SHRUB_A-B 09

Shrubs

Bupleurum fruticosum

Abelia x grandiflora ‘Rose Creek’ Zn6a (-10º to -5ºF) Caprifoliaceae

A HUGE improvement on an already tough and beautiful evergreen shrub. ‘Rose Creek’ is a much more compact and floriferous selection. Very slow rounded growth to 3’ tall and as wide in 5 years. Profuse clusters of white flowers appear from July until frost. The small rosy calyxes remain after flowering and continue to be showy through winter. Foliage turns bronze in cold weather. A true dwarf Abelia x grandiflora with all the best attributes of the more common variety. Full sun to light shade in well drained soil. Tolerates some drought when established. Great low hedge, en masse, or as a border shrub.

Arbutus unedo ‘Elfin King’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Ericaceae

A slower growing compact variety of Strawberry Bush that is extremely floriferous and, therefore, fruit laden. Year round this form is in bloom and is constantly sporting its green then yellow then vivid red fruit. To 6’ tall in 5 years and half as wide. Full sun to light shade in well drained soil. Great hummingbird shrub for winter. White urn shaped flowers are most abundant in Fall and Winter. Eventually makes a good small tree in a landscape. Good resistance to blackspot.

Manzanita Ultimate Shrub of the West.

Link to Manzanita page

No other shrub is more symbolic of the Pacific Coast than Manzanita. From Baja to Canada one species or another is native from the coast to the mountains. Picturesque bark and familiar flowers make them great transitional shrubs from cultivated borders to wild areas. In the Pacific Northwest they are great echos for Madrones and are at home in a variety of landscapes. Pink to white urn-shaped flowers appear for a long time in late winter to spring and followed by copious amounts of small shiny fruit. Manzanita is Spanish for little apple to which the fruit resemble. One reason they are such striking shrubs is that they hold their leaves perpendicular to the stem an adaptation to avoid moisture loss. The myth that Manzanitas are difficult to cultivate most likely comes from the fact that they do not take well to regular summer irrigation. In a garden where summer watering is non-existent they are among the easiest and most handsome shrubs one can grow. They do best in acid soil on slopes with full sun and good air circulation. Avoid amendments, mulch with bark, NOT COMPOST. Newly planted Manzanitas can take weekly irrigation until they begin to grow in earnest- then taper off. Eventually, they are best with no water during the warm months and can handle the driest of years with no visible stress. Manzanitas bloom on wood from the previous year. They may be tip pruned to limit size and as they age they can be limbed up to reveal the striking bark. This also helps ensure good air circulation which they very much appreciate. All are evergreen (of course).

Arctostaphylos bakeri ‘Louis Edmonds’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Ericaceae

One of the most picturesque Manzanitas this selection with lovely gray-green leaves that are nearly circular held perpendicular to the stems. The bark is one of the best of all species and selections, deep burgundy/purple and smooth. Pearl pink flowers that appear in late winter to spring transform into small russet red apple shaped fruits. To 6’ tall and 4’ wide in 5 years. Requires well drained soil with little additional irrigation when established. Cold hardy. Good looking year round.

Arctostaphylos canescens var. sonomaensis- Not enough yet to sell. [photo]

Extraordinarily rare in its habitat this is a spectacular Manzanita that is surprisingly easy

to grow in gardens. A naturally compact shrub to only 3’ tall and as wide in 5 years it

has large round leaves of intense silver blue that give it a distinct rounded appearance. In time

it develops stunning mahogany/purple bark that contrasts wonderfully with the foliage.

In very early spring clusters of white flowers appear for weeks. Full sun and well drained

soil with little or no water once established. One of our most beautiful west coast native

shrubs. Good air circulation is appreciated.

Arctostaphylos x densiflora ‘Harmony’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Ericaceae

A fantastic selection of Sonoma Manzanita that is similar to ‘Howard McMinn’ when young but reveals its different character with age. Taller growing with a more arboreal habit. Glossy green leaves are the largest on any densiflora type. To 7’ tall and 5’ wide in time. Clusters of pink flowers appear in late winter and are showy for 4-6 weeks. Wonderful as a specimen and easy to grow.

Arctostaphylos x densiflora ‘Howard McMinn’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Ericaceae

A FANTASTIC Manzanita ‘Howard’ forms an extremely handsome evergreen shrub to 6’ tall and as wide. Striking red, shiny bark with dark glossy leaves. Profuse clusters of pink urn-shaped flowers appear in late winter and change to white over a period of six weeks. Maroon berries follow in summer. One of the most adaptable to landscapes, takes irrigation better than others. Cold hardy- slight leaf damage at 0ºF. Tip prune in summer to limit size and shape. Click for Large Photo.

Arctostaphylos x densiflora ‘Sentinel’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Ericaceae

Very striking for an A.densiflora type ‘Sentinel’ has a very different appearance with leaves that are covered in a downy fur that gives this Manzanita a softer look. Deep pink flowers in late winter to early spring are followed by mahogany berries. Stems and bark are smooth dark orange. One of the finest for gardens, adaptable to many situations. To 5’ tall and as wide in five years. As with all A.densiflora types tip pruning at an early age improves density and looks. Good air circulation.

Arctostaphylos x ‘Greensphere’ Zn6b (-5º to 0ºF) Ericaceae

Possibly the best Manzanita for gardens in the PNW because of size, hardiness to cold, and adaptation to occasional summer irrigation. Very slow growth to 2’ tall and as wide in 5 years. New growth is tinted vivid orange and then settles down to a handsome blue green. Leaves become dramatically tinted in cool weather. Profuse light, pearly pink flowers in spring are followed by copious berries. Eventually, shows beautiful mahogany bark. Resistant to black spot. Great drought tolerant, all season shrub for full sun. Unfortunately, its restrained growth (which makes it so wonderful in a landscape) makes it slow to mature in our Nursery. Thus, it is more expensive, but definitely worth the price. EXCELLENT SHRUB.

Arctostaphylos x ‘John Dourley’ Zn7b (5 to 10ºF) Ericaceae

A handsome garden tolerant Manzanita hybrid that is well scaled for the average garden. Stunning new growth is orange-red and changes to a distinct blue-green. A somewhat compact shrub to 3’ tall and 4’ wide in 5 years. Mature growth has leaves edged in red. Mahogany-to black bark quickly becomes showy. Very light pink, urn shaped flowers in late winter and early spring. Somewhat flattened red berries in summer. Low spreading habit is ideal for slopes in full sun with little additional water when established. Tolerates clay with little summer water. .

Arctostaphylos rudis Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Ericaceae

A distinct Manzanita. Very round leaves are covered in small hairs with a somewhat informal habit. Fast growing handsome shrub with vivid orange bark to 5’ tall and as wide in 5 years. Small white flowers are followed by a good fruit-set. Manzanita berries are beloved by birds and will often be stripped by late summer. Especially good selection with native Madrones. Very tolerant of drought when established. Great resistance to black spot. This species seems to do especially well on the sandy soils of Puget Sound.

Arctostaphylos x ‘Pacific Mist’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Ericaceae

Grown for a long time in our region this excellent low spreading shrub has been difficult to find. Striking gray/blue leaves line winding mahogany stems on a trailing plant that is wonderful on steep slopes. May be tip pruned faithfully when young to improve density or even limit the size to smaller spaces. To 2’ tall and up to 6’ wide. ‘Pacific Mist’ is a great ground cover for parking strips where it will handle the rough conditions. Good shrub to interplant with spring bulbs, daffodils and species tulips will come up through it and dying leaves are neatly tucked beneath the foliage. Takes irrigations if drainage is sharp. Prune in late spring.

Arctostaphylos pajaroensis ‘Lester Rowntree’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Ericaceae

A spectacular selection of Pajaro's Manzanita from the central coast of CA.

Large, spreading evergreen shrub with new foliage that emerges bright

orange/red and then fades to blue green for a dramatic contrast. Small flowers of light pink/white appear in early spring followed by small berries. Bark is a sinuous deep mahogany/purple. To 4' tall and quickly to 8' wide. Hot sun, well drained soil. Little summer water. Good air circulation.

Arctostaphylos pajaroensis ‘Warren Roberts’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Ericaceae

Brilliant red new growth, perhaps the most striking of any Manzanita, makes this a very dramatic shrub for a dry hillside, with little irrigation and good air circulation. Not as adaptable as most Manzanitas but such a handsome thing with triangular blue leaves that are edged in deep orange/red. Mahogany bark is a great backdrop to this foliage. Fast growing to 6’ tall and 7’ wide in 5 years. Large spreading shrub- combine with Stipa gigantea and Yucca glauca. Small urn-shaped flowers are white- tinted ever so slightly pink, they open in late winter and are followed by deep red/brown berries.

Arctostaphylos x ‘Sunset’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Ericaceae

A favorite Manzanita named released and named for the 50th anniversary of Sunset Magazine in

1977. It is prized for handsome new growth and excellent garden adaptability. New growth emerges coppery and then changes to a stylish olive green. Leaves are edged with small white hairs that make foliage handsome year round. To 4’ tall and spreading to 6’ wide in 5 years. May be severely pruned to limit size, shape. Small off-white flowers in late winter followed by clusters of small berries. Wonderful shrub as a transition to less formal areas. Natural with evergreen huckleberry, salal, and madrone. Very easy to grow. Appreciates supplemental irrigation when new then completely tolerant of drought once established. Cold hardy.

Arctostaphylos x ‘Austin Griffiths’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Ericaceae

The very best large tree-type Manzanita for PNW gardens. A hybrid that includes A. m. ‘Dr. Hurd’ but exceeds it in size of flowers and larger leaves. Fast growing to 12’ tall and 8’ wide over time. Large clusters of pearl pink flowers open in early February and last for six weeks. Clusters of burnt orange showy berries follow. Smooth twisting bark is deep mahogany black. Excellent as a single specimen in a garden. Good garden tolerance with clean foliage year round. Long lived with neglect. Excellent Cold hardiness.

Arctostaphylos manzanita ‘Dr. Hurd’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Ericaceae

A wonderful old selection of this widespread species that can eventually form a small tree.

Twisting mahogany stems become glossy with age and support a cloud of sage green

leaves, all held perpendicular to the sun. In late winter large clusters of white and pink tinted

urn shaped flowers are showy for 1 to 2 months, enduring the coldest weather with no

damage. Small apple shaped fruit (Manzanita- little apples in Spanish) are delight

for birds. Full sun and well drained soil, avoid overly fertile conditions. with little or better, no water in summer. To 12’ tall and 8’ wide after 5 years. Vegetative architecture at its best. Amenable to

clay on slopes.

Arctostaphylos x ‘Martha Ewan’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Ericacae

Our own introduction of a naturally occurring hybrid Manzanita found on the N. Oregon coast near the coastal community of Manzanita. Extremely dapper evergreen shrub to 30” tall and densely foliaged to 5' wide. Full sun to light shade in well drained soil. Light pink to white flowers in early spring followed by berries. An excellent native shrub for hillsides or as a weed blocking ground cover. Acid fertilizer in spring. Leaves are a handsome paddle shape giving a great texture and are tinged

gray from a distance.

Arctostaphylos x ‘Rosy Dawn’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Ericaceae

A low mounding Manzanita that excels on dry banks and will spill over walls attractively. Dense growing to only 18" tall spreading to 6' wide in time. Glossy deep green leaves are immaculate year round. In late winter profuse pink urn-shaped flowers are followed by new growth tinted a dramatic red. Full sun, well drained soil. Little water when established, but tolerant of irrigation. Faster than Kinnick Kinnick. A pretty weed smothering ground cover.

Acuba japonica ‘Longifolia’ Zn6b (-5º to 0ºF) Cornaceae

Shiny, dapper and always glossy green this form of Acuba is often overlooked, but its

a supreme shrub for dry shade. Long slightly indented leaves have a willowy effect

and add light and grace to woodlands, especially where greedy roots take away

soil moisture. To 8’ tall and 5’ wide in 5 years. Small flowers are not conspicuous.

Easy to grow, hardy to cold. Pairs well with Rhododendrons and as a

not too dense backdrop. AKA ‘Angustifolia’.

Baeckia gunniana Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Myrtaceae

A lovely little shrub with delicate branches clad in small olive green leaves very reminiscent of an Erica. In May-June even more delicate sprays of small white flowers clothe the stems. To 2’ tall and

as wide in time forming a somewhat arching shape. A member of the Myrtle family with deliciously pungent foliage. Native to the highest elevations of Tasmania where it is cold an snowy. Wonderful in combination with heaths and heathers where it accepts similar conditions. Easy to grow in average to amended soil with regular water in summer in full sun. Evergreen.

Berberis replicata (of horticulture) Zn7a ( 0º to 5ºF) Berberidaceae

Good looking the whole year through this ideal hedgerow evergreen shrub boasts long

prickily leaves that emerge vivid mahogany red before morphing to glossy forest green.

The stems are armed mightily with spines-which add an extra textural element and

make it a great plant for deer prone locations. To 6’ tall eventually attaining a

vase shape. Light yellow pendant flowers in spring add to its appeal. Full sun to light shade

in well drained soil. Very tolerant of dry conditions when established.

Brachyglottis (Senecio) greyii Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Asteraceae

An attractive low evergray shrub that is tolerant of poor soil and lives a surprisingly long time under less than stellar conditions. To 3’ tall and as wide. Rounded leaf surface is dark gray with and underside and stems of light gray. Clusters of golden yellow daisies in summer. Grows quickly and subsequently dies quickly on over amended rich soils. Poor well driained soil is best- tolerates clay with minimal water during the warm season. Sunny golden yellow daisies may be removed if you prefer it as a foliage plant only.

Buddleia colvillei ‘Kew Form’ Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Loganaceae

A large growing butterfly bush that is very different than what most people are used to. Fast growing to 10’ in a single year with large sage green leaves. On second year wood 5” pendulous racemes of large bright pink/red flowers. Very unusual. Tender to cold best in a protected location such as the edge of a woodland or against a warm wall. Surprisingly tolerant of shade as well as full sun. Blooms on second year wood- do not prune back until after it has bloomed. Spectacular flowers appear June through September. Tender enough that it has no chance of becoming an invasive pest in our climate.

Buddleia loricata Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Loganaceae

Amazing foliage shrub from S. Africa with thin silvery leaves that are heavily quilted. The top of the leaves is slightly darker gray, the undersides of the leaves and stems are clothed in white fur. Impressive flowers of clear sparkling white flowers are borne of wood from the previous year. Prune after flowering. Blooms in July-August. A rounded shrub to 3’ tall and as wide. Best in slightly poor well drained soil. Tolerates drought when established. Excellent butterfly plant. wonderful with Phlomis and Lavender.

Bupleurum fruticosum Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Apiaceae

A subtle but very sophisticated hardy evergreen shrub that is found in all the best gardens. Shiny sea-green leaves are reminiscent of a Euphorbia and are handsome year round. In summer long stems sport umbels of chartreuse green flowers give away its familial affinity to Dill. Tough shrub that is adaptable to all but boggy soils. To 6’ tall and as wide in several years. Blooms on new wood, may be hard pruned in early spring nearly to the ground to refresh. Equally tolerant of drought and regular irrigation. A great plant that instantly makes a planting look sophisticated. Excellent with Lavenders and Russian sage.

Shrubs play a vital role as the backbone of Pacific Northwest gardens. Our winters are mild enough to enjoy a multitude of choices. Evergreen to deciduous they offer so much from profuse bloom to handsome structure.