Aesculus californica - CALIFORNIA BUCKEYE

$14

Sapindaceae (Hippocastanaceae) · Drought resistance code 5 · Hardy to -15°F or below.

This California native has come up with a rather interesting way of adapting to drought. It is one of the first hardy shrubs to leaf out in the spring, but when summer drought gets severe the leaves can just drop off without any harm to the plant. So it is not strictly winter deciduous or summer deciduous, but in most gardens it behaves more like a winter deciduous tree. The large palmately compound leaves resemble those of Horsechestnut, but slightly smaller; and showy white flowers appear on mature plants. These are followed by huge seeds in cool spiny husks in late fall. It is a vigorous grower without getting too tall - 15' being a common mature height - and tends to be multi-stemmed if not trained to a single trunk. It can handle sun or part shade, and dry or irrigated garden conditions. Our collection shared with us by George Guthrie from the Medford, Oregon area (the northern extent of its range) should be hardy to at least -15°F.

Agave

See under Succulents.

Arctostaphylos bakeri 'Louis Edmonds'

$12

Ericaceae · Drought resistance code 4 - 5 · Hardy to about 5°F

You've always wanted a shrub with a purple trunk, and now, at last, your dreams can come true! That's right, this manzanita has smooth bark with a distinct purple coloration. But wait; there's more! It also has dusky green-grey leaves, and pink flowers followed by reddish berries! And, if you call right now, we'll throw in a rugged, contorted growth habit. Like most manzanitas, this will appreciate a mostly sunny site with excellent drainage and no summer irrigation once established. Hardy to about 5°F.

Arctostaphylos columbiana IB550 New Spring 2013!

$14

This collection originates from a rocky outcrop at 3,900' in the sunny northeast corner of the Olympic Mountains. Wow that's pretty high up! It seems pretty trouble-free in cultivation so far.

Arctostaphylos densiflora 'Howard McMinn'

$10

Ericaceae · Drought resistance code 4 · Hardy to about 0 - 5°F

An attractive plant, it has a generous covering of white spring bell flowers, and the usual red fruits and smooth red bark characteristic of manzanita. Leaves are a rich, deep green with red highlights. It is usually purported to reach 3 - 6' tall, but I've seen it reach at least 12' tall and wider in Seattle. This is perhaps the most commonly available manzanita in nurseries, being considered "one of the most dependable and adaptable" of the bunch. What that really means is that people managing nurseries and gardens with heavy watering regimes and less than adequate drainage are less likely to kill it than other species - not that there's anything wrong with the other species. It prefers full sun and tolerates a wide range of soil types as long as drainage is decent. Hardy to about 0 - 5°F.

Arctostaphylos densiflora 'Sentinel' - SENTINEL MANZANITA

$12

Ericaceae · Drought resistance code 4 - 5 · Hardy to 5°F

This popular selection of a northern California native forms an upright shrub to 6' tall and as wide. Dark leaves and smooth red-brown bark are offset by generous clusters of pink flowers that cover the plant in spring. Relatively easy to grow, it is not afflicted with leaf spots or other ailments, but it does require perfect drainage and no summer water except in the hottest climates. Full sun please!

Arctostaphylos x 'Emerald Carpet'

$9

Ericaceae · Drought resistance code 3 · Hardy to about 5 - 10°F

A low growing, slightly mounding plant with glossy, small, deep green leaves and white flowers. It might be the same as Arctostaphylos x 'Emerald Carpet', a hybrid of A. uva-ursi and A. nummularifolia; however, it's mounding up a little more than 'Emerald Carpet' is supposed to, so I can't be certain. Whatever it is, it's very easy to please and seems to be very much at home in our climate.

Arctostaphylos x media 'Fair Weather Friend' IB568 New Spring 2013!

$10

Sometimes plants pleasantly surprise you. I collected this up the Dungeness Canyon with Mark and Lila Muller, basically just because Mark pointed it out. It was growing on a very nutrient-poor rocky outcrop and didn't look like much at all. However it has turned out to be a very vigorous form in cultivation with a low, spreading habit and fabulous round leaves.

Arctostaphylos x media 'Martha Ewan'

$10

This superior form of our native hybrid manzanita was selected from the north Oregon Coast by Xera Plants. Its main features are a neat and compact appearance, exceptionally large fruit, and (apparently in our experience) excellent resistance to leaf spot. Dimensions listed by Xera are 30" tall by 5' wide, but it is likely to be slow-growing. It should handle a little shade and temperatures to at least 0°F.

Arctostaphylos x 'Monica' New Summer 2012!

$12

Ericaceae · Drought resistance code 4 · Hardy to about 0°F

This unique hybrid of Arctostaphylos densiflora and A. manzanita is beautiful and easy to grow. Its pink flowers appear more like those of A. densiflora on a plant with the tall-growing habit of A. manzanita. The peeling red bark is particularly attractive and it grows quickly and easily on a sunny site in the garden. A fabulous plant that remains far too rare in cultivation.

Arctostaphylos x 'Pacific Mist' - PACIFIC MIST MANZANITA

$12

Ericaceae · Drought resistance code 4 - 5 · Hardy to about 5°F

No, contrary to popular belief, Pacific Mist is not what falls out of the Seattle sky eleven months out of the year. It is the name for this wonderful manzanita hybrid, the silvery-grey leaves of which, when you desperately desire relief from the heat and drought as you long for those rainy winter days to hydrate your garden, will recall those nice drizzly winter afternoons. This cultivar has less conspicuous flowers than some, but the leaves, red stems and pink new growth are very attractive, and of course, the smooth red bark is too. This plant might be classed as a tall groundcover, forming a broad, low mound to about 2' high and 10' wide, and growing much more quickly than most manzanitas. One of the easiest Arctostaphylos to grow, it will readily adapt to most soils and tolerate a little summer water, but not too much. It will even handle a little bit of shade, especially in hot climates.

Arctostaphylos pajaroensis 'Paradise' - PARADISE MANZANITA New Spring 2013!

$12

Ericaceae · Drought resistance code 5 · Hardy to about 5°F

May the bird of paradise fly up your nose. This wonderful plant is one of the longest blooming of the manzanita clan, as well as being very easy to grow. It makes a low, mounding shrub to about 4' tall and 8' across with all the usual wonderful manzanita features: smooth red bark, red berries, and lots of flowers, which in this case are a nice, deep pink! Ideal for that dry spot in your garden, it doesn't mind a little occasional water either so long as drainage is adequate.

Arctostaphylos rudis - SHAGBARK MANZANITA

$18 (1 gallon)

Ericaceae · Drought resistance code 5 · Hardy to about 5 - 10°F

You may have noticed a recurring theme as I describe each of these manzanitas: smooth red bark, smooth red bark, smooth red bark, blah, blah, blah. But here, at long last, we finally have something different! Not just your ordinary smooth red bark, my friends, but rough, stringy, even shaggy bark! Wow. Other than that, this species shares most of the same characteristics as the other manzanitas, including its contorted branching habit and small, attractive, rounded leaves. Actually, I find the foliar texture of this species to be exceptionally pleasing, as are the clusters of soft white flowers. It will prefer a sunny, well drained location, where it may reach a height of 4 - 6' or more with greater spread over time. It performs splendidly in Seattle, yet is widely adaptable.

Arctostaphylos rudis 'Vandenburg' - SHAGBARK MANZANITA

$18 (1 gallon)

Ericaceae · Drought resistance code 5 · Hardy to about 5 - 10°F

This form of shagbark manzanita was salvaged from the Vandenburg Air Force Base in California. Like the species, it has shaggy red bark and soft white flowers followed by red berries. It is vigorous and easy to grow, with very small, cute, soft leaves. What's not to like? I know, we say that about most of our plants. Hardy to 10°F.

Arctostaphylos x 'Sunset' - SUNSET MANZANITA

$10

Ericaceae · Drought resistance code 4 · Hardy to about 5°F

This selection of a natural hybrid of A. pajaroensis and A. hookeri has proven to be one of the most reliable and easily grown manzanitas in cultivation. As such, it seems to be one of the most common in Northwest cultivation along with A. densiflora 'Howard McMinn'. Growing vigorously to 6' (taller after many years) with equal spread, it has smooth red bark, apple-green leaves on white stems, and amazing bronzy new growth. It is at home in any sunny garden with well drained soil, and while it prefers a period of summer drought, it can handle a little bit of occasional irrigation.

Arctostaphylos sp. aff. uva-ursi IB439 New Spring 2013!

$9

Ericaceae · Drought resistance code 4 · Hardy to roughly -30°F

This looks a bit different from usual for A. uva-ursi; in fact we originally collected it as A. nevadensis, though now A. uva-ursi seems more likely. We thought we would go with that for now, then sort things out when they flower. It is a nice plant anyway with deep green leaves and a slowly spreading habit. It comes from the same area we found A. x coloradensis in the Entiat River drainage and should be very cold hardy.

Artemisia tridentata IB482 - BIG SAGEBRUSH New Spring 2013!

$12

Asteraceae · Drought resistance code 6 · Hardy to at least -40°F

One man's trash is another man's treasure? OK, so this stuff is everywhere in eastern Washington, and when I bring it to plant sales I get a few chuckles now and then from people who are trying to clear it from their land so they can feed their cows. Whatever. It's a vigorous, silvery, aromatic shrub that thrives in the harshest of dry, sunny conditions without a care - what's not to like? Although not difficult to grow, it's all about drainage, drainage, drainage west of the Cascades. Put it in the driest and sunniest spot in your yard. It can eventually reach 6' or taller with similar spread. This particular selection is from the confluence of the Naches and Tieton Rivers west of Yakima, where it was growing with Ribes cereum, Opuntia columbiana and Quercus garryana. I selected it because it did not flower when all the other ones did but made a nice compact mound of broader than usual leaves - no guarantees in cultivation though.

Baccharis pilularis IB695 - COYOTE BRUSH New Spring 2013!

$10

Asteraceae · Drought resistance code 4 · Hardy to at least 0°F

If you're one of those people who demands instant gratification, this is the plant for you - it grows FAST. A popular wildlife shrub in California, this evergreen with silvery-green little leaves will tolerate any well drained soil in sun or part shade (though you'll get the best leaf color in sun). It is so tough that you can pretty much plant it, water it in, and forget about it. Primarily a foliage plant, its flowers are not very exciting and result in fluffy little seed pods. This collection was from a population of exceptionally robust and vigorous appearing plants with the deepest of green leaves right on the ocean in Del Norte County, California. They looked too happy for their own good so I had to snip a few pieces off.

Ceanothus x 'Blue Jeans'

$9 (standard), $16 (1 gallon)

Rhamnaceae · Drought resistance code 4 · Hardy to around 0 - 5°F

So you want a Ceanothus, but you want to be sure you have something hardy that won't get too big. Well do we have just the plant for you! 'Blue Jeans' is an attractive cultivar with small shallowly lobed leaves resembling those of C. gloriosus, but smaller. Unlike most forms of C. gloriosus it is an upright grower reaching about 4 - 5' tall and wide. The flower color is a wonderful deep blue! Like all Ceanothus it prefers a dry and sunny location in the garden (partial shade is tolerated but flowering will be greatly reduced). A little hardier than many of the common Ceanothus hybrids grown in the Northwest, it can handle about 0 - 5°F once established.

Ceanothus cuneatus - BUCKBRUSH New Summer 2012!

$18 (1 gallon)

Rhamnaceae · Drought resistance code 5 · Hardy to at least -15°F

Another western native plant that deserves wider promotion, this evergreen shrub is very easy to grow in a dry, sunny location; and always looks great, with tough little deep green leaves. In spring it produces on a respectable show of white flowers, which cover the plant. It may eventually reach 6' tall or more with an irregular, spreading habit. We have Sean Hogan at Cistus Nursery to thank for this special collection from the northernmost outpost of its native range near Dallas, OR.

Ceanothus gloriosus 'Heart's Desire' New Spring 2013!

$9

Rhamnaceae · Drought resistance code 4 · Hardy to at least 10°F

A low groundcover with clear blue flowers, this coastal California native may be considered a more appealing substitute for the ubiquitous C. gloriosus 'Point Reyes'. 'Heart's Desire' is not quite as vigorous, making a smaller and flatter plant that spreads to just 4 - 5', approximately, and the flowers are a darker blue than those of 'Point Reyes'. It is ideal for hell strips or sunny banks where there space is somewhat limited. Yet another Ceanothus that deserves wider use in Northwest gardens.

Ceanothus griseus 'Kurt Zadnik' New Summer 2012!

$12

Rhamnaceae · Drought resistance code 4 · Hardy to at least 5 - 10°F

This beautiful large-scale groundcover is a superior selection to be sure, having surprisingly large masses of brilliant indigo flowers in spring and exceptional vigor and hardiness. Really this is way cooler than 'Skylark' ('Victoria') or any of those common ones. But it gets big. We warned you. Plan on it mounding up to 3 - 4' tall with an eventual 8 - 15' spread. Does that sound like a lot? Just think of all the sunny bank you can cover! All the weeds you can suppress! And it takes drought, poor soil, and coastal exposure in stride. And the flowers: they're huge! Really it's a great plant. Do not fear the size. It is considered to be hardier to cold than other forms of C. griseus, and more tolerant of irrigation and heavy soil than many Ceanothus; yet it remains undeservedly rare in cultivation, especially outside of California. Originally selected by Roger Raiche from the California coast and introduced in 1991, and shared with us by Mr. Sean Hogan at Cistus Nursery, to whom we are grateful for a (for some reason) disproportionate number of our coolest plants.

Ceanothus x mendocinoensis New Spring 2013!

$12

Rhamnaceae · Drought resistance code 4 · Hardy to at least -10°F

A rare gem, this natural hybrid of Ceanothus thrysiflorus x C. velutinus from northern California is virtually unknown in cultivation, though Mike Lee at Colvos Creek Nursery has offered it intermittently for years. A large, sometimes treelike shrub, it may eventually achieve 12 - 15' tall, being fully evergreen and producing a show of large, clear blue flowers in mid spring. Owing to the C. velutinus parentage, it is certainly completely hardy west of the Cascades, and is worth the attempt east of the Cascades as well; though we don't know just what its lower limit is yet. And why don't more people know about this plant? We have no idea.

Ceanothus prostratus 'Goldendale Grey' [IB484] - MAHALA MAT New Summer 2012!

$14

Rhamnaceae · Drought resistance code 4? · Hardy to at least -25°F

This spectacular native evergreen groundcover is found from northern California up into central Washington in the wild (with an outlying occurrence in Idaho). The prickly leaves and habit suggest that of C. gloriosus, but due to its more northerly and interior origin, it is far hardier to cold! Showy light blue to lilac flowers are produced in spring, but the floral display varies somewhat depending on the clone, and from year to year. It is very rare in cultivation as it has a reputation for being difficult to grow, though it has not given us any trouble as yet! Our experience thus far suggests that it perhaps does not like to be placed in quite such a hot and dry position in the garden as one might be inclined to think, despite its preference for such conditions in nature. It often grows with pines in the wild, so perhaps a partially sunny position under conifers would be ideal. It is slow growing (much slower than C. gloriosus), and may need to be pampered for a few years until it gets established. This exciting introduction from the hills north of Goldendale, Washington has particularly tiny leaves with a superior greyish cast. It is also quite unique in that it occurs toward the northern extent of the species' range in the Columbia Gorge area, and also quite far east.

Ceanothus thrysiflorus

$9

Rhamnaceae · Drought resistance code 4 · Hardy to about 0°F

Native to the coast of Oregon and California, this very hardy and adaptable "wild lilac" is the parent of many popular hybrids including 'Skylark' ('Victoria'). It will make a large shrub or small tree to about 14' with glossy evergreen leaves. When I drove the Oregon Coast in May 2002, this plant lit up the hillsides with its explosion of clear blue flowers. It is one of the most adaptable Ceanothus when it comes to tolerating heat and limited summer moisture, and easily handles 0°F once established.

Chamaecyparis

See under Conifers (if available).

Cupressus (Hesperocyparis)

See under Conifers (if available).

Frangula (Rhamnus) californica 'Eve Case' - COFFEEBERRY New Summer 2012!

$12

Rhamnaceae · Drought resistance code 5 · Hardy to around 0°F

This easily cultivated broadleaf evergreen shrub excels in foliage, fruit and drought tolerance. Handsome deep green leaves are nicely offset by bright red berries that turn black once they are ripe. Slightly more compact than the species, it commonly reaches 6 - 8' tall and does great in sun or partial shade in western Washington requiring virtually no care once established, provided it has average to good drainage.

Juniperus

See under Conifers.

Myrica californica - PACIFIC WAX MYRTLE

$8

Myricaceae · Drought resistance code 3 · Hardy to about -5°F

This broadleaf evergreen is one of the Northwest's most valuable native plants for the garden. It is native along the immediate Pacific Coast from California up to Vancouver Island, where it grows as a low shrub in exposed areas right at the beach, to a small tree to 25' in coastal forests. In gardens it makes an excellent screen for shelter or specimen tree for a native planting, and it is always in high demand in Northwest nurseries. It also has value as wildlife habitat, since it produces little black berries that the birds like. Although it will tolerate both drought and poor drainage, it looks a lot better on decent soil with at least a little irrigation.

Opuntia

See under Cacti.

Paxistima myrsinites - MOUNTAIN BOXWOOD

$10

Celastraceae · Drought resistance code 4 · Hardy to -30°F or below

Mountain boxwood is native to drier montane areas of the Pacific Northwest, where it is found on rocky outcrops and in drier, open forests. It somewhat resembles Lonicera pileata, but it is more delicate in appearance, though much tougher in its tolerance of difficult conditions. The tiny red spring flowers are cute up close. This underused Northwest native is ideal for sun or shade, requiring virtually no care once established.

Penstemon barrettiae IB500 New Summer 2012!

$12

Scrophulariaceae · Drought resistance code 5 · Hardy to -30°F or below

This endemic plant to the Columbia Gorge area is one of our most spectacular native wildflowers, not just because of the tight clusters of showy light purple spring flowers; but also for its distinctly blue-green, evergreen foliage that forms dense mats and always looks great (especially if you deadhead the plant after it flowers): you know how we are all about foliage around here! Unlike a lot of native wildflowers, this one is fabulously easy to grow in a sunny and well-drained position in the garden (a little shade is tolerated). Despite these virtues it remains far too rare in cultivation. This collection from the Klickitat Canyon near Glenwood has pale sea-green leaves.

Penstemon barrettiae 'Glenwood Glaucous' [IB501] New Summer 2012!

$14

Scrophulariaceae · Drought resistance code 5 · Hardy to -30°F or below

This endemic plant to the Columbia Gorge area is one of our most spectacular native wildflowers, not just because of the tight clusters of showy light purple spring flowers; but also for its distinctly blue-green, evergreen foliage that forms dense mats and always looks great (especially if you deadhead the plant after it flowers): you know how we are all about foliage around here! Unlike a lot of native wildflowers, this one is fabulously easy to grow in a sunny and well-drained position in the garden (a little shade is tolerated). Despite these virtues it remains far too rare in cultivation. We (well actually just me (I?)) found this plant growing atop basalt cliffs along the rim of the Klickitat Canyon near Glenwood, Washington. The glaucous, ghostly pale, powder-blue color on this form is so outstanding that we already know it will be a great garden plant, so we are naming it pre-emptively! Like many glaucous plants, the color isn't quite as good when it's in a pot, so give it a chance in the ground.

Penstemon cardwellii

$10

Scrophulariaceae · Drought resistance code 4 · Hardy to -30°F or below

This low-growing, slowly spreading perennial has rather rounded leaves and clear, mid-purple flowers. It makes a perfect small scale groundcover or rockery plant. It is not especially fussy and will grow on well-drained to average soil as long as summer watering is not excessive.

Penstemon sp. aff. cardwellii IB473 New Summer 2012!

$12

Scrophulariaceae · Drought resistance code 5 · Hardy to -30°F or below

This very nice form grows low to the ground with nice ovate, deep green leaves and bright purple flowers verging on magenta. We think it is way cute. Originally from the White Pass area of Washington at 3,900'.

Penstemon sp. aff. fruticosus IB472 New Summer 2012!

$10

Scrophulariaceae · Drought resistance code 4 · Hardy to -30°F or below

Originally from the White Pass area of Washington at 4,200', this form creeps along the ground and produces generous quantities of mid-purple flowers in the spring. We note that this collection has wider-spaced flowers than P. fruticosus is usually supposed to have, leading us to suspect hybridization.

Penstemon sp. aff. fruticosus IB511 New Summer 2012!

$10

Scrophulariaceae · Drought resistance code 4 · Hardy to -30°F or below

This vigorously growing mat former produces purple spring flowers on spikes to about 8 - 10" tall. From Skamania County, Washington at 2,300'. We note that this collection has wider-spaced flowers than P. fruticosus is usually supposed to have, leading us to suspect hybridization.

Penstemon richardsonii - CUTLEAF PENSTEMON New Spring 2013!

$9

Scrophulariaceae · Drought resistance code 5 · Hardy to -30°F or below

Coming from the drier sides of various Northwest mountain ranges, this hardy perennial has distinctive, deeply serrated leaves; and produces a brilliant display of magenta flowers in early summer on tall spikes to 2'. Less evergreen than some of our native Penstemons, it tends to die back pretty near to the ground in the winter. It may scatter a few seedlings in gravelly soil. It is perfect for a dry border or sunny parking strip. This collection comes from the Klickitat River Canyon near Glenwood.

Penstemon rydbergii - MEADOW PENSTEMON New Summer 2012!

$9

Scrophulariaceae · Drought resistance code 4? · Hardy to -30°F or below

This nice evergreen species grows along the east slopes of the Cascades in Washington and Oregon and perhaps beyond. The tall spikes of widely spaced, light purple spring flowers are nice; but we also like to think of this as a foliage plant for its broad, slightly glaucous, blue-green leaves on a plant that spreads out to form large mats along the ground, rooting as they go along. Unlike certain alpine plants from the east slope of the Cascades, meadow Penstemon is not especially xeric and will tolerate average soil moisture as well as being totally drought tolerant.

Penstemon sp. IB474 New Summer 2012!

$10

Scrophulariaceae · Drought resistance code 5 · Hardy to -30°F or below

This collection from east of White Pass at 2,900' forms large, spreading mats of little leaves to about 4" tall and 2 - 3' across, with a copious supply of light purple flowers. It's certainly very nice; darned if we can key it out though!

Penstemon sp. aff. speciosus IB490 - SHOWY PENSTEMON New Summer 2012!

$10

Scrophulariaceae · Drought resistance code 5 · Hardy to -30°F or below

Along the Klickitat River a ways north of the scenic Columbia Gorge we found this Penstemon forming quite large mats (to 4' across) of surprisingly long, thick leaves. It has turned out to be very easy to grow, rewarding virtually no effort with vigorous, lush growth and lots of mid-purple flowers on spikes held well above the foliage to at least 1' tall. Wow! In this case, we are nearly certain we do in fact have P. speciosus - how about that. Yay us.

Quercus

See under Oaks and Friends.

Rhamnus

See Frangula.

Ribes speciosum NEW Spring 2013!

$12

Grossulariaceae · Drought resistance code 5 · Hardy to about 10°F

This semi-evergreen shrub has the ultimate adaptation to summer drought: it may drop all its leaves when the soil gets dry, only to regrow them again when rains return. It is one of the few drought-deciduous shrubs we can grow in the Northwest. Hummingbirds will go nuts for this plant for the two months or so in spring when it is in bloom, the branches covered with hanging, fuchsia-like flowers. It may reach 4 - 5' tall with slightly greater spread, and it is covered in spines, so don't plant it too close to a walkway. Although native to central California, it does fine in milder Northwest gardens, occasional leaf drop notwithstanding.

Umbellularia californica - OREGON MYRTLE

$9

Lauraceae · Drought resistance code 5 · Hardy to -10°F or below

One of those special plants from the Siskyou-Klamath bio-region, this avocado relative is a most unique member of our West Coast flora. A slow-growing evergreen tree with tough, very dark green leaves; it can also be compared to Laurus nobilis (bay laurel) from the Mediterranean region in habit and uses, though it is hardier and may eventually grow much larger in the Northwest. All parts of the plant have an exceptionally strong aroma which is pleasing in small doses but can be overpowering if you aren't prepared for it! And it even makes fruit that look like little avocados - don't try eating them, though - yuck! It also posesses excellent quality wood that is strong, smooth-grained, pleasingly fragrant, and prized by woodworkers. A moderate grower (slow on dry sites), in Seattle it eventually grows as tall as 60-90' and often reseeds itself: it could easily be native here if time and chance had allowed. If 90' seems a bit much, it can also be clipped into a low maintenance hedge. Although perfectly drought tolerant, access to moisture will encourage much faster growth. It's generally easy to grow and I think deserves more experimentation in other parts of the USA. Not a good permanent outdoor container specimen, despite its impressive top-hardiness, if the roots are subject to a hard freeze it's dead.

Vaccinium ovatum - EVERGREEN HUCKLEBERRY

$8

Ericaceae · Drought resistance code 5 · Hardy to -10°F or below

This Northwest native broadleaf evergreen has been a popular garden plant for many years. We like its tough little leaves, bronzy or bright red new growth, and showy spring bell-like flowers. These are followed by little dark blue fruits in autumn that birds also appreciate. It may eventually reach 6' tall or more, but it usually slow growing and easy to keep smaller if needed. Its ecology is not always well understood by gardeners: although it sometimes grows on dry, poor sites in the wild; it does not like dry, exposed sites, compacted soil, or poor drainage in cultivation. Grown in full sun, it requires moist, well amended soil; in shade, it is less particular. Hardy to at least -10°F once established, but new growth may be damaged by frost if not hardened off.

Yucca

See under Succulents.

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