Shrubs_O-Q 09

Shrubs

Osmanthus h. ‘Rotundifolius’ with Erica

Olearia x haastii Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Asteraceae

A very dapper evergreen shrub with small olive green leaves and a pleasant tan colored indumentum beneath each leaf. In summer this spreading plant produces clusters of FRAGRANTsmall white daisies. To 5' tall and as wide for full sun and well drained soil. Drought tolerant when established. Hardiest Olearia to cold, undamaged at 5ºF. Tolerant of some salt spray. Good for deer prone areas. Tip prune in late summer to shape. A favorite shrub of Gertrude Jekyll.

Olearia moschata Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Asteraceae

A cold hardy Olearia (Daisy Bush) from New Zealand with excellent evergray foliage that looks amazing year round. Moderate growing shrub to 5' tall and as wide with undulated leaves that are silver on top and white underneath, white stems too. In June-July small white daisies. Full sun and well drained soil-drought tolerant when established. Very pretty with Lavender and Cistus. Not bothered by deer. Great foliage plant.

Olearia x ‘Dartonii Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Asteraceae

After wondering about the cold-hardiness of this shrub last winter provided the results.

At 11ºF it was undamaged, a great thing because it is a beautiful and immensely graceful

Olearia. Fine willow-esque leaves are silver on top and downy gray beneath on a spreading

shrub to 5’ tall and as wide in 3 years. Easy to grow in full sun to very light shade in well drained soil. Very tolerant of dry conditions when established. In winter the foliage takes on hints of

maroon. Small flowers are inconspicuous whte daisies.

Olearia solandri Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Asteraceae

A very wild looking New Zealand shrub that is evergreen- or everolivegreen that grows quickly to 6' tall and as wide. In summer clouds of fragrant small white daisies smother the already dainty foliage. Full sun and well drained soil in a warm position. Very tolerant of drought when established. Better in unammended soil. Combine with Arctostaphylos, Cistus and Ceanothus. Makes a good, wild texture. Useful where deer are a problem.

Osmanthus x burkwoodii Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Oleaceae

Handsome broad-leaved evergreen in the Olive family. Moderate growing shrub with deep green leaves and in April profuse white fragrant flowers. Impervious to cold in our climate and tolerant of drought when established. To 8' and as wide in as many years. Prune after blooming has ended. Blooms on the previous seasons wood. A nice limbed up small tree or hedge, no disease, always looks good.(Formerly Osmarea x burkwoodii).

Osmanthus delavayi Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Oleaceae

Serrated deep dark evergreen leaves like a small holly and profuse FRAGRANT white flowers in April make this tough and handsome shrub a great garden favorite. Dome shaped to 5' tall and wide in as many years. Full sun to part shade with regular summer water-none when established, very drought tolerant. Excellent hedge. Blooms on year old wood, prune after flowering. Very good in clay soil, but not boggy. Everhandsome.

Osmanthus heterophyllus ‘Fastigiata’ Zn6a (-10º to -5ºF) Oleaceae

Quite possibly one of the best screening plants for our climate. This fastigiate (upright) form of Tea Olive is a wonderful evergreen to 10' tall but only 2' wide! Full sun to light shade, NO DISEASE, tolerates drought when established and is extremely hardy to cold. Fragrant white flowers in Oct/Nov. Takes subfreezing wind and growth remains tight-unperturbed by snow or Ice. Nice specimen, looks good year round. Grows about 1' a year.

Osmanthus heterophyllus ‘Gulftide’ Zn6a (-10º to -5ºF) Oleaceae

An old selection of Osmanthus that has superior hardiness to cold but also has a compact

habit. Glossy green leaves are deeply toothed and holly-like when young but change

to entire as the shrub ages. To 7’ tall and as wide in 5 years. Tolerates clay soil and drought when established. Deliciously fragrant small white flowers appear September -November. Not showy but the fragrance carries for yards. Prune in winter or early spring.

Osmanthus heterophyllus ‘Purpureus’ Zn6a (-10º to -5ºF) Oleaceae

A dramatic and even more cold hardy selection of Holly Tea Olive. New growth emerges deep purple on this incredibly tough evergreen. Related to Lilacs and Jasmine it produces deliciously fragrant small white flowers in the Fall. Not damaged by our most extreme winters. To 8' tall and as wide. Perfect screen to buffer cold winds. Full sun to part shade. Drought tolerant after several years. Prune in early spring, flowers on old wood.

Osmanthus heterophyllus ‘Rotundifolius’ Zn6a (-10º to -5ºF) Oleaceae

A fascinating and handsome selection of the cold hardy Holly Tea Olive. Thick, almost rectangular leaves are glossy and good looking year round. Compact growth to 4' tall and as wide. Prune in early spring. Full sun to part shade. Drought tolerant when established. Occasional summer water. Well drained soil, adaptable to clay. Small, fragrant white flowers in fall. Pretty specimen or hedge plant. Great shrub that always looks good. Click here for a larger photograph.

Osmanthus heterophyllus ‘Sasaba’ Zn6b (-5º to 0ºF) Oleaceae

Razor sharp leaves with a glossy sheen are sharply pointed on this slow grow extraordinary

evergreen. To only 3’ tall in 5 years it creates a living piece of sculpture. Older plants

display powerfully fragrant white flowers in October and November. Very hardy to cold this makes

a wonderful specimen. It combines well with dwarf conifers for a satisfying long appealing effect.

Well drained soi with average amounts of water in summer.

Osmanthus x fortunei ‘San Jose’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Oleaceae

Small evergreen tree with some of the most fragrant flowers in the vegetable kingdom. Tea Olive looks like holly, however in Fall, small flowers powerfully scented of freesia appear for two months. To 15' tall, excellent screening plant. Prune in spring to keep it smaller. The powerful fragrance carries for dozens of feet and can scent a whole garden. Full sun to shade with regular water. Drought tolerant when established. Grows quickly.

Osmanthus ‘Jim Porter’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Oleaceae

A really good looking and striking evergreen shrub with large leaves that are glossy with edges

that have pronounced spines. Each leaf is 3” long and held opposite the other with a symmetry

that adds to the appeal. Neat growing and upright to 8’ tall and 4’ wide in 5 years. In fall small but

powerfully fragrant flowers appear in the leaf axils on wood from the previous year. A handsome

evergreen for a screen or specimen. Cold hardy and drought tolerant when established.

Fast growing for a Tea Olive.

Ozothamnus coralloides Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Asteraceae

A striking and unusual small shrub that has silvery scales in place of leaves on rounded stems

that are more reminiscent of a rush. Each small scale that clasps the stem is outlined in down

white fur making symmetrical patterns. A rounded shrub in the daisy family that appreciates

well drained soil in full sun with light water when established. Flowers are creamy white buttons

that appear in mid-summer- though it rarely blooms. This is an exotic and excellent foliage

plant from New Zealand.

Ozothamnus ‘County Park Silver’ Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Asteraceae

As low as you can possibly grow this small shrub hugs the ground with stunning silver stems

clad in silver scales. To only 1” tall it will spread out in a perfect circle to a dense mound 1’ in

diameter. Full sun and very well drained soil this small but showy foliage shrub is most at home

in rock garden conditions. It also works well in containers with other small plants. Occasional

light water in summer. Ours have never bloomed- we’d like to see what the flowers are like.

New Zealand.

Ozothamnus rosmarinifolia ‘Silver Jubilee’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Asteraceae

One of our favorite small shrubs for foliage and presence. Nearly white stems are clad with

small silver leaves for outstanding contrast. In late Spring madder red flower buds add

more contrast and slowly open to small white flowers. To 3’ tall and as wide in 5 years.

Average well drained soil with only occasional supplemental irrigation. Very tolerant of

dry conditions in full, hot sun. Wonderful with Lavenders, Rosemary or in a perennial

border.

Ozothamnus ‘Sussex Silver’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Asteraceae

A beautiful English selection of a New Zealand native shrub. Fast growing evergray plant with cool cord-like stems coated in fine white and a great accent to the small silver leaves. Small white flowers in summer. Best in well draining soil and requires little water in full sun. To 6' tall and as wide in 3 years. Hardier to cold in poorer soils. Natural looking large border plant for slopes with Buplerum fruticosum and ornamental grasses, if you so desire.

Philadelphus maderense Zn6a (-10º to -5ºF) Philadelphaceae

Something of a mystery this Mock Orange was given to us by friends and we have been able

to find much information about it aside what we have observed. Fine stems are lined with tiny

green leaves and in June-July small but POWERFULLY fragrant white flowers with an interior

of raspberry appear. They are intensely fragrant of grape soda- piercingly sweet and the fragrance

carries for many feet. To 4’ tall and only 2’ wide in 5 years this small drought tolerant deciduous

shrub is excellent for small spaces. Full sun and regular water during the growing season.

Rare and choice.

Xera Plants Introduction Western Native Plant

Philadelphus microphyllus ‘Charles Price’ Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Philadelphaceae

This seedling Philadelphus x microphyllus was given to us by our good friends and master designers

Withey and Price of Seattle. Charles saved this superior seedling from a redesign and shared it with

us. It has turned out to be fantastic mock Orange- though that name might be a little misleading. Upright growing to a vase shape to 6’ tall and 3’ wide in 5 years. Incredibly silver small leaves are

good looking through the season. In June and July masses of pristine white flowers have the powerful

fragrance of grape bubble gum- or grape soda-(There is some disagreement on the exact flavor amongst our employees but we’ve at least settled on the grape part.). Drought tolerant when established. Full sun to very light shade in most soils. Fall color is yellow. Blooms on wood

from the previous year- prune AFTER flowering if needed.

Phillyrea angustifolia Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Oleaceae

Beautiful fine leaved evergreen shrub native to the mediterranean and closely related to the Tea Olive (Osmanthus)and true Olive (Olea). To 8' tall and 6' wide this willowy shrub is a great backdrop in a border or perennial bed. Demure but very fragrant white flowers appear in March/April. Tolerates drought and many types of soil including clay. Full sun to light shade. Very pretty limbed up as a small garden tree. France, Italy, Spain.

Pittosporum heterophyllum Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Pittosporaceae

This glossy evergreen Pittsoporum from China has been one of the most successful species of the genus in the PNW. To 15' over time- but possible to prune it much lower, it bedecks itself in small white flowers in late spring with the intense fragrance of Orange Blossoms. Full sun to light shade and regular soil and water. Prune after flowering. Great screen for a hot sunny location. Open informal habit. Syn. P. glabratum.

Pittosporum illicioides Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Pittosporaceae

This is an exceptional evergreen shrub that is cold hardy and drought tolerant as well. Each arching

deep green leaf is only 1/4” wide but 4” long. The spidery affect gives this shrub a graceful loose

textured appeal. In the ground at our nursery it has grown wonderfully well in part shade in heavy

clay soil that is completely dry in summer. It endured two nights of 7ºF with no hint of damaged.

This chinese shrub bears small fragrant green/white flowers from the tips in June and July. Large

specimens are at home in full sun to overhead shade in rich, well drained soil. To 6’ tall and 6’ wide

in 5 years. A regal and graceful evergreen shrub.

Pittosporum tobira ‘Tall and Tough’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Pittsoporaceae

A selection of Japanese Pittosporum that was made from the northern extent of its natural range in Asia that is fully ONE ZONE HARDIER. 'Tall & Tough' has weathered temperatures down to 0ºF with nary a scratch. Deep green handsome evergreen foliage is superior to others in the trade.f In May/June profuse creamy white small flowers with a powerful orange blossom fragrance. Full sun to part shade with only occasional water. To 8' tall x 6' wide. Soil that is not boggy. Very drought tolerant

when established.

Podocarpus alpinus ‘Red Tips’ Zn6b (-5º to 0ºF) Podocarpaceae

An excellent new variety of Alpine Totara with new growth that emerges vivid red

before turning to a deep forest green. Dense growing to 8’ tall by 6’ wide in 5 years.

Works well as a large specimen, screen or hedge. Full sun to light shade in well drained soil.

Appreciates summer water but it will do without it.

Podocarpus macrophyllus Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Podocarpaceae

A small tree or large shrub that is a classic conifer in asian gardens and mild climates. To 15' tall and 6' wide in our climate. Great fomal look clipped against a wall in an entry way. Free standing trees have an informal conical structure. Full sun to part shade with regular water. Tolerant of drought when established. Neat and clean year round. Larger trees develop attractive gnarled bark. Well drained soil. AKA Japanese Yew Pine.

Podocarpus macrophyllus ‘Maki’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Podocarpaceae

A fantastic smaller, and compact form of this species with shorter denser needles and habit overall.

The deep green needles are more finely clustered around the stem giving a more substantial appearance. To only 6’ tall and 4’ wide in 5 years- it remains handsome and compact for years. This

variety endures temperatures to 0ºF with light damage. Excellent in shade to full sun in well drained

soil. A very formal appearance it is ideal for a japanese themed garden. Great in containers.

Best with regular irrigation in summer. Established plants are drought tolerant.

Podocarpus salignus Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Podocarpaceae

A rare small tree that has been hardy down to 7ºF and forms a wonderful specimen. Thin needles

arch prettily from the stems with a distinct willowy texture. Moderate growing to 8’ tall and 5’ wide

in 5 years. Full sun to part shade in rich, well drained soil. Tolerant of summer water. Native to

Chile.

Prostanthera cuneata Zn7b (0º to 5ºF) Lamiaceae

Alpine Mint Shrub from Australia is a dapper, tight mounding, evergreen shrub with small glossy leaves. Profuse 1" white flowers (much larger than the foliage) are tubular w/ an interior dotted w/ purple appear May-July. Aromatic foliage has a scent reminiscent of douglas fir or? Full sun, well drained soil- little water. Excellent looking year round- this Mint shrub has endured 0ºF in the PNW w/ no damage. To 2' tall and 3’ wide and very dense. This shrub has a great future in our climate.

Click her for a full sized photo.

Pseudopanax ferox Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Araliaceae

Is it a plant or a reptile? Its a tree! Pseudopanax ferox from New Zealand evolved its juvenile foliage to blend in like camoflauge to avoid the browse of predators. When it is about 12' tall adult leaves emerge palmate and green. Slow growing to 20' tall. Full sun to light shade. Insane container plant. Move in to a protected location if a big freeze threatens. (Below 15ºF.) Regular water, average soil.

Click for a larger photo.

Punica granatum ‘Grenada’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Punicaceae

This pomegranate is especially happy in the milder summers of the Pacific Northwest. A strong growing upright to vase shaped shrub to 8’ tall and 6’ wide in 5 years. In July and August intense

orange/red single flowers appear en masse. They are often followed by large Pomegranates- that

may actually ripen in a hot and protected location. This selection reputedly requires the least amount

of heat and is the earliest fruiting variety- useful to experiment with in our climate. Ideally it could be espaliered against a south facing wall for the best results. So far it has been perfectly hardy to cold below 10º in a container at our nursery. Fall color is a clear bright yellow. Worth growing for the

vivid flowers alone.

Punica granatum ‘Yellow Flowered’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Punicaceae

The unusual Yellow Flowered form of Pomegranate is a beautiful garden shrub. Fully double soft yellow flowers appear from June to August. In late September vivid bright yellow fall color that holds before the leaves fall. Full sun and well drained soil. Extremely tolerant of drought when established. Vase-shaped shrub to 8' tall. Blooms on one year old wood and occasionally on new wood, prune after flowering. Leafs out late, May.

Punica granatum ‘Nana’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Punicaeae

The dwarf form of Pomegranate is an exceptional and showy shrub for vivid summer flowers. Smaller in all of its parts than the species this compact rounded shrub grows to 4’ tall and as wide in 5 years.

From Mid-summer to fall vivid papery orange flowers appear and are followed by small ornamental

Pomegranates. Deciduous- fall color is bright yellow. Completely tolerant of drought in summer for full sun and well drained soil. Irrigation will speed growth.

Pyracantha fortuneana ‘Graberi’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Rosaceae

Best Firethorn for our climate P. graberi has glossy deep green leaves and reliable large clusters of true RED berries. Fast growing evergreen shrub to 8' x 10' that can take blasting hot locations as well as light shade. Summer clusters of parchment white flowers are followed by vivid red clusters of berries that hold until spring. Excellent trained flat against a wall. Prune in early spring. Low water. Train to any shape, size. Wonderful winter plant.

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.