Perennials
Perennials return year after year and are the organic heart of the garden. They represent the most sustainable type of landscaping. So many are available today that we focus on the best and most unusual.
Echinacea ‘Tangerine Dream’ PPAF Zn4a (-30º to -25ºF) Asteraceae
Brand new Echinacea that we think will prove to be a winer in the long run.
VIVID orange flowers emerge hot tangerine orange and fade only slightly-
slightly- each blossom performing for more than a week. In the past we have tried new introductions only to find that the flower color faded after only one day to a color that was not at all advertised- good to learn from mistakes. This one has stayed vivid for days after opening. A great introduction in a group of plants
that is severely suffering from rushed over introductions. To 2’ tall in bloom on
a clump forming perennial that blooms for 6 weeks in early to late summer. Full
sun and well drained soil of moderate fertility. Tolerant of dry conditions when
established.
Echinacea ‘Tomato Soup’ PPAF Zn4a (-30º to -25ºF) Asteraceae
Warm tomato red flowers are a breakthrough with this group of perennials
that have become very popular as of late. Strong stems to 30” support the
flowers which appear from June to frost. Removing dead flowers promotes
more and there can be several flushes in one season. Pair with ornamental
grasses and other perennials in a border. Good cut flower.
Echinops ritro v. ruthenicus Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Asteraceae
A spectacular perennial for hot and dry locations requiring very little water once
established. Finely cut silver foliage is a wonderful backdrop to the flowers which
are intense steel blue orbs on straight 2’ stems. Blooms late June to early
August. Full sun, well drained soil, little water once established. Appreciates
good drainage in winter, ideal on a slope. Mixes well with Agapanthus and
Agastaches. Winter deciduous.
Echium pininana Zn8b (15º to 20ºF) Boraganaceae
The king of biennials, Echium ( Eek-ee-um pin-in-AY-na) begins as an incredibly large rosette (30" across) of furry pointed leaves and eventually forms a woody trunk several feet tall (resembles a palm tree at this point). In its second year the rosette elongates and a spike up to 14' is unfurled. Blue flowers that change to pink swirl from the base to the tip as they bloom. Full sun, good drainage, average water. Reseeds prolifically. Protect base from extreme cold. Plant in front of house as homage to Grog.
Echium rosulatum Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Boraginaceae
A cold hardy perennial Echium or Giant Bugloss from the Mediterranean that forms rosettes of rough leaves and has beautiful deep blue flowers off of mlultiple stems in May-Jun. Spikes rise to 2' above the plant. Full sun and dry well drained soil. Water to establish- when growing it may be left to dry. Soil does not have to be terribly rich. Great on a dry slope. An ideal companion with the cream colored
rockrose and the native California Poppy. 18" wide.
Echium wildprettii Zn8b (15º to 20ºF) Boraginaceae
Amazing biennial that is worth growing for the rosette of leaves alone. Silvery thin leaves form a rosette to 3' wide and curl up into a spherical shape as tall. VERY COOL. In the second year a 6' tower of scarlet flowers points straight up. Well drained soil in a very warm position with occasional summer water. Overwinters best with good drainage. Great w/ boulders and Cactus, maybe a giant sloth and an alien. Full hot sun.
Epimedium higoense ‘Bandit’ Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Berberidaceae
An exceptional selection of an aristocratic perennial with clouds of pure white
starry flowers and an encore of fabulous new foliage. Soon after blooming
new growth emerges with leaves with margins of maroon/black and then changes to solid green. A slowly spreading perennial to 10” tall and forming clumps over time. Rich soil with regular water during summer.
Epimedium pauciflorum Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Berberidaceae
A fairly uncommon Barrenwort that is staunchly evergreen with small slightly wavy leaves Clusters of very showy white flowers with slightly pink tipped spurs in late March through early May. Excellent tolerance of dry conditions, works great under trees with greedy roots. Occasional water or very little once established. Forms colonies by stolons underground to 20" wide and 6" tall. Combines well with Heucheras and smaller ferns.
Epimedium pinnatum ssp. Colchicum Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Berberidaceae
Barrenworts are such a great combination of flowers, foliage and toughness and we are going to offer a much larger selection. This variety is wonderful performer that has sunny yellow flowers that rise above the foliage in late March and April. New growth unfurls with leaves lined in red. In its native environment in Northern Iran it grows at the feet of Parrotia persica- a combination that would be worth duplicating in our climate. Leaves to 16”, flower spikes to 22” . Forms spreading patches and is quite tolerant of dry shade uner deciduous plants. Cut away foliage from the previous year in late winter.
Epimedium ‘Purple Prince’ Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Berberidaceae
'Purple Prince' has profuse rich purple flowers with long spurs tipped in white from late March to early May. Elegant spring foliage emerge tinted pink before shifting to cool green in summer. Leaves grow over spent flower spikes and conceal them. . To 18" tall and slowly forming clump to 1' wide in 5 years. Rich, well drained soil with occasional summer water is best. Part shade to shade. WINTER DECIDUOUS. Unpopular with slugs and deer.
Epimedium ‘Red Queen’ Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Berberidaceae
A large growing selection and very refined member of this group of dependable perennials. Large red/cerise pink flowers emerge in March before the new foliage making a stunning display in a woodland garden. New growth follows tinted maroon before settling to green. To 20” tall forming a moderately spreading clump to 20” wide over time. Winter deciduous. Best in rich soil with regular summer water.
Epimedium x ‘Rainbow Shades’ Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Berberidaceae
An amazing range of flower colors and leaf forms makes this seed strain one
of the very best being sold in the PNW today. Developed by Ernie and Marietta
O’Byrne of Northwest Garden Nursery- this beautiful group has become our favorite. (It’s from the O’Byrnes how could it not be the best?) Flower color has an amazing range from white to purple, raspberry, red, yellow, pink and mauve. It’s nearly impossible to chose a favorite in fact, we have difficult time sending these out. New foliage has an amazing range as well. New growth ranges from bronze and red- many mottled with deep maroon markings. Part shade to shade in well amended soil with regular water for the first several years. Height and width range quite a bit. Extraordinary.
Epimedium x rubrum Zn4b (-25º to -20ºF) Berberidaceae
An incredibly tough perennial that is ideal for a location in dry shade. A slowly spreading deciduous perennial to 18” tall and slowly forming a clump as wide. Rich soil with regular summer water to establish. Flowers emerge just before the foliage. Spikes laden with delicate cherry red flowers that have sepals of distinct creamy white. New leaves emerge tinted red and coral and then settle to a nice medium green in summer. Cut away dead foliage in winter. Blooms appear from late March to early.
Epimedium x y. ‘Tamobotan’ Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Berberidaceae
A large growing Barrenwort prized for very large light rose pink flowers that appear for a very long period in March to Early April. New growth emerges a bold salmon-pink before settling down to a handsome light green in summer. Clumping to 20" tall and as wide in rich well drained soil with regular summer water. Part shade to shade. CUT BACK DEAD LEAVES IN MID-WINTER before it blooms. Deer resistant perennial. Elegant.
Epimedium x warleyense Zn5b (-15º to -10ºF) Berberidaceae
A barrenwort with the excellent taste to have ORANGE flowers in early spring, just the time of year in the PNW when warm colors add great comfort to a gray sky. A more thinly spreading Epimedium with large scimitar shaped leaves. In March and April rusty orangeflower emerge to 16” tall. Best in rich soil and part shade, regular irrigation when established, but shares the toughness of all in this genus.
Epimedium ‘Tamobotan’ Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Berberidaceae
A large growing Barrenwort prized for very large light rose pink flowers that appear for a very long period in March to Early April. New growth emerges a bold salmon-pink before settling down to a handsome light green in summer. Clumping to 20" tall and as wide in rich well drained soil with regular summer water. Part shade to shade. CUT BACK DEAD LEAVES IN MID-WINTER before it blooms. Deer resistant perennial. Elegant.
Erodiums Perfect Perennials for the Northwest
Obscure after thoughts in the world of perennials, these close relatives
of Hardy Geraniums are perfectly suited to our climate and bloom and perform for an astonishingly long season. The majority of them hail from southern Europe and the Mediterranean, a winter wet summer dry climate just as our own. For the most part they are compact perennials with handsome, intricate, silverly foliage and an incredibly long season of bloom. In our garden Erodium x ‘Natasha’ will often remain in bloom for up to 10 months of the year. There are many hybrids that have been selected and named, mostly from France and Spain. The flowers are commonly marked with an intricate veining and a prominent blotch on the lower petals. In the garden they occupy any well drained soil and thrive in full blasting intense sun, including reflected heat (perfect for hells trips) to partial shade, without changing their performance one step. They offer a great wildflower look and combine naturally with Penstemons, Agastaches, and Eryngiums. We intend to offer many more of these excellent plants in the future. Thank you to Robin Parer for giving us some of the very best.
Erodium cheilanthefolium Zn6a (-10º to -5ºF) Geraniaceae
Tough perennial with a delicate wildflower appearance. A relative of hardy geraniums with intricate gray foliage. Long blooming, from May until frost continuous 1" wide flowers of pure white with an interior of grape and red raspberry. For the front of a border or on a hot slope in well drained soil with only occasional summer water when established. Remove dead leaves in spring. Good in rock gardens. Well behaved perennial.
Erodium chrysanthum Zn6a (-10ºF to -5ºF) Geraniaceae
Light yellow flowered Geranium relative from Turkey that is a great perennial for hot and dry locations. Intricate silvery leaves look nice all summer against the shimmering pale yellow flowers. Blooms May until frost. Remove spent flowers to encourage more. To only 6" tall but forming an 18" wide patch. Full sun, well drained soil, occasional water in the driest months. Very tough perennial. Cut back hard in early spring to refresh.
Erodium x ‘Fran’s Delight’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Geraniaceae
Tough and extraordianrily long blooming perennial with compact and very pretty silver foliage and copious amounts of lavender flowers with a prominent deep purple blotch on the bottom petals. Similar to E. x ‘Natasha’. Flowers are a lighter lavender and foliage is grayer. To only 8” across with continuous flowers spikes to 10” tall. Performs equally well in part shade or full sun. Little water is required when established. Spent bloom stalks can be removed to encourage more flowers. Blooms continuously from late April to late Novermber. How can you beat that?
Erodium x kolbianum ‘Natasha’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Geraniaceae
‘Natasha’ is an amazingly tough and long blooming perennial. Profuse lavender-pink flowers occur almost any month of the year but are most prevalent between March and September. Rosette forming perennial with lacy leaves. Appreciates well drained soil and full sun- at home in rock gardens or in the front of a border. Remove old/dead leaves in early spring. Lovely with yellow flowered Erodium chrysanthum. Dead head to tidy.
Erodium x ‘Merstham Pink’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Geraniaceae
An excellent and showy perennial that produces a prodigious and non-stop supply of large but delicately cup-shaped pink flowers for months from late spring to autumn. A slowly clumping perennial with handsome and intricate green foliage to 6” tall in bloom and spreading to a little more than 1’ wide. Superior flower power and compact habit compared to many short blooming or flailing hardy geraniums. This, as with all border Erodiiums takes up little space but more than earns its keep in the floral department. Rich, well drained soil, and even soil that is less than ideal as long as it is not boggy and this perennial will be happy. A very good warm shade of pink. One of the finest cranesbills.
Erodium x ‘Pickering Pink’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Geraniaceae
Good looking sage green fern-like foliage and intricate flowers give this Erodium a great wildflower look. Each flower has dark plum blotches on the upper petals and magenta veins. Tolerates drought and is wonderful in containers with succulents (handles the same conditions). To 4" tall, forming a clump to 10" wide. Full sun, cut back hard in early spring. Little summer water. Great rock garden perennial. Light water.
Erodium x ‘Stephanie’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Geraniaceae
Adorable selection of Cranesbill with fine green foliage on a mat forming perennial to 1' wide. Delicate white flowers on wiry stems to 6" with dramatic black blotches on the upper two petals appear constantly from May to frost. Adaptable to part shade as well as full sun and blasting heat. Occasional water in summer, though very tolerant of dry conditions. An easy to grow perennial that is at home in rock gardens, containers or perennial borders.
Erodium x variable ‘Album’ Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Geraniaceae
Sparkling white flowers and gray green leaves make this small scale evergreen perennial a carefree addition to the front of a border. Only 2" tall it eventually spreads to form mats about 1' across. White flowers are born from late spring to frost. Full sun and well drained soil. VERY easy to grow. Excellent bordering blazing hot sidewalks and very pretty with the purple leaves of Aceana inermis var. purpurea. Occasional water in summer.
Eryngium agavifolium Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Apiaceae
Multiple, glossy, sexy rosettes with dramatic spines....Yeowrrrrrr.. In midsummer robust spikes of dark green handsome, rounded clover-like flowers ( to 30" tall.) Full sun and regular soil with occasional summer water. Impressive evergreen perennial for the front of a border, mixes well with airy flowers. Fantastic in a dry rockery planting with boulders, rocks. What do you call a gardener with multiple sexy rosettes? A HAPPY Gardener.
Eryngium bourgatii Zn5b (-15º to -10ºF) Apiaceae
Stylin’ leaves shaped like a prickily clover (suborbicular three parted segments isn’t as easy to picture) on a small perennial. In summer metallic shiny blue flowers are tipped in silver on stems up to 16” tall. Wonderful drought tolerant plant that is at home with Salvias and Scuttelarias. Completely deciduous in winter. Long lived perennial.
Eryngium maritimum Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Apiaceae
The one, the best SEA HOLLY, king of foliage plants with the bluest of leaves that are prickily and wavy at once and are a structural garden treat. Forms a rosette of leaves and in summer erupts with flowers held in a collar-like bracts of the same vivid, glaucous blue. Native to sandy beaches of Europe (hence the sea part) and appreciates excellent drainage in fertile soil. Regular water increases the size and display of this perennial.
Eryngium pandanifolium Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Apiaceae
Quite likely the largest "Sea Holly" that we can grow and among the largest in the world. Evergreen rosettes with finely, and architecturally toothed leaves form wide clumps to 6' x 4' tall. In midspring from the center of the clump 8' spikes of flowers tipped with white-ish/green blossoms appears. Full sun, warm location, well drained soil. Deciduous below 15ºF. Very big, very bold. Wow. Deep soaks.
Eryngium p. lesseauxii Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Apiaceae
One of our very favorite perennials and an architectural gift to the garden. Thin shiny leaves are symmetrically edged in spines. Forms multiple evergreen rosettes over time. In summer emerges a 4’ tall torch-like flowers in capitate form. Ooooh, sexy latin, love the latin. Flowers are silver green. Remove spent flowers to tidy back to a handsome basal rosette. Full sun and well drained soil. Picturesque with boulders.
Eryngium planum ‘Blue Hobbit’ Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Apiaceae
Cute and sturdy this is an intensely blue flowered form of this tough Sea Holly with flower spikes that rise to only 14”. NIICE. Spoon shaped green leaves form a basel rosette. As with all Eryngiums it provides a great textural flower form combined with other perennials. Full sun and well drained soil. Salvias, Erodium chrysanthum.
Eryngium x tripartitum Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Apiaceae
An excellent perennial "Sea Holly" which may be short-lived but will reseed itself
reliably. 30" tall clover-like glowing blue flowers appear in midsummer and are a delight to butterflies and flower arrangers alike. Great with Kniphofias. Full sun, regular soil and water. Tough plant- very tolerant of drought and even clay soil, if not perpetually moist. Seedlings are easily identified by their spoon-shaped leaves. A hybrid of unknown parentage.
Eryngium variifolium Zn6a (-10º to -15ºF) Apiaceae
A very sweet little "Sea Holly" with spoon-shaped leaves that have dramatic white veins and are evergreen and are a great backdrop to the 1' spike of frosted flowers that rise up in June-July. Easy to grow in full sun and well drained, rich soil. Nice in a rock garden or near the front of a border. Cats will not walk over it when in bloom, I wouldn't either. Forms small colonies over time. Very tough.
Eryngium yuccifolium Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Apiaceae
A striking N. American native perennial that is very easy, durable and long-lived. Gray/green leaves with a serrated edge form a rosette to 2' wide. In summer a 20" tall spike arrives with lovely white, clover-like flowers. Large clumps are impressive in bloom and look good from summer to winter. Full sun to light shade in rich soil with good drainage. Average summer water. Deciduous in winter. Lovely with Echinacea.
Eucomis ‘Sparkling Burgundy’ Zn6b (-5º to 0ºF) Lilaceae
A bold maroon leaved selection of hardy South African Pineapple Lily. Large, deep burgundy strappy leaves are an excellent surrounding the pineapple-like flowers of green. Each flower petal is edged in red leaves on top of the flower spike look like a hat. Full sun to part shade in rich, well drained soil with REGULAR summer water. Blooms late June to early August. To 20" tall. Give it room to spread. Great looking for a long season. Deciduous.
Euphorbia ‘Canyon Gold’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Euphorbiaceae
A fantastic hybrid Euphorbia with lovely gold tinted leaves with an underside of claret red. In late winter and early spring. vivid gold flowers rise on multiple scapes to 20" tall. Compact for a E. wulfenii type and by the goddess of cross hybridization does not set seed. And good behavior gets you everywhere. Full sun to light shade in average to enriched, well drained soil. Remove spent flower stems in early summer. Gets by on natural rainfall alone.
Euphorbia ‘Copton Ash’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Euphorbiaceae
A lovely fine textured hybrid Euphorbia with very blue leaves and on stems that reach to about 2' tall chartreuse flower bracts, in May/June.. Semi-deciduous, dying to the ground in cold winters (below 15∞F). Regenerates quickly in spring to form a clump. Well behaved, doesn't run. In average soil that is well drained. Occasional water in summer. Full sun to light shade. If we could choose only one Euphorbia this would be it.
Euphorbia ‘Dean’s Hybrid’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Euphorbiaceae
Excellent summer blooming Euphorbia with fine textured green leaves and in June-Aug. large umbel-like clusters of bright gold/yellow flowers. Picture a much looser and more vivid Yarrow. To 30" tall and forming a tight clump. Semi- deciduous in winter. Cold hardy, easy to grow in well drained, fairly rich soil with occasional summer water. Full sun is best. Outstanding with Miscanthus 'Morning Light' and Sea Holly. Sterile. Rare plant. Thanks LUEN! of MBNSY.
Euphorbia griffithii ‘Fireglow’ Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Euphorbiaceae
An incredible herbaceous Euphorbia that arrives in spring with glowing orange
bracts and flowers atop brightly red veined leaves. Vivid stems appear lacquered with red paint. To 3' tall and running as wide. Regular garden soil with occasional summer water. Stunning underplanted with bright blue forget-me-nots or Pulmonaria longifolia var. cevennensis- or any really deep blue flowers. Long lived perennial. Deciduous.
Euphorbia ‘Purple Preference’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Euphorbiaceae
A luscious new English selection of a chariacas type with wine red stems and smoky purple leaves. Chartreuse/lime green flowers in early spring persisting until late spring. To 2' tall and as wide, shrubby. Excellent with Helleborus 'Westerflisk' and early perennials. Full sun to light shade. Well drained soil and occasional summer water. Resistant to mildew. Not a prolific seeder. Great spring plant.
Euphorbia stygiana Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Euphorbiaceae
E.mellifera is pretty. E. stygiana is nearly identical and hardier to cool. It has proven its worth in our garden forming a large evergreen shrub tipped in summer with small green black leaves. Imagine a greek column rising behind it
and heaven is yours. To 5’ tall and 6’ wide over time. Full sun to light shade in well drained soil. Tolerates drought when established. Perty.
Epimedium ‘Rainbow Shades’
Epimedium x rubrum
Epimedium x warleyense
Erodium x ‘Natasha’
Erodium x ‘Pickering Pink’
Erodium chrysanthum
Erodium x ‘Fran’s Delight’
Eryngium bourgatii
Eryngium maritimum surrounded
by Acaena inermis ‘Purpurea’
Epimedium ‘Rainbow Shades’
perennials E
Plants for problem areas
Euphorbia ‘Canyon Gold’
Erodium x ‘Stephanie’
Echinacea ‘Tangerine Dream’ three days after opening- remaining vivid.
Erodium ‘Merstham Pink’
Epimedium pauciflorum
Epimedium x ‘Purple Prince’
Epimedium ‘Yokihi’
