Ornamental Grasses IV

Liriope muscari ‘Silver Dragon’ (syn. ‘Gin-ryu’) – Liriope is actually in the Lily family, so it’s technically not an ornamental grass. ‘Silver Dragon’ features evergreen foliage of mid green leaves striped in white, with pale lavender flower spikes in late summer followed by blackish berries. An essential Japanese Garden perennial. Grows 10-12″ high by 15-18″ wide. Z6.

Acorus gramineus ‘Oborozuki’ – A compact variegated Sweet Flag with spiky golden foliage streaked with green. It bears insignificant sedge-like blooms from June to July and can be grown as a shallow-water marginal or bog plant. The dwarf evergreen foliage fans are quite effective in smaller-sized containers. Grows 8-12″ high by 12-18″ wide. Hardy to zone 5.

Cortaderia selloana IVORY FEATHERS (syn. ‘Pumila’) – A dwarf Pampas Grass with evergreen, sharp-edged greyish-green foliage which forms an elegant rounded mound. It bears very showy creamy-white plumes (fading with some copper highlights) just above the foliage in late summer. Prefers full sun. Drought tolerant once established. Grows 4-6′ high and wide. Zone 7.

Cortaderia selloana ‘Aureolineata’ (syn. ‘Gold Band’) – An RHS Award of Garden Merit winner with sharp-edged arching leaf blades of green, prominently edged in creamy-yellow. ‘Aureolineata’ produces tall silvery-white plumes in late summer that persist into winter. It is a compact cultivar that is better suited for urban gardens. Grows 4-6′ high and wide. Zone 8.

Arrhenatherum elatius var. bulbosum ‘Variegatum’ – Variegated Bulbous Oat Grass features soft-textured leaf blades of bright green, generously striped in pure white. It is a cool-season grass, showing well in late spring but often browning out by midsummer – at which time it should be pruned back to force fresh growth. Grows 12-18″ high by 12-24″ wide. Hardy to zone 4.

A Vine Sampler

Lonicera japonica ‘Halliana’ – A long-blooming Japanese Honeysuckle with highly fragrant white flowers that age to pale yellow, borne from June to October. It tolerates part to full sun exposures and has semi-evergreen foliage. Hall’s Honeysuckle is considered an invasive species in some US states. Attracts hummingbirds. Grows 15-30′ high. Hardy to zone 4.

Clematis ZARA (syn. ‘Evipo062’) – This free-flowering compact Clematis is part of Raymond Evison’s Boulevard Collection. It bears large pale blue flowers (nicely contrasted by creamy-yellow stamens) from May through to September. Hard prune (Group C) in early spring down to about 1′ high. A good choice for containers. Grows 3-4′ high by 2′ wide. Hardy to zone 4.

Actinidia pilosula – A hard to find variegated Kiwi species with separate male and female plants, and lance-shaped dark green leaves with irregular white (occasionally a hint of pink) tip variegation or entirely white leaves. This native of China bears pink flowers from May to June followed by edible yellow-green fruit on female plants. Grows to 24′ high. Hardy to zone 6.

Wisteria sinensis ‘Caroline’ (also listed as Wisteria floribunda) – A large deciduous vine with compound green foliage that emerges a coppery tint. It blooms at a young age with fragrant lilac-blue pendulous flower racemes borne from May to June. Wisteria require sturdy support and should not be allowed to twine through fine trellis work. Grows 20-28′ high. Hardy to zone 5.

Akebia quinata ‘Rosea’ – A rare cultivar of Chocolate Vine with fragrant pale purplish-pink three-petaled flowers borne from March to early May, depending on location. It is a semi-evergreen plant with compound leaves and five rounded leaflets. Unusual blue fruits are occasionally produced with cross-pollination. Part to full sun. Grows 15-25′ high. Hardy to zone 5.

Plants for Herbal Teas

Mentha x ‘Hillary’s Sweet Lemon’ – This cross of Apple (Mentha suaveolens) and Lime Mint (M. piperita subsp. citrata) bears attractive lavender bloom spikes. It has a spearmint flavour with a hint of lemon and makes a perfect cup of herbal tea. This cultivar was named after Hillary Clinton and prefers a part to full sun exposure. Grows 18-24″ high. Spread indefinite. Zone 4.

Valeriana officinalis – Valerian is a tall perennial that is native to Europe and features compound leaves and pale pink to white summer flowers. Teas made from the dried root have historically been used for calming migraines or a general sedative. Valerian Tea does have several long-term side effects, so consult a doctor before using. Grows 4-6′ high by 20-30″ wide. Hardy to zone 4.

Melissa officinalis ‘All Gold’ – A golden-leaved Lemon Balm that spreads by rhizomes (not as vigorously as the green form) and should be grown in a container. It is best planted in part sun, with the leaves making a fine hot or cold tea to help you sleep or overcome the flu. Pregnant or breast-feeding women should consult a doctor before using. Grows  12-18″ high. Zone 4.

Monarda fistulosa – This Beebalm or Wild Bergamot is a member of the mint family and native to eastern North America. It was brewed as a medicinal tea by indigenous peoples for mouth and throat infections, to aid digestion, as well as a cure for the common cold. Monarda fistulosa bears pink to pale lilac blooms starting midsummer. Attracts hummingbirds. Grows 3-4′ high by 2′. Z3.

Mentha x gentilis (syn. Mentha x gracilis, Mentha arvensis ‘Variegata’) – Ginger Mint bears beautiful rich green foliage flecked with gold and has a fruity flavour with a hint of ginger. It is a cross of Mentha arvensis (Field Mint) and Spearmint (M. spicata). The leaves can be used fresh or dried to make a tasty tea. Also works well in fruit salads. Grows 12-28″ high. Z5.

Alpine Perennials VI

Phlox douglasii ‘Crackerjack’ – An RHS Award of Garden Merit winner with a similar growth habit to Phlox subulata or Moss Phlox. ‘Crackerjack’ bears masses of starry magenta-red blooms from late April to June. It should be trimmed immediately after flowering to keep it looking tidy. Drought tolerant once established. Grows 2-4″ high by 12″ wide. Hardy to zone 3.

Delosperma FIRE SPINNER (syn. ‘P001S’) – An absolutely stunning cultivar of Hardy Ice Plant which will overwinter here with sun and sharp soil drainage. The ground-hugging, succulent pale green foliage is smothered with starry tangerine flowers with a bright pink center and deep magenta eye zone – blooming May to June. Grows 2″ high by 18-24″ wide. Hardy to zone 5.

Aubrieta x ‘Doctor Mules Variegated’ (syn. ‘Dr. Mules Variegated’) – This variegated Rock Cress looks great both in and out of bloom and features an evergreen mat of fine greyish-green leaves with creamy-white marginal variegation. It bears bright purple flowers from April to June with an occasional re-bloom in the fall. Grows 4 to 6″ high by 12 to 24″ wide. Hardy to zone 4.

Helianthemum ‘Raspberry Ripple’ – The one-inch wide papery blooms of this Sun or Rock Rose are a raspberry pink with white marbling, nicely accented by a yellow eye. These are usually borne from May to early July (with occasional repeat blooms) over greyish-green foliage. Quite drought tolerant once established. Grows 8-12″ high by 18-24″ wide. Zone 4.

Saponaria ‘Bressingham’ (syn. ‘Bressingham Hybrid’) – A much underused alpine perennial that deserves to be in more rock gardens. This Soapwort is an RHS Award of Garden Merit winner and bears masses of bright pink flowers over a dense crown of green foliage in late spring. It is a cross of S. ocymoides, S. pumilio and S. caespitosa. Grows 2-4″ high by 8″. Zone 4.

German Bearded Iris II / Iris germanica

Iris germanica ‘Cinnamon Girl’ (Schreiner 1987) – An unusual German Bearded Iris with rosy-brown standards and a butter yellow base, accented by pale cream falls with a rosy-cinnamon plicata. It flowers from May to June and makes an excellent cut flower. Established plants should have the roots topdressed with compost in spring. Grows 30-36″ high by 15-18″ wide. Zone 3.

Iris germanica ‘Penny Lane’ (Laver 1999) – A cheerful display of coppery-orange standards and falls with a bright tangerine beard in the center of it all. It is a fragrant re-blooming type and prefers part to full sun exposures (paler colors fade with too much sun) with good soil drainage. Regular division every 3-5 years is important to maintain vigor. Grows 34″ high by 15-18″. Zone 3.

Iris germanica ‘Lord Jeff’ (Waite 1978) – This quintessential German Bearded Iris produces dark violet standards and falls with a purple beard showing a hint of yellow. It is a cross of ‘Grand Alliance’ and ‘Sterling Silver’ and like most Iris germanica should be divided after flowering, discarding any older portions of soft rhizomes. Grows 36 to 40″ high by 18 to 24″ wide. Zone 3.

Iris germanica ‘Blue Chip Pink’ (Niswonger 1989) – An unusual German Bearded Iris with subtle pink standards and falls showing undertones of violet-blue, accented with a blue beard with a hint of tangerine. ‘Blue Chip Pink’ is a fragrant re-bloomer and a good choice for cut flowers. Plant with the top of the rhizome exposed in heavy soils. Grows 35″ high by 15-18″ wide. Hardy to zone 3.

Iris germanica ‘Indian Chief’ (Ayres 1929) – An old variety with unusual light pink standards set above burgundy-red falls with a prominent yellow beard. When dividing German Bearded Iris, dig the clump up and wash the rhizome clear of soil, cutting the leaves back to one third. Replant strong rhizomes with a good fan of foliage and healthy roots. Grows 35″ high by 18″ wide. Zone 3.

French Lilacs II / Syringa vulgaris

Syringa vulgaris ‘President Grevy’ – Highly fragrant double lavender-blue flowers emerge from pink-tinted buds (forming 6-10″ long panicles), usually starting early to mid May. These are borne over mid green heart-shaped leaves that often shift to yellow in the fall. It is important to deadhead spent blooms after the flowers have faded. Grows 10-12′ high by 6-8′ wide. Zone 3.

Syringa vulgaris ‘Beauty of Moscow’ (syn. Krasavitsa Moskvy’) – One of the most fragrant French Lilacs with pale pink buds opening to shell pink to white double flowers that stand out well against the dark green foliage. This Russian cultivar was introduced back in 1943 and produces 7-9″ long panicles. Prune immediately after flowering. Grows 10-12′ high by 6-7′. Z3.

Syringa vulgaris ‘Acubaefolia’ – Something a little different for a French Lilac, as the heart-shaped mid green foliage is randomly splashed with golden-yellow, much like some Aucuba japonica. It produces fragrant lilac blue flowers (which are double) from purplish-pink buds. This sport of ‘President Grevy’ should have all ‘solid green’ shoots pruned out. Grows 10′ high by 6-7′ wide. Z3.

Syringa vulgaris ‘Lila Wonder’ – If you’re a fan of the bicolored blooms of Syringa vulgaris ‘Sensation’, then this newer introduction is for you. ‘Lila Wonder’ bears variegated single blooms of pale lilac-pink with clear white margins, usually in May. This large deciduous shrub works well to anchor the corners of backyard fences. Grows 8′ high by 6′ wide. Hardy to zone 3.

Syringa vulgaris ‘Congo’ – This cultivar of French Lilac produces the quintessential display of fragrant reddish-purple blooms (fading a pure purple) that emerge from darker buds. It is slightly more compact than other Syringa vulgaris cultivars, with a rounded growth habit. Prefers well-drained neutral to alkaline soils. Grows 8-10′ high by 6-8′ wide. Hardy to zone 3.

Marguerite Daisies II / Argyranthemum frutescens

Argyranthemum frutescens ‘MADEIRA Deep Pink’ (syn. ‘Bonmadepi’) – An early-blooming Marguerite Daisy that can be planted out in mid spring, ‘MADEIRA Deep Pink’ bears single bright pink daisies with a golden eye (often with reddish-orange highlights) surrounded by a white halo. A good choice for mass planting. Grows 12-18″ high by 16-20″ wide. Zone 10.

Argyranthemum frutescens ‘ANGELIC Creamy Yellow’ – The finely-cut mid green foliage is very fern-like and prefers a part to full sun exposure. ‘ANGELIC Creamy Yellow’ produces single daisy blooms (with a golden eye) that open pale yellow and fade to near white, flowering from late spring through to frost. Wind tolerant. Grows 20-24″ high by 16-20″ wide. Hardy to zone 10.

Argyranthemum frutescens ‘MADEIRA Red’ (syn. ‘Bonmadre’) – Red is not a common colour in Marguerite Daisies and the yellow centers provide a sharp contrast that catches the eye at a distance. The single flowers are borne from spring through to autumn frosts over ferny greyish-green foliage. Works well in containers. Grows 12-18″ high by 16-20″ wide. Zone 10.

Argyranthemum frutescens ‘VANILLA BUTTERFLY’ – A Proven Winners selection with large pale yellow to creamy-white single blooms accented with a yellow eye. It is a heat tolerant cultivar with finely-cut greyish-green foliage that is aromatic when rubbed. Marguerite Daisies are not hardy in coastal BC and succumb to heavy frosts. Grows 18-36″ high by 18-24″. Z10.

Argyranthemum frutescens ‘MADEIRA Cherry Red’ (syn. ‘Bonmadcher’) – The bright cherry red single blooms are nicely accented with yellow eyes surrounded by a white halo and highlighted with orange-red in the center. Flowers are borne over fine green foliage from June to October. The species is native to the Canary Islands. Grows 12-18″ high by 16-20″. Zone 10.

Japanese Maples

Acer palmatum SHIRAZZ (syn. ‘Gwen’s Rose Delight’) – This New Zealand introduction features new foliage that emerges entirely pink and matures to a greyish-green, with cream and pink margins. The leaves are held on bright red petioles and shifts to scarlet in autumn. SHIRAZZ is an upright maple with an arching growth habit. Grows 15-18′ high by 8-12′ wide. Zone 5.

Acer palmatum ‘Beni-schichihenge’ – With a Japanese name that translates as ‘red and changeful’, you know you can expect something completely different. This cultivar is somewhat similar to ‘Butterfly’ in spring, but with salmon-pink highlights in the creamy-white margins. It is an upright form with irregular leaf lobes (5-7 per leaf). Grows 10-12′ high by 6-8′ wide. Zone 6.

Acer palmatum ‘Butterfly’ – This upright Japanese Maple is a variegated form, with finely serrated greyish-green leaves edged in creamy-white – often infused with pink in spring. The variegated margins shift to a deep magenta in autumn. ‘Butterfly’ is a good choice for smaller urban gardens or for growing in large containers. Grows 12-15′ high by 8-10′ wide. Hardy to zone 5.

Acer palmatum ‘Villa Taranto’ – This linear-leaved Japanese Maple has thin strap-like lobes that emerge a lustrous burgundy and shift to reddish-green by summer. It has a short upright form, somewhat similar to ‘Red Pygmy’, with a rounded dome-shaped crown. The foliage changes to a dramatic golden yellow in the fall. Grows 6-10′ high by 5-7′ wide. Zone 5.

Acer japonicum ‘Green Cascade’ – A hard to find selection with a unique cascading or weeping form that looks beautiful when grown up on a rockery or on a slope. If a dominant leader is staked when young, it will form a somewhat upright tree. The large, finely cut green leaves shift to vibrant yellow, red and orange autumn tones. Grows 4-5′ high by 5-7′ wide. Zone 5.

Coleus II / Solenostemon

Solenostemon scutellarioides ‘PINEAPPLE SPLASH’ – A Proven Winners selection with thinner, bright gold leaves and reddish-orange highlights along the edges and veins. This variety can be grown in part shade as well as full sun, provided there is even soil moisture. ‘PINEAPPLE SPLASH’ can also be overwintered as a houseplant. Grows 24-36″ high by 18-26″ wide. Zone 10.

Solenostemon scutellarioides ‘RUFFLES Bordeaux’ – The deeply lobed burgundy-red leaves of ‘RUFFLES Bordeaux’ Coleus are further highlighted by whimsical lime green highlights that roller coaster around the foliage edge. It prefers a shade to part shade exposure and is a great container feature. Performs better when flowers are pinched out. Grows 12-18″ high by 18″ wide. Z10.

Solenostemon scutellarioides ‘KEYSTONE KOPPER’ – This member of the Colorblaze Series is also a Proven Winners selection. ‘KEYSTONE KOPPER’ is a sun-tolerant Coleus with scalloped foliage that emerges purple-tinted and matures to a metallic coppery-orange, retaining a fine purple edge. New for 2013. Grows 24-36″ high by 18-24″ wide. Hardy to zone 10.

Solenostemon scutellarioides ‘Glennis’ (syn. ‘Watercolor’) – This Proven Winners selection is primarily a foliage plant, with scalloped-edged multicolor leaves of lime green with bright yellow highlights and burgundy-red veining. It is a sun-tolerant Coleus that rarely comes into bloom. ‘Glennis’ is much regarded for its unique foliar tones. Grows 18-24″ high by 18″ wide. Zone 10.

Solenostemon scutellarioides ‘Pineapple Beauty’ – This RHS Award of Garden Merit winner has serrated golden-yellow to yellowish-green leaves with irregular dark maroon highlights. It tolerates part to full sun (with even soil moisture) and makes a beautiful container specimen. Another common name for Coleus is Painted Nettle. Grows 15-20″ high by 12-15″. Hardy to zone 9.

Mountain Laurel / Kalmia latifolia

Kalmia latifolia  ‘Olympic Fire’ – This native of the eastern United States is often mistaken for Rhododendron until it flowers – when the clusters of highly ribbed red buds open to structured five sided pale pink blooms. It flowers from late spring into summer and has deep green wavy-edged foliage. Prefers part to full sun.  Award of Garden Merit. Grows 5′ high by 4-5′ wide. Z5.

Kalmia latifolia ‘Peppermint’ – A truly spectacular evergreen shrub with white to pale pink cone-shaped, ribbed buds that open to fascinating red-striped white flower clusters. It is a compact Mountain Laurel with bright green foliage that works well in smaller gardens. Kalmias tend to have brittle branches, so keep away from high traffic. Grows 4-5′ high by 3-4′ wide. Zone 5.

Kalmia latifolia ‘Minuet’ – Another compact Mountain Laurel with pale pink buds that open to dramatic blooms of white with a prominent burgundy-red band, held in dense clusters. It flowers in mid June over glossy deep green foliage that forms a rounded crown. ‘Minuet’ works well in containers provided there is adequate drainage. Grows 3′ high and wide. Hardy to zone 5.

Kalmia latifolia ‘Elf’ – A true dwarf among Kalmia with smaller deep green lance-shaped leaves that form a dense crown. Pale pink buds open to pure white flower clusters (from late spring into summer) making this a good landscape option when designing an ‘Alba’ garden. ‘Elf’ can also be trained as an informal flowering hedge. Grows 2-3′ high and wide (occasionally broader). Zone 5.

Kalmia latifolia ‘Little Linda’ – ‘Little Linda’ is considered one of the best dwarf Mountain Laurels. It features dark rose red buds (striped in white) that open to pale pink blooms – giving a real 3-dimensional flower display. This cultivar blooms from late May into June over dark green foliage that is half the size of the species. Grows 2-3′ high and wide. Hardy to zone 5.