New Zealand Flax / Phormium

Phormium ‘Rosie Chameleon’ – A hard to find cultivar with rose-pink strap-like leaves with bronze-green edging that literally glow in the sun – it has a slightly arching habit. Hardiness can be a problem so mulch with coarse bark nuggets and temporarily cover with conifer boughs or insulation cloth (N-Sulate) during freezing temperatures. Grows 3-4′ high by 3′ wide. Hardy to zone 7-8.

Phormium tenax ‘Yellow Wave’ – This RHS Award of Garden Merit winner features broad sword-like foliage of mid green, heavily streaked in bright yellow and cream. Phormiums are clumping evergreen perennials that prefer part to full sun (they are not shade plants) with good soil drainage. Drought tolerant once established. Grows 3-4′ high by 4′ wide. Zone 7-8.

Phormium tenax ‘Sundowner’ – Probably one of the most beautiful of the New Zealand Flax with upright bronze-green strap-like foliage with translucent reddish-pink margins (and the occasional inset strip) that light right up in the rays of a sunset or sunrise. Given their architectural appeal they also make attractive container specimens. Grows 3-5′ high and wide. AGM. Zone 7-8.

Phormium cookianum ‘Platt’s Black’ – One of the darkest Phormiums available with deep purplish-black to dark bronze foliage of arching strap-like leaves. The Maoris of New Zealand used Phormium for it fibers making rope, fish nets, baskets, mats and even clothing out of it. Contrast ‘Platt’s Black’ with gold foliage such as Sedum ‘Angelina’. Grows 3′ high by 3-4′ wide. Zone 7-8.

Phormium cookianum ‘Flamingo’ – An aptly named cultivar of New Zealand Flax with bronze-green leaves irregularly variegated with reddish-pink and cream. Phormium blends in well with ornamental grasses, Crocosmia and some of the taller stonecrops such as ‘Matrona’ and ‘Autumn Joy’ – making for a striking late summer display. Grows 2-3′ high and wide. Hardy to zone 7-8.

Marginal Plants for the Pond II

Hippuris vulgaris – Mare’s Tail is a delightful marginal plant which has the appearance of a tiny grove of miniature conifer trees poking through the surface of the water. The flowers (borne June to July) are inconspicuous but this plant can be an effective oxygenator when grown in deeper water. Often found in mudflats in the wild. Grows 6-12″ high. Water depth to crown 6-12″. Zone 4.

Rumex sanguineus var. sanguineus – Bloody Dock or Ornamental Sorrel makes a great foliage plant in the pond with its large green leaves prominently veined in blood red or purple. The star-shaped flowers are insignificant and should be clipped off in order to divert energy to the foliage. The young leaves of this plant are edible. Grows 12-15″ high by 8-12″ wide. Water depth 0-1″. Zone 5.

Cyperus haspen ‘Viviparous’ – This miniature Papyrus has slightly arching stems that support airy green umbels which are about 2-3″ across in size. It is a tender plant that prefers a full sun exposure and is a good feature for water bowls. The stems also make excellent long-lasting greens in flower arrangements. Grows 12-18″ high by 30-45″ wide. Water depth 1-4″. Zone 9.

Houttuynia cordata ‘Chameleon’ (syn. ‘Variegata’, ‘Tricolour’) – This cultivar has brilliant foliage of green heart-shaped leaves with irregular splashes of rose-red, yellow and cream. It bears sporadic white flowers from July to August. The leaves have an orange-cilantro scent and are used in Vietnamese cooking. Very invasive in ground. Grows 6-12″ high. Water depth 0-2″. Zone 5.

Acorus gramineus ‘Ogon’ – This Dwarf Golden Sweet Flag is reliably evergreen in coastal BC but in other regions you can simply trim off browned or damaged tips after winter. It has 1/4″ wide leaf blades of green, striped prominently with yellow and forms a symmetrical clump which may hollow out over time. Grows 8-14″ high by 12″ wide. Water depth 0-2″. Zone 5.

Species Iris

Iris setosa var. arctica – The Dwarf Arctic Iris is a native of Alaska and Siberia featuring lavender-blue flowers in late spring with silvery-white highlights and darker purple veining. It forms dense tufts of green grass-like foliage and is best grown in full sun with even soil moisture. This variety is floriferous and makes a good cut flower. Grows 6-12″ high by 12″ wide. Hardy to zone 2.

Iris missouriensis – Western Blue Flag is an RHS Award of Garden Merit winner and features variable blooms of near white to deep bluish-purple, with pale lavender (with darker veining) shown here. This native of western North America is quite drought tolerant (although often found in wet areas) but does require spring rains to thrive. Grows 12-24″ high by 24″ wide. Zone 3.

Iris pallida ‘Argentea Variegata’ – Silver-Variegated Flag Iris has beautiful sword-like semi-evergreen foliage of greyish-green prominently edged in pure white (margins start creamy-yellow in spring and fade) and arranged in fans. The fragrant lavender-blue blooms make excellent cut flowers. Divide every 3-4 years in late summer. Grows 30-34″ high by 18″ wide. Hardy to zone 3.

Iris pseudacorus – This native of Europe, Western Asia and Northwest Africa has rapidly spread itself as an invasive plant throughout much of North America. It should not be situated where the floating seeds can enter natural waterways. That said, it is often used in retention ponds to remove impurities. Bright yellow blooms with fine black veining. Grows 4-5′ high. Zone 4.

Iris douglasiana – The Pacific Coast iris is a native of coastal regions in California and Oregon. It has variable blooms of pale violet-blue to creamy-white and deep purple in May and June. The thick evergreen foliage was once used by indigenous peoples to make rope for fish nets and deer traps. Prefers light shade to full sun. Grows 12-18″ high by 24-36″ wide. Hardy to zone 7.

Perennials That Attract Butterflies

Lysimachia clethroides – Gooseneck Loosestrife features terminal spikes of white flowers (from July to August) bent in the shape of a goose head. It can be a bit aggressive as far as spread is concerned (underground rhizomes) but makes up for it by its tolerance of moist soils. Makes an excellent cut flower and features red autumn tones. Grows 2-3′ high by 3′ wide. Zone 3.

Sedum spurium ‘John Creech’ – A semi-evergreen low growing Sedum with very dense foliage of rounded green leaves and purplish-pink flowers in midsummer. It is quite drought resistant once established and its dense growth habit chokes out weeds well. A good choice for covering slopes or for trailing over retaining walls. Grows 3-6″ high by 12-20″ wide. Hardy to zone 3.

Lavandula x intermedia ‘Provence’ – Lavadin is a cross of L. angustifolia and L. latifolia and is often used for potpourri and perfume manufacture in France. This evergreen sub-shrub features grey-green foliage and distinctive tall spikes of fragrant pale purple flowers held in 4″ long clusters. Makes a great informal flowering hedge. Grows 2-3′ high by 2-3′ wide. Hardy to zone 5.

Phlox paniculata ‘David’s Lavender’ – This pale lavender-pink sport of the popular white-flowered Phlox ‘David’ is quite fragrant and blooms mid to late summer. It has bright green lance-shaped foliage and prefers rich organic soils with even moisture in order to avoid problems with powdery mildew, although this cultivar is resistant. Grows 3-4′ high by 2-3′ wide. Hardy to zone 4.

Helenium ‘Moerheim Beauty’ – This RHS Award of Garden Merit winner features coppery-red 3″ wide daisies with protruding brown cones be-speckled with yellow pollen. It flowers from July to September. Do not plant in rich soils or over-fertilize as this will only lead to leggy plants that need to be staked. Drought tolerant once established. Grows 3′ high by 2′ wide. Hardy to zone 4.

Garden Lobelia / Lobelia erinus

Lobelia erinus ‘Riviera Midnight Blue’ – This common bedding plant is an upright form, with ball-shaped plants that are good for edging borders or using in mixed colour bowls. It bears deep blue flowers with contrasting white streaks throughout the summer and has bronze-green foliage. ‘Riviera Midnight Blue’ is an RHS Award of Garden Merit winner. Grows 5″ high by 8″. Annual

Lobelia erinus ‘Riviera White’ – This upright Lobelia blooms about 2 weeks earlier than standard forms, with pure white flowers contrasted by mid green foliage. These floriferous plants literally smother themselves in blooms but will need to be watered thoroughly during periods of hot, dry weather. A good choice for the Alba garden. Grows 5″ high by 8″ wide. Tender Annual.

Lobelia erinus ‘Riviera Sky Blue’ – This bedding plant produces flowers with the perfect tone of sky blue and the tiniest of complimenting white eyes. It can be grown from seed but settles into the garden better if not in bloom when planted. Fertilize container plants every other week with a general fertilizer such as 15-30-15. Grows 5″ high by 8″ wide. Tender Annual.

Lobelia erinus ‘Riviera Blue Splash’ – Lobelia thrives in regions with cool summers where it can tolerate being planted in full sun (but may finish flowering before the end of summer). In warmer regions it is generally used in shade to part shade exposures. This upright form bears bicolor blooms of white and pale blue, varying slightly on each plant. Grows 5″ high by 8″ wide. Annual.

Lobelia erinus ‘Regatta Sapphire’ – A trailing form of Lobelia which blooms up to a month earlier than other forms. It bears deep blue flowers with a prominent contrasting white eye and is a good choice for hanging baskets and large containers, as it cascades over the edge nicely. Plants can be pulled and composted once killed by autumn frosts. Grows 6-8″ high by 10-12″ wide. Tender Annual.

Variegated Miscanthus / Maiden Grass

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’ – A more refined form of Japanese Silver Grass with thinner leaf blades generously edged in white and a graceful arching habit. This RHS Award of Garden Merit winner is absolutely stunning when back-lit by the rising or setting sun. Reddish-bronze flowers emerge in September, fading to buff. Clumping. Grows 4-5′ high by 3′ wide. Zone 5.

Miscanthus sinensis var. condensatus ‘Cabaret’ – This form of Maiden Grass has very broad foliage (1.25″ wide) of deep green with irregular inset creamy-white variegation – with some blades reverting to solid green occasionally. It has a beautiful arching habit. The silvery-pink plumes do not usually appear in coastal BC. Clumping. Grows 6 to 7′ high by 3 to 4′ wide. Hardy to zone 6.

Miscanthus giganteus ‘Lottum’ – This form of Giant Silver Grass is quite distinctive, with an almost bamboo-like growth habit and thick arching leaf blades irregularly variegated with inset parallel yellow bars. This naturally occurring sport was discovered in the Netherlands. It rarely flowers here (reddish plumes) and is clumping in nature. Grows 7-9′ high by 4-6′ wide. Zone 6.

Miscanthus sinensis var. condensatus ‘Cosmopolitan’ – The broad foliage again distinguishes this clumping ornamental grass, with arching green blades generously edged and pinstriped in creamy-white. It is sometimes mistaken for Arundo donax ‘Versicolor’ at a young age and was discovered in Japan during the 1940’s. Clumping. Grows 6-7′ high by 3-4′ wide. Hardy to zone 6.

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Dixieland’ – This cultivar is essentially a dwarf form of Miscanthus sinensis ‘Variegatus’ that is not prone to flopping. It has the same green and white variegated foliage, with silvery-pink plumes that emerge from late summer to early fall. ‘Dixieland’ is a good choice for smaller urban gardens and works well in containers. Clumping. Grows 3-4′ high by 2-3′. Zone 5.

Hibiscus syriacus II / Rose of Sharon

Hibiscus syriacus ‘Ardens’ – This is an older cultivar of Hardy Hibiscus with almost carnation-like double lilac-pink blooms with flecks of red in the center. These turn a pale purple as they fade and are contrasted by light green foliage. ‘Ardens’ is a large deciduous shrub that prefers part to full sun and good soil drainage. Grows 8-12′ high by 6-8′ wide. Hardy to zone 5.

Hibiscus syriacus CHINA CHIFFON (syn. ‘Bricutts’) – Part of the Chiffon Series with large 4″ wide white anemone form blooms with a red center that is obscured (so that only the veining shows through) by a central white or very pale pink tuft. It flowers from late July through to September and can be trained into an informal flowering hedge. Grows 8-12′ high by 4-6′ wide. Zone 5.

Hibiscus syriacus ‘Collie Mullens’ – One of the darkest double (to semi-double) forms with deep rose-pink flowers that hold their colour well in full sun exposures. It blooms from late July to October. This shrub tolerates both heat and drought once established but flowers and performs better with even soil moisture that drains. Grows 8-10′ high by 6′ wide. Zone 5.

Hibiscus syriacus VIOLET SATIN (syn. ‘Floru’) – A newer introduction hybridized by Claude Bellion of Minier Nurseries in France. It features large single blooms of violet-pink with a prominent red central blotch. VIOLET SATIN was bred for better plant vigor and more flowers. This species adds a tropical touch to any temperate garden. Grows 8-12′ high by 4-6′ wide. Zone 5.

Hibiscus syriacus ‘Blushing Bride’ – A very popular cultivar with double blooms of pale pink (with reddish highlights in the center) that fade to white with age. Hardy Hibiscus are one of the last shrubs to get their leaves in spring, often just budding when the rhododendrons are in full bloom, so be patient with them. Deer resistant. Grows 8-12′ high by 4-6′ wide. Hardy to zone 5.

Delphinium II / Larkspur

Delphinium x elatum ‘Magic Fountains Sky Blue / White Bee’ (syn. Delphinium x cultorum) – This is a good choice for smaller gardens with its mid-sized spires of sky blue blooms (often with lavender tinting) with contrasting white bee. Delphiniums are heavy feeders, so be sure to add some well-rotted compost to the planting hole. Grows 28-36″ high. Hardy to zone 3.

Delphinium ‘Galahad’ – One of the Pacific Giant Delphiniums bearing pure white white petals, often with a greenish center that doesn’t detract from the Alba garden effect. Be sure to protect Delphiniums from slugs in the early season (when they eat the new shoots) by putting down some pet friendly bait. Flowers June-July with a repeat in fall. Grows 4-6′ high by 24″. Zone 3.

Delphinium x elatum ‘Pagan Purples’ – This F1 hybrid is part of the New Millennium Strains out of New Zealand. It produces tall spires of both single and double blooms ranging in colour from dark purple to deep blue to mauve. It flowers in early summer with a repeat bloom in fall when deadheaded. Best grown in full sun. Grows 4-6′ high by 18-24″ wide. Hardy to zone 3.

Delphinium elatum ‘Sweethearts’ – This 2008 RHS Award of Garden Merit winner is one of the best pink Delphiniums available with fringed rosy-pink blooms accented with a white bee. The individual flowers often vary in form from semi-double to double, these are contrasted by deeply divided dark green foliage. Grows 3 to 5′ high by 18 to 24″ wide. Hardy to zone 3.

Delphinium grandiflorum ‘Diamonds Blue’ (syn. Delphinium chinensis) – A short-lived perennial with a short stature that more than makes up for its short-comings with electric blue flowers spotted with purple on each petal. When deadheaded, these bloom from June to September and they will often self-seed if the latter spikes are left to mature. Grows 16-24″ high by 10-12″ wide. Z4.

Hybrid Tea Roses II

Rosa MIDAS TOUCH (syn. ‘JACtou’) (Christensen 1992) (‘Brandy’ x ‘Friesensohne’) – This reliable and weather-resistant hybrid tea rose quickly won an AARS award in 1994, just two years after it was introduced. It bears 3-4″ wide deep golden yellow blooms that open quickly in warm weather. Moderate sweet fruit fragrance. Grows 4-5′ high by 3-4′ wide. Zone 6.

Rosa IN THE MOOD (syn. ‘WEKfrancoly’) (Carruth 2005) (‘City of San Francisco’ x ‘ Olympiad’) – There are some that call IN THE MOOD the best red hybrid tea rose since ‘Mr. Lincoln’ and I would have to agree with them. The large 5″ wide flowers are a rich velvet red and are usually borne singly – contrasted nicely by glossy grey-green foliage. Grows 4-5′ high by 3-4′ wide. Zone 6.

Rosa ‘John F. Kennedy’ (syn. ‘JFK’) (Boerner 1965) (seedling x ‘White Queen’) – An older hybrid tea rose with fully double blooms (48 petals) of pure white with cream undertones that open to 5″. ‘John F. Kennedy’ has long straight stems and makes an excellent cut flower, blooming late spring through summer. Light licorice fragrance. Grows 3-5′ high by 2-3′ wide. Hardy to zone 7.

Rosa ELECTRON (syn. ‘Mullard Jubilee’) (McGredy 1970) (‘Paddy McGredy’ x PRIMA BALLERINA) – This child of the 70’s lives up to its reputation with huge 5″ wide shocking blooms of an electric pink that are sweetly fragrant. It flowers from late spring to mid autumn over glossy deep green foliage. Quite resistant to most rose diseases. Grows 4′ high by 3-4′ wide. Zone 5.

Rosa NEPTUNE (syn. ‘WEKhilpurnil’) (Carruth 2003) ([BLUEBERRY HILL x ‘Stephen’s Big Purple’] x BLUE NILE) – Few gardeners can resist the charm of NEPTUNE with its fully double lavender blooms that are occasionally edged in purple. These have a strong citrus rose scent and are larger in areas with cooler summers. Grows 4-5′ high by 2-3′ wide. Hardy to zone 6.

Mints II / Mentha

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) It is generally believed that Peppermint is a cross between Spearmint (Mentha spicata) and Water Mint (Mentha aquatica) and since most of the plants are sterile, it can’t be produced from seed. This traditional mint is good for teas and prefers partial shade with evenly moist (but not wet) soils. Grows 12-20″ high by 36-48″ wide. Hardy to zone 5.

Apple Mint (Mentha suaveolens) This tall herbaceous perennial has fuzzy pale green foliage and needs frequent pruning to prevent it from flowering. A blend of Apple Mint and Chamomile makes a nice calming cup of herbal tea, and it is a good garnish for fruit salads. It also prefers a part sun exposure with even soil moisture. Grows 2-3′ high by 2′ wide. Hardy to zone 5.

Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) This native of Europe is probably best not used as a culinary herb, as it is too strong to be ingested by pregnant women. That said, it is an excellent bug repellent and can be planted anywhere ants are wreaking havoc to keep them at bay. It is an aggressive spreader, which is why it also makes a good groundcover. Grows 4-16″ high by 2′ +. Hardy to zone 6.

Kentucky Colonel Mint (Mentha x ‘Kentucky Colonel’) Although often listed as a cultivar of Spearmint, this plant is actually a hybrid of Apple Mint (Mentha suaveolens) and Spearmint (Mentha spicata). It is one of the essential ingredients for Mint Juleps and may also be used in Mojitos. The fruity taste also works in desserts and jellies. Grows 18″ high by 24″wide. Zone 5.

Chocolate Mint (Mentha x piperita ‘Chocolate Mint’ [syn. ‘Chocolate’]) There is no mistaking the distinctive chocolate mint mint scent, although some say that it doesn’t translate into flavour. Chop it fresh and add to ice cream or as a garnish on hot chocolate. The bees and butterflies really love this plant when it is left to flower. Grows 12-18″ high by 24″ wide. Hardy to zone 4.