Tag Archives: Showy Plants

Wildflower: Phacelia campanularia (California Bluebell)

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Plant Name: Phacelia campanularia
Common names:  California-bluebell,
Desertbells, Desert bluebells,
Desert Scorpionweed, and Desert
Canterbury Bells
Plant type: Hardy Annual
Family: Member of the borage family
Height: 12 inches
Flower Color:  Blue
Exposure: Full sun
Blooms:  February – June
Soil: Sharply drained (sandy or granitic soil) , can tolerate other soils but needs good drainage
Water: Low – (arid climate plant)
Note: Grows in very arid environments; Adapts easily to gardens; not winter hardy but can reseed.
Attributes: Heart-shaped leaves, Vibrant Blue Color, Showy bell-shaped flowers, blooms in clusters
Uses: Wildflower gardens, Natural Gardens, Containers, Rock Gardens, Water-wise Gardens, Mass Plantings
Native to: Western USA
USDA Zone: 3-10

Report by: Carlotta Lucas, AGC Member

Oregon Native: Tufted Hairgrass

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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

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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

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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

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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