Welcome to the very first Xera Plants blog!

Weekly I’ll be updating it with the latest news on everything from weather and its effects on the garden to profiles of plants and gardening tips as well as other garden related musings that I hope you will find amusing.

So, check back. I hope it adds a little more to your gardening experience.

-Paul

An early spring?

    Its this time of year, especially THIS year that I begin to wonder if spring is really within our grasp. December’s severe freeze was more than a shock to plants it has, I’m sure, left many gardeners dazed and humbled as well.

    Statistically speaking our chances of truly arctic air goes to nearly nil after Valentine’s Day. That means the count down is on, watching forecasts for any sign of retrograding high pressure systems and reviewing daily temperatures in Alaska. Both are hallmarks of possible impending arctic conditions. Could it be that this year there are no February surprises and mild winter weather will lead into mild spring? After the last several years of tumultuous weather I think we deserve it.

December’s deep freeze was the most dramatic event to affect gardens this winter. The surprising depth and length of the freeze I’m sure left holes in many gardens if not gardeners hearts.

Has it made you rethink what you will plant in the future? Have two killer Phormium years sworn you off those handsome spikes? Were there surprises? Disappointments?

It’s after such events as this that we figure out that hardiness applies not only to plants but to gardeners as well. How much are you willing to risk? Nothing? Or, do you throw caution to the wind to try as many new things as you can find?

    Sometimes surprises and survivors become our favorite plants just for that. We were attracted to them initially for their looks but their faithfulness and ability to persevere endear them to us all the more. They become as trusted as old friends- we can rely on them.

    As a nurseryman I use events like the December freeze to gather as much information about cold hardiness as I can. The ultimate winter lows are important but each freeze is different.

     Were there frosts preceding the main event to harden plants off? How long did it last? Was there snow and ice? How hard and long did the wind blow? These are factors that are just as important and they mean different results for each plant in each freeze. Success for gardeners depends on many factors and I try to give as much unbiased information about each plant as I can. After all, besides  plants there is nothing that a gardener seeks more than

information.

Depth and length of this freeze caused the most damage. Many locations in Western Oregon recorded their coldest temperatures since 1990 and it lasted for five days. At our nursery we recorded 21º,12º, 7º,7º,10º on consecutive nights.  Last year, though it wasn’t nearly as cold (only one night of 11ºF) the combination of snow and ice (wet), colder high temperatures and the recurrence of freezing temperatures after the main freeze were just as important factors that caused as much plant damage.

Here are two plants that I’m sure will prove their worth as long term survivors in our gardens. They sailed through both last year’s and this year’s freezes with sparkling perfection.

Agave bracteosa ‘Calamar’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF)

A beautiful pea soup green Agave that makes due with soft pointed tips instead of spines. Succulent leaves radiate out with a slight curve to each. It has proven to be the most adaptable Agave that I’ve grown, tolerating average garden soil conditions with aplomb as opposed to most Agaves that require careful soil amendment. It isn’t harmed by winter wet and is charming year round. Bone hardy. It forms wavy rosettes to 2’ wide and as tall over time. Mine has even begin to grow pups with the promise that it will become a multi-clumped beauty.

Gardenia radicans ‘Frostproof’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF)

Everything about this beautiful shrub astounds me. It is

easy to grow AND it seems to have minimal requirements of summer heat to bloom as well as being bone hardy.

In fact mine have opened flowers as late as November for each of the four years I’ve had them. Fantastically fragrant double white flowers, rich glossy green leaves, everything you could ever want in a Gardenia.  No cold damage this year whatsoever. Mine are 3’ tall and 2’ wide, high enough to inhale deeply of their treasures without getting on my hands and knees.