Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ‘Barry’s Silver’ Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Cupressaceae
Wow. A beautiful Conifer with scales tipped in white fading to sea green and blue as they age. Slow growing and compact to 5' tall in as many years and 4' wide. Full sun with protection from blasting afternoon sun. WELL DRAINED soil that is not too rich. Light summer water. Excellent year round interest for a border or landscape. Soft mein lends it to good combinations with Japanese Maples and other light textured plants.
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ‘Blue Surprise’ Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Cupressaceae
A stunning, dwarf selection of our native False Cypress (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana). Columnar to 6' tall in as many years and 3 feet wide. Great in full sun to light shade for contrast with other plants. Black Mondo grass beneath? Requires well drained soil. Water until you see new growth and then stop; requires spare watering after that. Drought tolerant. Good container subject. Slow growing. Do not overwater in summer.
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ‘Treasure’ Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Cupressaceae
Treasure is a very small and adorable False Cypress that is at home in a container or in a landscape. Slow growing to only 2' tall and 8" wide in 5 years. Gold/cream tipped foliage is striking all of winter and spring. In winter it occasionally takes on bronze tints. Full sun to part shade in WELL DRAINED soil. Minimal to no water in summer. Great on slopes. Better in average to poor soil than in rich soil when planted in the ground.
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ‘Treasure Island’ Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Cupressaceae
A slow growing selection of our native false cypress with new growth that is tipped in creamy light green and gold that fades to a blue green over time. To only 4' tall and 3' wide in 5 years. Well drained soil that dries out completely between watering is best. Do NOT overwater. Climate adapted, no supplemental watering once established. Avoid soil ammendments. :( Very pretty container plant. Winter foliage is bronze.
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ‘Wissel’s Saguaro’ Zn5a (-20º to -15º) Cupressaceae
One of the best of the "Cactus Armed" Chamaecyparis, this slow growing form has gorgeous steel blue congested foliage and a very unique habit. Columnar, and a bit twisty, several "arms" will develop over time and give it a familiar saguaro cactus look. To only 3' tall and 2' wide in 5 years in well drained soil, full sun with little summer water once established. Great for small gardens and containers.
Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Meroke’ Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Cupressaceae
This cultivar of Japanese False Cypress 'Meroke' is a selection that stands out. Small growing to only 2' tall and as wide in 5 years it has foliage that is tipped in shining gold and then turns deep green. Foliage is aligned in fans parallel to each other adding to its graceful look. Part shade, with protection from afternoon sun in well drained soil. Occasional summer water. Good container plant- it will be handsome for years.
Chamaecyparis thyoides ‘Heather Bun’ Zn4a (-30º to -25ºF) Cupressaceae
Beautiful conifer for year round effects. Fine textured foliage turns glowing orange in the interior and taupe-maroon in the cooler months then back to gray/sage green in summer. Full sun to light shade with regular summer water. Well drained soil. To 3' tall and as wide in 5 years- larger over time. Soft feathery texture, very easy and long lived. Glows in winter containers. Smokin' planted with Carex testacea. Billowy, soft landscape shrub.
Chamaecyparis thyoides ‘Iceberg’ Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Cupressaceae
A relatively new and adorable dwarf selection of North America's native Eastern White Cedar. 'Iceberg' is a beautiful mounding conifer wtih arching white tipped new growth that slowly changes to sage green. To 2' tall and 3' wide in 5 years. Full sun to light shade in well drained soil with occasional summer water. BEAUTIFUL combined with ornamental grasses. Year round good looks in a garden. One of our favorite conifers.
Choisya ternata ‘Sundance’ Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Rutaceae
Bold golden-leaved version of the common Mexican Orange. 'Sundance' is best when given protection from hot afternoon sun- an open north exposure is excellent. To 4' tall and 3' wide in 2 years. Fragrant white flowers in early spring. May be pruned back hard in FEB.to remove damaged leaves, control size, and shape. Part shade, regular water and soil. Underplant with blue Corydalis and Japanese painted ferns. Protected location.
Choisya x ‘Aztec Pearl’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Rutaceae
A graceful and sophisticated hybrid Mexican Orange. 'Aztec Pearl' may be used as a specimen or an informal hedge. To 4' tall and as wide in 5 years. Fragrant clusters of pure white flowers open from pink buds in spring. Prune after flowering has ended. Excellent fine textured evergreen foliage plant. tolerant of heat and drought. Full sun, regular water, drought tolerant when established. Hardier to cold and likes more heat than C. ternata.
ROCKROSES Great for the summer dry PNW
Cistus- commonly known as Rockroses are very floriferous evergreen shrubs
native to the mediterranean region. In the past they have suffered from the myth that they are tender to cold, short lived, and have less than graceful habits as they age. Turns out that in this LARGE genus, it may be that we weren’t growing the very best for this climate. They range from Zn 9 shrubs down to Zn 6 shrubs. The majority that have been grown here are hardy in Zone 8 and warmer. Colder than average winters, below 10º can cause damage to these varieties. The varieties we have chosen are hardy to cold (below 10ºF- see specific hardiness ratings for less hardy varieties.) We appreciate varieties that have a habit that can cope with occasional heavy wet snows and that age well without “splitting”. Cistus x purpureus a variety with beautiful showy flowers, ages less than gracefully and can look ratty over time- which is why we do not offer it. All Cistus are floriferous with blossoms that last individually one day but appear en masse in late spring for up to 8 weeks. A few new varieties wll continue to bloom sporadically until frost. Though they are tolerant of drought occasional summer irrigation improves appearance. Tip prune only and do not cut into leafless wood. Prune in mid-summer. They are best in full hot sun in unimproved soils, including clay if it is on a slope and not irrigated in summer. Compost amended soils leads to rank growth, less hardiness to cold and even disease. For areas with deer they are a good risk, though as we know deer will try anything. Another appealing trait is the pleasant aroma of the foliage. Ladanum coats their leaves in an oily layer, this adaptation assists the plant in reducing moisture loss AND contributes to their being flame retardant-good to know wild areas. They offer low maintanence and a great wildflower appearance. As with many Mediterranean shrubs, they grow very quickly and it is important to pay attention to the ultimate size listed and give them the correct amount of space when they are first planted. Cistaceae
See shape to the left of each variety
Cistus ‘Bicolor Pink’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Cistaceae
An exciting new Rockrose with striking flowers picoteed in deep pink, white on the interior with a center of bright yellow. Soft gray foliage is an excellent backdrop to the flowers which appear in profusion from late April to late June. Low and spreading to only 1' tall and up to 4' wide. Great on hillsides in full hot sun. Occasional summer water, none needed when established. Great habit, great flower- wonderful at the foot of Ceanothus.
Cistus x bornetianus ‘Jester’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Cistaceae
A cheery selection of rockrose with silver willowy foliage and exquisite soft pink flowers. Rounded, but upright shrub for full sun and well drained soil. Profuse flowers appear daily for 6 weeks beginning in early May. One of the best pink Rockroses. Occasional summer water, tip prune in late winter to maintain a compact habit and create more blooming wood. 3’ x 3’. Excellent choice where deer are a problem. Cold hardy.
Cistus canescens ‘Albus’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Cistaceae
A combination of three things make this a WONDERFUL rockrose; silver leaves, an upright barrel-like habit. and many, many, sparkling white flowers. To 3' tall and as wide in as many years. In May to mid-July pure white flowers appear daily and cover the plant- contrast w/ the silver foliage is exceptional. Full sun and well drained soil. Cold Hardy. Occasional summer water, but tolerant of drought. Tip prune in late summer to shape.
Cistus creticus ‘Lasithi’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Cistaceae
Some of the darkest flowers of any rockrose and a very low spreading habit make this shrub perfect for hot sun on steep banks. 2" wide intense purple/pink= Pinkle (?) flowers with a golden yellow eye cover the plant from early May to Mid-July. To only 10" tall and about 20" wide over time, with small crinkly green leaves. Occasional summer water and full hot sun in well drained soil. One of the most striking Cistus in bloom. Excellent.
Cistus x dansereaui ‘Jenkyn Place’ (5º to 10ºF) Cistaceae
Cold hardy and spectacular in bloom 'Jenkyn Place' has the distinctive resiny leaves and fragrance that make rockroses so popular. Profuse white flowers each with a deep red blotch at the base of each petal begin in early May with a large display and to a lesser extent until frost (especially with occasional irrigation). UPRIGHT to 4' tall and as wide. Very shiny thin deep green leaves are handsome year round. Long, long bloom time.
Cistus x ‘Doris Hibberson’ (5º to 10ºF) Cistaceae
Its hard to beat Doris, every spring she waves her huge 4" flowers over her head for at least 6 weeks from late April to early June. Pink/lavender flowers fade to white near the center with a warm yellow boss. Sage green leaves with a great fragrance on a compact Rockrose to 3' tall and as wide. Full sun in well drained soil, light summer water. Tip prune after blooming. A great evergreen shrub for low maintenence areas. Deer don't like Doris. We do.
Cistus x dubius ‘Costei’ Zn7a (5º to 10ºF) Cistaceae
Inheriting cold hardiness and dapper green leaves from Zn6 C. laurifolius and floriferousness from C. salviifolius this handsome hybrid rockrose is one of the very best for the PNW. Evergreen shrub- rounded outline to 3' tall and as wide a massive display of pure white cupped flowers in May-July. Full sun and well drained soil with occasional summer water, though drough tolerant. Tip prune in July to maintain a more compact habit.
Cistus x fernandesiae ‘Ann Palmer’ Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Cistaceae
'Ann Palmer' has some of the largest and most striking of all rockrose flowers. Huge, clear, light pink blooms up to 4" across contrast wonderfully with the thin dark green leaves and purple stems. To 4' tall and as wide in full hot sun with occasional summer water. Prune lightly after blooming to maintain a more compact habit. Exquisite flower color. Best with a hot sunny aspect such as a south facing wall or hillside.
Cistus x ‘Greyswood Pink’ (‘Silver Pink’) Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Cistaceae
A low and spreading 'Rockrose' with silvery gray evergreen foliage which is a great complement to the stunning silver-sheened light pink flowers. Blooms late April to early June. Full sun and well drained soil, little water when established. To 2' tall and spreading to around 3' wide. Easy. Very nice with Ceanothus. Cold Hardy. Good plant to try where deer are a problem. Profuse bloomer that combines well with purpled leaved Barberries.
Cistus libanotum ‘Major’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Cistaceae
Stylish Rockrose with thin gray leaves and an amazing display of shocking white flowers. On the tips of 6"- yes, 6" stalks, profuse silky, cupped white flowers appear from mid-May to early July. Full sun and well drained soil- with little or no amendments. To 3' tall and as wide. A very airy and light looking shrub PERFECT with ornamental grasses and perennials. Very different looking Cistus Tolerates clay w/ no summer water.
Cistus x ‘Little Gem’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Cistaceae
One of the very best pure white flowered Rockroses with a great tiered bushy habit and bright green leaves. In late April through June PROFUSE silky white 2" flowers with a central boss of yellow cover the plant so that very little foliage is seen. Full sun and well drained soil. Little extra water when established. Aromatic evergreen foliage. Tip prune after flowering has ended to shape. Very long bloom period for a Rockrose.
Cistus x ‘Paper Moon’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Cistaceae
Silver leaves and white flowers are a rare combination for a Rockrose but this selection does it very well on a very upright plant. To 4' tall and 3' wide in three years with beautiful, un-blotched clear white flowers for at least a six week period in late April to early July. Full sun and lean soil with only occasional summer water. Perfect for dry baking hot areas where little care is desired. Combine with Halimiums, Ceanothus, Arctostaphylos.
Cistus x pulverulentus ‘Sunset’ Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Cistaceae
A slightly tender "Rock Rose" that is excellent for a protected warm corner. Silver
cast felted leaves are an excellent foil for the hot magenta flowers that cover the plant in late spring and sporadically until frost. Full hot sun and well drained soil for a plant that will be 2' tall and as wide in two years. Very easy to grow, prune after flowering. Little to no water in summer.
Cistus x ‘Snowfire’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Cistaceae
Spectacular "new" Rockrose bred for a longer season of bloom and spectacular silky white flowers. The base of each petal is a clear blotch of burgundy surrounding a yellow center. Vivid evergreen foliage. Not rangey like other Cistus. Full sun and well drained, somewhat lean soil. To 2' tall by 4' wide. Blooms late April-June in a large flush and occasionally through summer. Little or no water when established. Exceeds old varieties.
Cistus x ‘Victor Reiter’ Zn7a (5º to 10ºF) Cistaceae
A very upright growing and cold hardy Rockrose to 5' tall and 3' wide in 3 years. The flowers are 3" wide and are edged in deep pink fading to white in the center with a central yellow boss. Flowers appear from late April to June and are excellent with the silver evergreen foliage. Full sun, drought tolerant, in poor soil with good drainage. Not often bothered by deer. Cut back to 2' after several years to encourage density.
Cleyera japonica ‘Tricolor’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Theaceae
Closely related to Camellias, though seldom seen, 'Tricolor' is a gorgeous variegated form of this cold hardy, undemanding evergreen shrub. To 8' tall and as wide in 5' years it forms a lovely tiered shape that is ideal as a backdrop in a woodland garden. Shiny new growth emerges pink/red before changing to cream and green. Small fragrant white flowers in Summer. Part shade, rich humusy soil with regular water. Elegant and long lived.
Clianthus puniceus Zn8b (15º to 20ºF) Papillionaceae
One of the world's great flowering plant, this member of the Pea family from New Zealand is known in its native land as Kakkabeak. Scandant growth to 8' tall, in late spring dramatic 3" claw-shaped SCARLET flowers hang down. Tender- but has been successfully grown sheltered against walls for many years in NW OR. Full sun to light shade, regular water. Prune AFTER blooming. Keep well fertilized in pots.Protect pots from freezing.
Clianthus puniceus ‘Salmon Form’ Zn8b (15º to 20ºF) Papillionaceae
One of the worlds truly most spectacular flowering shrubs "KakaBeak" from New Zealand is a scandant plant in the pea family. Though slightly tender it has been successfully grown against a warm wall in the PNW for some time. To 10'-non twining stems must be supported to produce 3" pointed rich SALMON flowers in summer. Full sun to part shade with regular water. Good container plant in an unheated conservatory. Semi-deciduous.
Cistus x ‘Snowfire’
Cistus libanotum var. major