Sedum oreganum (Oregon Stonecrop)

Oregon Stonecrop, Sedum obtusatum

Sedum oreganum (Oregon Stonecrop) is a low growing, mat-forming, evergreen perennial with small, fleshy, succulent green leaves that turn bronze-red in summer. Small clusters of tiny, star-shaped, bright yellow flowers, adorned with protruding stamens bloom, just above the foliage throughout most of the summer. Nectar-rich, the blossoms attract bees and butterflies.

• Grows up to 3-6 in. tall (7-15 cm) and 18 in. wide (45 cm).
• Best grown in full sun, in loam, sand, dry to mesic, well-drained soils. Drought tolerant once established.
• Perfect for rock gardens, containers, or garden edging.
• Virtually disease and pest free. Deer resistant.
• Low maintenance, this Sedum forgives neglect!
• Propagate by division or by softwood cuttings of non-flowering shoots in early summer.
• Native to Alaska, California, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia.

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Bearberry)

Bearberry, Common Bearberry, Kinninnick, Kinnikinnick, Pinemat Manzanita, Creeping Manzanita

Extremely winter hardy, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Bearberry) is a slow-growing, creeping, evergreen shrub with trailing red stems studded with small, leathery, glossy, obovate, dark green leaves, up to 1 in. long (2.5 cm). The foliage turns red or purplish in winter before becoming green again in spring. Pretty clusters of lantern-shaped, white-to-pink flowers hang gracefully from the short red stems in mid to late spring. They last several weeks and are followed by edible, smooth and glossy berries which ripen to bright red in the fall. Slow to rot, the glistening fruits provide excellent emergency food for birds and mammals throughout winter.

Bearberry makes a very attractive ground cover where few other plants would be happy. Equally lovely when draped over the edge of walls or large rocks.

• Grows up in a bushy, densely-branched shrub up to 6-12 in. tall (15-30 cm) and 3-6 ft. wide or more (90-180 cm). The plant spreads gradually by surface rhizomes to form a mat.
• A full sun to partial shade lover, this plant is easily grown in acidic, moderately fertile, dry to medium, well-drained soils. Grows well in poor infertile soils. Do not use fertilizers. Perfect for dry, sandy and rocky soils. Drought tolerant once established. Salt and wind tolerant.
• Excellent ground cover with year round interest. Perfect for banks and slopes (erosion control), shrub borders, prairies and meadows, rock gardens or cascading over walls.
• Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
• Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer or layering in fall
• No pruning needed
• Choose your site well because it does not like to be transplanted.
• Native to North America, Europe and Asia.

Ceanothus griseus var. horizontalis 'Yankee Point' (Californian Lilac)

Californian Lilac 'Yankee Point', Ceanothus 'Yankee Point', Ceanothus thyrsiflorus 'Yankee Point'

Fast-growing and durable, Ceanothus griseus var. horizontalis 'Yankee Point' (Californian Lilac) is a low-growing, evergreen shrub noted for its abundant clusters of fluffy China-blue flowers in spring to early summer. The flowers are so profuse that they literally cover the shrub, transforming the plant in an explosion of blue. The blooms are borne on horizontal arching branches clad with shining dark green leaves, 2 in. long (5 cm). Attractive to birds and butterflies, 'Yankee Point' is regarded as one of the best low-growing Ceanothus for use as a large-scale groundcover. It is also useful on banks and slopes or in the foreground in mixed borders. It is the most commonly grown selection in California gardens.

• Grows up to 2-3 ft. tall (60-90 cm) and 8-10 ft. wide (240-300 cm).
• Thrives in fertile, sandy or loamy, well-drained soils in full sun. Appreciates afternoon shade in hot summer areas. Established plants need little summer water. Drought tolerant.
• Excellent choice as a groundcover, for wall-side borders, bank stabilization or in butterfly gardens.
• Prune immediately after flowering.
• Propagate by root semi-ripe cuttings in mid to late summer and hardwood cuttings from late fall to midwinter.

Keep an eye out for scale insects, honey fungus

Hakonechloa macra 'All Gold' (Hakone Grass)

Hakonechloa macra are brighter in color than 'Aureola', have a more upright habit, and are a more vigorous grower. It tends to be more chartreuse in the heavier shade, and brighter gold in more sun.

Though this grass does spread by rhizomes, it is a slow grower and will not rapidly overtake its neighbors.  Plant it where it can cascade down slopes, drape over rocks, crawl over the edges of walls, at the front of the garden, or even in containers.

• Typically grows in dense, spreading cascading mounds, up to 10-18 in. tall (25-45 cm) and 20 in. wide (50 cm).
• Easy to grow, and resilient to pests and diseases, this ornamental grass requires little maintenance and is a fabulous addition to shady areas where it can grow as a superb accent plant, or as an effective groundcover, along paths, around trees, or in containers.
• Performs best in part shade, in consistently moist, humus-rich, and well-drained soils. Full shade is tolerated.

Stipa tenuissima (Mexican Feather Grass)

Mexican Feather Grass, Nassella Tenuissima, Texas Needle Grass, Nassella Tenuissima, Stipa tenuifolia

Stipa tenuissima (Mexican Feather Grass) is an exceptionally lovely and graceful ornamental grass which exhibits silvery-green thread-like leaves in late spring, that sway gracefully in the slightest breeze, delicately softening any landscapes. All summer, it bears abundant feathery panicles, which are held a little above the foliage and can be used in dried arrangements. Native to the Americas, this perennial grass provides a fairly long-lasting display with its airy silky green leaves turning golden brown towards fall.

• Translucent, this deciduous grass mixes beautifully with almost any flowering bulbs or perennials to create spectacular and elegantly mobile combinations.
• Growing easily in a dense fountain-like clump about 12-24 in. tall (30-60 cm) and across, it enjoys full sun and medium to light, moderately fertile, well-drained soils.
• Drought, rabbit and deer tolerant, Stipa tenuissima requires very little care.
• A graceful accent plant for beds or borders, city or cottage gardens that also does well in containers. Wonderful plant for naturalized meadows thanks to its ability to self sow.
• Generally pest and disease free!
• Sow seed in a cold frame in spring. Divide from mid spring to early summer.
• Native in North America only to mountains in west Texas and adjacent New Mexico south to central Mexico.

Rhododendron 'Unique'

Best grown in acidic, humusy, organically rich, medium moisture, moisture-retentive but well-drained soils in part shade to full shade. Prefers a sun-dappled shade. Plant in a location protected from strong winter winds. Good soil drainage is essential (doesn’t like “wet feet”). Poor drainage inevitably leads to root rot, therefore raised beds/plantings should be considered in heavy clay soils. Shallow, fibrous root systems (do not cultivate around plants) will benefit greatly from a mulch (e.g., wood chips, bark, or pine needles) to help retain moisture and stabilize soil temperatures. Roots must never be allowed to dry out. Acidify soils as needed. Clip off spent flower clusters immediately after bloom as practicable.