Aeonium decorum ‘Kiwi’ Zn9b (25º to 30ºF) Crassulaceae
A very groovy color form of Aeonium, which is a branching succulent plant closely
related to Jade Plants. Fleshy rosettes of creamy light yellow with tips flushed with red before turning to blue green. Very cool in seasonal container plantings in
light shade-best out of hot afternoon sun. Fast draining soil with occasional fertilizer to speed growth. Great in seasonal containers underplanted with Sedum makinoi 'Ogon'.
Aeonium ‘Zwartkopf’ Zn9b (25º to 30ºF) Crassulaceae
One of the most dramatic plants in the world, Zwartzkopf is an Aeonium that eventually forms a shrub to 3' tall and as wide. Nearly black rosettes of leaves are dramatic in containers. Plants may form up to 3-5 branches in a season. Full sun to light shade in well drained medium. Occasional water. Wonderful as the center of a pot of contrasting leaf shapes. Protect from freezing temperatures in the fall. Move into a bright window.
Aloe cooperi Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Aloeaceae
One of the so-called grass Aloes of South Africa with long striped leaves that form off-set rosettes and tall wands (to 3' ) of showy salmon pink flowers in mid-late summer. One of the more cold hardy Aloes that may survive normal to mild winters (above 15∞F) in a sheltered position in well drained soil. Excellent container plant to protect when temperatures fall. Full sun to light shade. Occasional water.
Aloe striatula Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Aloeaceae
One of the cold hardiest of all Aloes, this shrubby form has been known to take very cold temperatures by dying to the ground and actually resprouting from the base. It is essential that this spectacular plant with rosettes of deep green leaves have exceptional drainage.
To 3’ tall and wide in time. In summer spikes of brilliiant yellow tipped orange flowers are pendulous. Full hot sun and occasional water during hot weather. Spectacular plant that is
also excellent in a container. Protect container from temperatures below 15ºF.
Beschorneria albiflora Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Agavaceae
Beschorneria ‘Ding Dong’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Agavaceae
Impressive selection of False Red Agave made at Plant Delights Nursery. Long green leaves form a rosette to about 3' across. In summer a large green spike rises and reaches 8'. The stems turn red and red/green tipped flowers decorate the spike. For full HOT sun and good drainage. Great in a gravel garden or large container. Mexico. B. decosteriana x septentrionalis. Occasional summer water. Has been undamaged in W. Oregon to 10ºF.
Crassula marnieriana Zn9b (25º to 30ºF) Crassulaceae
Delosperma ‘Mesa Verde’ PP.13,876 Zn6b (-5º to 0ºF) Aizoaceae
Delosperma ‘Oberg’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Aizoaceae
Echeveria agavoides ‘Rubra’ Zn9b (25º to 30ºF) Crassulaceae
Beautiful but tender succulent that is excellent for seasonal containers. Sharp tipped navy green leaves edged in red. Occasional 16" spikes of fetching yellow flowers. Part sun to full sun in well drained mix. Great with other succulents or even drought tolerant annuals. Water when dry, and do not let it stay moist. Rosette will grow to 5" across in a single summmer. Over winter indoors in a bright window.
Echeveria ‘Black Prince’ Zn9b (25º to 30ºF) Crassulaceae
Deep black leaves make this one of the most striking of tender succulents. Forming rosette to 5" across in well drained soil (Cactus mix is best) with occasional doses of fertilizer. 14" stems of striking red flowers in late summer. Excellent container plant, move inside after Thanksgiving to a bright window sill. Avoid soggy. Let it go dry between waterings. Put back outside in late April.
Dark.
Echeveria ‘Frosty’ Zn9b (25º to 30ºF) Crassulaceae
Echeveria x imbricata Zn9a (20º to 25ºF) Crassulaceae
A tender succulent that is excellent in seasonal containers or in borders. May be
easily protected in winter by lifting and bringing into a cool, bright room. Bell-like orange flowers in early summer. Appreciates occasional water which will speed growth. Full sun to very light shade and well drained soil. Great in containers with Diascia 'Coral Belle' and Sedum makinoi 'Ogon'.
Echeveria hybrid ‘Milk Choclate’ Zn9b (25º to 30ºF) Crassulaceae
Rosettes of chocolate colored leaves on a tender succulent that performs very well in mixed containers. Full sun to light shade with occasional summer water. Great plant in a cold greenhouse or as a houseplant in bright light. Allow to dry between waterings inside. Tall spikes of orange/pink flowers in winter. Bring in a single rosette before a hard freeze- replant in spring. Easy. Multiplies quickly.
Echeveria ‘Pearle Von Nurnberg’ Zn9a (20º to 25ºF) Crassulaceae
Wow. Pearle you sweetie. A tender succulent of the most delicious kind. Lavender tinted rosettes that virtually glow with structure and form. Pearle forms rounded rosettes in part shade to full sun in well drained mix. Combine in seasonal containers with golden Sedum m. 'Ogon'. Occasional summer water, should not be kept damp. To 5" tall and as wide over a season. Protect in winter in a bright dry window. Surprisingly hardy to cold if kept dry.
Echeveria ‘Silver Onion’ Zn9b (25º to 30ºF) Crassulaceae
Surprisingly tolerant of cold and even wet 'Silver Onion' has been known to overwinter outside in protected locations w/ excellent drainage. Full sun to light shade. Great container plant, water occasionally, no sogginess allowed. To 6" tall and forming a rosette 8" wide.
Echeveria ‘Topsy Turvy’ Zn8b (15º to 20ºF) Crassulaceae
Great lines baby. A groovy echeveria that is perhaps at its funky best in a seasonal container. Silver blue leaves with a deep groove down the center give the illusion of motion. Wonderful with chartreuse Sedum m. 'Ogon'. Full sun to light shade in well drained mix. Let it go dry inbetween waterings. Protect from hard freezes in winter by bringing a rosette in to a sunny window. Spikes of nodding orange flowers late in the year.
Fascicularia pitcairnifolia Zn9a (20º to 25ºF) Bromeliaceae
One of the cold hardiest of Bromeliads this spectacular rosette forming plant is still considered tender in our climate. Olive green/gray leaves are armed with spines and make a wonderful contrast when the plant blooms. The interior becomes brilliant red with a cone-shaped center of steel blue flowers. Forms offsets. Full sun in fast draining mix with occasional water in summer. GREAT container plant.
Graptopetalum paraguayense Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Crassulaceae
One of the most architectural of all succulents, Grapto-PET-uh-lum forms multiple rosettes of soft gray and pearl w/ a hint of lavender. Excellent in drought tolerant container plantings mulched w/ stylish gravel. Full sun to light shade. May be hardier to cold than we list. Well drained soil with occasional water AND fertilizer in summer. Over winter slightly dry in a sunny window.
Hesperaloe parviflora Zn6a (-10º to -5ºF) Agavaceae
Extraordinary that this yucca-like plant does so well in our climate. Multiple rosettes
of tapered sharp leaves arch outward. Forms a clump to 3’ wide in time. In summer many spikes appear and tower over the rosette to 5’. Flowers are an impressibe madder-red, each tubular flower is tipped in cream -yellow. Hummingbirds are enthralled. Requires well drained soil in a HOT location in full sun. At least 6 hours of sun are required. Occasional summer water speeds growth. Excellent evergreen architectural plant for blasting hot locations. Fully hardy to cold.
Manfreda ‘Macha Mocha’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Agavaceae
A very cool hybrid false-agave with pointed leaves that forms a rosette to 2' across in several years. Manfreda maculata x agave celsii- hmmm? Full hot sun and well drained soil. Very much appreciates summer water. After several years a 4' spike is produced with white flowers in July-August. Semi-deciduous- retreats to a smaller rosette in winter. Lovely with boulders and other hot sun plants.
Manfreda virginica ‘Spot’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Agavaceae
Native to hot sandy areas on the coastal plant from Virginia south this close relative of Agaves and Tuberoses is best known for its dramatic foliage. Forms a rosette to 2' wide over time w/ sage green leaves w/ dramatic spots. In summer, after several years a 4'a tall spike of intricate white flowers appears. Rosette is DECIDUOUS. Full sun with good drainage and regular summer water. Native to locations that get below 0∞F. Easy.
Nolina nelsonii Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Agavaceae
Opuntia cycloides Zn5b (-15º to -10ºF) Cactaceae
A large and impressive prickily pear cactus that is easy to grow and will attain 5’ tall and as wide in 5 years. 5” wide impressive yellow flowers have an interior of dramatic orange. VERY prickily. Requires extremely well drained soil. Incorporate pumice and sharp gravel in the planting areas, best on a slight slope in full hot sun. Great looking year round. Occasional water during hot periods speeds growth. Avoid organic amendments of any kind. New Mexico native.
Opuntia ellisiana Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Cactaceae
Wouldn't it be wonderful if they invented a hardy cactus without spines? They have! Opuntia ellisiana was selected by Luther Burbank, famous California plantsman, over 75 years ago. This cactus is extremely tolerant of cold as well as winter wet, making it an excellent choice for dry landscapes in the northwest. New "pads" grow each spring. Yellow flowers in late spring. To 3' tall by 4' wide in full sun with excellent drainage.
Puya coerulea Zn8b (15º to 20ºF) Bromeliaceae
A bromeliad from the Andes mountains that forms a spikey rosette to about 2' wide and makes a great container plant. Overwinter indoors in a sunny window or keep dry under the eves-takes considerable cold if dry. Full sun w/ regular water and some fertilizer in fast draining soil mix. Blooms after several years on a spike that rises to 6'. Flowers are blue/turquoise-amazing. Has grown well outdoors in protected locations w/ drainage.
Ruschia putterelii Zn6b (-5º to 0ºF) Aizoaceae
Attractive, tough, and rugged looking shrubby iceplant from South Africa. Forms a woody structure with succulent leaves and bears copius pink daisy-like flowers for all the months of summer. To only a 1' tall, the stems will trail and it performs best on a hilliside with good drainage and occasional water in summer. VERY HARDY to cold- successful in Colorado. Full sun to light shade. Great in containers. 1' tall x 18" wide.
Sedum ‘Bertram Anderson’ Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Crassulaceae
One of the finest Sedums for gardens 'Bertram Anderson' is a classic easy to grow perennial with handome foliage and flowers. Smokey purple succulent leaves on semi-trailing stems to 10" tall. Forms a clump about 1' across in time. In early summer the tips of the branches are studded with clusters of small glowing rosy-pink flowers that are showy for a long time.. Full sun to light shade in good garden soil that is never boggy.
Sedum confusum Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Crassulaceae
Tough, evergreen sedum that is extremely easy to grow. Green waxy leaves are handsome throughout the year. Very good as a small scale groundcover to 6" tall and about 18" wide. Small yellow flowers in spring. Great container plant for winter and excellent in a rock garden. Spills over and around rocks as it grows. Part shade is best, to keep leaves a richer green, occasional summer water. Mexico. Hardy.
Sedum makinoi ‘Ogon’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Crassulaceae
A very formal looking Sedum from Japan with electric chartreuse leaves. Forming
moderately spreading colonies in part shade with regular water and average, but
well drained soil. Excellent under broad leaved evegreens, in shady rock gardens
or in containers in part shade. Evergreen but retreats a bit with cold weather. Occasional water in summer will speed growth. Soil must not get boggy in winter.
Sedum makinoi ‘Variegatum’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Crassulaceae
Possibly one of the very best evergreen creeping Sedums for containers. A selection of this Japanese woodland native with round sage green leaves edged in white. To 3" tall for part shade to shade. Great container plant. LOVES summer water. In the ground it is best in very rich soil that stays evenly moist, but not soggy. Good winter appearance. Flowers are small and yellow in spring. Works well in seasonal containers.
Sedum nussbaumerianum Zn9b (25º to 30ºF) Crassulaceae
Long known as the "Donkey Tail Sedum" that is grown as a houseplant we have found that it also grows well during our summers as a container subject. Full sun with well drained soil and occasional water and fertilizer. Nice trailing habit that works well in windowboxes, plants will spill over the side. Works well with many annuals such as Lobelia valida and Oxalis vulcanicola 'Copper Glow'.
Sedum ocymoides Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Crassulaceae
A very strange little Sedum that is deciduous, not dying to the ground though, instead it loses its leaves off of an almost woody trunk. Hmmm. Groovily indented matte green leaves and white flowers in summer. Full sun and well drained soil. Forms a little shrub to 18" tall and as wide. Good container plant, excellent rock garden subject. Sedum Bonsai? Nice texture baby.
Sedum palmeri Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Crassulaceae
A wonderful evergreen Sedum that is an excellent garden performer in the PNW. This form was found at 10,000' elevation in Mexico and has been reliably hardy down to 0∞F. Lovely gray/blue rosettes at the end of trailing stems. Yellow flowers in late winter. Full sun to light shade in well drained soil. Performs with or without water in summer. Cut back in spring to tighten up the new rosette. 10" x 10". Great container plant.
Sedum ‘Rosy Glow’ Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Crassulaceae
One of the very best of the winter deciduous sedum with substantial blue gray leaves that are an excellent backdrop to the deep rosy pink flowers that appear in late July to fall. Semi-upright forming a large clump to 2' tall and as wide in several years. Rich, well drained soil in full sun. Remarkable combined with ornamental grasses. Bees LOVE Sedums- keeps them busy so they won't bother people. Attractive brown seedheads in winter.
Senecio mandraliscae Zn9b (25º to 30ºF) Asteraceae
Its a daisy. Very unorthodox daisy with stunning chalky blue succulent leaves- very much like a large Ice Plant. Bold seasonal container plant for full sun and well drained soil. Occasional white daisy-like flowers. To 6" tall and trailing. Let the soil dry between watering. Great contrast plant with Echeverias, Agaves. Protect from frost. Place in a sunny window in winter and keep slightly dry. Best in a cactus friendly soil.
Yucca ‘Color Guard’ Zn4b (-25º to -20ºF) Agavaceae
Luminous yellow stripes down the center of each leaf make this Yucca a brilliant
focal point. Evergreen rosettes to 3' wide, eventually forms patches of dramatic color. In cooler seasons the leaves take on amber/apricot tints. Full sun to part shade in regular to rich soil. Extremely tolerant of drought when established. 4' spikes of Ivory flowers in June-July. Deerproof. Good looking year round.
Yucca gloriosa ‘Variegated’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Agavaceae
Spectacular trunk forming Yucca with leaves that are edged in cream- the edges take on red tints in cold weather. Full hot sun and well drained soil. Eventually, forms a rosette. Very sharp, plant thoughtfully away from paths. Occasional summer water. Established plants are hardier to cold (below 0∞F). To 10' tall and 8' wide in time. Large trusses of Ivory flowers on established plants in late summer.
Yucca nana (hermanniae) Zn4b (-25º to 20ºF) Agavaceae
Great little Yucca that offers all of the best attributes in a pint sized plant. Sharp rosettes of thin leaves that are edged in fine curly hairs. Each leaf is only 3/4” of and inch wide.
Slow growing (but not painfully slow) to 16” across and only 1’ tall in three years. Spikes of creamy white bell shaped flowers in summer on a cute inflorescence to 30” tall. Everything about this cutie is well, cute. Full sun and well drained soil.Grows ( a little)
faster with occasional summer water. Perfect for rock gardens or with ornamental grasses on a slope.
Yucca rostrata ‘Sapphire Skies’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Agavaceae
The sensational blue leaves of this shrubby Yucca are thin and undulated into thin sharp
tips that makes each rosette a stunning piece of sculpture. Slow growing and eventually forming multiple rosettes. Full sun and well drained soil in a hot position. Amend soil that drains quickly. Excellent, but sharp container subject. Year round good looks .
Succulents offer dramatic shape and architecture rarely seen in our gardens. Whether hardy specimens for rock gardens or as dramatic seasonal plants nothing can beat their exotic structure. We include yuccas and succulent perennials in this list.
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