Acaena inermis ‘Purpurea’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Rosaceae
A fantastic small scale evergreen groundcover with leaves shaded deep purple/red. . To only 3" tall and forming small patches to 1' across in full sun to light shade in rich well drained soil. Regular water in summer. Less aggressive than other New Zealand Burrs. Great in winter containers. Extremely pretty planted under Carex testacea. Bold color on a small plant that makes an impact from far away. Great mixed with gold foliaged plants.
Acanthus hungaricus Zn6a (-10º to -5ºF) Acanthaceae
Hungarian Acanthus is a deciduous species that is hardier to cold and has much finer, more divided leaves. Quickly forming large patches in shade to part shade it competes well with greedy tree roots and even copes with a bit of drought. Water occasionally
in summer. In July and August bold, architectural white flower spikes. Leaves 3' tall and as wide with a flower spike to 4' tall. Spreads slowly by the root, a very permanent plant.
Completely deciduous in winter, plan for that. Easy to grow and accepts an enormous
variety of conditions. This perennial will live a nearly infinite amount of time with little care.
Forms large patches in 5-10 years. Protect from slugs when young growth emerges in spring.
Acanthus mollis ‘Hollard’s Gold’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Acanthaceae
Bold perennial with a golden twist. Famed in Ancient Greek architecture, the leaves of this selection are even more dramatic. Large lobed leaves on a spreading evergreen perennial with 3' tall white/ light purple flowers, late spring and early summer. Dappled shade protected from hot sun for the best leaf color. Summer water in well drained soil. Very permanent, forms 4' patches. Resprouts from roots if moved. Protect from Slugs.
NEW!
Acanthus mollis ‘Tasmanian Angel’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Acanthaceae
Wow, a beautifully variegated Acanthus, the first of its kind. Classic leaves are splashed and then mostly outlined in pure white. A GOOD vareigation that works, enhances the leaves, does not distract or look diseased. Nice job Tasman people. To 3’ tall and as wide in several years. Evergreen in winter unless the temperature drops below 18º, then it returns with warm weather. Permanent as all Acanthus are in our climate and appreciative of rich well drained soil in part shade. Flower spikes to 3’ tall are SOFT PINK and gorgeous. Extreme summer drought causes plants to go deciduous. PROTECT from slugs and snails, leaves are too gorgeous to be marred. We REALLY like this plant.
Acanthus syriacus Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Acanthaceae
A spectacular Bear's Breeches with exquisite fine leaves and in summer 2' tall, 5" wide huge chalice-like blooms. Light yellow and lavender flowers appear in June-July. Full sun in well drained good soil. Occasional summer water though tolerant of drought. The flowers are like no other and the plant should be sited in a forward or conspicuous position. Deciduous in winter. Good looking leaves all season. Give it room to spread.
Agapanthus x ‘Headbourne Hybrids’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Alliaceae
A strain of cold hardy Agapanthus that were developed in England by crossing the cold hardiest deciduous species. Long lived clump forming perennials that relish full hot sun and Rich well amended soil with regular water during the dry summer. 30" spikes of deep to light blue flowers in June to July. Nice cutflower and very good with Daylillies and hardy Geraniums. Disappears completely in winter. LOVES rich soil.
Agapanthus orientalis ‘Peter Pan’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Alliaceae
'Peter Pan' is one of the most reliable Agapanthus for this climate producing its 18" spikes of light blue flowers from June until early autumn. Clumping to about 20" wide, it is semi-evergreen and blooms better as it gets older. Best in full sun, rich soil and regular water. Combines well with Day lillies, and Phygelius 'Moonraker'.
Agapanthus x ‘White Profusion ‘ Zn6b (-5º to 0ºF) Alliaceae
A small deciduous Agapanthus that sends out copious spikes of white flowers from June to July. The best of the deciduous white agapanthus. To only 20" in bloom and forming slowly spreading clumps. Appreciates RICH soil that is well drained and regular water in summer. Combines well with blue Salvias and gray foliaged plants. Ultra-cold hardy and long lived.
Agapanthus x ‘Stripes’ Zn6b (-5º to 0ºF) Alliaceae
Absolutely cool Agapanthus selection with light blue flowers accented with darker stripes, subtle but instant love. The affect from a distance is a good Cambridge Blue. Long lived and hardy to cold this perennial can provide aesthetic relief in large groups of mid-summer blooming yellow day-lillies- even (gasp) the much overplanted and harsh H. ‘Stella d’ Oro’- god (whichever god) help us all. Great plant, I have it in my garden with Light yellow flowered Knifphia ‘Candlelight’ and deep blue and hardy Salvia ‘Nuevo Leon’.Mix and match at your leisure. regular summer water in RICH soil.
Agapanthus x ‘Summer Nights’ Zn6b (-5º to 0ºF) Alliaceae
A northwest raised cold hardy selection with deciduous leaves and the most intense deep blue flower spikes to 20" tall in June and July. Full sun, well drained soil and regular water. Deciduous Agapanthus (REALLY) appreciate good soil. Combine with other perennials for love, joy. This is the best true deep blue Agapanthus for our region. Best with regular summer irrigation and annual applications of organic fertilizr. Has been a long lived, long term performer in landscapes from Vancouver, BC to Roseburg , Oregon. Selected for intense deep blue flower color combined with excellent hardiness to cold.
Agapanthus campanulatus Zn6b (-5º to 0ºF) Alliaceae
"Bell Agapanthus" is a cold hardy, deciduous species from high elevations in South Africa. In July and August 30" spikes of deep blue flowers rise from the handsome green foliage. Full sun and RICH well drained soil with occasional water insummer. Completely deciduous in winter (like a Hosta). Great with Day lillies and Croscosmia. Long lived and more flowers appear each year as the clump expands.
Agapanthus x ‘Mood Indigo’ Zn6b (-5 to 0ºF) Alliaceae
A cold hardy Agapanthus with amazing flowers. Deep violet blue/black flowers born on 2' stems from late July to Sept. Individual flowers droop adding a dramatic effect. Full sun to light shade in rich soil (Deciduous Agapanthus love rich soil, compost etc.) with regular summer water- but not soggy in winter. Flowering stems to 2' tall and forming a clump 2' wide. Long lived and cold hardy. Loses leaves in winter. Long lived perennial.
Agastache ‘Apricot Sprite’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Lamiaceae
Fantastic flowering hyssop with a compact habit, and prolific sprays of vivid orange/apricot flowers produced continuously from late spring to early autumn. To only 20" tall and as wide. Best in full hot sun and average to rich well drained soil. Good drainage is key to assist in winter hardiness. Gray green leaves are powerfully aromatic when crushed. Appreciates full open position with good air circulation. Tolerant of drought when established, occasional water aids blooming. Nice in containers.
Xera Plants Introduction 2001
Agastache x ‘Coral Moon’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Lamiaceae
A lovely perennial flowering Hyssop with delicious saturated coral colored flowers. To 28" tall and forming a clump to a foot across. Blooms continuously from June until frost- flower spikes get larger and more showy with time. Remove spent flowers to encourage more. Excellent combined with the purple-blue flowers of Penstemon 'Margarita BOP'. Occasional summer water in rich well drained soil. Good in containers.
Xera Plants Introduction 2005
Agastache ‘Mandarin Dreams’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Lamiaceae
For dreams of a REALLY orange Agastache, with flowers the color of a Mandarin Orange this new compact variety is just what we've been looking for. Copious amounts of glowing orange flowers top a plant with aromatic foliage. To 14" tall and as wide, flowers appear from early June to frost. Full hot sun and well drained soil, with only occasional summer water. Good container plant- takes reflected heat well. Hummingbirds love it.
Xera Plants Introduction 2002
Agastache x ‘Shaniko’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Lamiaceae
A very pretty flowering Hyssop with pale-ghostly melon flowers held by dark red calyxes. To 20" tall and forming a clump. Full sun and well drained soil. Cut back hard in early spring. Occasional summer water. Blooms late May through summer. A very airy texture and good in containers where you can brush the aromatic foliage.Combines well with deep blue Agapanthus and Salvia x 'Playa Rosa'.
Alstromeria x ‘Butterscotch’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Lilaceae
A non-invasive garden hybrid Peruvian Lily of the beautiful color. Butterscotch flowers with throats intricately hatched with dark brown. Forms a clump to 18" and as tall in bloom. Pull, do not cut Alstroemerias for cutflowers- for which they last weeks. Full sun and rich well drained soil with LOTS of organic feritilizer. Winter deciduous, protect from slugs. Blooms appear June to frost. Alstroemerias are unexceeded as long lasting cut flowers. Pull them from the base rather than cutting them, its better for the plant.
Alstromeria psittacina ‘Vareigata’ Zn 7a (0º to 5º) Lilaceae
A wonderful perennial for part shade with delicate leaves edged with streaks of white and in mid summer dramatic deep red flowers also edged in white and with purple streaks. To 30" and spreading, but never becoming a pest. Rich garden soil with regular water. Great cutflower that should never be cut, but rather pulled from the base of the plant. Cutting the stems leaves them vulnerable. Elegant.
Anthriscus ‘Ravenswing’ Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Apiaceae
The beautiful dark fillagree leaves of this biennial make it one of the most dramatic for a lightly shaded border. In early June umbels of white flowers appear as great contrast. Full sun to light shade with regular water and rich soil. Too much shade results in green leaves. Reseeds, and dark seedlings may be easily moved or potted on. Deciduous. To 2' tall and as wide.
Xera Plants Introduction
Aquilegia vulgaris ‘Dead Spider’ Zn4a (-30º to -25ºF) Ranunculaceae
Droopy, drippy.....gray flowers on a Columbine. It just showed up in our garden and persisted. We grew to love it, we had never seen a gray flowered Columbine. Fresh green leaves and droopy, but cool, gray flowers. Full sun to light shade. In average but well drained soil. The homeliest Columbine in the west? I think not! Actually, its very pretty.
Aquilegia formosa Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Ranunculaceae
A PNW native perennial Columbine with very delicate blue green foliage and apricot orange and yellow flowers that appear in May and June. Adapted to our winter/wet- summer/dry climate and should not be over watered in summer. Benign neglect is good. Part shade, well drained soil. Flower spikes to 24" tall. Long-lived for a columbine, will often form permanent patches in part shade. Lovely plant.
PNW NATIVE
Aquilegia viridiflora Zn4a (-30º to -25ºF) Ranunculaceae
This great species Columbine has delicate blue/green leaves and in mid to late
spring FRAGRANT flowers of green and brown. The fragrance is somewhat
like Honeysuckle and carries for quite a distance. Short lived perennial that reseeds. Full sun to light shade in rich soil with occasional summer water. Groovy cutflower. Often reblooms if spent flower heads are removed.
Xera Plants Introduction
Aquilega vulagaris ‘Icy Blue’ Zn4a (-30º to -25ºF) Ranunculaceae
A gold leaved Columbine with exquisite white flowers that open white and then change to the lightest icy blue. To 20" tall for part shade to full sun in average to rich soil with regular water in summer. Remove damaged leaves to force new ones. Great in a woodland with blue leaved Hosta. The most golden of gold-leaved Aquilegia. Reseeds true and small plants are easily spotted and easy to move. .
Aralia californica Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Araliaceae
Our native Elk Clover is an exceptional member of the Ivy family that forms huge
clumps with bold leaves and striking white flowers. To 8' tall and as wide it is fully deciduous in winter. An inhabitant of partly shady locations from central western Oregon south. In June spherical heads of round flowers are followed by red and black berries, beloved by birds. Part shade with regular water. Great for tropical effects. Easy.
PNW NATIVE
Armeria maritima ‘Rubrifolia’ Zn3a Plumbaginaceae
It's Seathrift, grows along the cliffs on the beach, yes, even in Oregon. A variety with deep rich, burgundy foliage that is evergreen and a lovely backdrop to the early summer flowers of rose pink. Excellent small scale groundcover in well drained soil with regular summer water. Flowers to 8" tall, clump of foliage to 10" across. Excellent with Acaena inermis 'purpurea'. Full sun, part shade. Smokin' hot flowers.
Arthropodium candidum ‘Purpureum’ Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Lilaceae
This New Zealand Rock Lily is excellent for growing in rock gardens and troughs.
Striking strap-shaped leaves of pink mottled with brown form rosettes. In late summer and fall small scapes of delicate white flowers appear. Part shade with regular water. Seeds itself, but is not a pest. To 8" tall and 10" across and deciduous in winter. Japanese gardens, near ponds around rocks and paths.
Asclepias speciosa Zn4a (-30º to -25ºF) Asclepidaceae
A widespread species of Milkweed that is found throughout a huge area of western North America. Gray green leaves are large and almost succulent. In summer fragrant star-like flowers appear on top . Followed by elongated pods that spit to disperse the familiar silky seed heads. To 2’ tall and forming a clump. Full sun and well drained soil. Naturally adapted to drought once established. Very architectural plant with other dry loving creatures. Completely deciduous in winter.
PNW NATIVE
Asclepias tuberosa Zn4a (-30º to -25ºF) Asclepidaceae
One of the conspicuous and celebrated butterfly plants native to large sections of eastern North America on sandy soils. Tuberous rooted woody based perennial that rises to 30” tall each year to display its vivid orange/yellow flowers in mid to late summer. Full sun and well drained soil are best. Long-lived when established. In our climate it seems to do better with occasional summer water. Takes several years to get established and then really perform. Be patient. It can be a difficult plant to locate in nurseries because it REALLY hates being in a pot and takes several years to bulk up to saleable size. Wonderful with the deep blue flowers of Salvia ‘Nuevo Leon’ and appropriately wild looking to fit in with ornamental grasses. Completley winter deciduous, remember where you plant it.
Aspidistra elatior Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Lilaceae
Cast Iron Plant, famous for adaptation to nearly pitch black shade. Easy evergreen perennial in this climate forming 30" tall clumps over time. Best in dry shade with occasional water, under stairwells, dry dark planters. Small flowers appear at the ground and look a like individual slices of pepperoni. Seriously. Protect from bright sun. NOT just a houseplant- easy to grow outside. Good under bamboo.
Astelia chathamica Zn8b (15º to 20ºF) Lilaceae
The silver swords of Astelia might possibly be one of the best architectural plants for Northwest gardens. Silvery spikes to about 3' tall and forming a clump, they are best in a protected location in rich soil with regular water. Excellent in containers (that should be protected from hard freezes) and capable of regrowing from the base if frozen to the ground. Culture and hardiness as for Phormiums. Mulch in fall.
Astelia nervosa ‘Westland’ Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Lilaceae
WOW. All Astelias are not created equal. Some are MUCH hardier to cold including this amazing selection with silver gilded leaves brushed with bronze. Undamaged to 10ºF, with strong winds, it has thrived in many gardens (in) PDX for years. To 2' tall and forming an evergreen clump as wide. RICH, well drained soil with regular water in summer. Avoid hot soil. Full sun to woodland conditions.
GREAT PLANT. May be hardier than 10ºF.
Athyrium nipponicum-pictum ‘Bugundy Lace’ Zn4a (-30º to -25ºF) Dryopteraceae
There is perhaps no more elegant woodland plant than Japanese Painted Fern and this is one of the best. New leaves emerge stained with deep burgundy before turning to shimmery silver. Wonderful long-lived foliage plant in enriched woodland soil with regular water. High overhead shade-dappled light. To 1' tall and at least as wide. Deciduous in winter. Excellent companion with blue leaved Hostas. Emerges in mid-April.
Athyrium nipponicum-pictum ‘Silver Falls’ Zn4a (-30º to -25ºF) Dryopertaceae
An extraordinary selection of Japanese Painted Fern with large, very silver leaves
brushed mid-vein with a touch of burgundy. Robust and long-lived deciduous perennial in part shade to shade, rich soil with regular summer water. Comes up a little late (mid April) forming clumps to 1' tall and a little wider. INSANELY beautiful with dark leaved Cimicifuga and blue leaved Hosta. Not bothered by deer.
Athyrium ‘Wildwood Twist’ Zn4a (-30º to -25ºF) Dryopteraceae
Stunning easy to grow deciduous fern that is a hallmark of good taste. To 1' tall and twice as wide this fantastic fern emerges with finely dissected leaves of sage green and smokey gray. Easily grown in dappled shade to shade in rich soil with regular water. Underplant with Lamium 'White Nancy' and the black/maroon leaves of Heuchera 'Obsidian', woooo BABY! Not bothered by deer. Long lived perennial.
Acaena anserinifolia ‘Blue Haze’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Rosaceae
Acaena pronounced (uh-KANE-uh) is a pretty evergreen groundcover native to New Zealand with handsome pinnate (Blue) leaves. Wonderful contrast with bright greens and yellows. Mixes well with Rubus c. ‘Golden Quilt’. Light shade with regular water when dry. To 4" tall-spread nearly indefinite. Roots as it grows and stabilizes soil. Flowers burr-like in summer. Better in rich rather than poor soil.
Acanthus mollis ‘Tasmanian Angel’
Agastache ‘Coral Moon’
Agastache ‘Shaniko’
Alstroemeria ‘Butterscotch’
Aralia californica
Perennials return year after year and are the organic heart of the garden. They represent the most intelligent type of landscaping. So many are available today that we focus on the best and most unusual.
Perennials
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