colder than normal winter (10∞F), recovers quickly in spring. Protected location, well drained soil.

Laurus nobilis ‘Crispa’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Lauraceae

Wavy Bay, or Pie Crust Bay, 'Crispa' is the official name of this form of Bay Laurel with finely undulated leaf margins and red stems. Large evergreen shrub to 12' tall and 6' wide over time. Easy to grow. Leaves may burn in colder than normal winters (below 10∞F) but recovery is extremely fast. Full sun, well drained soil. Classic topiary plant. Harvest sweetly scented leaves for cooking, Christmas wreaths. Drought adapted.

Leptospermum grandiflorum Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Myrtaceae

A very pretty Tea Tree that has been hardy in PNW gardens down to 10∞F with no damage in the last 10 years. Tall and columnar to 9', but only 3' wide, silvery evergreen leaves and in summer 1" wide white flowers on the wood of the previous season. Full sun, occasional summer water in well drained soil. Aromatic foliage (myrtle family), good to try where deer are a problem. Handsome with grasses and in the back of large borders.

Leptospermum humifusum (rupestre) Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Myrtaceae

A tough spreading evergreen shrub with light olive leaves and great mahogany stems. Small white flowers open from pink buds in late spring into summer. Interesting woody seed capsules remain for years. To 1' tall and 4' wide. Full sun. Stems follow contours as they grow, good surrounding rocks and down walls. Regular soil, very tolerant of drought. Mtns. Tasmania. AKA Leptospermum rupestre. Deerproof. Aromatic myrtle relative.

XERA PLANTS INTRODUCTION

Leptospermum humifusum ‘Squiggly’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Myrtaceae

A cold hardy evergreen shrub with a very modern feel. Mahogany brown, wiry stems are clad with small olive green-gray leaves. In early summer profuse small white flowers open from pink buds. Twisting habit to 3' tall and 5' wide over time. Good looking year round in full sun and well drained soil. LOVE it with ornamental grasses and big bolders. Perfectly hardy to cold- undamaged in containers after 3 nights in the single digits. Wow. Myrtle family, from Tasmania. aka. L. rupestre. Occasional summer water. Click here for a large photo.

Leptospermum lanigerum Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Myrtaceae

COLD HARDY FORM of the "Wooly Tea Tree" from Australia. Fast growing evergreen shrub to 10' tall and 6' wide it is excellent as a sheared hedge or specimen. Silver leaves are aromatic when bruised. Showy 1" white flowers in June followed by interesting woody seed capsules. Full sun and occasional summer water. Deerproof. Plant 2' apart for a thick hedge. Sweet smelling leaves make pruning a pleasure. Tip prune to encourage density.

Leptospermum lanigerum ‘Silver Form’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Myrtaceae

COLD HARDY FORM of the silver leaved 'Wooly Tea Tree' native to the mountains of Tasmania. Fast growing to 6' and 3' wide; one of the best silver leaved evergreens for our climate. Sparkling 1" white flowers in early summer and sporadically through the year. Full

sun, well drained soil. Aromatic foliage when crushed. May be pruned quite hard to shape. Occasional summer water. Informal shape works in borders. LOVELY garden plant.

Leptospermum namadgiensis Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Myrtaceae

A mouthful to say this large and very soft fine textured shrub is native to high elevations of Australia and has proven to be one of the hardiest tea trees to cold enduring temperatures down to 5ºF for multiple nights planted in the ground at our nursery and suffering NO damage. It is showy in bloom and as it matures it develops fantastic glossy exfoliating bark that develops tints of tan, green, and orange. This is a great shrub that has a wonderful future in our climate. Full sun and well drained soil with regular irrigation though it tolerates dry conditions when established. To 8’ tall by 8’ wide in 5 years it grows very quickly with a soft, lax habit. Leaves are covered with fine hairs and flower buds are too before they open to reveal copious 1” white flowers in early summer. A great shrub. Click to see large photo.

Leptospermum scoparium ‘Washington Park’ Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Myrtaceae

Cold-hardy form of a notably tender shrub that was found on the South Island of New Zealand at 4000'. It has thrived at Washington Park Arboretum in Seattle many years. Full sun and well drained soil. To 8' tall and 4' wide with small leaves and large (1") soft white/pink flowers in May/June. Best in southern or western exposure. Occasional summer water. Blooms on wood from the previous year, prune lightly after flowering. Very cold hardy and beautiful- foliage develops

a wine red cast in winter.

Leucopogon parviflora ‘UBC Form’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Epacridaceae

An extremely graceful EVERGREEN shrub from New Zealand with fine willowy leaves and tiny flowers that give way to pink currant-sized fruits. Coldy hardy form from the UBC arboretum in Victoria. To 5' tall and 3'-4' wide over time in well drained soil and full sun to light shade. Occasional summer water, though drought tolerant when established. Very pretty shrub that looks great year round. Berries appear in fall and last until spring.

Leycesteria formosa Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Caprifoliaceae

The Himalayan Honeysuckle is a large arching shrub to 8' tall and as wide. Green canes support beautiful frilled foliage and in late summer panicles of white flowers are produced from red calyxes that appear in layered tiers. The flowers are followed by berries that are brown and taste faintly of carmel. Full sun to part shade and average soil. Prune in early spring- blooms on new wood. Deciduous-but green canes.

Lomatia myricoides Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Proteaceae

Long grown in the PNW this evergreen shrub from Australia has attractive, thin blue-green leaves with fascinatingly toothed edges. In mid summer exotic white flowers appear with the sweet scent of cloves. To 10' tall and forming a vase

shape. Graceful and very unusual. Excellent as cut foliage for arrangements. Full sun and well drained soil. Proteaceae- dislikes all fertilizer- but is easy to grow in unammended native soil. Graceful. Cold hardy.

Lomatia tinctoria Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Proteaceae

An elegant cold hardy evergreen shrub from Tasmania with unusual, finely dissected foliage and exotic flowers. To only 5' tall and not quite as wide "Guitar Plant" is best grown in full sun, well drained soil with no ammendments or fertilizer. One foot tall creamy white flowers appear from the tips of the branches in early summer. Rare, but has weathered 0ºF winters in the PNW with no harm. Proteaceous. Lovely fine textured shrub.

Lonicera nitida ‘Lemon Beauty’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Caprifoliaceae

Zippy, zappy variegated Box Honeysuckle that adds pizzaz to perennial or shrub borders. Small evergreen leaves outlined in lemon yellow with an interior of dark green. To 4' tall and as wide very quickly. Part shade to full sun in AVERAGE well drained soil. Can be pruned to any shape desired. Light tip pruning produces a denser plant that still has a graceful outline. Regular water in summer. Inconspicuous flowers.

Lonicera nitida ‘Twiggy’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Caprifoliaceae

Fantastic, slower growing, compact form of gold leaved Box Honeysuckle. Much, much slower than 'Baggesens Gold'. New stems emerge with tiny leaves that slowly grow larger. Full sun (but not reflected heat) to light shade in good soil with regular water during the summer. Excellent low clipped hedge. Space plants 2' apart. Very good evergreen for containers as well. Grows about 3" a year. YAY.

Xera Plants Introduction

Mahonia fortunei ‘Dan Hinkley’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF)

We’re proud to introduce this spectacular shrub for shade. The first plant- hopefully of many

that is named for this great plantsman. He gave us cuttings of this shrub from his collection

in the wild (China) and it has turned out to be a superlative plant. Finely divided leaves emerge

ruby red before settling to a glossy green. The thinly divided leaves are handsome and alluring

year round. Upright growing and forming a 4’ tall shrub spreading to 3’ wide in time it has

clusters of fragrant yellow flowers in early spring. Best adapted to high overhead shade

to shade in rich, well drained soil with adequate moisture. A stunning evergreen that should

find a place in every shade garden. We were pleased when it sailed through several nights of

temperatures below 10ºF with no damage. An excellent plant named for an excellent plantsman.

Mahonia gracilipes Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Berberidaceae

An excellent shrub that has proven to be very amenable to dry shade. We’ve been surprised where this shrub has thrived in the driest most brutal shade. To 3’ tall forming

multiple trunks this evergreen has deep green leaves on the top with an underside of pale powdery blue. In summer spikes of rose pink flowers appear from the tips. Best in shade

in regular soil that drains well with regular irrigation in summer.

Magnolia laevifolia Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Magnoliaceae

A wonderful evergreen shrub with rounded leaves that are deep green and backed with a brown indumentum which coats the stems as well. Conical growing to 10’ tall and half as wide in 8’ years. The flower buds are coated in brown fur as well and are formed in the previous year and are showy through the winter. They open to 6 petalled white very fragrant flowers in April and are profuse born along the lithe stems. Unlike other Magnolias they are not brittle and are not damaged in snow and ice bending easily. This undemanding and handsome shrub is at home in full sun as well as shade in well drained soil with regular irrigation though it is tolerant of dry conditions when established. There are other named forms of this shrub which we have found

to be not as hardy to cold. This form is cold hardy to at least 5ºF and has performed for the last

12 years with no damage from the coldest temperatures.

Microbiota dessucata Zn1a (-50º to -45ºF) Cupressaceae

An excellent conifer that is magical in winter when this low spreading groudcover reaches

its peak. Turning deep bronze purple the fine lacy arching foliage is studpendous. To only 30” tall

it spreads wide to 8’ in a short period of time. Striking as a bank cover for tough sites enduring

all different types of soil as long as it drains well. This conifer from Siberia is as hardy as a plant

can be to cold. Drought tolerant.

Muehlenbeckia astonii Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Rubiaceae

This amazing little shrub has become a favorite at our nursery. Much like the divaricating zig zag

branch pattern of Corokia cotoneaster this shrub has even more zig and zag. The twisting little

stems surround the shrub and build a perfectly round net of branches. Tiny paw shaped leaves

appear in summer in a swish of green. They quietly go away in winter but the shrub remains

charming. A netted shrub. Tiny cream flowers in summer go almost unnoticed. What is really

fantastic is this small shrub (To 3’ tall and rounded to 3’ wide in 5 years) is completely hardy

to cold. Surprising since its a New Zealand native. A piece of living sculpture with a soft

mein. Drought tolerant. For full sun to quite a bit of shade. Click here for larger photo.

Myrceugenia nannophylla Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Myrtaceae

Mostly appealing to the collector this cold hardy Myrtle is not only rare but makes a beautiful

columnar shrub with glossy green leaves. In late spring spikes of white flowers with a central

boss of longer stamens decorate the shrub from the branch tips. To 8’ tall and only 2’ tall

in 5 years. Regular water in rich, moisture retentive soil. Part shade is best. Rather than

the familiar camphor smell of the family this species had a fruity sent when the leaves

are crushed. Very pleasant. A good shrub for a tight space with a formal appearance. Native to

Chile.

Myrica californica Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Myricaceae

One of the most handsome and utilitarian of native evergreen shrubs Pacific Wax Myrtle isoften used as a screen but it can make a handsome small specimen tree as well. To 12’ tall in 10 years and as wide unless pruned. Glossy green leaves are handsome year round, especially in winter when they are most welcome. Inconspicuous flowers.Well drained soil with regular water for

good growth it will also accept completely dry conditions when established and retain its

good looks.

Myrsine africans Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Myrsinaceae

A superb evergreen foliage plant that has been grown sparingly in the PNW gardens for more than 40 years. Deep red stems with nearly round shiny, deep green leaves. Most often found as cut foliage for arrangements. Full sun to light shade in a protected location. Good with Rhododendrons. Foliage may temporarily be damaged by 15ºF or lower. Regular water in well drained soil. Handsome year round. To 4' tall and as wide in time.

Myrteola nummularifolia Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Myrtaceae

A delicate cold hardy creeping evergreen myrtle from the far tip of South America. Fine wiry stems and aromatic small leaves. Sparkling white flowers in Summer followed by beautiful pearl-like pink/white EDIBLE berries that persist through spring. Berries are quite a bit larger than the leaves ADORABLE! Light shade in rich humusy soil with regular summer water. To 6" tall and 3' wide. A self fertile myrtle. Self layers. Rare little gem. Good container subject.

Myrtus communis ‘Tarentina’ Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Myrtaceae

'Tarentina' is a form of Myrtle that is very hardy to cold- surviving 10ºF with only slight damage and recovering from much lower temperatures. Shiny small leaves are tightly arranged on a compact evergreen shrub to 3' tall and as wide. Full sun and well drained soil. Small but showy white flowers in summer followed by white berries. Deliciously aromatic foliage. Warm location with good air circulation. Little water in summer. Much hardier to cold if not irrigated during

the summer months. Grow it in tough conditions, its adapted to it.

Myrtus communis ‘ Compacta Variegata’ Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Myrtaceae

What a surprise this low attractive shrub has been. It has endured temperatures below 10º

with only superficial damage and recovered completely the following growing season. To 2’ tall

and spreading as wide the cream lined leaves are handsome at all times. In summer

small white flowers are fragrant and appear as small corsages. Full sun in average well drained soil with little water in summer.

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.