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Perennials

Dahlia ‘Bednall Beauty’ Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Asteraceae

'Bednall Beauty' is a compact Dahlia with lacy maroon leaves and semi-double flowers of velvet red. To only 2' tall it produces flowers on stems up to 6" long from August to October. Full sun in rich but well drained soil with regular water during summer. Mulch in the fall or lift after the first frost and store in a cool, dry location. Does not require staking and is useful for the front of a border or containers.

Dahlia ‘Fourncett’s Furnace’ Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Asteraceae

Vibrating electric single orange flowers that are unmatched in intensity in any ofther Dahlia. Large growing plant up to 5’ tall and 3’ wide. Grass green foliage. Great cut flower, forms long stems. Excellent color for exciting late season combinations. Full sun and rich soil with regular water.

Dahlia tenuicalis Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Astereaceae

There is nothing quite as impressive as a tree dahlia. The most commonly seen variety is D.imperialis that bursts out of the ground with bamboo-like canes and rises to 18’ feet each year. The only drawback is that it seldom receives enought time and/or heat in the growing season to bloom. D.tenuicaulis is not (quite) so large to 14’, but it does have time to bloom. Single magenta/lavender flowers appear in mid-August to frost. Impressive perennial for large places. Clump will eventually widen to 3’ across. Full sun and RICH soil with regular summer irrigation. Mulch in fall (especially the first year) for added protection.

Dahlia ‘Xera’s Dark Leaf Mix’ Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Asteraceae

This is our own strain of dark leaved Dahlias in varying colors and leaf shapes.

Full sun and regular water. To 20" tall. Great for cutting. Mulch in the winter, well drained, rich soil improves winter hardiness. Containers, window boxes, borders. Protect Dahlias from slugs- especially when they first emerge in spring. Water, feed, LOVE. Stake it if that what it takes.

Datura wrightii ‘High Altitude Form’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Asteraceae

A high altitude form of the common "Locoweed" with profuse large flowers that

are extremely fragrant at night and are flared to 8" long, they emerage in bud an eerie gray/parchment color then fade to white with a lavender tip. Very handsome gray foliage on this spreading perennial to 4' wide and 2' tall. Full sun, well drained soil, in a very warm spot. Magnificent. Toxic. Good drainage is they key..isn't it always.

Dianthus ‘Chomley Ferran’ Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Caryophyllaceae

What in CARNATION? This is an amazing Dianthus with Carnation-like proportions and insane flowers that are fully double colored gray/silver with irregular streaks of hot pink. Looks like Italian design, actually it was found in a garden. Large foliage and stems to 26". Fantastic cutflower. Full sun and good, well drained soil. Excellent with Maroon foliaged plants. Flowers are fragrant.- Blooms May-July.

Dianthus ‘Dainty Dame’ Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Caryophyllaceae

Dianthus, famous for their fragrant flowers, are often overlooked for handsome evergreen foliage. This perennial has both. April until June very clean looking single 1" white flowers with a center of dark burgundy on 10" stems. Intense clove fragrance. Remove spent flowers for MORE! Full sun, well drained soil, occasional water. Excellent evergreen landscape plant- stunning with blue-leaved Hebes, purple leaved Berberis.

Dianthus ‘Charles Musgrave’ Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Caryophyllaceae

A gorgeous flower that is utter simplicity itself this very old garden pink is a must for a green flower border. White flowers that are powerfully scented of cloves have a center of light green. Petals are slightly “pinked’- from which this word is derived. No there is no pink in this pink, its just that the petals are PINKED. Spreading to form handsome mates

of blue foliage. Flowers rise to 20” tall over an 2’ wide mat of leaves. Full sun to very light

shade in fast draining soil. Hillsides, near old roses.

Dianthus petreus var. noeanus Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Caryophyllaceae

Intricate, frilly and powerfully fragrant the pure white flowers of this species pink are a delight.

Forming tight colonies of fine deep green foliage it spreads slowly to form a clump up to 1’ wide.

Flowers appear from late May to July on wiry stems to 10” tall. Pure white snowflakes powerfully scented of cloves they make wonderful small cut flowers. Excellent in rock garden conditions as

well as the front of a low border. This species spreads very slowly but is easy and long lived in rich fast draining soils in full sun.

Dianthus subicaulis Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Caryophyllaceae

A wonderful wild species of pink collected in the Pyrenees that forms tight colonies with copious

single fragrant pink flowers in April and May. Foliage is a dense mossy mound on this easy to grow

perennial that appreciates rock garden conditions. Full sun and well drained soil with occasional

irrigation in summer.

Diascia ‘Blue Bonnet’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Scrophulariaceae

Blue is one way to describe the color of this flower, but ethereal might be more appropriate. Chalk pink flowers open and then slowly change to a ghostly blue

at the edges. To 18" tall and spreading (or trailing) for full sun to very light shade

with regular water and rich well drained soil. Works well with the blue leaves of Dianthus. This Diascia has been a very sturdy long lived perennial for us.

Dicentra spectabilis ‘Gold Heart’ Zn4a (-30º to -25ºF) Fumariaceae

Absolutely nothing cheers up a Northwest garden more in spring than gold foliage. This striking form of traditional Bleeding Heart or Lady in a Bath rises bright out of the ground and remains that way combined with the showy dangling pink and white flowers. Part shade to shade in rich soil. May go summer dormant in drier situations. Water regularly for the first several years. Long lived perennial.

To 20" tall and wide.

Pacific Northwest Native Plant

Dicentra formosa ‘Langtrees’ Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Fumariaceae

This is a stunning form of our native Bleeding Heart that has leaves that are dramatically fine and

blue gray and an amazingly long season of pendant white flowers. Strong stems support the nodding blooms which appear continuously from late spring to frost.. Established plants are tolerant of very

dry conditions. Amenable to both sun (with regular water) to part shade it will perform wonderfully

in either conditions. Spreads to form colonies quickly to 20” tall and 3’ wide in time. This is an

excellent, tough and dependable perennial.

Dicliptera suberecta Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Acanthaceae

An interesting perennial from Uruguay and Argentina that has fleshy leaves and stems covered with silver hairs which is a great foil to the bright orange

tubular flowers which appear in June to frost. Full sun in rich, well drained soil- appreciates water (the good stuff). To 20" tall and dying to the ground during winter. Good container plant. Returns late in the season- May. Warm location. Hummer happiness. Hardy.

Dierama igneum Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Iridaceae

A great species Dierama that is one of the best for mild parts of the PNW.To 30" tall it forms a strong clump and in May-July sends up its wiry wands of lavender budded- lavender/pink flowers to 3' tall. They arch and sway in the slightest breeze. Full sun and rich, well drained soil. A long lived perennial that dislikes competition from other plants. May be deciduous in the coldest winters, returning in spring.

Dierama luteoalbidum Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Iridaceae

The 'Yellow Harebell' or yellow flowered Dierama is one of the most graceful species. Late June and July arching 24" wiry stems appear with pendant light yellow flowers. For full sun in a warm position with rich, but very well drained soil. Don't let other perennials crowd it. Semi-deciduous in winter, expect about half the leaves to disappear- they will return in spring. Conspicuous grass-green leaves.

Dierama pauciflorum Zn6a (-10º to -5ºF) Iridaceae

A very cold hardy and tough Dierama with foliage that only rises to about 1' tall

and spreads to form grassy evergreen clumps. In June large magenta outfacing

bells appear on wiry stems to about 14" tall. Full sun and well drained soil with occasional deep soaks in summer. Good in rock gardens. Dieramas are happiest

with little competition from other plants. This one is easy to grow.

Xera Plants Introduction

Dierama pulcherrimum ‘Magenta Giant’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Iridaceae

A seed selection of Angel's Fishing Rod that begins blooming in late May and

early June-continues for about a month. Very tall growing to 8' in bloom from a clump of leaves to 4' tall. Lurid magenta flowers. Full sun and well drained soil with little competition from other plants. Water to establish the first season and then during the bloom period so the flowers last longer. Excellent hardiness to cold. Tidy the leaves in spring BEFORE you see flower spikes. The easiest and most dramatic Dierama for gardens. We propagate this variety by division.

Dierama ‘Xera’s Darkest Purple’ Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Iridaceae

Seedlings from our very dark purple Angel's Fishing Rod. Bluish green leaves are semi-evergreen. To 3' tall with arching "wands" of dark burgundy purple flowers in mid June to July. Flowers dip and sway in the lightest breeze. Cut back damaged leaves in early spring. Full sun and well drained soil. Little competition from other plants. Dieramas prefer sun all day long (from every direction) to do their best.

Dierama trichorhizum Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Iridaceae

A relatively small species of Dierama with delicate silver/lavender flowers on

spikes that rise to only 2' tall. Blooms in June and July. Clump forming- semi-deciduous for full sun and very well drained soil. Great in rock gardens as it will not become so big that it will overwhelm other plants. As with other Dierama they dislike disturbance or competition around their roots. Regular water. Semi-deciduous and hardy to cold.

Xera Plants Introduction

Digitalis ‘Honey Trumpet’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Scrophulariaceae

On a sunny afternoon in late spring, some busy honeybees bounced between two different species of Digitalis in our nursery. They are both perennial and the hybrid that they formed is a GREAT plant that repeatedly sends up multiple spikes of amber/honey colored bells from June until frost. Full sun to light shade and regular water in rich well-drained soil. Forms multiple handsome shiny green rosettes. Flower spikes to 2' tall x 2' wide.

Digitalis dubia Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Scrophulariaceae

A darling little foxglove from Spain with elliptical furry leaves and a spike of light pink flowers that rise to a petite 1’ tall. Best in full sun, infact, it isn’t so good in shade and

prefers full sun and well drained soil. Good adaptation to surprisingly hot locations.

A true perennial that lives for approximately 4 years and reseeds reliably.

Digitalis obscura Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Scrophulariaceae

A shrubby Foxglove from S. Spain with thick blue green leaves and forming a clump of multiple trunks with sports 20" spikes of rust, orange-brown flowers in Summer. Full sun and well drained soil but good soil. Tolerant of drought when established. Cut back in early spring if the plant needs to be refreshed. Lovely on a dry hillside or in a grave garden. Combines well with Lavenders and Cistus. Amazing flower color.

Digitalis purp. ssp. Heywoodii Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Scrophulariaceae

Fantastic form of the common foxglove with leaves that are more strikingly covered in white fur. Flower spikes rise to 30” tall - they are primrose yellow and delicately borne on one side of the scape. Full sun to light shade in rich soil. Tolerates some clay. Best with summer irrigation. Short lived perennial.

Disporopsis pernyi Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Lilaceae

EVERGREEN! DRY SHADE! Fantastic understated woodland perennial also known as Asian Fairy Bells that is good looking year round and has delicate cream colored pendulous flowers in late spring. To 16" tall and slowly forming colonies in well drained soil in dry shade. Adaptable to regular irrigation as well. Protect from slugs. Colonies to 2' wide in 5 years. Always looks good, and tough,

you know it. Organic fertilizer in early spring.

Disporum cantoniense ‘Night Heron’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Scrophulariaceae

A fantastic perennial that emerges from the ground in great Asparagus-like culms. To 4’ tall and forming cascading clump with 1/2 creamy white bells. May be cut back in winter to expose the dramatic emerging stems, otherwise, an evergreen perennial. Woodland conditions in rich humusy soil with regular summer irrigation. Protect from slugs. Beautiful perennial.

PNW Native Plant

Dodecatheon hendersonii Zn6a (-10º to -5ºF) Primulaceae

One of our most beloved spring wildflowers Shooting Stars are found growing beneath oaks

in Western Oregon and Washington. In april 14” stems support the adorable nodding purple flowers

Each flower if turned right side up appears like an elegantly decorated micro-miniature cake- the

stamens protruding like a giant candle. Part shade in many types of soil that becomes dry in

summer. The whole plant goes dormant and quietly disappears in June- resting through the long

hot summer. It will eventually form colonies if there is little competition. It is native to incredibly

thick clay- though in cultivation it seems to prefer lighter enriched soils.

Dorycnium hirsutum ‘prostratum’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Papillionaceae

A wonderful form of the soft and silvery Canary Clover. An evergreen shrub to 10” tall and up to 30” wide. Creamy white parrot’s beak flowers in axillary umbels. Flowers mostly appear on wood from the previous year. May be cut back hard AFTER flowering. Full sun and well drained soil. Great companion for Lavender on hillsides. Easy to grow.

Dracocephalum austriacum ‘Fuji Blue’ Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Lamiaceae

Very sharp looking perennial that is a great companion for the previously mentioned Dorycnium hirsutum. A clump forming plant that sports silvery blue “dragonhead” flowers on 14” spikes. Flowers appear for a very long time from late May to late July. Reminiscent of a Penstemon, with which it could easily be confused. Completely deciduous in winter. Full sun and well drained soil. Stunning companion with white flowered lavender and

Digitalis laevigatus ‘White’.

Dryopteris e. ‘Brilliance’ Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Dryopteraceae

Autumn fern is an indispensable evergreen fern for shady locations. Glossy fan shaped leaves

emerge brilliant orange and tan before changing to deep green. Tough stems and leaves reach to

30” tall forming a clump as wide in time. Rich well drained soil with ample moisture during the

growing season in part shade to shade. Not bothered by deer. The old leaves of this plant

may be removed in spring to make way for the brilliant new foliage.

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.