Brachyglottis monroi

$8

Of the many fabulous daisy-shrubs from New Zealand, this species is among the most rewarding, adaptable and easy to grow. It forms low mounds of crinkly-edged foliage, dusky grey-green above and felty white on the undersurface. Yellow daisy flowers are occasionally seen. It will be happy in full sun and tolerates most soils. Happiest in maritime climates, it can handle temperatures to around 10°F.

Cassinia fulvida

$16 (1 gallon)

Common in subalpline regions of New Zealand, this upright shrub is a tidy looking garden plant, having glossy green leaves with yellow indumentum underneath, and heads of small white flowers in spring. It is usually recommended for full sun but in my garden it does very well in partial shade. It makes an excellent combintation for plants with bold-textured leaves such as Phormium and Cordyline. Very adaptable and easy to grow, it may reach 5' tall and is hardy to about 5°F. It has also been sold as Cassinia leptophylla var. fulvida.

Cassinia x Ozothamnus

$9 (standard) $16 (1 gallon)

At least we think that's the name of this plant, since that is what we received it as. One source thinks this may actually just be C. leptophylla, but as everyone else is calling it Cassinia x Ozothamnus we think we'd better go with that until we find out something else for certain. Whatever you call it, it's an attractive, dense shrub, with upright, plumose branches bearing small, narrow leaves of soft silver-grey. Tight clusters of red buds open to little white flowers that are followed by fluffy seed heads. It may reach 6' tall and wide over time, but it can be kept smaller for a few years and makes a great container plant. Hardy to about 12°F.

Coprosma 'Black Cloud' New Fall 2011!

$10

Here's a black cloud that won't rain on your parade! This evergreen shrub that features black-tinged green leaves on a moderate growing plant to perhaps an eventual 4' tall and 5' wide, and chocolate colored new growth. How's that for cool? Although it is somewhat drought tolerant, a little water is appreciated on dry sites in Northwest gardens. Like many plants from New Zealand, this is one of those plants with awesome foliage that can be used to contrast with a whole lot of other things, and it is well adapted to seaside conditions. Yet unlike certain plants from New Zealand, this one is super tough and hardy, having endured 10°F unscathed.

Corokia cotoneaster - WIRE NETTING BUSH

$9

Here's a fabulous little evergreen shrub with intricately zig-zagging black stems and tiny leaves that are dark grey on the upper surface and pale grey beneath. Its fine foliage and intricate habit make it very useful to contrast with larger leafed evergreens. This growth habit is a natural adaptation to herbivores which generally pass it by in favor of more palatable leafy plants. Although frequently seen as a low shrub 2 - 4' tall and wide it has been known to occasionally reach 10' in the Northwest. Mature plants also produce inconspicuous yellow flowers which are followed by little berries. It is easily grown in sun or part shade, quite drought tolerant, and hardy to about 10°F.

Corokia macrocarpa

$9

No, it's not one of those two-way radio things you used to play with when you were a kid. It is a most attractive evergreen shrub that may eventually reach 6' tall by 4' wide. The 1 1/2" long leaves on pale grey stems are metallic grey-green on the top and point upwards to reveal their bright white undersides - talk about a stunning container specimen. It also has star-shaped yellow flowers that may be followed by little berries. It is very drought tolerant, easily grown in sun or part shade, and perfectly adapted to windy coastal conditions; but needs to be in a sheltered garden in the Northwest: like about everything native to the Chatham Islands, it's hardy to about 15°F.

Corokia x virgata 'Sunsplash'

$9

Here's a fun little evergreen shrub from New Zealand with wiry stems, yellow and grey variegated leaves and a fabulous contorted growth habit. If you're really lucky you might get little yellow flowers. It's easy to please on well drained soil in sun, and can handle moderately dry conditions as well as irrigated situations. It is also superb in a container combined with purple and blue foliaged plants of different textures. Hardy to around 10 - 15°F once established.

Hebe

See Veronica.

Heliohebe hulkeana

$9

Sun Hebe! This close relative of the Hebes (which are now all classified as Veronica) has glossy, rounded olive green leaves (with magenta highlights) that are serrated on the edge like little suns! But the best part is the lavender flowers, which are produced in long, soft spikes extending well beyond the leaves. For best results cut it back moderately hard at least once a year, like after flowering - although technically a shrub it behaves somewhat like a perennial. It is moderately drought tolerant but looks better with some water. Hardy and easy to grow in sun or part shade, to about 10°F.

Hymenanthera crassifolia

$10

Here's an exciting shrub from New Zealand that most specialty nurseries seem to have mysteriously overlooked. It is evergreen with little rounded leaves (broader than those of H. alpina) and a texture that might be described as bristly but without any real spines. At maturity it may reach about 2 - 3' tall and 4' wide and produce odd, tiny purple and white flowers. After flowering it gets LOADED with much larger white berries which look awesome. The plant will tolerate quite a bit of shade but for best flower and fruit production put it in at least 2/3 sun or full sun. It is quite drought tolerant but some water will encourage it to grow faster. Hardy to around 5 - 10°F.

Kunzea (Leptospermum) ericoides - KANUKA New Fall 2011!

$10

An enigmatic small tree from coastal areas of New Zealand, Kanuka is also native to Australia, and is one of the many plants we offer that handles wind, sun and exposure with ease all while being rewarding and easy to grow. Its tiny, soft, evergreen leaves provide an appealing texture at all times of the year and in late spring it is covered with masses of tiny white flowers that look like a light dusting of snow. It can get 30' tall (sometimes much taller!) in the wild, but never fear, it is easily kept smaller if desired and will readily bloom in a pot! It tolerates any soil, drought, or poor drainage, sun or part shade. Did we mention it's easy to grow? For sheltered gardens preferably by salt water, it's hardy to about 16°F.

Leptospermum scoparium 'Ruby Glow' - RUBY GLOW TEA TREE New Fall 2011!

$12

Tea tree is one of the best known plants from New Zealand, so named because Captain Cook is said to have brewed a tea-like drink using its leaves (one wonders what else he might have experimented with?). Its leaves appear fine and soft but are actually rather prickly to the touch, and showy white or pink depending on the form. Although it begins as a shrub it is able to achieve tree-like dimensions over time, perhaps to 20' tall and wide, though it is easily kept smaller by container culture or pruning. In addition to its ornamental features, tea tree has a number of other valuable properties, including aromatic hard wood that is prized in small-scale woodworking, and a number of medicinal applications relating to their antibacterial properties. It can also be used in the production of prized manuka honey. (There are probably a lot of other things we don't even know about its uses!) Tea tree is easy to grow and tolerates sun or part shade, most any soil including heavy clay, and a moderate degree of drought. It is perfectly adapted to windy or exposed coastal sites. This form is cultivated for its large, double pink flowers that cover the plant resulting in a spectacular show in late spring. It also has dark, strongly purple-tinged foliage. Although it survived 13°F for me undamaged in a pot on one occasion (I'm not sure how) I generally consider it to be hardy to around 15 - 17°F.

Leptospermum scoparium [Seattle Hardy] - TEA TREE

$10

Tea tree is one of the best known plants from New Zealand, so named because Captain Cook is said to have brewed a tea-like drink using its leaves (one wonders what else he might have experimented with?). Its leaves appear fine and soft but are actually rather prickly to the touch, and showy white or pink depending on the form. Although it begins as a shrub it is able to achieve tree-like dimensions over time, perhaps to 20' tall and wide, though it is easily kept smaller by container culture or pruning. In addition to its ornamental features, tea tree has a number of other valuable properties, including aromatic hard wood that is prized in small-scale woodworking, and a number of medicinal applications relating to their antibacterial properties. It can also be used in the production of prized manuka honey. (There are probably a lot of other things we don't even know about its uses!) Tea tree is easy to grow and tolerates sun or part shade, most any soil including heavy clay, and a moderate degree of drought. It is perfectly adapted to windy or exposed coastal sites. This form has exceptionally small, pointy, dark leaves and an open, wispy growth habit, putting it in a category of New Zealand plants that "look dead" which, of course, just makes it even cooler. It produces delicate white flowers in abundance. It's possible that this is the same as, or a seedling of, the plant sold as L. scoparium 'Washington Park', but I cannae be certain. Hardy to 10°F.

Lophomyrtus obcordata - ROTUHU

$10

This evergreen shrub has delicate small, round, bronzy-green leaves that are widely spaced on the numerous stems providing exquisite texture. Mature plants produce very cute myrtle-like flowers which are followed by dark berries. Supposedly it can get to 15' tall, but probably not in the Pacific Northwest; it seems like it only wants to get about 3 - 4' for us. We were tempted to make up the common name "Obcordate Lophomyrtus" for this plant just to poke fun at common names that are essentially redundant Anglicized versions of the botanical name, but we resisted the urge and decided to actually look it up instead. Hardy to around 15°F; best in sheltered gardens or grow it as an easy and very attractive container specimen where it combines well with coarse-textured or spiky plants.

Olearia avicennifolia

$10 (standard) $16 (1 gallon)

This evergreen shrub from New Zealand may reach 8' tall and wide. Its smooth-margined green leaves are green above and bright white underneath. It tends to assume an irregular but pleasing habit, and flowers in August in the Pacific Northwest. It is a little more shade tolerant than other Olearias, and very easy to grow. Although not well-known in gardens, it is easily hardy to at least 5 - 10°F once established.

Olearia x haastii

$10 (standard) $16 (1 gallon)

This natural Olearia hybrid comes to us from the area of Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaast Pass in New Zealand's Southern Alps. Forming an irregular, rounded shrub to about 4' high and slightly wider, it haas rather small green leaves under 1" long, with white undersides. Its profuse show of small white flowers in mid to late summer makes the plant look like a white cloud against a black backdrop. It's moderately drought tolerant, thriving in full sun or just a little shade. It haasta be one of the nicest Olearias in cultivation. Hardy to around 5 - 10°F.

Olearia ilicifolia New Fall 2011!

$12

If you have ever wondered just how many pointy serrations could possibly fit on the edge of a leaf, then you'll just have to take a look at the grey-green leaves of this plant, which twist along their margins to hold as many points as possible. Even for all that, it still isn't truly prickly, and its scary black stems add more excitement. It tends to assume a broad shape to around 4' by 6' with a rather open habit of growth. Mature plants produce large heads of white daisy flowers in late spring. Not as tolerant of heavy soils as some Olearias, it requires a well-drained aspect in full sun (or close to it) to look best, and is moderately drought tolerant. Many growers have confused this species with O. macrodonta; here we promise you the real deal. Hardy to about 10°F.

Olearia lineata 'Dartonii'

$9 (standard) $16 (1 gallon)

The genus Olearia has remarkable variety: this species from New Zealand features exceptionally narrow leaves, green on the top and white on the bottom. If you are one of those gardeners who has caught the "big leaves bug," you will appreciate the contrast this fine textured plant provides. Branches arch gracefully, providing an exotic look. Very vigorous and easy to grow, it will thrive in partial shade or sun and may eventually reach 12' or more with equal spread. Because of its fine texture and grey color, it has been described as a hardy substitute for olive (Olea europaea) - perhaps it isn't really that much hardier, but at least it grows a lot faster in a cool climate. Hardy to about 12°F, and prefers a cool climate.

Olearia macrodonta

$9 (standard) $16 (1 gallon)

Named for a large-toothed Irishman of the O'Leary clan (at least that's what we like to think whether it's true or not), this very vigorous and showy daisy shrub indeed has large teeth along its leaf margins, looking vaguely like a grey-leafed holly, yet soft to the touch and not the least bit prickly. The leaves, however, are mostly obscured in June when this plant bursts into full bloom with huge heads of little white daisies. A popular hedge plant in coastal areas of Britain, it may reach 6 - 8' tall, and is perfect for breezy or exposed situations. It is moderately drought tolerant and prefers average to good drainage. Hardy to about 12 - 15°F.

Olearia macrodonta var. minor

$16 (1 gallon)

Here we have just the plant for all you card-carrying members of the "I love Olearia macrodonta but it gets too darn big" Society. With this form, all the wonderful features of Olearia macrodonta - from toothy leaves with grey undersides, to showy white flowers - are available on a splendid little compact plant to only 2 - 3' tall and wide. Like the regular form, it tolerates breezy coastal conditions well, and is moderately drought tolerant but doesn't mind being watered. Its space-efficient stature also makes it well-suited to containers. We thank Sean Hogan at Cistus Nursery for sharing this with us many years ago. Hardy to about 12 - 15°F.

Olearia x mollis

$10 (standard) $16 (1 gallon)

This natural hybrid (meaning it is found in the wild) offers an excellent combination of hardiness, ease of growth (it will not put up a fuss if planted in heavier soils) and ornamental value. Reaching a size of about 4' tall and 7' wide, its grey leaves with white undersides are attractive at all seasons, and masses of white midsummer flowers have a rather airy quality about them. Content in sun or part shade, it is easily hardy to at least 10°F, perhaps 5°F.

Olearia moschata

$10 (standard) $16 (1 gallon)

If pale grey is your favorite color (and don't tell me it's not), then this is the plant for you! This plant appears entirely grey from above, and the leaves are white underneath, providing excellent contrast with deep green and otherwise colored plants. Tough little leaves with wavy margins branch frequently providing a dense growth habit to about 3 - 4' tall. Mature plants produce white daisy flowers in mid summer. It will grow in sun or part shade and hardy to at least 10°F once established.

Olearia solandri

$10

Looking nothing like most of the other Olearias we offer, this species has very tiny, narrow leaves with yellow stems. We have yet to see it bloom, but the foliage is the best part anyway. It eventually makes an open shrub to about 4' tall and wide. It contrasts well with many other plants and is a great container subject. It is easily grown in sun or part shade on average to well-drained soil, and moderately drought tolerant. It has been reliably hardy in Seattle for many years, tolerating at least 10°F.

Olearia traversiorum - CHATHAM ISLAND AKEAKE

$18 (1 gallon)

The Asteraceae family, containing many of the world's daisy-like flowering plants, also contains a few woody shrubs (including the other Olearias, of course) and even some trees! For the "avid collector" (a polite term for "crazy plant nut"), discovering and cultivating these trees is a continuous, intriguing prospect. While many such trees come from the cloudforests of Central America, this species originates on the Chatham Islands, a remote group of islands east of New Zealand where the climate is perpetually cool and humid. Growing as tall as 30', its glossy green leaves are bright white underneath, and white flowers and rough, stringy bark may be seen on older plants. Not surprisingly, this plant detests hot, dry conditions; but other than that it is quite adaptable, thriving in sun or partial shade on most soils, growing vigorously and easily in general, and being very happy in breezy coastal conditions. Best in milder Northwest gardens, it is hardy to 15°F (this seems to be the magic number for a lot of plants from the Chatham Islands) once established.

Phyllocladus

See under Conifers (if available).

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Sheen'

$10

Silver and black! With its well-spaced, thin, silvery leaves on black stems; this evergreen shrub has an exceptionally delicate appearance. It may reach 8' tall or more over many years, but is easily kept smaller. It will thrive in sun or part shade on most any soil, and is also a great container plant. Tougher than it looks, it can handle at least 10°F in the Northwest and is moderately drought tolerant.

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Theodore'

$10

This appears to be a rather rare cultivar which, we have to admit, we really can't figure out. In the shade it grows pretty much like the species P. tenuifolium with full size, well-spaced leaves - ours is now 8' tall. In the sun it starts growing tiny, closely spaced leaves and looks like a cute little dwarf plant that can't possibly get very big. So, plant it in the sun... I guess. And tell us what happens. No hardiness problems yet, down to 10°F.

Podocarpus

See under Conifers (if available).

Senecio x 'Sunshine'

$7

This versatile evergreen shrub grows to about 2' tall and 5' wide, sporting rounded leaves that are grey-green on top and bright white below. Showy bright yellow flowers appear in June. Drought tolerant and easy to grow, it looks excellent in a dry border combining well with about anything. This might be the least rare of all those New Zealand daisy shrubs in the Pacific Northwest, but it's still not common enough! Hardy to about 5°F.

Veronica (Hebe) albicans [prostrate form]

$10

Help, I've fallen and I can't get up! Not really though; this plant is supposed to crawl along the ground. Here's a Hebe that has performed admirably through the last few cold winters, and a beautiful ornamental to boot. A slow-spreading small scale evergreen groundcover, it is very showy when it blooms in late spring producing sprays of beautiful white flowers, and its rounded blue-green leaves look great all the time. Flat enough to get buried under the protection of snow, and quite hardy anyways, to 10 - 12°F or so.

Veronica (Hebe) cupressoides - WHIPCORD HEBE

$10

This small mounding shrub has leaves so small that the plant looks like a mass of little blue-green stems. It may eventually reach 2' tall and produce white flowers, although the flowers are rarely seen. It requires well-drained soil and should be irrigated regularly but not excessively for best results. It is one of the easiest of the whipcord Hebes to grow and hardy to at least 5°F.

Veronica (Hebe) glaucophylla

$8

We think this is one of the best Veronicas, making a little grey-leafed shrublet to about 8" tall and 2 - 3' wide. In moist climates it roots along the ground to spread wider. Mature plants are covered with white flowers in late spring and it is quite showy in bloom. Our form has very cute little round leaves, but a narrow-leaf form is also known. It is happy in sun or part shade and very easy to grow. It has never been damaged by cold for us and appears hardy to at least 10°F.

Veronica (Hebe) 'Midsummer Beauty'

$9

We admit this isn't the hardiest of the bunch, but it's just so awesome we can't resist growing it anyways. With big glossy green leaves, its beautiful flower spikes - which can be as long as 4 - 6" (!!) - appear from mid-summer well into the fall. WOW. A vigorous grower, it can reach 4' tall and wide or larger in the ground where hardy. You can also grow it in a container where it will withstand being cut back rather hard if it gets leggy, though perhaps not quite to the ground. Hardy to around 16 - 18°F.

Veronica (Hebe) odora 'New Zealand Gold'

$9

This beautiful little shrub (to 2 - 3') has a very dense and compact habit with cheery yellow green leaves. Mature plants produce white flowers but the foliage just looks great all the time. Very easy to grow, but the best color and form will be achieved in about 2/3 sun to full sun in the Northwest. Hardy to 10°F.

Veronica (Hebe) raouliae New Fall 2011!

$8

Excellent hardiness and foliage are the main features of this spreading groundcover Hebe, which has rounded deep green leaves edged with magenta or black on black stems! The light purple flowers aren't bad either. It is one of the flattest species, growing only a couple feet tall, and moderately vigorous spreading to 4' wide or more eventually. Hardy to 10°F.

Veronica (Hebe) salicifolia

$10

A large shrub to 6' or greater in the ground, but we like to keep this as a container plant where it will reliably produce masses of white summer flowers if maintained at a height of 2 - 3' tall. It is super easy to grow and will tolerate sun or part shade. We think it interesting that this species is native to both New Zealand and Chile. Hardy to about 15°F once established.

Veronica (Hebe) sutherlandii

$8

This Hebe is not only attractive, but seems to be pretty much indestructible. It forms a dense mound to 2' that retains its appealing compact form no matter how much it gets snowed on. The small leaves have an appealing bluish cast, and older plants may produce white flowers. It will grow on any well drained site in sun or part shade, and is moderately drought tolerant. Hardy to 5°F and perhaps lower.

Veronica (Hebe) traversii

$8

Here's an attractive shrub (but aren't most Hebes?) to 2 - 3' with dense growth and deep apple-green leaves. Showy white flowers appear in early summer. There are several forms of this plant going around in commerce; we think this one is the best. Hardy to about 10°F.

Veronica (Hebe) 'Youngii' New Fall 2011!

$8

A low-growing Hebe with small, dark green leaves, this species seems to require full sun to best show its attractive, compact habit. This may be one of the hardier species with purple flowers, although they do not feature prominently and we mainly consider this a foliage plant. Hardy to 5 - 10°F.

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