Oregon Native: Tufted Hairgrass

Plant Name:  Deschampsia cespitosa
Common name:  Tufted Hairgrass
Plant Type:  Ornamental Grass
Plant Height:  2’ – 3’
Spread:  1’ – 2’
Bloom Time: July – September
Flower Color:  Tones of Gold, Silver, Purple, Green
Exposure:  Part Shade
Soil Requirements: Average, Medium, Moist, Well-Drained Soil;
Water Needs: Medium
Attributes:  Showy Flowers; Attracts Birds; Winter Interest; Airy Panicles of Variably-Color form a cloud that is attractive when backlit; Deer Resistant.
Note:  Cut Foliage to Ground in Late Winter
Uses: Ground Cover; Rock Gardens; Mixes well with Shade Loving Perennials; Butterfly Gardens, Woodland Gardens.
Native to:  Most of North America
Oregon Native:   YES
USDA Hardiness Zone:  4 – 9

Report by: Viki Ashford

Salvia

Salvia guaranitica ‘Purpurea’

Common name: Anise-Scented Saliva

Family: Lamiaceae

USDA Zone : 7-10

Deep purple flowers nestled in a black calyx atop 3′ black stalks with lush green foliage.  Attracts bees and butterflies. Deer-proof plant. Showy Flowers.  Great for container growing.  Full sun to part shade. Medium moisture. Blooms mid-summer until frost. 

Submission and Photo by: Carlotta Lucas

Horticultural Report: Mountain Laurel

Photo by: Carlotta Lucas, Ashland OR

Plant Name:Kalmia latifolia,
Common name: Mountain Laurel
Plant type: Evergreen Shrub
Height: 3-15 ft (depends on variety)
Spread:3-15 ft (depends on variety)
Bloom Time:May to June
Flower Color:Rose, White, has purple markings
Exposure:Full Sun – Part Shade (Morning sun with afternoon shade is best)
Soil Requirements: Acid loving plant
Water Needs: Medium
Attributes:Excellent Showy Flowers, Multi-stemmed evergreen shrub, Year-round interest
Note: These shallow rooted plants are best in moist, cool, rich, acidic, well-drained humus soil
Uses: ;Compliments rhododendrons and azaleas.Use as border shrub, Woodland gardens Cottage gardens, Wild areas, Hedges, Foundation plants
Native to: Eastern USA
USDA Hardiness Zone:4-9

Today in the Garden

PURPLE TOAD LILLY

Tricyrtis hirta, the toad lily is a Japanese species of hardy perennial in the lily family.   Tricyrtis hirta is found growing on shaded rocky cliffs and stream banks in central and southern Japan.

Its unique showy flowers bloom in late August through September, and produces multiple clusters of flowers.  Flowers are small, lily-like flowers about 1 inch long with six showy tepals.  It’s easily grown in average, medium to wet, well-drained soils in part to full shade.  The plant is 15-24 inches high and wide.  Bees loved it!

USDA Hardiness Zones 4-8.

Submitted by: Carlotta Lucas

 

 

Horticulture Report: Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’

Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’
Common Name: montbretia
Type: Perennial Bulb
Height: 2-4 feet
Spread: 1-2 feet
Bloom Time: June to August
Bloom Description: Scarlet red
Sun: Full sun -Part shade
Water: Medium amount, but regular watering
Maintenance: Medium
Attributes: Showy Flowers, Attracts Butterflies & Hummingbirds, Deer Resistant,
Use: Cut Garden, Mass plantings, Pool-side planting, Borders, Containers, Contemporary Garden, Cottage Garden, Hummingbird Gardens.
USDA Zone: 5-9