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ELAEAGNUS / OLEASTER / Elaeagnaceae / Shrubs and small trees, evergreen and deciduous, from most of the Northern Hemisphere. Tough and adaptable, they are used in dry and difficult climates for screening, erosion control and even food. They tend to grow fast, even on poor soils, because they fix nitrogen in their roots. Though ordinary in their generally oval leaves and spreading habit, these plants are quite amazing in their metallic coloring. Leaves, twigs, even the berries, are finely speckled in silver, gold or copper, giving the plants a soft luster that sets them apart beautifully in mixed company. Tiny white, fragrant flowers cluster shyly under the leaves. All species are drought hardy.
Elaeagnus x ebbingii / HYBRID SILVERBERRY / Much like E. pungens, (below) but leaves a bit wider. Same great vigor and beauty.
Elaeagnus pungens / SILVERBERRY / Handsome and vigorous evergreen shrub 8-10 ft. tall and much wider. Coppery branches, spiny in places, carry 3-4 in. ovate leaves of lustrous green, silvery below, speckled in copper. Creamy flowers in fall waft a rich perfume to passersby. Red-orange, copper-speckled berries ripen in spring. A great screen or casual hedge, excellent on slopes, in sun or shade. Z 8
Elaeagnus pungens ‘Maculata’ / VARIEGATED SILVERBERRY / One of the showiest variegated shrubs, the leaves boldly splashed lemon yellow. A cheering sight in winter, brightening a dark corner, perhaps joined by red camellias or hellebores.
Elk clover – see Aralia californica
ELSCHOLTZIA / Lamiaceae / Shrubs and herbs with the paired leaves, fuzzy flower spikes and herbal fragrances associated with the mint family. Only the plant below is much encountered in gardens.
Elscholtzia stauntonii / MINT BUSH / A semi-woody shrub to 3 ft. tall, carrying narrow, deeply veined leaves 2-3 in. long, smelling of spearmint, or sometimes peppermint, when crushed. Tiny rose-purple flowers in showy 3-4 in. spikes tip the branches in late summer and fall. Grown for mint oil production and useful for flavoring, this is also a delightful source of late color. Sun; best with water; Z 4
EMBOTHRIUM coccineum / CHILEAN FIRE TREE / Proteaceae / There is nothing quite like the flaming spectacle of this tree in bloom, its narrow form glowing neon red from top to bottom. Out of bloom it is ordinary, with narrow, jade green leaves on slender, upturned branches. It reaches 30-60 ft. tall, with a skinny shape that is easy to fit into tight spaces. Foliage may be evergreen or deciduous, though our hardy strain drops most leaves. The flowers, tubular and somewhat like honeysuckle, cluster along every branch in May, attended by many hummingbirds. Pointed woody capsules release papery seeds in fall. Not always easy to establish but well worth the effort, embothrium needs good drainage and a sunny spot with evergreen shrubs shading its base. A slow or yellowish young plant may benefit from nitrogen fertilizer, but plants in this family are intolerant of phosphorous. An embothrium is drought hardy once established. Z 8
ENKIANTHUS / ENKIANTHUS / Ericaceae / A small group of deciduous Asian shrubs with many subtle beauties. Small leaves are artfully arranged on layered branches creating a handsome year round architecture. Tiny, urn-like spring flowers hang in clusters beneath the foliage; fall brings a glow of red, orange or purple. Enkianthus are easy to grow in part or full shade, less happy in sun. They are best with water.
Enkianthus campanulatus / REDVEIN ENKIANTHUS / Rounded to relatively slender, even tree-like, to 8-12 ft. tall. Leaves are narrow, 1-2 in. long, radiating in clusters along the twigs, vibrant red or orange in fall. White to pinkish flowers, each finely penciled in red, show beautifully in late spring. Z 5
Enkianthus perulatus / WHITE ENKIANTHUS / Very like E. campanulatus, but the flowers are pure white and fall color tends toward orange and yellow. Z 5
EPILOBIUM / WILLOW HERB / Onagraceae / A world-wide genus of herbaceous plants, some of them common weeds, others choice garden subjects. Their needs are varied and hard to summarize, but most want sun. Flowers are small but numerous and showy, with four petals. Leaves are in pairs or threes. Seeds are tiny, with white fuzz that carries them on the wind.
Epilobium canum ( Zauschneria cana)/ CALIFORNIA FUCHSIA / Native from southwest Oregon to Arizona, this is a variable plant, with narrow, gray, 1 in. leaves on sprawling or upturned stems and tubular orange red flowers in late summer. Typically 12-18 in. tall in bloom, with eventually a forest of flowering stems over an area more than a yard wide, drawing hummingbirds and admiring eyes for two months. Needs sun, summer drought and sharp drainage, but easy to grow, spreading vigorously underground. Z 5
ERAGROSTIS / LOVE GRASS / Poaceae / A widespread group of slender-leaved grasses, some of them important for food or forage. The one below is a fine ornamental for warmer areas.
Eragrostis elliottii / BLUE LOVE GRASS / Thin, arching blades of soft blue green make a lovely, wind-rippled billow 2 ft. tall and 3 ft. wide. Fluffy flowers and seed clusters droop gracefully from 3 ft. stems. A beautiful evergreen, massed on slopes or as a color spot in sun, good drainage. Z 7
ERICA / HEATH / Ericaceae / Also known as heathers, these evergreen shrubs divide into two groups: the few and relatively hardy European species and the many tender ones from S. Africa. The hardy heathers are mostly low, dense mounds of short, needle-like leaves. A few are much taller, to as much as 10 ft. All have tiny, urn-shaped flowers in dense, showy clusters. Low heathers are fine groundcover and make quite a sweep of color in bloom. Ericas need plenty of sun and well-drained soil. They become drought hardy but need careful watering the first year. The lower growers stay full and tidy if trimmed enough to remove faded blooms.
Erica arborea var. alpina / TREE HEATHER / From the Mediterranean and the mountains of east Africa, this tallest of heathers can reach 10 ft. Twisted trunks support swooping plumes of mossy green foliage, generously tipped with long spikes of white flowers in early spring. Unique sculptural feature for sunny border or rock garden. Z 7
Erica carnea / WINTER HEATH / A low carpet not over 6 in. deep and spreading a yard wide, its upturned branches lined with short, deep green needles and covered with tight clusters of flowers in white or shades of rosy pink, blooming here December to March. Reliable winter color in almost any weather and a fine groundcover, especially on sunny banks. Z 5
Erica carnea ‘Golden Starlet’ / A sensation, with foliage a glowing gold-chartreuse and flowers rosy pink.
Erica carnea ‘Vivelii’ / An old favorite for the purplish undertone of the foliage and the deep rose flowers.
Erica x darleyensis / DARLEY HEATH / A fine hybrid of E. carnea and E. erigena, with the best of both. Its taller stature, to 18-24 in., makes it a better weed barrier than E. carnea and shows off the flowers more effectively. From E. carnea it inherits mid-winter blooming and extra hardiness. Most kinds spread to 3-4 ft. wide. Z 6
Erica x darleyensis ‘Furzey’ / Flowers rich lavender pink, January to April.
Erica x darleyensis ‘Kramer’s Rote’ (‘Kramer’s Red’) / Flowers red violet, on deep green foliage suffused purple.
Erica erigena / MEDITERRANEAN HEATH / A loosely rounded shrub 3-4 ft. tall and at least as wide, with bright green 1/4 in. leaves on straight twigs. Small clusters of pink or white flowers sweep the plants with color in early spring. A favorite for its extra drought tolerance and long season of color. Z 7
Erica erigena ‘Alba’ / A tight 3 ft. dome smothered in white flowers March to May.
Erica erigena ‘Mediterranean Pink’ / A trade name for this old standby, a broad 3 ft. mound topped in lilac pink from late February to May.
Erica multiflora / Rarely seen Mediterranean shrub 3-6 ft. tall. Tiny bright green needles line long, straight twigs topped in pale rose flowers in late summer and fall. Z 8
Erica scoparia / BESOM HEATH / A large Mediterranean heather, to 6 ft. tall, showing sinuous trunks through its diaphanous sprays of tiny bright green needles. Tapered spikes of greenish white flowers make an ethereal display in spring. Z 8
Erica terminalis / CORSICAN HEATH / An old favorite for its dense, billowy upright form reaching 6 ft. tall. Long, straight twigs lined with stiff 1/4 in. leaves give a nice architecture, highlighted by clusters of lavender flowers in mid summer. Rust colored seed capsules of the previous year make another layer of color through the branches. Makes a nice informal hedge. Z 7
Erica vagans / CORNISH HEATH / A broad mound of long branches, 2-3 ft. tall and twice as wide. The open habit and relatively long 1/2 in. leaves give a lighter look. Conical spikes of flowers brighten the plant from midsummer to fall. Z 5
Erica vagans ‘Lyonesse’ / Long spikes of white flowers decorated with dark brown anthers.
Erica vagans ‘Miss Waterer’ / Flowers a delicate rose pink, very abundant. Beautiful with blue Caryopteris and asters.
Erica vagans ‘Mrs. D. F. Maxwell’ / Flowers a strong carmine pink, unusual among heathers
ERIGERON / FLEABANE / Asteraceae / Only dry, technical details separate these plants from the Asters, but as a rule, fleabanes bloom in late spring or summer, before most asters. Some form evergreen carpets of basal foliage and are good small-scale groundcovers. They also tend to favor sunny, rocky or sandy places while most asters gravitate toward water. The particulars are described below.
Erigeron basalticus / BASALT DAISY / Small lilac-white daisies decorate the tops of stems lined with intricately lobed leaves in this rare gem from the arid Yakima Canyon, Washington. These basalt cliffs are the only habitat for this threatened species. Sun; sharp drainage; z 5
Erigeron glaucus / SEASIDE DAISY / A 2-3 ft. wide evergreen mat of thumb-shaped blue-green leaves is the stage for a nearly year-round show of wide lilac daisies on short stems. A most appealing native perennial from beaches of California and Oregon, outstanding in any sunny, well-drained spot. z8
Erigeron speciosus / CASCADES FLEABANE / Fine Northwest perennial wildflower of mountain roadsides. Bushy 2-3 ft. plants topped for many weeks in summer by lilac-blue to lavender-rose, fine-petaled daisies 2 in. wide. Sun or part shade; drought-hardy. z3
ERIOBOTRYA / LOQUAT / Rosaceae / A small genus of beautiful evergreen trees from southern and eastern Asia. The two below are the most planted, primarily for their exotic foliage, but also for edible fruit in E. japonica. Where hardy, these decorative trees are choice material and fortunately quite adaptable and drought-hardy.
Eriobotrya deflexa / BRONZE LOQUAT / A bushy small tree from Taiwan, to 15 ft. tall and as wide. Leathery leaves, 6-10 in. long and 2 in. wide, shallowly toothed, emerge velvety red and change to copper, then deep green. Clusters of tiny white flowers produce inedible, grape-sized, deep red fruits. Sun or shade; Z 9
Eriobotrya japonica / JAPANESE LOQUAT / A rounded, low-branching tree to 30 ft. tall. Its narrowly oval, pointed leaves are thick, leathery and corrugated, shallowly toothed, pale underneath, 10-15 in. long. Clusters of creamy, sweet-scented flowers in fall and winter lead to luscious, orange, egg-shaped fruits that ripen in summer with a flavor of peach and pineapple. Even if frost spoils the earlier flowers, later ones can still produce fruit; trees are somewhat self-fruitful, but better with a mate. Best in sun for fruit, in shade for bigger leaves. Z 8
ERIOPHYLLUM lanatum/ OREGON SUNSHINE / Asteraceae /Native here in bright, well-drained locales, spreading sunshine through its bright, golden daisies on 6-10 in. stems, glowing above an evergreen mat of woolly gray, ornately lobed leaves. The cheerful show goes on for many weeks in late spring and early summer. Drought-hardy; Z 5
ERYSIMUM / WALLFLOWER / Brassicaceae /Biennials, perennials and shrubs giving an almost endless show of flowers. The bushy ones here are evergreen, with the typically narrow leaves and stalks of small, squared flowers, here, alas, not fragrant but produced most of the year. They fit well in any sunny, well-drained spot and need no water once established. Z 7-8
Erysimum ‘Bowle’s Mauve’ / BOWLE’S MAUVE WALLFLOWER / A tight, 2-3 ft. dome of narrow, blue-gray leaves above which spring 15 in. stalks lined with lilac purple flowers. The flower color goes on non-stop, except perhaps in late summer or after a bad freeze. Perhaps the effort is why they tend to expire after 4-5 glorious years.
Erysimum linifolium ‘Variegatum’ / VARIEGATED WALLFLOWER / If ‘Bowle’s Mauve’ is too tame, try this showstopper. The narrow, 3-4 in. leaves of this 2 ft. shrub are softly toothed and vividly edged cream. Flowers on tall stalks go even farther, opening lilac purple and passing to pink and apricot, and this goes on all year.
ESCALLONIA / ESCALLONIA / Escalloniaceae /These accommodating South American evergreen shrubs are among the best choices for screens and windbreaks in mild coastal zones. Their fine-textured foliage, which is often aromatic, makes a good backdrop. Small, tubular or bell-shaped flowers in white or shades of pink or red, opening in waves through the year, are a favorite of hummingbirds. Escallonias are best in sun, too lanky in more than half-shade. They stand shearing well and even those grown informally look better with a trimming from time to time. All are drought-hardy. Z 8 unless noted.
Escallonia ‘Albert Burkwood’ / A graceful 6 ft. plant with glossy, rounded, 1 in. leaves and relative large flowers in pale pink and rose. A bit open for hedging, but one of the prettiest in bloom.
Escallonia ‘Donard Radiance’ / Full, rounded shrub to 5-6 ft. tall and wide. Rounded, scalloped leaves of polished bright green and a generous display of pinkish red flowers spring and summer.
Escallonia ‘Donard Seedling’ / A large, fine-textured shrub to 8 ft. tall and wide. Oval, 1/2 in. leaves in bright green make it one of the best for screening and shearing. Generous waves of tiny pink and white flowers. Z 7-8
Escallonia x exoniensis ‘Frades’ ( E. ‘Pink Princess’)/ The common one, because it is good and reliable. Leaves to 1 1/2 in. long, more or less oval, shiny bright green, make a dense, 5-6 ft. shrub that takes shearing well. Pink and white flowers are showy most of the year.
Escallonia illinita / A narrow, upright shrub, to 12 ft. or more. Light green, 1-2 in. leaves glow among other plantings and scent the garden with a maple fragrance. Small white flowers in long clusters can be showy. A good tall screen.
Escallonia ‘Newport Dwarf’ / Popular for its compact shape, this makes a dense dome 2-3 ft. high and a bit wider. Rounded 1/2 in. leaves of polished bright green are interspersed with small clusters of deep pink flowers.
Escallonia ‘Pride of Donard’ / Narrowly rounded, polished, 1 in. leaves and rosy red flowers in summer on a rounded 5-6 ft. shrub. One of the best for shearing.
Escallonia pulverulenta / CORONTILLO / A large shrub with arching branches lined with oval 1-2 in. leaves in pale green, scented of maple in warm or moist weather. Small white flowers are a bonus. The foliage fragrance is amazing. Z 8-9
Escallonia rubra / A big shrub, to 10 ft. tall and at least as wide. Oval or spatula-shaped leaves 1-2 in. long line its long twigs. Deep pink to red, narrowly bell-shaped flowers are showy in spring and summer.
Escallonia rubra ‘C. F. Ball’ / Leaves especially glossy. Clusters of rosy red flowers all summer.
Escallonia rubra ‘Ingramii’ / Leaves to 3 in. long, flowers carmine pink, on long, graceful branches.
Escallonia x stricta ( E. ‘Harold Coomber’) / A narrowly upright shrub to 10 ft. tall, furnished with narrowly oval, 3/4 in. glossy, bright green leaves and abundant clusters of snowy white flowers. Superb screen plant and hardier than most.
Escallonia virgata / MATA NEGRA / A small, sometimes partly deciduous shrub from Chile with very narrow, glossy, 1/2 in. leaves on a stiffly upright shrub to 4 ft. tall. Small white flowers in short clusters. The hardiest one. Z 7
Escallonia ‘Woodside’ / Low and sprawling, 2-3 ft. high and 6-8 ft. wide. Long, spreading branches with narrowly oval 1 in. leaves are dotted with red flowers. A very nice bank cover.
EUCALYPTUS / GUM / Myrtaceae / These 600 or so evergreen trees and shrubs come from Australia and nearby islands. Aromatic foliage, often gray or silvery blue, and beautiful bark, set the eucalyptus apart. The leaves, with their cold-remedy odors, come in two forms: juvenile leaves typically are rounded or triangular and stalkless, often silvery, arranged in pairs; adult leaves, arising one at a time, are more slender, often darker, and have a stalk. Adult foliage takes over in 1-3 years except on stump sprouts.
Eucalyptus flowers are like cups with a lid which is made of the fused petals. This pops off to allow the stamens to expand into a powder puff in white or less commonly pink, red or yellow- lovely to see and very attractive to bees. Flowers of trees described here are white unless otherwise noted. These mature into woody capsules from which the tiny seeds sprinkle like pepper.
Eucalypts grow fast, sometimes explosively so. They need full light and will lean sharply away from shade. The trees should not be staked; if one flops, cut it to 6 in. above the ground in spring and select a new trunk from the resulting sprouts. Eucalypts are happy in nearly any soil and need no water once established except in hot, dry climates. In the Northwest, frost is the limiting factor, and we offer most of the best species for this region.
Eucalyptus archeri / ALPINE CIDER GUM / A slender tree to 40-70 ft. with egg-shaped, 2-3 in. adult leaves and round juvenile ones, both in deep gray green or blue green. Branches are reddish, peeling to a green inner bark; older bark is tan. A little hardier than most forms of E. gunii, from which it is hard to distinguish. Z 8
Eucalyptus gunnii / CIDER GUM / Slender tree to 80 ft., eventually widening a bit, with billows of silvery 2-3 in. oval leaves on white twigs. Older branches are tan peeling to white, gray or green; bark of older trunks is thicker, gray tan to cinnamon. Silver, round juvenile foliage (‘silver dollar’) makes choice cut material. Z 8
Eucalyptus gunnii ssp divaricata / An even hardier form, and perhaps prettier as well. Silvery blue leaves on pink twigs; white and gray trunk. Z 8
Eucalyptus lacrymans (E. pauciflora f. pendula) / Like E. pauciflora ssp. niphophila in most ways, except for the graceful weeping of the branches. Just as hardy as the snow gum, or even more so. Z 7b
Eucalyptus leucoxylon f. rosea / RED-FLOWERED YELLOW GUM / Small, irregularly spreading tree with willowy, blue-gray leaves and bright pink to red flowers. This is about the hardiest eucalypt with flowers this color, also worthwhile for the white branches. Sun; drought-hardy; z9
Eucalyptus neglecta / OMEO SWAMP GUM / As the name implies, this will grow in wet places, but it is drought-hardy as well. Big, round, bluish green juvenile leaves 4 in. long are a nearly permanent state for this bushy small tree; some individuals grow up to have oval, pointed ones in a darker green. New growth, produced all year, is pink to wine red. Branches arch out under the weight of luxuriant foliage, making the tree full from the ground up. Usually tops out at 20 ft. or less. Z 8
Eucalyptus parvula / SMALL-LEAVED GUM / A lovely small tree with a billowy, spreading crown of narrow, 2-3 in. blue-gray leaves on red twigs. Grows 15-20 ft. tall on a gray trunk. Great for a filmy screen or a feature tree in a small garden. Z 8
Eucalyptus pauciflora ssp niphophila / ALPINE SNOW GUM / From Australia’s highest mountains, this gorgeous tree can take the cold. Slender, pointed leaves in blue gray on white twigs and branches stand out in any light. The broad, rounded crown, to 30-50 ft. tall, is supported by an elegantly leaning, sinuous trunk in patches of white, gray and tan. The ultimate focal point. Z 7b
Eucalyptus perriniana / SPINNING GUM / A broad tree to 30 ft. tall, the smooth beige and green trunk peeling in ribbons. Classic rounded ‘silver dollar’ juvenile foliage is replaced with slender, 4-6 in. leaves in shiny, dark gray green. A favorite hardy eucalypt in the Northwest, quick to regrow if cut by frost. Z 8
EUCRYPHIA / EUCRYPHIA / Eucryphiaceae (now Cunoniaceae)/ Beautiful trees from South America and Australia, and hybrids between them, which are among the specialties of mild, coastal gardens. The leaves are either simple or pinnately compound (feather-like), on very slender twigs. White flowers with four broad petals and a showy clump of long stamens, open in summer.
Most eucryphias are evergreen, though E. glutinosa is typically deciduous. They tend to grown several trunks and many vertical main branches. With foliage down to the ground, they serve well as screens. Eucryphias seem happiest in the woodland edge, shaded from the hottest sun, in a well-drained humus. They are fairly drought hardy but demand a climate free of extremes of heat and cold.
Eucryphia glutinosa / NIRRHE / A lovely small Chilean tree to 15-20 ft. tall, scarce in the wild and even rarer in gardens. Its 3-5 in. leaves, divided into 5-7 narrow, toothed leaflets, usually color in soft red and gold at year’s end and drop, leaving the twigs tipped in bright green buds. Fragrant white flowers with purple stamens stud the branches in summer. Z 7-8
Eucryphia lucida / LEATHERWOOD / A very slender evergreen tree from Tasmania, usually 10-20 ft. tall, sometimes more. Narrowly oval leaves, 1-1 1/2 in long, are glossy medium green, silver on the back. They open from curious, waxy yellow buds. Small, cup-like flowers, sweetly scented, open in summer. Z 8-9
Eucryphia lucida ‘Pink Cloud’ / A delectable form with flowers in translucent cherry-blossom pink. Sometimes shy flowering, but each flower is a jewel.
Eucryphia x intermedia ‘Rostrevor’ / A self-sown seedling from that great Irish garden, this is a hybrid of E. lucida and E. glutinosa. The trans-oceanic alliance produced a gorgeous evergreen tree, clothed to the ground with glossy, narrow, toothed, 1-2 in. leaves on wiry gray twigs. Fragrant, 2 in. white flowers layer the branches in summer. Probably the hardiest evergreen eucryphia. Z 8
Eucryphia x nymansensis / Another garden hybrid, from Nymans in southern England. This cross of E. glutinosa and E. cordifolia makes an evergreen tree to 30 ft. or more. Glossy, narrow, deep green leaves 2-3 in. long make the tree a bit coarser and more see-through than E. x intermedia ‘Rostrevor’. The flowers are larger, to 3 in. wide. Not quite as hardy as ‘Rostrevor’, but quick to recover from cold. Z 8-9
Eucryphia x nymansensis ‘Mt. Usher’/ Differs from the above description in the fact that some of its 3 in. flowers have extra petals.
Eucryphia x nymansensis ‘Nymansay’ / The original form, which fits the description of E. x nymansensis above.
EUONYMUS / SPINDLE / Celastraceae / Here is another varied bunch, with trees, shrubs, groundcovers and climbers, evergreen and deciduous. Leaves are in pairs, flowers are tiny, greenish and none-too-showy, fruit a boxy capsule in red, pink or yellow, splitting to reveal red seeds within. The evergreen ones are planted, not surprisingly, for foliage, which they produce luxuriantly. Deciduous species provide some of our best fall color, both in flaming foliage and in their colorful seed capsules, which can resemble flowers on the bare branches. The euonymus are mostly drought-hardy and unconcerned about soil. Evergreens take sun or shade; deciduous kinds color and fruit better in sun, preferably with some lower shrubs at the base.
Euonymus alatus ‘Compactus’ / COMPACT BURNING BUSH / This deciduous shrub is often over-planted, but anyone seeing its radiant rosy red fall foliage wants one. Stiff branches, often with lengthwise wings or ridges, carry 2-3 in. deep green leaves in neat rows. While the foliage is on fire, the tiny seed capsules ripen to red. This cultivar is a dense, layered shrub 6 ft. tall and wide. Best with water and sun. Z 4
Euonymus europaeus / EUROPEAN SPINDLE / Deciduous shrub-tree 10 to 20 ft. tall. Its ovate, 2-3 in. leaves and slender branches are the same dark green. Makes a startling show of bright pink fruit in fall along with purplish red fall color. Rugged and easy in sun or part shade. Z 3
Euonymus europaeus ‘Red Cascade’ / The fruits of this selection are rosy red, borne profusely.
Euonymus fortunei ‘Kewensis’ / KEW WINTER CREEPER / A fascinating miniature of a rugged, evergreen Japanese creeper. Round leaves 1/4 in. wide are deep green, with pale veins, for those with good eyes. These green dots line fine, branching runners that intertwine to form a billowy carpet 2-3 in. deep, or a beautiful, self-clinging tracery on a wall or tree trunk. Best in some shade. Z 5
Euonymus hamiltonius ssp. sieboldianus / YEDDO SPINDLE TREE / A gracefully spreading deciduous tree from Japan to 20 ft. tall and as wide. Narrowly oval leaves 3-5 in. long color pink in fall, chiming in with the rosy pink fruits that open to reveal red seeds. The capsules stay behind after leaf drop, looking like out-of -season cherry blossoms. An amazing picture, beautiful for weeks. Z 4
Euonymus japonicus ‘Microphyllus’ / A compact evergreen Japanese shrub to 2-3 ft. tall and as wide. This cultivar carries the same head-to-toe rich green as the species, but in narrowly oval 1 in. leaves on dense, upturned branches. Good for a low hedge, fine container centerpiece. Z 7
Euonymus myrianthus / A rare small evergreen tree from China with a spreading canopy 15-20 ft. tall and as wide. Thick, bright green leaves, 2-3 in. long, are arranged in flat sprays. Rather showy clusters of chartreuse flowers open in late spring followed in fall by orange-yellow capsules 3/4 in. wide that split to show off red seeds. This excellent ornamental plant deserves to be popular. Best with some shade. Z 7b
EUPHORBIA / SPURGE / Euphorbiaceae / A huge, worldwide genus with plants of many kinds, from soft, leafy weeds to spiny, succulent trees. In between these extremes are many pleasingly different perennials and shrubs for the garden. Most have narrow leaves, radiating densely from thick, upturned stems. Flowers are small, rounded, in domed clusters, usually yellow or greenish, sometimes orange, colorful for months. Seeds come in round pods and may spread the plant more than you want. Euphorbias need sun and most like sharp drainage. They exude a milky sap when cut that may irritate skin.
Euphorbia characias ssp wulfenii / MEDITERRANEAN SPURGE / An evergreen shrub 3-4 ft. tall and as wide. Linear, blue green 3-5 in. leaves give strong color and texture. Domes of chartreuse flowers opening in February and March age yellow or orange by summer. Indispensable beauty for dry, sunny borders and slopes, great with ceanothus, rosemary, heathers. Z 8
Euphorbia rigida / SILVER SPURGE / A sprawling evergreen making long, upturned stems lined with narrowly triangular, 1 1/2 in. leaves in silvery blue and tipped with clusters of greenish yellow flowers in spring. To about 12-18 in. tall, spreading wider. Best among rocks, in sharp drainage. Z 8
EUPTELEA / EUPTELEA / Eupteleaceae / Two rare deciduous trees from Asia, with a primitive plant family all their own. Rounded, long-stalked leaves with attractive veins and an intricate pattern of marginal teeth, are the big appeal; they are very colorful on opening as well as before they drop. Tiny reddish flowers – look closely- lead to equally tiny winged seeds. Eupteleas prefer part shade and are best with water. Z 7
Euptelea polyandra / JAPANESE EUPTELEA / Leaves 3-5 in. wide, rounded to diamond-shaped, with longer teeth regularly spaced among the shorter ones and a long, slender tip. They open reddish purple and color bright red late in fall. To 15-20 ft. tall and as wide. Delicate beauty for part shade.
EURYOPS / BUSH DAISY / Asteraceae / These evergreen South African shrubs appeal with their foliage as much as their flowers. Leaves are of various kinds and colors, but always aromatic. Daisy flowers in white, cream or yellow, tend to open most of the year. Plants are dense, more or less rounded. They all want sun and good drainage and all are drought hardy.
Euryops pectinatus ‘Viridis’ / GREEN EURYOPS / Brilliant deep green leaves, 2-4 in. long and divided into narrow lobes, make a rounded 3-4 ft. shrub. Bright yellow daisies 2 in. wide on thin stems are scattered over the plant for most of the year, especially winter and spring. Excellent in pots, fine in the sunny, dry border with wallflowers, ceanothus, rosemary. Z 9
EXOCHORDA / PEARL BUSH / Rosaceae / Lovely, large deciduous shrubs related to the spiraeas. The main difference is in the larger flowers, up to an inch wide, opening from clusters of pearl-like buds. Seeds are in ribbed, woody capsules. These are large plants that need room to spread their graceful branches. They are fairly drought hardy, at their best with partial shade.
Exochorda racemosa / Broad, spreading Chinese shrub to 8 ft. tall and twice as wide. Narrowly oval, bright green to blue-green leaves 1-2 in. long line its slender, arching branches. Clusters of round, white buds open into sprays of 1 1/2 in. wide flowers in spring. A real beauty, too seldom grown. Z 4b
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FALLUGIA paradoxa / APACHE PLUME / Rosaceae / A distinctive evergreen or deciduous shrub from the high deserts of the Southwest, growing 3-4 ft. tall and about as wide. Slender, whitish branches carry finely dissected leaves up to 1 in. wide, silvery underneath. Showy 1 in. white, anemone-like flowers open in spring, followed by feathery seeds in pale pink plumes 2 in. long at the branch tips. Very nice companion to other drought-hardy shrubs- lavenders, yuccas, artemisias. Z 5
FATSIA japonica / JAPANESE ARALIA / Araliacaea / Subtropical shade plant to 10 ft. or more. Huge, evergreen palmate leaves up to 18 in. across are whorled atop heavy stems. Big winter flower clusters of architectural interest, with globes of white flowers in branching clusters. Black berries ripen in spring. A go-to plant for exotic effects in less-than-tropical conditions. Shade, fairly drought hardy, but more awesome with water. z8
FEIJOA/ see ACCA
FENDLERA rupicola / FENDLER BUSH / Hydrangeaceae / A narrowly upright deciduous shrub from the Southwest, related to the mock oranges (Philadelphus). Inch-wide, deliciously fragrant white flowers, opening from pink buds, smother the branches in late spring, above small, narrow, dark green leaves. Sun or part shade; drainage. Drought-hardy; Z 5
Fescue- see Festuca
FESTUCA / Fescue / Poaceae / About 300 species of grasses from around the world. Most have fine, even hair-like leaves and small, airy plumes of flowers and seeds. Like most grasses, they want sun and good drainage. Their dense, rounded forms and soft textures make them effective accents, especially in large drifts.
Festuca californica / CALIFORNIA FESCUE / One of the main components of the fuzzy gold that upholsters California’s hillsides for much of the year. In gardens, this is an airy, evergreen clump of thin, blue-green leaves 12-18 in. high. The creamy flowers make a mist high over the plant in late spring. Lends softness and light to any drought-hardy planting, turning gold only in the drought of late summer. Z 7
Festuca glauca / BLUE FESCUE / A dense tuft of threadlike, silvery blue, evergreen leaves growing 12 in. high and wide. Creamy flowers in fluffy sprays open atop 18 in. stems. A classic color accent, all the more impressive in large sweeps. Native to Europe. Drought-hardy; Z 4
Festuca glauca ‘Elijah Blue’ / An especially bright blue selection.
Festuca idahoensis ( F. roemeri) / IDAHO FESCUE / Similar to California fescue, and important over a huge area from California to B.C. and east to the Rockies. A 12-18 in. clump of very thin, light green to bluish leaves topped by airy flower sprays in late spring. Adds misty beauty to dry plantings; best in sharp drainage. Z 4
Fir – see Abies
Fir, China – see Cunninghamia
Fir, Douglas – see Pseudotsuga
Fleabane- see Erigeron
FONTANESIA phillyraeoides / SYRIAN PRIVET / Oleaceae / A little known deciduous shrub native from s. Europe to China. Narrowly oval to lance-shaped leaves 1-4 in. long make a billowy crown 8-15 ft. tall and as wide. Tiny green-white flowers in short clusters open among the leaves in late spring. Small, papery seeds ripen in fall as foliage turns yellow. Lends refreshing softness to hot, dry gardens. Z 6
FORSYTHIA/ FORSYTHIA / Oleaceae / Among the showiest announcements of spring, these large deciduous shrubs are one of the most familiar and welcome. Long branches laden with four-petaled flowers in bright yellow burst into color at the first hint of spring. Oval, pointed leaves make them very average in summer, though they may take on gold and purple fall tints. Forsythias are ridiculously easy to grow, wanting only a fairly sunny spot, not too dry.
Forsythia ‘Karl Sax’ / A hybrid selected for its huge 1 1/2 in. wide flowers in golden yellow. Grows 5 ft. tall and somewhat wider.
Forsythia suspensa ‘Atrocaulis Nymans’ / A large shrub, 6 ft. tall and 10 ft. wide. Long, arching branches tinted dark purple contrast elegantly with the pale lemon flowers.
FRAGARIA / STRAWBERRY / Rosaceae / These low, mostly running plants are famous for their luscious fruits. They also make great groundcovers, with their three-parted, mostly evergreen leaves clustered along runners, which root as they go. The species here make pleasant white flowers and tiny but delectable fruit. All fruit best in sun and make a denser growth there, but they tolerate some shade. They are fairly drought hardy.
Fragaria chiloensis / EVERGREEN STRAWBERRY / Native here and around the Pacific Ocean, even in Hawaii. Glossy, dark green leaves make a sparkly groundcover, dotted with white flowers but, alas, few fruits. Sun or part shade; best where sandy; Z 7-8
Fragaria moupinensis / CHINESE STRAWBERRY / Rare in gardens, this species has deep green leaves with fine silvery hairs and a handsome pattern of deep veins. Small white to pink berries are sweet and tasty. A most attractive groundcover, happy in light shade. Z 7?
Fragaria vesca / WOODLAND STRAWBERRY / From cooler areas around the Northern Hemisphere, this plant has running and non-running forms. Those selected for their larger fruits are clumping, semi-evergreen plants 6-12 in. high bearing conical red fruits 1 in. long with an exquisite aroma. They fruit well in sun or partial shade. Wild forms from our area are mostly running and found in dappled shade, where they bear tiny fruits. Z 4
Fragaria virginiana / MOUNTAIN STRAWBERRY / Native from coast to coast, this strawberry is a mountain plant out here, found in sunny, rather dry places. Though its white flowers and tiny red fruits are typical, its light blue-green leaves make it a standout. A very nice groundcover in bright, well drained landscapes. Z 3
FRAXINUS / ASH / Oleaceae / Delicate, usually feathery leaves in pairs give the ashes a refreshing lightness that makes them ideal shade trees. Tiny greenish or white flowers, very showy in some species, lead to winged seeds. Many ashes prefer moist soils but most are not that particular. The ashes of Asia Minor and the Southwest are drought hardy. For mountain ashes (leaves not paired, seeds in colorful berries) see Sorbus.
Fraxinus latifolia / OREGON ASH / Native here from Washington to S. California, this is a narrowly rounded tree to 70 ft. tall. Leaves 12-18 in. long, with oval, pointed leaflets, turn yellow or chartreuse in fall. An abundant tree of wet soils, our last deciduous tree to leaf. Z 7
Fraxinus ornus / FLOWERING ASH / A rounded tree 30-50 ft. tall, native of s. Europe. Leaves 8-15 in. long, divided into glossy, oval leaflets, color yellow to deep purple in fall. Billowy plumes of fragrant greenish cream flowers make an impressive show in June. Very drought hardy. Z 6
Fraxinus paxiana / A rare tree to 60 ft. in the wilds of China, slow and probably smaller in gardens. Leaves 15 in. long carry several long, narrow leaflets giving a dramatic texture. Large clouds of creamy flowers in late spring add to the drama. Probably best in moist, well drained soil. Z 7?
FREMONTODENDRON / FLANNEL BUSH / Steculiaceae / Two species of unique evergreen shrubs, and hybrids of them, from California, Arizona and n. Mexico. Rounded leaves with three broad lobes, velvety medium green above and creamy or gray felted below, line long, straight, spreading branches. Round, cupped flowers with five broad petals, orange to golden yellow, appear through much of the year. Woody seed capsules with irritating hairs follow. These are among the most unusual and glamorous native plants of the Southwest, worth trying anywhere with sun, dry summers and well drained soil. Z 8
Fremontodendron ‘California Glory’ / A hybrid of the two species, with great hybrid vigor, quickly growing to 20 ft. tall and nearly as wide. Gets some orange tints in its flowers from F. mexicanum and hardiness from F. californicum. Remarkably adaptable. Z 8
Fremontodendron ‘Ken Taylor’ / Another terrific hybrid, reaching 6-10 ft. tall. Small, light green, 2 in. leaves make it look almost silvery. Flowers, with slender points at the petal tips, shade to reddish orange inside. Z 8b
GARRYA / SILKTASSEL / Garryaceae / Evergreen shrubs native from the Northwest south through Mexico and Central America. Their thick, oval leaves are in pairs. Flowers are tiny, opening mainly in winter in hanging, creamy tassels that are pollinated by wind. Female plants bear clusters of small berries. These attractive foliage plants, which give a unique winter display, are still uncommon. They are easy to grow in sun or part shade and well drained soil.
Garrya elliptica / COAST SILKTASSEL / Broad, evergreen shrub of sw Ore. and Calif. growing 10-15 ft. tall. Luxuriant masses of round, wavy-edged 2-3 in. leaves, gray-velvety below. Silvery, pendant, 8 in. flower tassels in winter are quietly spectacular; female plants bear purple berries. Sun, drainage, drought. Z 8
Garrya elliptica ‘Evie’ / A more compact form, to 6 ft. tall, with especially abundant tassels.
Garrya flavescens / PALE SILKTASSEL / Growing with shrub oaks and manzanitas bordering the lower deserts of the Southwest, this large evergreen shrub stands out for its light green coloring. Oval 1-2 in. leaves give the plant a full figure. Silvery flower tassels droop from the branches in early spring; purple berries cluster on female plants in fall. Nice accent for dry border Z 7
Garrya x issaquahensis / HYBRID SILKTASSEL / Vigorous hybrid of G. elliptica and G. fremontii, much like the former except for its even greater vigor and easier cultivation. Lush masses of oval, shiny, deep green, 2 in. leaves are the setting for 8-10 in. silvery flower tassels in winter. Sun or part shade, drought-hardy. Z 7
GAULTHERIA / Ericaceae / A large genus of evergreen shrubs from moist temperate regions around the world. Glossy, generally oval leaves, small urn-shaped flowers and round berries are the common characteristics. Some have edible fruits; G. shallon of the Northwest was a major food source for native people. Gaultherias want fairly moist, woodsy humus with good drainage; most species need some shade. All are superb ornamental plants, first rate all year.
Gaultheria ovalifolia / OREGON WINTERGREEN / A charming 4-8 in. deep carpet of shiny, oval 1 – 1 1/2 in. leaves on thin, spreading branches. White to pinkish, urn-shaped flowers with a red calyx lead to edible red berries. From shady, moist woodland at mid- to high elevations. In gardens requires moist humus and shade; Z 4
Gaultheria procumbens / WINTERGREEN / From woodlands of the Northeast, this charming creeper makes a carpet of oval, 1 in. leaves studded in spring with pinkish white flowers and, the rest of the year, bright red berries. These fruits yield oil of wintergreen and make a pleasant, if not sweet, snack. Part or full shade. Z 4
Gaultheria shallon / SALAL / Ubiquitous and beautiful native forest groundcover here, growing 2-4 ft. deep. Oval, 2-4 in. leaves are the ‘lemon leaves’ of florists. White to pinkish flowers in long clusters, edible blue-black berries. Drought-hardy; prefers shade. Z 6
Gaultheria trichophylla / HIMALAYAN SNOWBERRY / Rare and so desirable, this gem produces pea-sized berries in shades of bright sky blue and cobalt on a low, spreading cushion 4-8 in. high and 1-2 ft. wide. Tiny, oval, deep green leaves 1/2 in. long open reddish and fuzzy. Clusters of pink flowers precede those amazing berries. For light shade, shelter. Z 7
Gaultheria x wisleyensis ( xGaulnettya w.)/ A very nice hybrid of salal and one of the Chilean species formerly call Pernettya mucronata. Like a half-scale salal, this mounds 2-3 ft. tall, with round-oval 1 in. leaves, small white flowers and deep purple berries. Attractive and useful in sun or part shade. Z 7
GAURA lindheimerii / BUTTERFLY GAURA / Onagraceae / An outstanding, durable perennial from the Texas and Louisiana. Big clumps of 3-4 ft. stems, clad in narrow leaves on the lower half, open clouds of small white flowers from pink buds over several months in summer. A drought hardy beauty for full sun, good drainage. Z 5
GERANIUM/ CRANESBILL / Geraniaceae / A large group of perennials from around the world. They are valuable in gardens, where they provide much beauty and ask little in return. Flowers are typically saucer-shaped, clustered above the foliage. Leaves are round in outline, slightly to intricately lobed or cut. The plants range from low creepers to shrubby plants 4-5 ft. tall. Geraniums are happy in sun or part shade and are fairly drought hardy. The tender bedding geraniums and scented geraniums are in the related genus Pelargonium.
Geranium psilostemon / A grand species from Turkey, with large flowers of intense magenta, and bright green, deeply cut leaves on branches up to 3 ft. tall. Best placed where it can get some support from its neighbors. Sun; drought-hardy; z6.
Geranium sanguineum ‘Vision’ / Attractive semi-evergreen mound 3-6 in. high and a foot wide, with round, notched, light-green leaves supporting inch-wide flowers in shades of pink, rose and deep magenta in summer. Many months of color for the border or dry garden. z5
GEUM / AVENS / Rosaceae / Found almost everywhere, these 50 or so perennials share very similar, round flowers with five petals much like those of the related strawberry. Leaves are divided into toothed leaflets. Most plants are mounding, a few spread by runners. These are easy plants, happy in average to moist soil, often flowering for months.
Geum coccineum ‘Borisii’ / A 15 in. wide mound of hairy, coarsely divided leaves makes a good evergreen stage for the many 1 1/2 in. wide, semi-double orange red flowers with yellow centers. These cluster atop 18 in. stems in a bright show that goes on for months, especially if faded blooms are removed. Part shade; Z 5
GOMPHOSTIGMA virgatum / OTTERBOSSIE / Loganiaceae / An erect, eventually weeping evergreen shrub from S. Africa, scarce in gardens but very worthy. Very narrow, 1 in. leaves, gray green above and white underneath, neatly line straight, silvery twigs. Small, vividly white flowers cluster at branch ends in summer. In the wild, this ghostly shrub lines watercourses, its arching branches giving the effect of silvery willows. To about 6 ft. in gardens, where it wants a sunny spot, moist or dry. Z 8
GREVILLEA / SPIDER FLOWER / Proteaceae / Wildly different and varied, these Australian evergreen shrubs have been soaring in popularity. Even here in the marginal Pacific Northwest, where several hardy kinds flourish, they are eagerly sought. Grevillea foliage may be almost any shape and color, from needle like, paddle shaped, feathery or simply oval. The flowers are much alike in their curious beauty, vaguely tubular, with long, curling stigmas, usually in clusters. Colors range from cream through yellow, orange, pink and red. Grevilleas want no fertilizer; they grow fast everywhere, given sun and good drainage.
Grevillea ‘Porrinda Constance’ / Pretty evergreen shrub to 12 ft., with long, wide-spreading branches. Small, deep green leaves, somewhat like rosemary, backed in silver. Clustered orange-red flowers open all year here. Hybrid of G. victoriae and G. juniperina, for sun or part shade, drainage, drought. z8-9
Grevillea ‘Ruby Clusters’ / A magnificent hybrid with narrow, dark green leaves and terminal clusters of ornate flowers in jewel-tone red. Low and spreading shrub, to 3 ft. tall, twice as wide. Sun, drainage, drought. Z 8-9
Grevillea rosmarinifolia / Aptly named for its linear, gray green, rosemary-like foliage. But the flowers are something else, like small honeysuckle blooms in clusters, in an appetizing blend of cream and salmon red. A spreading shrub to 5 ft. and somewhat wider. Sun, drainage, drought. z8-9
Grevillea victoriae / ROYAL GREVILLEA / A fine introduction from se Australia, one of the best shrubs ever introduced into the Northwest. Evergreen to 10 ft. with narrowly ovate, silver-backed leaves on beige branches. Clustered red-orange flowers open fall to spring from coppery buds. Remarkably hardy, to at least Z 8 in a warm, well-drained spot.
Gum, alpine cider – Eucalyptus archeri
Gum, cider – see Eucalyptus gunnii
Gum, Omeo swamp – see Eucalyptus neglecta
Gum, red-flowered yellow – see Eucalyptus leucoxylon f. rosea
Gum, small-leaved – see Eucalyptus parvula
Gum, snow – see Eucalyptus pauciflora
Gum, spinning – see Eucalyptus perriniana
GYMNOCLADUS / Fabaceae / Feathery deciduous shade trees, two from Asia and one from the central U.S. Frothy divided leaves, from large to enormous, make a broad canopy. Tiny flowers lead to large, thick ‘bean pods’. Only the American species is much grown.
Gymnocladus dioicus / KENTUCKY COFFEE TREE / Large tree to 70 ft. or more, spreading nearly as wide. Sparse, very thick, coarsely ribbed branches give a distinctive winter silhouette. The leaves, 2-3 ft. long and 2 ft. wide, are divided and redivided into large, bright green to blue green leaflets. Small, greenish flowers add interest in summer, as do the 5-10 in. woody pods in fall. A beautiful shade tree, tropical-looking but sub-zero hardy, as uncommon in gardens as it is in the wild. Sun, best with water; Z 4
xHALIMIOCISTUS / Cistaceae / Very nice hybrids between Cistus and Halimium, all small, spreading evergreen shrubs that thrive in the same hot sun and dry, poor soils as their parents. They come in varied colors and textures, described below. Z 8
xHalimiocistus sahucii / A sprawling mound of thin, reddish twigs lined in very narrow, dark green, 1 in. leaves that are nearly hidden by the crowds of inch-wide white flowers in late spring. To 12 in. drrp, 3-5 ft. wide. Cascades beautifully over rocks.
xHalimiocistus wintonensis / A low shrub to 2 ft. tall and twice as wide, clothed in crinkly, gray green leaves. Round, flat flowers 2 in. wide are white with a large maroon blotch at the center. Flowers lightly, but for many months.
xHalimiocistus wintonensis ‘Merrist Wood Cream’ / In this lovely form, the main flower color is creamy yellow.
Hare’s ear, shrubby – see Bupleurum fruticosum
HEBE / HEBE / Plantaginaceae / Some botanists think these shrubs belong in the genus Veronica, where they started, but we’ll keep them here for now. What is not in question is the amazing variety and growing appeal of these evergreen shrubs. Nearly all of the 90 wild species are from New Zealand; a few are scattered in South America and New Guinea.
Hebes charm with their neat habits and fascinating colors. Leaves, ranging from several inches long to minute and scaly, line the twigs in orderly patterns. The branches may also make rhythmic patterns of their own. Small, four-petaled flowers in elongated clusters open over a long season, in white or shades of blue, lilac, rose, pink or red. They attract butterflies.
Uses for hebes in the landscape are as varied as the niches they fill in the wild. Tiny leaved ones love sun and are stars in the rock garden or container; those with box-like foliage can grow as hedges, backdrops to perennials or even bank covers in sun or part shade. Large-leaved hebes are more frost sensitive and deserve a prominent spot on a sheltered wall. Hebes want a mild climate, with little serious heat or cold; most are fairly drought-hardy once well established. Those we offer are mostly hardy to Z 8, some perhaps 7.
Hebe albicans / An open, 2-3 ft. mound of upright purplish branches lined with narrowly triangular silvery turquoise leaves. Small clusters of white flowers. One of the best and hardiest blue-foliaged shrubs. Sun or part shade, drought-hardy. Z 8
Hebe canterburiensis / Neat, rounded upright evergreen hummock 8 in. high with 1/4 – 1/2 in. long overlapping light green leaves. Pairs of 1 in. long spikes of white flowers at ends of branchlets, May-July. Sun, drought hardy. Z 8
Hebe cupressoides / A flowering plant masquerading as a conifer, this hebe makes a dense, rounded 2-3 ft. plant with pale green, cypress-like foliage and, to spoil the disguise, tiny lilac flowers. Sun; drought-hardy. Z 7
Hebe ‘McKean’ / Dense, bright green low shrub to 12 – 18 in. tall. Tiny, triangular leaves overlapping on long twigs give an almost heather-like effect. Small white flowers are a rare accent. Sun, drought-hardy. Z 8
Hebe pinguifolia / A variable low, spreading shrublet or groundcover to 8 in. high, with charming, rounded, pale blue leaves closely lining its light green twigs. White flowers in small clusters. Sun, drought-hardy. z7-8
Hebe pinguifolia ‘Pagei’ / A mounding groundcover with oblong, flat, gray-blue leaves and small clusters of white flowers on dark twigs.
Hebe pinguifolia ‘Quicksilver’ / Sprawling shrublet to 18 in. sending out long, arching black twigs lined with 1/4 in. silvery turquoise leaves and a few lilac flowers. Unmistakable and unique accent. Sun, drought-hardy. Z 8
Hebe pinguifolia ‘Sutherlandii’ / Neat mounds of small, dense, pale gray leaves and white flowers, to 2 ft. high and twice as wide. Makes a tidy edging or specimen for sun. Z 8
Hebe recurva / A graceful, spreading shrub to 18 in. high, somewhat wider. Dark branches carry narrow, 1 in. blue leaves and clusters of white flowers. Sun, drought-hardy. z8
Hebe ‘Red Edge’ / A hybrid shrub of dense, rounded habit, to 18 in. tall and 3 ft. wide, with gray-blue, triangular leaves margined in red, thickly overlapping on the twigs. Flowers opening lilac, becoming white. Sculptural, drought-hardy accent for sun. Z 8
Hebe richardsonii / Prostrate spreader covering the ground with dark twigs lined with deep green, roundish 1/2 in. leaves tinged copper. Lilac flowers open sparingly. Sun, drought-hardy. Z 8
Hebe topiaria / A compact, mounding shrub to 18 in tall. Broad, 1/2 inch leaves in pale gray-blue stack densely on the twigs, which end in clusters of white flowers. Sun; drought-hardy. Z 7
Hebe ‘White Gem’ / Open, wide-spreading shrub to 3 ft. with narrow, bright green, 2 in. leaves and slender, arching spikes of white flowers over much of the year. Sun or part shade, drought-hardy. Z 8
HELIANTHEMUM / SUN ROSE / Cistaceae / Low, carpeting evergreen shrubs, happiest in bright sun and rocky, well-drained soil. Small, narrow leaves, deep green to blue-gray line wiry branches, covered in inch-wide cup-shaped flowers in colors from white through many variations of yellow, orange, pink, rose and red. Flowers last only a day, but nearly endless buds keep the show going for a month or more. Sunroses are supremely drought-hardy, fine choices for rockeries and dry slopes. Z 6
Helianthemum ‘Dazzler’ / A six-inch deep mound of gray green foliage well decorated with glowing, deep red flowers.
Helianthemum ‘Georgeham’ /Spreading mound of narrow, blue-green leaves and large, rose-red flowers in summer. To 6 in. high and a yard wide.
Helianthemum ‘Henfield Brilliant’ / One of the brightest sunroses, with rich coppery-orange 1 in. blooms on a low mound of blue-gray foliage. To 6 in. high and 3 ft. wide.
Helianthemum ‘Wisley Pink’ / Broad, well-foliaged gray-green mound covered with nearly translucent warm pink blooms May-July. One of the best.
HELICHRYSUM / STRAWFLOWER / Asteraceae / Many annuals, perennials and small evergreen shrubs, including the strawflowers seen in ‘everlasting’ bouquets. The species here are shrubby plants, typically with small, silvery leaves that hint at their origins in dry, sunny, well-drained habitats. Tiny white or yellow flowers cluster at branch tips, their papery petals holding color and shape even when dry. Use these shrubs for color among other lovers of bright, stony places- salvias, lavenders, rockrose, ceanothus, grasses.
Helichrysum italicum / CURRY PLANT / A striking, silvery plant from the Mediterranean. Gray, threadlike leaves give a soft, silky look to this rounded plant 1-2 ft. tall and a bit wider. Tiny gold strawflowers are showy for several months in summer. As an added delight, the foliage smells of curry powder when crushed. Z 8
Helichrysum splendidum / SOUTHERN IMORTELLE / A rounded shrub 3-4 ft. tall and somewhat wider, native to South Africa. Oval, 3/4 in. leaves of silky silver-green on thick silky twigs make a metallic impression. Tiny yellow flowers add a golden touch in summer. Z 8
HELLEBORUS / HELLEBORE / Ranunculaceae / These handsome perennials are among the most valuable garden plants. Distinguished, mostly evergreen foliage, divided fanwise into several narrow leaflets, gives year-round value. Flowers, typically 2-3 in. wide, with broad petals in a cup shape, cluster atop sturdy stems while most other flowers are still asleep. Their very early blooms, great foliage and generally easy nature have made hellebores choice and popular. Most require at least partial shade, where they will be fairly drought hardy.
Helleborus argutifolius / CORSICAN HELLEBORE / The tallest of the group, and one that prefers part sun. The light green leaves are divided into three toothed leaflets 4-6 in. long. Leafy flowering stems 2-3 ft. tall end in large clusters of pale green flowers in February and March. Flower stems die and should be removed as new ones replace them. Z 7
Helleborus x hybridus / Many hybrids, all nice, involving H. orientalis crossed with other species. They are essentially like H. orientalis but for variations in color of foliage and flower.
Helleborus orientalis / LENTEN ROSE / The most commonly planted, this makes a clump of long-stemmed leaves divided into five or more slender leaflets 3-6 in. long in dark, glossy green. These droop a bit in winter to give the spotlight to the 2-3 in. flowers that open from January on, several atop each sturdy 12-18 in. stalk. Colors range from creamy green through white, pink, rose, garnet and blue-purple. Real beauty for the gray months, requiring only shade and good drainage; best with rich soil and some water but quite drought hardy here once established. Z 4
HERACLEUM / COW PARSNIP / Apiaceae / Some of these spectacularly large perennials have become noxious weeds and won’t be found here. The native species, below, is a bit tamer but still statuesque. Clumps of large, divided leaves set the stage for tall stalks bearing big, flat clusters of tiny white flowers which become flat seeds that hang on into winter. They need deep, rich, moist soil and sun to thrive.
Heracleum lanatum / WESTERN COW PARSNIP / Our native species makes colonies of 6 ft. stalks carrying 12 in. wide domes of white flowers in summer. The 1-2 ft. leaves, divided into jagged leaflets, give a jolt of strong texture to any planting. Everything disappears in winter; a foreground of evergreen sedges or ledum can help. Z 5
HESPERALOE parviflora / RED YUCCA / Agavaceae / The hardiest of several species of spiky, long-flowering plants of the Southwest and Mexico, related to Yucca. Here, the leaves are softer, not sharp, very narrow, gray green, somewhat arching, forming a loose clump 2-3 ft. wide. Tubular flowers in tomato red open along 5-6 ft. stalks that lean and curve artfully. The blooms last from mid summer into fall, and are reliable even in our cool summers
Hollyhock, streambank false – see Iliamna
HETEROMELES arbutifolia / TOYON / Rosaceae / Fine evergreen shrub to 10-15 ft., beautiful in its native California hills and in cultivated landscapes. Oblong, glossy green, 3-4 in. leaves set off clusters of tiny, white flowers in summer and bright red fall and winter berries. The dark green toyon, decorated with red berries at Christmas, inspired the name for the city of Hollywood. Sun or part shade; drainage, drought. Z 8b
HEUCHERA / ALUMROOT / Saxifragaceae / These stars of the shade garden are at the zenith of their popularity. Growers are debuting new ones every year in colors and patterns previously unimaginable. But the wild plants are superb as well. Most are evergreen clumps or mounds of rounded leaves, variously lobed or scalloped. Tiny, bell-shaped flowers along slender stalks open for many weeks. Heucheras are excellent massed as small scale groundcover. Most take at least a few hours of sun if given well drained soil and a mulch. Native ones are drought hardy, cultivars are best with water.
Heuchera cylindrica / ROUNDLEAVED ALUMROOT / From Northwest mountains comes this substantial clump of scalloped, bright green leaves 2-3 in. wide topped by a bouquet of sturdy 2 ft. stalks lined with relatively large flowers in pale lime green. A refreshing foil for other late spring flowers, especially blue and purple. Z 4
Heuchera micrantha / WESTERN ALUMROOT / The common Northwest species, decorating shady rock outcrops and wooded slopes with evergreen mounds of wavy, sharply lobed 2-3 in. leaves in shiny green. Papery white flowers along 15-24 in. stalks make a mist above the foliage in late spring. Z 5
Heuchera micrantha ‘Palace Purple’ / Clumps of lobed, wine-colored foliage all year make this a big favorite for color accent. Tall stems carrying clouds of tiny whitish flowers add still more interest in summer, fall. Best color in good light; paler in shade; drought-hardy. Z 6
Heuchera sanguinea / CORAL BELLS / Well-loved perennial from the Southwest. Clumps of rounded, scalloped leaves in various light greens send up a long succession of slender wands of flowers in shades of pink. Cultivars may be deep red, rose or white. Sturdy and useful for borders, groundcover, filler among shrubs, in sun or shade. Z 4
Heuchera sanguinea ‘Firefly’ / A fine cultivar with 15 in. stalks of tiny, flame-red flowers above clumps of deep green 2-3 in. rounded leaves. Sun or shade; drought-hardy. z4
Heuchera sanguinea var. pulchella / A nice wild form of the coral bells producing clouds of glowing rosy pink to fuchsia flowers making a long and lovely show. Tight, evergreen clumps of hairy, round leaves. Sun or shade; drainage. z7
HIBISCUS / HIBISCUS / Malvaceae / These icons of tropical beauty number several hundred in warmer climates worldwide. Hardy species differ from the tropical ones in being deciduous, but carry the same widely flaring trumpet flowers with their long, protruding column of stamens. Seeds are held in pointed, woody capsules. The leaves are divided into several pointed lobes. Both leaves and flowers show up late, as if waiting in vain for tropical warmth, but the flowers are a spectacular finale to summer. Hibiscus want sun and a warm spot in cooler climates; they are fairly drought-hardy.
Hibiscus sinosyriacus / Sophisticated big sister to the common rose of sharon, this large Chinese shrub or small tree reaches 10-15 ft. tall. Open branches carry 4 in. wide silken blooms in silvery lilac painted purple in the center, set among handsome, glossy, jade-green leaves. Sun; drought-hardy, but bigger with water. Z 8
Hibiscus syriacus / ROSE OF SHARON / This deciduous shrub or small tree from much of Asia brings the exotic beauty of the hibiscus to colder climates. Bright green, sharply lobed leaves line upturned branches which, in summer, are studded with 3-4 in. wide flowers in white or shades of rose, lilac or burgundy, often with a deep red central spot. Sun, drought-hardy. Z 5
HIPPOPHAE rhamnoides / SEA BUCKTHORN / Rhamnaceae / Distinctive large deciduous shrub or tree making great billows of narrow gray-green and silver leaves on dark, spine-tipped branches. Female plants bear edible orange fruit; both sexes bind and enrich sterile soils. Sun, best in sandy soil; drought-hardy. Z 3
HOLBOELIA / SAUSAGE VINE / Lardizabalaceae / Elegant evergreen vines from Asia, with leaves divided fan-wise into oblong leaflets. Small, fragrant, purplish flowers lead to fruits resembling long, lavender plums, a delicacy in their native lands. These climbers twine and also grab with their leaf stalks. Holboellias prefer shade and are drought-hardy in cool summers.
Holboellia latifolia / A beautiful evergreen twining vine with bright green leaves divided into 3-7 stalked leaflets. Fragrant white to purple flowers in spring lead to purple, oblong, 2-3 in. edible fruits on female plants. Part or full shade; drought-hardy. Z 8
HOLODISCUS / ROCK SPIRAEA / Rosaceae / Several deciduous shrubs of sunny, well-drained places from the Northwest into Central America. These may be nondescript brush when out of bloom, though their small leaves are handsomely lobed. Then the big plumes of creamy white flowers erupt from every branch, transforming the plant for weeks. These shrubs are easily grown and drought hardy.
Holodiscus discolor / OCEAN SPRAY / Common but beautiful NW native deciduous shrub to 10 ft. tall and as wide. Furnished with small, ornately veined and scalloped leaves, it becomes a spectacular fountain of creamy flower plumes in summer. Ideal for a dry, sunny spot. Z 6
Holodiscus dumosus / ROCK SPIRAEA / Bushy deciduous shrub from the drier parts of the west, smaller than H. discolor, usually to 3-5 ft., with smaller leaves and denser, more erect plumes of tiny, cream flowers. A very nice companion to other shrubs of the chaparral. Sun, drainage, drought. Z 4
HYDRANGEA / HYDRANGEA / Hydrangeaceae / Long popular for their fancy flowers, especially in blue, hydrangeas number about 70 species and hundreds of cultivars. There are shrubs, trees and climbers, evergreen and deciduous, from eastern Asia and the Americas. The flower heads of wild hydrangeas and ‘lacecap’ cultivars combine a dense, rounded central cushion of tiny, fertile flowers and a ring of showy four-parted sterile flowers. ‘Mop-head’ hydrangeas bear only sterile flowers, in big, round- well, mops. Hydrangea leaves, often large, come in pairs and open early.
Hydrangeas are famous for their blues, but if the soil is at all alkaline, colors will tend towards pink and even red, depending on cultivar. White hydrangeas usually stay white. All hydrangeas are woodland plants and do best in part or dappled shade, in loose, rich humus. In cool-summer climates, they may become fairly drought-hardy, but are really best with regular water.
Hydrangea arborescens / A dainty, 4-6 ft. deciduous shrub from the woodlands of the southeast US. Finely veined, 3 in. leaves and delicate, white lacecap flowers in 4 in. clusters. A charming addition to the woodland garden. z3
Hydrangea heteromala / HIMALAYAN HYDRANGEA / A large, tree-like species from sw China and the Himalayas, reaching 15 ft. tall. Deep red branches carry oval, tapered, 3-6 in. leaves with grayish undersides. Flowers, in 8-12 in. wide clusters, are creamy, with tints of pink and blue, fading to strawberry pink by fall. A grand specimen, rarely grown. Z 4
Hydrangea involucrata / BRACTED HYDRANGEA / This species is parent to some cultivars but lovely as it is. A large shrub to 6-8 ft. with narrow, felted, 10 in. leaves and broad circles of white sterile flowers around pincushions of lilac-blue fertile ones, emerging from huge, silvery buds. Part or full shade, moist. Z 7
Hydrangea involucrata ‘Tama Azisai’/ A beautiful, lower growing cultivar, to 4-5 ft. tall and somewhat wider. Huge, egg-like buds break to release clusters of lilac and blue fertile flowers and, eventually, a halo of near-white fertile ones. Blooms are showy from late summer through fall.
Hydrangea luteovenosa / Rarely grown Japanese shrub to 6 ft. with ovate, 2 in. leaves and small, white flower clustered on dark stems. Delicate and charming. Shade; best with water. Z 6
Hydrangea macrophylla / The wild ancestor of most garden hydrangeas, a deciduous shrub to 6-8 ft. tall with broadly ovate, deeply veined, bright green leaves and lacecap flower clusters (a pincushion of tiny fertile flowers surrounded by a halo of showy, four petalled sterile flowers), usually in sky blue, but pinkish in alkaline soils. Many cultivars, including some of the best blue flowering shrubs. Best in part shade, with ample water. Z 5
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Blue Wave’ /A lacecap with elegant crowns of blue fertile flowers surrounded by wavy sterile flowers in lilac pink or blue. Broad shrub to 5 ft. tall.
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Lanarth White’ / A white lacecap with the sterile center flowers of each small cluster tinged blue and pink; a very nice plant to 5 ft. and somewhat wider.
Hydrangea paniculata / TREE HYDRANGEA / Treelike species from northeast Asia, to 15 ft. tall, carrying 10 in. conical clusters of pink and white flowers at the ends of its gracefully spreading and arching branches. Hard-to-miss, easy-to-grow feature for sun or light shade, spectacular in late summer as flowers age to strawberry pink. Uncommonly hardy and sun-tolerant. Z 3
Hydrangea paniculata ‘Praecox’ / Rare cultivar of this graceful, tree-ish species, this one with elegant 6-8 in. gleaming white flower pyramids festooned with toothed bracts, June-July; soft purple fall color on its narrow, leathery leaves.
Hydrangea quercifolia / OAKLEAF HYDRANGEA / One of handsomest deciduous shrubs. Its 6-12 in. leaves, sharply lobed and backed in white, make this a magnificent foliage plant. Tall, pyramidal clusters of paper-white flowers, red and burgundy fall color, often holding through winter here. Southeast US native to 6 ft. tall and rather broad. Best in part shade, fairly drought hardy. Z 5
Hydrangea sargentiana / An unmistakable piece of garden architecture, this large deciduous shrub carries leaves the size of dinner plates, deep velvety green above, silvery below on stout branches. Hat-sized flower clusters, with a pincushion of lilac and blue fertile flowers surrounded by a swirl of white sterile ones, are stunning from mid summer into fall. At its grandest in shade, best with water. Z 7
Hydrangea serrata / A deciduous shrub much like H. macrophylla differing mainly in its smaller stature. Part or full shade, moist soil. Z 5
Hydrangea serrata ‘Bluebird’ / Popular blue lacecap; cool and elegant shrub to 6 ft. Large sky blue flowers, showy for months, make it one of the best.
Hydrangea serrata ‘Lilacina’ / Shrub to 6 ft. with narrow, toothed leaves and lacecap clusters of rosy-lilac flowers. Part or full shade, moist. z6
Hydrangea serratifolia /CANELILLA / A superb evergreen, self-clinging climber upholstering walls and tree trunks with narrow, leathery, deep green, 4-8 in. leaves and hand-sized, horizontal clusters of tiny white flowers with a few large, sterile ones floating above. Part or full shade, fairly drought hardy. Z 8
HYPERICUM / ST. JOHNS WORT / Clusiaceae / Besides the overused St Johnswort (H. calycinum), this adaptable genus contains scores of shrubs and groundcovers of garden interest. The evergreen ones are especially valuable, but all have pleasant, light green, often aromatic, foliage, a long season of yellow flowers and, often, showy seed capsules. Hypericums thrive in sun or moderate shade and almost any soil.
Hypericum ‘Hidcote’ / HIDCOTE HYPERICUM / Attractive and easy evergreen shrub to 3-4 ft., spreading wider. Narrow, 2 in. bright green leaves on reddish branches accompanied by 2 in. wide, golden yellow flowers in nearly endless show from early summer to late fall. A cheerful and endlessly useful plant. Sun or part shade; drought-hardy. Z 7
Hypericum frondosum / CEDARGLADE ST.JOHNSWORT / Semi-evergreen shrub from the se. US, to 3-4 ft. tall and a bit wider. Thin stems carry narrow, soft green leaves, bluish below and 1 1/2 in. wide lemon yellow flowers with tufted, golden center all summer. Casual grace and charming flowers for sun or part shade, moist or dry. Z 5
Hypericum frondosum ‘Sunburst’ / Selection with bluish foliage and showier flowers.
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IDESIA polycarpa / WONDER TREE / Flacourtiaceae / Showy, tropical-looking, deciduous tree to 20 ft. making a broad, open canopy. Nearly triangular, 5-10 in. leaves on long, red stalks are clustered about the ends of long branches. Showy orange berries dangle in clusters from female trees. Sun or part shade; drought-hardy. Z 5
ILEX / HOLLY / Aquifoliaceae / The prickly, red-berried symbol of Chrismas is only one face of this huge genus. There are many spinless hollies, deciduous hollies, box leaved and laurel -leaved hollies, with berries in white, yellow, orange, blue, and black. The upright evergreens are great choices for hedge and screen plants; lower kinds are indispensible basic shrubs; prickley hollies control traffic with gracious insistence. Hollies tend to be drought resistent, but none will ever resent watering. All do well in fairly shady sites, and most are better there than in full sun.
Ilex ‘William Cowgill’ / WILLIAM COWGILL HOLLY / A very pleasing I. cornuta hybrid making a rounded shrub to 8 ft. or more with masses of 3/4 in. bright green leaves and dark red berries. One of the best, charming yet rugged, dense and full. Sun or part shade; drought-hardy. Z 7?
Ilex cassine v. mexicana / MEXICAN DAHOON / A rarely grown Mexican holly with very narrow 2 in. bright green, usually spineless leaves and large red fruits. Makes a very pleasant, narrow tree to 20 ft. tall. Part shade; fairly drought hardy. Z 8
Ilex crenata / JAPANESE HOLLY / Hardworking evergreen shrub of boxwood-like texture, tough yet beautiful, tolerating most exposures and a fair amount of drought. Fruit usually black. Widely cultivated in many and varied cultivars. Z 6
Ilex crenata ‘Convexa’ / CONVEX JAPANESE HOLLY / Popular clone with sparkling, convex leaves; exceptional for shearing. Generaly reaches 4-6 ft tall and somewhat wider. Best in part shade.
Ilex crenata ‘Helleri’ / COMPACT JAPANESE HOLLY / Very dense, low, spreading shrub, to 18 in. high in 5-10 years, twice that over several decades. A high-class groundcover.
Ilex crenata ‘Mariesii’ / COLUMNAR JAPANESE HOLLY / Slow-growing oddity of long, slender branches shingled with round, 1/4 in. leaves; just the thing for bonsai, though it gets surprisingly tall, to 15 ft.
Ilex crenata var. thomsonii / A distinctly different variety in its thinner, bright green leaves and tall growth to 8 ft. Bright and beautiful background shrub or screen.
Ilex glabra / INK BERRY / Large evergreen shrub from the e. US, with distinctive thin, narrow, light green spineless leaves. Black berries on female plants where pollinated. A very nice and sturdy shrub to 6 ft. tall, with many landscape uses. Sun or shade; drought-hardy. Z 5
Ilex glabra ‘Compacta’ / COMPACT INK BERRY / The distinctive foliage of the inkberry is even easier to appreciate in this compact form, which grows 4-6 ft. tall and as wide. Narrowly oval leaves 2 in. long in a deep jade green group generously on upturned branches. Useful for many roles-formal edging, low hedges, borders, containers and so on. Sun or shade, drought-hardy; Z 3
Ilex maximowiczii var. kanahirae / Korean counterpart, or subspecies, of I. crenata. Leaves 1/2 in. long, very dark and glossy, on an erect shrub to 8 ft. Black fruit on female plants. Handsome and trainable specimen or screen. Sun or shade, fairly drought hardy. Z 6
Ilex opaca / AMERICAN HOLLY / Native to e. North America, this is our counterpart to the English holly, just as nice in its own way, a good bit hardier and unlikely to become a pest. It is another Eastern tree that is inexplicably very rare in West Coast gardens. Matte-green leaves give a certain brightness of tone that is as appealing in the gray of winter as the small berries in open clusters. Most cultivars grow to 20-40 ft. at a moderately slow pace. Sun or shade; drought-hardy. Z 4
ILIAMNA / WILD HOLLYHOCK / Malvaceae / Several beautiful perennials of western North America. They do indeed resemble hollyhocks, though they are typically shorter and perhaps more elegant. All want sun and are best with, or near, water. A plant may be coaxed to bloom again if cut back.
Iliamna rivularis / STREAMBANK FALSE HOLLYHOCK / One of the Northwest’s most impressive wildflowers. Bright rosy lavender hollyhock flowers to 2 in. wide. line 4-5 ft. stems above bold scalloped foliage. Best with plenty of moisture in sun or part shade. z3
Leatherwood – see Eucryphia lucida
LIGUSTRUM / PRIVET / Oleaceae / Privet has an industrial sound, of plants chosen only because they will grow where needed and do hard work. That idea short changes these plants. Many are quite plain, and none are fancy, but there is plenty of need for plants with simple elegance and dignity. Privets give us abundant foliage, simple, usually oval leaves of deep, usually shiny, green. Flowers are tiny, creamy white, in showy clusters with a fragrance not loved by all. Blue or black berries follow. Privets are mostly drought hardy and easy to grow.
Ligustrum sinense / CHINESE PRIVET / A large shrub or graceful small tree to 15 ft. said to be deciduous, but fairly evergreen here. Long, frondlike branches carry arching sprays of narrowly oval 1-2 in. shiny leaves. Big plumes of white flowers are showy in summer and lead to tiny black berries. Sun or part shade; drought-hardy; Z 7
LUETKIA pectinata / PARTRIDGE FOOT / Rosaceae / Lacy, bright green mats of finely cut foliage little more than an inch high, carpeting moist, alpine scree. Tiny cream flowers on short spikes add summer interest. A charming filigree for cool rock garden. Sun; moist, well drained soil; z 5
LUPINUS / LUPINE / Fabaceae / These well-known and much loved annuals, perennials and shrubs are scattered around the world, but most come from the western U.S. Their tall, straight spikes of showy pea flowers and fan-like leaves are a winning combination. Lupines want sun; most are from dry regions and are drought hardy.
Lupinus lepidus var. aridus / DRY GROUND LUPINE / A perennial gem from the sagebrush country of eastern Washington and Oregon, spreading a low mound of small, starry leaves brightened with silvery hairs. Dense 8 in. cones of flowers in light and dark violet blue, shaded light yellow in the center, are beautiful in spring. Sun; drainage; z 5
catalog under construction- more coming!