Horticulture Report: Whiteleaf Manzanita

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Plant Name: Arctostaphylos viscida
Common name: Whiteleaf Manzanita
Plant type: Evergreen Shrub
Height: 8’ – 16′
Spread: 12’
Bloom Time: January – April
Flower Color: White to Pale Pink – Shiny Red Fruit
Exposure:Full Sun to Part Shade
Soil Requirements: Tolerates a variety of soils from clay to decomposed granite.
Water Needs: Very low; Water no more than 2 times a month once established.
Attributes: Showy red bark; Flowers attracts hummingbirds & insects; Birds & some Mammals are attracted to fruit; Host to some butterflies & moths.
Firewise: NO; Zone 3 – 70’ – 100’ +
Note: Not very garden tolerant, Native habitat is oak & pine forests and chaparrals.
Uses: Native Gardens, Bird Gardens, Bee Gardens, Hummingbird Gardens;
Native to: California & Oregon
Oregon Native: YES
USDA Hardiness Zone: 7a – 9b

Report by: Viki Ashford, AGC Member

Photo from: Las Pilitas Nursery, Santa Margarita, CA; website: https://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/83–arctostaphylos-viscida-ssp-viscida

Ashland Garden Club Holiday Activity

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Today, December 2, 2022, AGC members gathered to create lovely Christmas wreaths and centerpieces. It was a fun and creative occasion! Thank you Gena G for hosting us, and a special thanks goes to the Ashland Parks for providing us with a wonderful variety of greens.        

           

Horticulture Report: Polygala fruticosa

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Plant Name:  Polygala fruticosa
Common name: Dwarf Sweet-Pea Bush
Plant type: Evergreen Shrub
Height: 3 feet
Spread:   3 feet
Bloom Time:  Spring-Summer
Flower Color: Vibrant, purple-magenta, pea-like flowers
Sun Exposure:Full Sun to Part Sun (4-6 hours)
Soil Requirements: Well-drained, humus-rich soil
Water Needs: Moderate
Attributes:   Green-Gray Foliage, Attracts Pollinators, Nectar-rich flowers
Firewise:  Status unknown
Note:  Only Hardy above 20 o, NOT a perennial in areas where temperatures drops below 20o, but in Zone 8A it will typically recover.
Uses:  Flowers for Cutting, Long Bloom Season, Repeat Flowering, Showy Flowers, Container Plant, Perennial Garden, Cottage Garden,  Wildlife & Pollinator Gardens
Native to: South Africa
Oregon Native:   NO
USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-10

Photo by: Joanie Kintscher, Past President AGC

Report by: Carlotta Lucas, AGC Board Member