Herbaceous perennials are generally classified as plants with nonwoody stems, whose top growth dies back each year while the root system remains alive to resprout the following spring. The nonwoody stems and the winter dieback separates these perennials from others such as the woody shrubs and trees. We are blessed in the Pacific Northwest with a wide variety of climatic conditions that allow many herbaceous perennials to be grown in our landscapes. As you use the plant lists you will notice that we have included some plants that would properly be categorized as bulbs or rhizomatous plants. We felt, because of their nature, that they should be included along with herbaceous perennials. Check also the ornamental grass chapter for a different kind of perennial for your garden.
If you are new to the world of herbaceous perennials, or if you are an old-timer who has grown iris and peony and pampas grass forever but would like to know more about some of the newer introductions, get in touch with the Hardy Plant Society or associate yourself with local nurseries that grow some particular perennial that attracts your interest. As you peruse the lists in this chapter, you will also be exposed to many native perennials that have been found useful in landscaping. To learn more about them, join your local Native Plant Society. There are many avenues for learning more about these plants, including your local garden center, your local county agent, botanical gardens, and nearby nurserymen. We hope to encourage your participation in the world of perennials by introducing you to at least some of the names and characteristics of different kinds.
Herbaceous perennials are very adaptable to whatever conditions exist in your garden. We list some that grow in alkaline soil, some that take shade, others that prefer full sun, those we know of that reseed themselves, along with about thirty other lists to tell you more about these plants. And of course we don’t list nearly all of them in any one category. That is so you can add to the lists, thereby making them even more valuable to yourself and your gardening friends. Enjoy these!
One person’s landscape problems may be another’s opportunity to use some striking plant materials, such as bear’s-breeches or dinosaur food, along with large-leafed ferns or bamboo. Don’t look at wetness as being a disadvantage; rather use that design challenge to do some great things. Lots of natives will fit this bill, as will some shrubs and trees that can withstand standing water. Most of the plants included in this list will do well in partial to full shade; however Helen’s flower and bee balm will do better in sun or very light shade.
Bear’s-breeches (Acanthus mollis) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Sweet flag (Acoris gramineus) |
All PNW |
Goatsbeard (Aruncus dioicus) |
All PNW |
Giant reed (Arundo donax) |
All PNW |
Astilbe (Astilbe × arendsii varieties) |
LV, LM, DV |
Water arum (Calla palustris) |
C, LV, LM |
Marsh marigold (Caltha palustris) |
All PNW |
Camas lilies (Camassia spp.) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Turtle heads (Chelone spp.) |
All PNW |
Bugbane (Cimicifuga spp.) |
All PNW |
Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Cobra lily (Darlingtonia californica) |
C, LV, LM |
Umbrella plant (Darmera peltatum) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Flowering spurge (Euphorbia corollata) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Meadow sweet (Filipendula spp.) |
All PNW |
Dinosaur food (Gunnera spp.) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Helen’s flower (Helenium autumnale) |
All PNW |
Plantain lily (Hosta spp.) |
All PNW |
Japanese iris (Iris ensata) |
All PNW |
Yellow flag (Iris pseudacorus) |
All PNW |
Kirengeshoma (Kirengeshoma koreana, K. palmata) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) |
C, LV, LM |
Corsican mint (Mentha requienii) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Monkey flower (Mimulus hybridus) |
All PNW |
Bee balm (Monarda spp.) |
All PNW |
Forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Royal fern (Osmunda regalis) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Redwood sorrel (Oxalis oregana) |
C, LV, LM |
New Zealand flax (Phormium tenax) |
C, LV, LM |
Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum odoratum) |
LV, LM, DV |
Blue star creeper (Pratia pedunculata) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Bronze leaf rodgersia (Rodgersia spp.) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Periwinkle (Vinca minor) |
C, LV, LM |
Sites that have water on them all year could be planted via the container method used for planting water lilies in ponds. Using a good potting mix with at least one-third by volume of well-rotted compost, plant in a container that will eventually decompose—pulp, paper, or scrap wood. Place the potted plant in the wet site, pressing the container into the soil, then let nature take over. With time the container will decay, the plant will send roots into the surrounding soil and become a plant on a small mound in your wet site.
Not all gardens will be tended on schedule, nor do all gardeners want a landscape that requires constant care. That is why we developed this list, for those that would like to go fishing or visiting or golfing, rather than prune and coddle and look after a yard full of plants. These listed below can take care of themselves for a long while and still provide color, interest, texture, and healthy plants to the landscape. Now before you rush out and replant the entire yard with these, take the time to learn what they demand. If you don’t provide the necessities, such as reasonably fertile soil, good drainage, the right amount of sunlight or shade, and protection from the elements, they will die from neglect. Learn also that some are hard to get started (gas plant for example), while others are lurking in their pots waiting for you to turn your back so they can invade the entire yard (creeping jennie and bishop’s weed are two fine examples of potential invaders). Plan first for the kind of garden you want, provide the correct microclimate, plant at the proper time and in the approved manner, give care where absolutely needed, and enjoy the plants that will not demand a great deal of you.
Common Yarrow
Common yarrow (Achillea millefolium) |
All PNW |
Bishop’s weed (Aegopodium podagraria) |
All PNW |
Blue starflower (Amsonia tabernaemontana) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Heartleaf bergenia (Bergenia cordifolia) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Bellflower (Campanula lactiflora) |
All PNW |
Shasta daisy (Chrysanthemum maximum) |
All PNW |
Corydalis (Corydalis lutea) |
C, LV, LM |
Crocus (Crocus spp.) |
All PNW |
Hardy cyclamen (Cyclamen hederifolium) |
All PNW |
Bleeding heart (Dicentra formosa) |
All PNW |
Gas plant (Dictamnus albus) |
All PNW |
Common snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) |
All PNW |
Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum) |
All PNW |
Whirling butterflies (Gaura lindheimeri) |
All PNW |
Helen’s flower (Helenium autumnale) |
All PNW |
Evergreen candytuft (Iberis sempervirens) |
All PNW |
Lychnis (Lychnis coronaria) |
All PNW |
Creeping Jennie (Lysimachia nummularia) |
All PNW |
Redwood sorrel (Oxalis oregana) |
C, LV, LM |
Sedum (Sedum spp.) |
All PNW |
Lamb’s ears (Stachys byzantina) |
All PNW |
Violet (Viola wittrockiana) |
All PNW |
“Although the above list shows there are many herbaceous perennials that can tolerate neglect, all perennials benefit from a little care. An organic mulch over the perennial bed, a bit of deadheading of old flower heads, cutting back and removing old dead foliage in late fall that might carry overwintering fungus disease spores, digging and dividing when necessary—all of these will enhance the health and growth of your perennials. They provide the beauty and interest, it is up to you to keep them happy.”—Jim and Audrey Metcalf, Honeyhill Nursery, Portland, Oregon
Comments about autumn color bring to mind maple leaves, sumac, and sweetgum, but there is an incredible list of plants that show a good display of brightly colored foliage or a last show of blossoms just as they die down in the fall. Here are some suggestions from Linda Beutler, designer and Master Gardener, for you to try in your own microclimate.
Garlic chives (Allium tuberosum) |
All PNW |
Parrot flower (Alstroemeria psittacina) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Japanese anemone (Anemone hybrida) |
All PNW |
Aster (Aster frikartii) |
All PNW |
Blue beard (Caryopteris clandonensis) |
All PNW |
Centauria (Centauria hypoleuca ‘John Coutts’) |
C, LV, LM |
Jupiter’s beard (Centranthus ruber) |
C, LV, LM |
Corydalis (Corydalis lutea) |
C, LV, LM |
Helen’s flower (Helenium autumnale) |
All PNW |
Daylily (Hemerocallis ‘Stella d’Oro’) |
All PNW |
Rubrum lily (Lilium × ‘Uchida’) |
All PNW |
Blue cardinal flower (Lobelia syphilitica) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Pink Flamingo lobelia (Lobelia syphilitica ‘Pink Flamingo’) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Oswego tea (Monarda didyma) |
All PNW |
Border penstemon (Penstemon × gloxinioides ‘Scarlet Queen’) |
All PNW |
African Queen cape fuchsia (Phygelius capensis ‘African Queen’) |
C, LV, LM |
Black-eyed susan (Rudbeckia hirta) |
All PNW |
Gentian sage (Salvia patens) |
C, LV |
Bog sage (Salvia uliginosa) |
C, LV |
Kaffir lily (Schizostylis coccinea ‘Oregon Sunset’) |
C, LV, LM |
Lamb’s ears (Stachys byzantina ‘Primrose Heron’) |
All PNW |
Japanese toad lily (Tricyrtis formosana) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
“What fun to spend a rainy few evenings revisiting the friends in my garden, remembering their many sterling qualities. Making the ‘autumn color list’ has helped me track the process that took a rose collection and cutting garden and turned it into an integrated mixed border. Of course right now [March] it is a soggy mess.”—Linda Beutler, floral designer and Master Gardener, Portland, Oregon
There are certain plants that provide background and interest to flower arrangements, and many of them are herbaceous perennials. In this list we have tried to find the ones that will give a point of interest, along with the ability to last for as long as possible after cutting. Characteristics of those in this list include the rigid form of Alchemilla, unusual color of Hosta, soft texture of Stachys and Verbascum, and shape of Iris and Polystichum. You will also find fragrance in some foliage of herbaceous perennials (see the list of those with fragrant foliage).
While you might think this was an easy list to prepare, we tried to find the best choices. Most gardeners like to bring bouquets indoors to make the home environment more enjoyable, and when they search for the elements for making an arrangement, nearly all flowers are fair game. Some though will perform longer than others after they are cut from the parent plant. Others provide fragrance that remains long after the freshness of the blossom disappears. Most, if you learn as much about the plant in question as can be found, are easy to grow and will flower if given the right microclimate. As you get into the habit of using herbaceous perennials, both in the landscape and as cut flowers, you will find it fun and profitable to experiment with new and different types. Use this list to start your cutting garden, and add to it as you find more.
Puple Coneflower
Peruvian lily (Alstromeria spp.) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Masterwort (Astrantia major) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Canterbury bell (Campanula medium) |
All PNW |
Bachelor’s buttons (Centaurea cyanus) |
All PNW |
Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) |
All PNW |
Shasta daisy (Chrysanthemum maximum) |
All PNW |
Feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium) |
All PNW |
Coreopsis (Coreopsis grandiflora) |
All PNW |
Montbretia (Crocosmia crocosmiiflora) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Delphinium (Delphinium belladonna) |
All PNW |
Candle delphinium (Delphinium elatum) |
All PNW |
Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) |
All PNW |
Freesia (Freesia vars.) |
C, LV |
Blanket flower (Gaillardia grandiflora) |
All PNW |
Gladiola (Gladiola spp.) |
All PNW |
Baby’s breath (Gypsophila paniculata) |
All PNW |
Coral bells (Heuchera sanguinea) |
All PNW |
Iris (Iris spp.) |
All PNW |
Gayfeather (Liatris spicata) |
All PNW |
Lily (Lilium spp.) |
All PNW |
Statice (Limonium spp.) |
All PNW |
Peony (Paeonia lactiflora) |
All PNW |
Pincushion flower (Scabiosa atropurpurea) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Calla lily (Zantedeschia spp.) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
This list was prepared by Elizabeth Howley, head of the Horticulture Department at Clackamas Community College and past president of the Hardy Plant Society in Oregon.
“No garden should be without some iris for cut flowers and for sinking your nose into the childhood scent of grape juice available from some of the old-fashioned purple selections.”—Elizabeth Howley Clackamas Community College, Oregon City, Oregon
With careful selection, one can have in the landscape harbingers of spring that bloom long before the buds swell on woody plants. Winter ends several months apart between the zones of this region, yet you will see that some of these are listed for all zones. This is because each reacts to soil temperature in whatever zone it might grow, and when the ground warms to that plant’s required level, up it comes. Those listed here bloom before leaves arrive, or soon after. Next spring look around your community and add others to your list.
Rockcress (Arabis sturii) |
All PNW |
Wild ginger (Asarum caudatum) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Common aubretia (Aubretia deltoidea) |
All PNW |
Basket-of-gold (Aurinia saxatilis) |
All PNW |
Glory of the snow (Chionodoxa luciliae) |
All PNW |
Lily-of-the-valley (Convallaria majalis) |
All PNW |
Crocus (Crocus spp.) |
All PNW |
Hardy cyclamen (Cyclamen coum) |
All PNW |
Winter aconite (Eranthus hyemalis) |
All PNW |
Fawn lily (Erythronium californicum) |
All PNW |
Euphorbia (Euphorbia characias) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Giant snowdrop (Galanthus elwesii) |
All PNW |
Common snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) |
All PNW |
Christmas rose (Helleborus niger) |
All PNW |
Lenten rose (Helleborus orientalis) |
All PNW |
Common hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis) |
All PNW |
Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens) |
All PNW |
Creeping phlox (Phlox stolonifera) |
All PNW |
Primrose (Primula × juliana) |
All PNW |
Bethlehem sage (Pulmonaria saccharata) |
All PNW |
Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) |
LM, DV, HD |
Foamflower (Tiarella wherryi) |
All PNW |
Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum) |
All PNW |
Violet (Viola spp.) |
C, LV, LM |
Barren strawberry (Waldsteinia fragarioides) |
C, LV, LM |
Ray must admit that hellebores have never been at the top of his list of plants, but after being exposed to them through friends Audrey and Jim Metcalf of Honeyhill Nursery in Portland, and through other nurseries, such as Siskiyou Rare Plant Nursery in Medford, Oregon, and Forest Farm Nursery in Williams, Oregon, he knows they should be listed as a valuable herbaceous plant that will bring your garden to life in the months when nothing else is ready to bloom (besides, they are among Jan’s favorite plants).
Christmas Rose
“Hellebores are very easy to grow. I add a little bonemeal and a generous shovelful of compost to new planting holes and water the plants well during their first year. Don’t spend another winter without the company of hellebores. They’re great consolers, bringing light in a dark season.”—Barbara Ashmum, gardener, writer, and teacher, Portland, Oregon
Groundcover plants can be woody or of softer material, such as herbaceous perennials. Steve Carruthers, Portland landscape architect, sent along the following suggestions for groundcovering plantings using herbaceous perennials. Add them to your list of plants for this purpose.
These are the herbaceous perennials that are the best for planting in sites that will be dry most of the time. However, keep in mind that water will be necessary during that first growing season to allow these to become established. Once they are “at home” in your dry site, they can grow and thrive without much attention to watering other than during the worst of droughts.
Red Beauty yarrow (Achillea millefolium ‘Red Beauty’) |
All PNW |
Atlas daisy (Anacyclus depressus) |
All PNW |
Silver Mound artemesia (Artemesia schmidtiana ‘Silver Mound’) |
All PNW |
Blue false indigo (Baptisia australis) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Perennial cornflower (Centaurea montana) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Jupiter’s beard (Centranthus ruber) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Snow-in-summer (Cerastium tomentosum) |
All PNW |
Coreopsis (Coreopsis grandiflora) |
All PNW |
Golden Showers (Coreopsis verticillata ‘Golden Showers’) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Moonbeam coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata ‘Moonbeam’) |
All PNW |
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) |
All PNW |
Red wood spurge (Euphorbia amygdaloides ‘Rubra’) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Dwarf blanket flower (Gaillardia ‘Goblin’) |
All PNW |
Whirling Butterflies (Gaura lindheimeri ‘Whirling Butterflies’) |
All PNW |
Baby’s breath (Gypsophila spp.) |
All PNW |
Sun rose (Helianthemum nummularium vars.) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Autumnalis candytuft (Iberis sempervirens ‘Autumnalis’) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Pink hardy gloxinia (Incarvillea delavayi) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Red-hot poker (Kniphofia uvaria) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Evening primrose (Oenothera spp.) |
All PNW |
Pine-leafed penstemon (Penstemon pinifolius) |
All PNW |
Mersea Yellow penstemon (Penstemon pinifolius ‘Mersea Yellow’) |
All PNW |
Rocky Mountain penstemon (Penstemon strictus) |
All PNW |
Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) |
All PNW |
Hardy purple sage (Salvia superba ‘Blue Queen’) |
C, LV, LM |
Silver lavender cotton (Santolina chamaecyparissus) |
All PNW |
Green lavender cotton (Santolina virens) |
All PNW |
Sedum (Sedum spp. selected varieties) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Dusty miller (Senecio cineraria) |
All PNW |
In the western part of the Pacific Northwest, shade becomes a problem when trying to come up with something that will grow in the shade of so many trees. In the eastern part, most plants would like some shade every now and then. Many plants will grow in shade. Just look at the natural growth along the highways through the forests. This list will give you some plants to think about. But do consider how much competition these plants will have among the roots of trees and large shrubs, for in many instances it is not the shade that prevents the growth of plants, but the competition for water and minerals. Avoid the plants that have invasive roots with many surface feeder roots (avoid the trees that we listed in the tree chapter as being impossible to grow anything beneath). Also check the list of shrubs that are listed as shade-loving.
Sweet Violet
Bishop’s weed (Aegopodium podagraria) |
All PNW |
Anemone (Anemone selected spp.) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Goatsbeard (Aruncus dioicus) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
European ginger (Asarum europaeum) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Astilbe (Astilbe spp. and selected varieties) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Siberian bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla) |
All PNW |
Dalmation bellflower (Campanula portenschlagiana) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) |
All PNW |
Lily-of-the-valley (Convallaria majalis) |
All PNW |
Blue panda corydalis (Corydalis flexuosa) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
China Blue corydalis (Corydalis flexuosa ‘China Blue’) |
All PNW |
Corydalis (Corydalis lutea) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Hardy cyclamen (Cyclamen spp.) |
C, LV, LM |
Bleeding heart (Dicentra spp.) |
All PNW |
Fringed bleeding heart (Dicentra eximia) |
All PNW |
Luxuriant bleeding heart (Dicentra ‘Luxuriant’) |
All PNW |
Bishop’s hat (Epimedium spp.) |
All PNW |
Fawn lily (Erythronium californicum) |
All PNW |
White mist flower (Eupatorium coelestinum ‘Album’) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Hellebore (Helleborus spp.) |
All PNW |
Coral bells (Heuchera spp.) |
All PNW |
Plantain lily (Hosta spp.) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Lamium (Lamium spp.) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Cranesbill (Geranium macrorrhizum) |
All PNW |
Yellow archangel (Lamiastrum galeobdolon vars.) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Golden grounsel (Ligularia dentata) |
All PNW |
Othello ligularia (Ligularia dentata ‘Othello’) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Redwood sorrel (Oxalis oregana vars.) |
C, LV, LM |
Lungwort (Pulmonaria spp.) |
All PNW |
Meadow rue (Thalictrum spp.) |
All PNW |
Foam flower (Tiarella spp.) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Wake robin (Trillium grandiflorum, T. ovatum) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Violets (Viola spp.) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
“Gardening in the Puget Sound region is both easy and challenging. We are blessed with a generally mild climate, but because of topography, prevailing winds, shoreline exposures, and other factors, we have a wide variety of microclimates that impact plant performance. We receive adequate winter rain, but are challenged by very dry summers. However, with proper consideration to plant selection and placement, we can grow as wide an array of beautiful plants as almost anywhere in the country.”—Dave Stockdale, adult and professional education coordinator, University of Washington Center for Urban Horticulture, Seattle, Washington
Plants in this list include those suitable for the margins of a pond or an active wetland site. These plants prefer having their roots in saturated or flooded soils, though many can withstand a bit of dry soil. These plants also provide flower color and foliage textures throughout the growing season. If your landscape includes a pond or a wetland, give some of these a try. In harsh winters, consider some of these as replaceable annual plants; however, if given protection during the coldest part of the winter, all may survive to grow and bloom again next spring.
Variegated acorus (Acorus gramineus vars.)
Yellow marsh marigold (Caltha palustris)
Yellow double-flowering marsh marigold (Caltha palustris flora plena)
Slough sedge (Carex stipata)
Cottongrass (Eriophorum angustifolium)
Chameleon plant (Houttuynia cordata variegata)
Pennywort (Hydrocotyle umbellata)
Yellow flag (Iris pseudacorus)
Blue iris (Iris versicolor)
Blue spreading rush (Juncus patens)
Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
Yellow monkey flower (Mimulus lewesii)
Purple pickerelweed (Pontaderia cordata)
Narrow-leafed arrowhead (Sagittaria gramineus)
Arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia)
Lizard’s tail (Saururus cernuus)
Zebra rush (Scirpus zebrinus)
Golden-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium californicum)
Dwarf cattail (Typha minima)
Variegated cattail (Typha variegata)
Iris Versicolor
“My ultimate joy is to visit a pond I have installed and see frogs, snakes, and salamanders feeding in the shallows, while dragonflies hover over the water and swallows skim the surface. I know then that I have helped to restore a little habitat for nature and in turn given my client an oasis of tranquillity to soothe today’s stresses.”—Eammon Hughes, Hughes Water Gardens, Tualatin, Oregon
Form in the garden comes from the shapes of trees and shrubs, the growth shape of herbaceous perennials, and from the contrasts of flower forms. The vertical spikes of flowers leads your eye upwards, on to the next taller plant, or when used in the back of a flower bed, upwards to the sky, or into the trees behind. When we started selecting the herbaceous perennials for this list, we tried to differentiate between spikelike flowers and plumes. That is why Liatrus and pampas grass are left off, since they both provide flower stalks that are plumelike. You can add them back if you like, and by all means add others that come to mind. Here are some to begin with.
Foxglove
Bear’s-breeches (Acanthus mollis) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Garden monkshood (Aconitum napellus) |
All PNW |
Astilbe (Astilbe chinensis) |
C, LV, LM |
Peach-leafed bluebell (Campanula persicifolia) |
All PNW |
Bugbane (Cimicifuga spp.) |
All PNW |
Delphinium (Delphinium elatum vars.) |
All PNW |
Twinspur (Diascia rigescens) |
C, LV |
Gas plant (Dictamnus albus) |
All PNW |
Foxglove (Digitalis spp.) |
All PNW |
Gladiolus (Gladiola grandiflora hybrids) |
All PNW |
Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) |
All PNW |
Red-hot poker (Kniphofia uvaria) |
All PNW |
English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) |
All PNW |
French lavender (Lavandula dentata) |
C, LV |
Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas) |
Q LV, LM, DV |
Rocket ligularia (Ligularia stenocephala ‘The Rocket’) |
Q LV, LM, DV |
Toadflax (Linaria purpurea ‘Cannon Went’) |
All PNW |
Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) |
All PNW |
Lobelia (Lobelia syphilitica) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Lupine (Lupinus spp.) |
All PNW |
Catmint (Nepeta faassenii) |
All PNW |
Beard tongue (Penstemon spp.) |
Varies |
Russian sage (Perovskia ‘Blue Spire’) |
All PNW |
False dragonhead (Physostegia virginiana) |
All PNW |
Snakeweed (Polygonum bistorta ‘Superbum’) |
All PNW |
Primrose (Primula vialii) |
All PNW |
Hardy purple sage (Salvia superba ‘Blue Queen’) |
All PNW |
Hardy pink sage (Salvia superba ‘Rose Queen’) |
All PNW |
Checkerbloom (Sidalcea malviflora) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Foamflower (Tiarella wherryi) |
All PNW |
Moth mullein (Verbascum chaixii) |
All PNW |
Purple mullein (Verbascum phoeniceum) |
All PNW |
Speedwell (Veronica spp.) |
All PNW |
Yucca (Yucca filamentosa) |
All PNW |
“Lobelias are real eye-catchers in the border garden. We grow our lobelias in full sun in moist, fertile, well-drained soil. As is all too often the case with our favorite flowers, the slugs love them as well. Hummingbirds also love them, so perhaps there is a balance in nature.”—Maurice Horn, partner-owner, Joy Creek Nursery, Scappoose, Oregon
According to Dr. Michael Colt, Idaho extension horticulturist, herbaceous perennials do quite well in southwest Idaho because the winter period is distinct and cold (Zone 5 around Boise/Caldwell/Nampa). Mulching and late fall watering aid survival for the newly planted, and placing Zone 5 plants in the more severe microclimates insures a thriving garden. Here are his selections.
Michael’s favorite 20 |
|
Allium |
Especially Allium giganteum |
Hollyhock |
Alcea rosea nigra |
Heartleaf bergenia |
Bergenia cordifolia |
Delphinium |
Avoid Pacific hybrids, join the Delphinium Society |
Foxgloves |
Digitalis purpurea |
Purple coneflower |
Echinacea purpurea ‘Magnus’ |
Geranium |
Geranium ‘Johnson’s Blue’ |
Daylily |
Hemerocallis ‘Stella d’ Oro’ for beginners |
Coral bells |
Heuchera |
Hosta |
Choose varieties which lack iron chlorosis-like appearance |
Iris |
Iris sibirica does especially well here |
Spike gay feather |
Liatris spicata |
Lily |
Lilium ‘Enchantment’ for beginners |
Lychnis |
Lychnis coronaria, L. chalcedonica |
Bee balm |
Monarda didyma ‘Cambridge Scarlet’ |
Peony |
Paeonia |
Poppy |
Papaver orientale |
Phlox |
Phlox paniculata ‘Brighteyes’ |
Rudbeckia |
Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldsturm’ |
Sedum |
Sedum telephium ‘Autumn Joy’ |
“The most important phase in producing a satisfactory herbaceous perennial garden is the soil preparation before planting. Most soils need to have the rocks harvested at least down to two inches and then be amended with the addition of lots of compost. It takes several years for most herbaceous perennials to come into their glory, and so you need to insure your wait is justified by sufficient and proper soil preparation beforehand. There are many choices from more than a hundred perennial genera. When you add many more species and lots of cultivars, the possibilities are staggering for gardeners in southwest Idaho.”—Dr. Michael Colt, University of Idaho extension horticulturist, Parma, Idaho
Most of the flowering annuals and herbaceous perennials have a wide tolerance to soil acidity or alkalinity. Some will do better in acid soils and some definitely need the calcium found in alkaline soils. Listed here are those that are happy with soils that are on the alkaline side of the scale. Also, most of the grasses listed in the ornamental grass chapter are tolerant of soils that are alkaline. So too are most of the annuals listed in the chapter on annuals. Check also with local sources of information, both to learn about your soils and to ask about specific plants that may not be listed here.
Variegated bishop’s weed (Aegopodium podagraria ‘Variegatum’) |
All PNW |
Wall rockcress (Arabis caucasica) |
All PNW |
French tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) |
All PNW |
Silver king artemisia (Artemisia ludoviciana albula) |
All PNW |
Common aubretia (Aubretia deltoidea) |
All PNW |
Shasta daisy (Chrysanthemum maximum) |
All PNW |
Dusty miller (Chrysanthemum ptarmiciflorum) |
All PNW |
Coreopsis (Coreopsis grandiflora, C. lanceolata) |
All PNW |
Globe thistle (Echinops exaltatus) |
All PNW |
Fleabane (Erigeron speciosus) |
All PNW |
Crane’s bill (Erodium macradenum roseum) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Wallflower (Erysimum cheiri) |
LV, LM, DV, HD |
Blanket flower (Gaillardia grandiflora) |
All PNW |
Baby’s breath (Gypsophila paniculata) |
All PNW |
Perennial sunflower (Helianthus maximilianii) |
LM, DV, HD |
Daylily (Hemerocallis spp.) |
All PNW |
Iris (Iris spp.) |
All PNW |
Gayfeather (Liatris spicata) |
All PNW |
Perennial blue flax (Linum perenne) |
All PNW |
California bluebell (Phacelia campanularia) |
DV, HD |
Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) |
All PNW |
Lupine (Russell lupines) |
All PNW |
Sedum (Sedum spp.) |
All PNW |
Lamb’s ears (Stachys byzantina) |
All PNW |
The western part of the Pacific Northwest is blessed with trees, many of them quite large. They provide shade that is welcomed during the hot summer, but for many of the flowering perennials it may be more than they can tolerate. Also, trees are heavy users of groundwater, often to the detriment of shallowly rooted soft-foliaged plants. Luckily there are a few plants that will tolerate the shade along with droughty conditions, and some of them are listed below. Before you plant the entire backlot with them, check them out carefully, for some, such as Claridge Druce geranium, can become rather overbearing. Give any that you plant some help with an occasional watering and feeding.
Perennials should be watered heavily when they are first planted, to settle the plants and get good contact between their roots and surrounding soil. During summer, most perennials need to be watered as the soil dries. Occasional deep waterings are better than short, frequent waterings. A two- to three-inch organic mulch will cut down on watering and weeding. In cold winters when the soil freezes, add mulch to cover the plants’ roots after the soil is frozen. This will keep the roots from freezing and thawing through the variable winter of the Pacific Northwest.
Herbaceous perennials can be used to attract birds in late fall and winter without putting up a feeding station. Just plant some of the following plants and leave the seedheads on instead of cutting them back when cold weather arrives. Then, if you have arranged things properly, watch the siskins and finches and chickadees dart from the coneflowers to the globe thistles and coreopsis. Here are a few of the plants that the birds love to explore to find their seeds.
Aster (Aster spp.) |
All PNW |
Shasta daisy (Chrysanthemum maximum) |
All PNW |
Coreopsis (Coreopsis grandiflora) |
All PNW |
Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) |
All PNW |
Globe thistle (Echinops exaltatus) |
All PNW |
Fleabane (Erigeron speciosus) |
All PNW |
Blanket flower (Gaillardia grandiflora) |
All PNW |
Four o’clock (Mirabilis jalapa) |
C, LV, LM |
Evening primrose (Oenothera erythrosepala) |
All PNW |
Garden penstemon (Penstemon gloxinioides) |
All PNW |
Thick-leaf phlox (Phlox carolina) |
All PNW |
Gloriosa daisy (Rudbeckia hirta) |
All PNW |
A garden can be planned to provide aroma in several ways. The usual method is by selecting plants with aromatic flowers. It is also possible though to intersperse the planting with plants whose foliage gives off an aroma through contact with those who pass by. Some, like the scented geraniums (which are grown as annuals in most of the Pacific Northwest), could be placed where it is easy to rub the leaves and obtain the aroma. Others, like Corsican mint, can be planted among stepping stones where feet brushing by release the minty aroma. Here are a few that you might try, and as you find others, add them to the list.
Common yarrow (Achillea millefolium) |
All PNW |
Wormwood (Artemesia spp.) |
All PNW |
Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) |
All PNW |
Feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium) |
All PNW |
Gas plant (Dictamnus albus) |
All PNW |
Chameleon plant (Houttuynia cordata) |
All PNW |
English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) |
All PNW |
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) |
All PNW |
Corsican mint (Mentha requienii) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Spearmint (Mentha spicata) |
All PNW |
Bee balm (Monarda didyma) |
All PNW |
Oregano (Oregano vulgare) |
All PNW |
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Pineapple sage (Salvia elegans) |
C |
Common sage (Salvia officinalis) |
All PNW |
Lemon thyme (Thymus citriodorus) |
All PNW |
Caraway-scented thyme (Thymus herba-barona) |
All PNW |
The perennials in this list are vigorous when planted in their proper place and may become a problem staying in the boundaries you plan. You might have to pull some sprouts or pluck a few seedlings or spend some regular time digging out invasive roots. On the other hand, they can be just the ticket for covering banks that erode or for establishment on hillsides that might slide in wet times or for growing a mass of foliage in a particularly difficult site. Remember, a weed is but a plant out of place, which means that some of these might even become weeds. Check the growth habit of the plant you are considering to see if the plant is right for your situation. You might also check the list of those we say can take neglect.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) |
All PNW |
Bishop’s weed (Aegopodium podagraria) |
All PNW |
Jupiter’s beard (Centranthus ruber) |
C, LV, LM |
Lily-of-the-valley (Convallaria majalis) |
All PNW |
Crown vetch (Coronilla varia) |
All PNW |
Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum) |
All PNW |
Whirling Butterflies (Gaura lindheimeri ‘Whirling Butterflies’) |
All PNW |
Daylily (Hemerocallis hybrids) |
All PNW |
Dead nettle (Lamium maculatum) |
All PNW |
Creeping Jennie (Lysimachia nummularia) |
All PNW |
Loosestrife (Lysimachia punctata)* |
All PNW |
Purple loosestrife (Lythrum virgatum)* |
All PNW |
Mint (Mentha spp.) |
All PNW |
Chinese lanterns (Physalis alkekengi) |
All PNW |
False dragonhead (Physostegia virginiana) |
All PNW |
Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) |
All PNW |
Self heal (Prunella spp.) |
All PNW |
Matilija poppy (Romneya coulteri) |
All PNW |
Violet (Viola wittrockiana) |
All PNW |
* See box below |
|
Both common loosestrife and purple loosestrife are so invasive that one or both have been placed on the noxious weed list in several western states. If you use these in your landscape, they should be restricted in some manner. It would be best to keep both of them out of your neighborhood.
Creating a garden that will attract hummingbirds ensures a pleasant encounter with these fascinating creatures. Plan your garden to include nectar flowers, tubular flowering forms, and brightly colored flowers. Hummers eat half their weight daily in nectar and the tiny insects drawn to it. As they feed on the nectar, they also pollinate the flowers. This list contains some of the herbaceous perennials that hummingbirds like.
Bee Balm
Columbine (Aquilegia formosa) |
All PNW |
Canna (Canna spp.) |
All PNW |
Montbretia (Crocosmia crocosmiiflora) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Delphinium (Delphinium elatum) |
All PNW |
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) |
All PNW |
Blanket flower (Gaillardia grandiflora) |
All PNW |
Coral bells (Heuchera sanguinea) |
All PNW |
Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) |
All PNW |
Red-hot poker (Kniphofia uvaria) |
All PNW |
Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) |
All PNW |
Lupine (Lupinus Russell hybrids) |
All PNW |
Red monkey flower (Mimulus cardinalis) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Pink monkey flower (Mimulus lewisii) |
All PNW |
Bee balm (Monarda didyma) |
All PNW |
Garden penstemon (Penstemon gloxinioides) |
All PNW |
Gloriosa daisy (Rudbeckia hirta) |
All PNW |
Hummingbird flower (Zauschneria californica) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Perennials that can take full sun are the hardiest, and often the showiest, plants in the garden. However, you the gardener must keep in mind that full sun in eastern Washington and Idaho is much brighter than full sun in western Oregon. Some of the plants listed for all PNW zones might not look so colorful in the western half of this region as in the more sunny eastern parts. The listing here is general, and we hope you will look around your own neighborhood before consigning your selected plants to shadeless gardens. Look also in the ornamental grass chapter for other full-sun-loving perennial plants.
Dianthus
“Sedums prefer full sun except in the hottest zones where some shade on the roots may be necessary. Grow small sedums on the lean side as the foliage takes on beautiful coloration when the plants are stressed. The larger clumping varieties are excellent for late summer bloom in the border.”—Scott Christy, partner-owner, Joy Creek Nursery, Scappoose, Oregon
Quite a number of herbaceous perennials can be used to make dried arrangements by cutting and saving the flowers, generally after they have passed mid-bloom. Some can be cut and hung upside down in some sort of dry, airy storage area where they can be completely dried. Others may need treatment of some sort, perhaps burying in sand or silica gel to dry, or being treated with glycerin to maintain flower structure or color. In any case, those on this list work well as “everlastings.”
Yarrow (Achillea flipendulina) |
All PNW |
Pearly everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea) |
All PNW |
Pussy toes (Antennaria dioica vars.) |
All PNW |
Masterwort (Astrantia major, A. maxima) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Tassel flower (Brickellia grandiflora) |
All PNW |
Cupid’s dart (Catananche caerulea) |
All PNW |
Globe centaurea (Centaurea macrocephala) |
All PNW |
Jupiter’s beard (Centranthus ruber) |
C, LV |
Feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium) |
All PNW |
Bouquet delphinium (Delphinium grandiflorum) |
All PNW |
Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus) |
All PNW |
Chinese pink (Dianthus chinensis) |
All PNW |
Globe thistle (Echinops exaltatus) |
All PNW |
Lizard tail (Eriophyllum staechadifolium) |
All PNW |
Cudweed (Gnaphalium californicum) |
All PNW |
English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Lavender hybrids (Lavandula intermedia hybrids) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Gayfeather (Liatris spicata) |
All PNW |
Statice (Limonium latifolium) |
All PNW |
Silver dollar plant (biennial) (Lunaria annua) |
All PNW |
Stock (Matthiola incana) |
All PNW |
Chinese lantern plant (Physalis alkekengi) |
All PNW |
Pincushion flower (Scabiosa caucasia) |
All PNW |
Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) |
All PNW |
Lamb’s ears (Stachys byzantina) |
All PNW |
The problem with many herbaceous perennials is that they don’t bloom for long periods of time, unlike most of the annual flowers that we depend on for color most of the summer. However, there are some that do give long-term flower color. Like many of the flowering softer plants, they should be tended periodically to remove old, faded blooms (which often stimulates more blossoms). Other plants to consider in the category of long-term bloom are the ornamental grasses, of which many put up plumes that remain until the hardest winter storms hit. The plants listed here are ones that we know will bloom for long periods; you should add to the list as you run across others.
Yarrow (Achillea spp.) |
All PNW |
Lady’s mantle (Alchemilla spp.)* |
All PNW |
Windflower (Anemone spp.) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Goatsbeard (Aruncus dioicus) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Aster (Aster spp.)* |
All PNW |
Boltonia (Boltonia asteroides) |
All PNW |
Dalmation bellflower (Campanula portenschlagiana) |
All PNW |
Jupiter’s beard (Centranthus ruber) |
C, LV |
Turtleheads (Chelone spp.) |
All PNW |
Feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium)* |
All PNW |
Coreopsis (Coreopsis grandiflora) |
All PNW |
Coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata) |
C, LV |
Corydalis (Corydalis lutea) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Gaura (Gaura lindheimeri) |
All PNW |
Geranium (Geranium endressii) |
All PNW |
Geranium (Geranium sanguineum) |
All PNW |
Baby’s breath (Gypsophila paniculata)* |
All PNW |
Common sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale)* |
All PNW |
Sun rose (Helianthemum nummularium vars.)* |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Christmas rose (Helleborus niger) |
All PNW |
Lenten rose (Helleborus orientalis) |
All PNW |
Evergreen candytuft (Iberis sempervirens)* |
All PNW |
Tree mallow (Lavatera thuringiaca ‘Barnsley’) |
C, LV, LM |
Mexican evening primrose (Oenothera berlandieri ‘Siskiyou’) |
All PNW |
Jerusalem sage (Phlomis fruticosa)* |
All PNW |
Balloon flower (Platycodon grandiflorus)* |
All PNW |
Primrose (Primula japonica ‘Miller’s Crimson’) |
All PNW |
Polyanthus primrose (Primula polyantha) |
All PNW |
Matilija poppy (Romneya coulteri) |
All PNW |
Pincushion flower (Scabiosa caucasica) |
All PNW |
Autumn Joy sedum (Sedum telephium ‘Autumn Joy’) |
All PNW |
Checkerbloom (Sidalcea malviflora) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Sunny Border Blue veronica (Veronica hybrids ‘Sunny Border Blue’) |
All PNW |
* Will bloom again if cut back after blossoming |
|
Rock gardens are an extracurricular activity for the average gardener, sometimes developed where a problem of the terrain exists. For some of the woody materials that supply the backbone of most of the landscape, check the shrub chapter and the list for rock gardens. For the color of the rock garden, though, here are the ones that will make yours the center of attention. The color of foliage or the seasonal flowers, often followed by dry florets or colorful leaves, make the rock garden a very important part of the landscape.
Rock jasmine (Androsace spp.) |
All PNW |
Fan columbine (Aquilegia flabellata) |
All PNW |
Mountain rock cress (Arabis alpina) |
LV, LM, DV, HD |
Rock cress (Arabis sturii) |
All PNW |
Sandwort (Arenaria spp.) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Common thrift (Armeria maritima) |
All PNW |
Alpine aster (Aster alpinus) |
All PNW |
Common aubrieta (Aubrieta deltoidea) |
All PNW |
Basket of gold (Aurinia saxatilis) |
All PNW |
English daisy (Bellis perennis) |
All PNW |
Bellflower (Campanula fragilis) |
All PNW |
Snow in summer (Cerastium tomentosum) |
All PNW |
Glory-of-the-snow (Chionodoxa luciliae) |
All PNW |
Indian carpet sweet William (Dianthus barbartus ‘Indian Carpet’) |
All PNW |
Twinspur (Diascia spp.) |
C, LV |
Dryas (Dryas spp.) |
LV, LM, DV, HD |
Winter aconite (Eranthis hyemalis) |
All PNW |
Creeping wallflower (Erysimum kotschyanum) |
All PNW |
Bronze fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) |
All PNW |
Common snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) |
All PNW |
Gentian (Gentiana spp.) |
LV, LM, DV, HD |
Oregon gentian (Gentiana oregana) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Cranesbill geranium (Geranium sanguineum ‘Dwarf Form’) |
All PNW |
Rupturewort (Herniaria glabra) |
All PNW |
Hosta ‘Blue Moon’ |
All PNW |
H. ‘Sea Sprite’ |
All PNW |
H. ‘Shining Tot’ |
All PNW |
H. ‘Sum and Substance’ |
All PNW |
Gibraltar candytuft (Iberis gibraltarica) |
All PNW |
Lewisii (Lewisii spp.) |
LV, LM, DV, HD |
Golden flax (Linum flavum) |
All PNW |
Lithodora (Lithodora diffusa) |
LV, LM, DV |
Evening primrose (Oenothera missourensis) |
All PNW |
Moss pink (Phlox subulata) |
All PNW |
Perennial carpeting plant (Raoulia australis) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Rock soapwort (Saponaria ocymoides) |
All PNW |
London pride saxifrage (Saxifraga umbrosa) |
All PNW |
Variegated sedum (Sedum sieboldii ‘Variegatum’) |
All PNW |
Mother of thyme (Thymus praecox) |
All PNW |
While butterflies are attracted to many flowers, those listed below are sure to lure them to your garden if there are any within flying distance. To make sure they come and then to insure that they remain for as long as possible, plant these herbaceous perennials in large masses. Be aware that butterflies will lay eggs, which hatch into caterpillars that like to eat. And they eat the leaves of many different kinds of flowers. Avoid pesticides that might leave residues and harm the caterpillars, else no more butterflies will come.
Nectar plants for butterflies |
|
Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) |
All PNW |
Aster (Aster spp.) |
All PNW |
Bachelor’s button (Centaurea cyanus) |
All PNW |
Jupiter’s beard (Centranthus ruber, C. ruber ‘Albus’) |
All PNW |
Daisy (Chrysanthemum spp.) |
All PNW |
Sun Ray coreopsis (Coreopsis hybrid ‘Sun Ray’) |
All PNW |
Tiny Rubies pink (Dianthus gratianopolitanus ‘Tiny Rubies’) |
All PNW |
Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) |
All PNW |
Orange fleabane (Erigeron aurantiacus) |
All PNW |
Seaside daisy (Erigeron glaucus) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Perennial candytuft (Iberis sempervirens) |
All PNW |
White blazing star (Liatris spicata ‘Snow White’) |
All PNW |
Statice (Limonium latifolium) |
All PNW |
Bee balm (Monarda spp.) |
All PNW |
Catmint (Nepeta faassenii) |
All PNW |
Summer phlox (Phlox paniculata) |
All PNW |
Gloriosa daisy (Rudbeckia hirta) |
All PNW |
Hardy purple sage (Salvia × superba ‘Blue Queen’) |
All PNW |
Hardy pink sage (Salvia × superba ‘Rose Queen’) |
All PNW |
Golden Baby goldenrod (Solidago canadensis ‘Golden Baby’) |
All PNW |
Betony (Stachys macrantha) |
All PNW |
Host plants for larvae (caterpillars) |
|
Butterfly weed, milkweed (Asclepias spp.) |
All PNW |
Aster (Aster spp.) |
All PNW |
Dwarf Russell hybrid lupine (Lupinus Russell hybrids) |
All PNW |
Checkerbloom (Sidalcea malviflora) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Verbena (Verbena rigida) |
All PNW |
Royal Robe violet (Viola odorata ‘Royal Robe’) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Now, before you make a run on the nearest hosta nursery, look over your landscape situation. Hostas are not going to make it in hot, full sunlight in Boise, Idaho, or Burns, Oregon, unless you adapt a microclimate that provides the coolness and moisture that they need. With a little garden microclimate knowledge, however, you can place the following hostas in some of your full-sun locations, with expectation that they will do very well. And, as you run across others, add them to the list too.
When using hostas in the landscape, give each sufficient room to grow. Use height as an indicator for spacing. At least double the height of each plant will be needed for normal growth. For example, if a plant is listed al twelve to twenty-four inches in height, give it from twenty-four to forty-eight inches of growing space.
“Hostas are very adaptable plants that grow and excel under conditions of partial to almost full shade. Leaves, which last a long time after cutting, are widely used in arrangements. The yellows and golds are at their best with a little more morning sun. They enjoy enriched organic soils and a high-nitrogen fertilizer, such as 10-5-5. Summer watering is essential for best growth.”—Al and Dorothy Rogers, Caprice Farm Nursery, Sherwood, Oregon
Wouldn’t it be great to put a plant in the garden that could keep itself going by reseeding every year? For some of us maybe, but there are others who like to keep a well-manicured garden, and the seedlings that come up from these plants might become a nuisance. Therefore, you can use this list for two reasons; one, to plant with some certainty plants which will reseed themselves, or two, to avoid planting the kinds that insist on having dozens of their progeny around them. In either case, this list will tell you a little more about the energy that abounds in this world of plants.
Columbine
Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Oriental garlic (Allium tuberosum) |
All PNW |
Columbine (Aquilegia spp.) |
All PNW |
Basket-of-gold (Aurinia saxatilis) |
All PNW |
Brunnera (Brunnera macrophylla) |
All PNW |
Peach-leafed bellflower (Campanula persicifolia) |
All PNW |
Jupiter’s beard (Centranthus ruber) |
C |
Coreopsis (Coreopsis grandiflora) |
All PNW |
Corydalis (Corydalis spp.) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus) |
All PNW |
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea ‘Excelsior’) |
All PNW |
Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) |
All PNW |
Blanket flower (Gaillardia grandiflora) |
All PNW |
Common snowdrop (Galanthus elwesii) |
All PNW |
Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum) |
LV, LM, DV, HD |
Claridge Druce geranium (Geranium oxonianum ‘Claridge Druce’) |
All PNW |
Dame’s rocket (Hesperis matronalis) |
All PNW |
Statice (Limonium latifolium) |
All PNW |
Silver dollar plant (Lunaria annua) (biennial) |
All PNW |
Crown pink (Lychnis coronaria) |
All PNW |
Four o’clock (Mirabilis jalapa) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides) |
All PNW |
Tom and Inger Burns, owners and operators of Klamath Basin Perennials, a hardy flowering plant nursery, provided this list of herbaceous perennials that they know from experience will do well in their region. As you find others that work well for your gardens in the mid to eastern portion of the Pacific Northwest, add to their suggestions.
Yarrow (Achillea spp.) |
All PNW |
Daylily (Hemerocallis spp.) |
All PNW |
Siberian iris (Iris siberica vars.) |
All PNW |
Lupine (Lupinus selected species) |
All PNW |
Mint (Mentha selected species) |
All PNW |
Bee balm (Monarda didyma) |
All PNW |
Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) |
All PNW |
Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ (Sedum telephium) |
All PNW |
Thyme (Thymus spp.) |
All PNW |
Crater Lake veronica (Veronica latifolia ‘Crater Lake’) |
All PNW |
“We on the ‘Eastside’ have very little good information available on culture. We end up getting lumped in with Northwesterners of all categories, when our climate is dry and hot in summer, cold in winter, and we can have frost any day of the year because of our altitude, Chiloquin being at 4200 feet elevation. We have a small nursery just outside Chiloquin and are trying to help people realize that in fact you can have a very nice flower garden here. There are, of course, hundreds of plants that will make it here, but I’m listing just a few of my favorites. Oh yes, it is a must for anyone living in the Klamath Basin to have Veronica ‘Crater Lake’ in their garden.”—Inger Burns, Klamath Basin Perennials, Chiloquin, Oregon
Fragrance in the herbaceous perennial garden is as natural as bees making honey. However, not all perennials have aroma in their flowers; some attract pollinating insects by color or form. Many gardeners purchase plants whose fragrance reminds them of gardens they enjoyed as children. Garden lilies and herbaceous peonies are highly valued for their sweet fragrance, yet there are others equally aromatic. We have listed those that are adaptable across most of the Pacific Northwest zones. As you begin looking for others, you will find ones that will become memories for your children when they become gardeners.
Wallflower
Lady bells (Adenophora lilifolia) |
All PNW |
Peruvian lily (Alstroemeria hybrids) |
All PNW |
Jupiter’s beard (Centranthus ruber) |
C, LV, LM |
Lily-of-the-valley (Convallaria majalis) |
All PNW |
Chocolate cosmos (Cosmos atrosanguineus) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Crocus (Crocus chrysanthus) |
All PNW |
Chinese pink (Dianthus chinensis) |
All PNW |
Cheddar pink (Dianthus gratianopolitanus) |
All PNW |
Cottage pink (Dianthus plumarius) |
All PNW |
Fragrant white pink (Dianthus plumarius ‘Itsaul White’) |
All PNW |
Tiny Rubies pink (Dianthus ‘Tiny Rubies’) |
All PNW |
Wallflower (Erysimum cheiri) |
C, LV, LM |
Alpine wallflower (Erysimum alpinum) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Variegated wallflower (Erysimum linifolium ‘Variegatum’) |
C |
Lemon daylily (Hemerocallis lilioasphodelus) |
All PNW |
Purple sweet rocket (Hesperis matrionalis) |
All PNW |
Fragrant hosta (Hosta plantagenea) |
All PNW |
Common hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis) |
All PNW |
Lily (Lilium spp.) |
All PNW |
Stock (Matthiola spp.) |
All PNW |
Herbaceous peony (Paeonia lactiflora) |
All PNW |
Sweet William phlox (Phlox divaricata) |
All PNW |
Summer phlox (Phlox paniculata) |
All PNW |
Moonlight primrose (Primula alpicola) |
LV, LM, DV, HD |
Matilija poppy (Romneya coulteri) |
All PNW |
Fragrant goldenrod (Solidago odora) |
All PNW |
Sweet violet (Viola odorata) |
All PNW |
Mary Fran Fryer, Master Gardener in Benton County (Oregon), contributed her suggestions for a perennial border planting that would fit the environs of the Low Valley Zone of western Oregon and Washington. These are plants that have been proven for this area and that will fit many gardens of the Pacific Northwest. Add to the list as you find others that suit your conditions.
Lady’s mantle (Alchemilla mollis) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Artemesia (Artemesia hybrid ‘Powis Castle’) |
All PNW |
Aster (Aster × frikartii ‘Monch’) |
All PNW |
Jupiter’s beard (Centranthus ruber) |
C, LV |
Montbretia (Crocosmia hybrids ‘Lucifer’) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Coreopsis (Coreopsis grandiflora) |
All PNW |
Coreopsis (C. verticillata) |
C, LV |
Daylily (Hemerocallis hybrids) |
All PNW |
Hosta (Hosta spp.) |
All PNW |
Pincushion flower (Scabiosa caucasica) |
All PNW |
Autumn Joy sedum (Sedum spectabile ‘Autumn Joy’) |
All PNW |
Mary Fran’s unusual but easy plants in the perennial border |
|
Angelica (Angelica archangelica) |
All PNW |
Corydalis (Corydalis lutea) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
European sea kale (Crambe cordifolia) |
C, LV, LM |
Angel’s fishing rod (Dierama pulcherrium, D. pendulum) |
C, LV |
Globe thistle (Echinops exaltatus ‘Taplow Blue’) |
All PNW |
Gaura (Gaura lindheimeri) |
All PNW |
Desdemona ligularia (Ligularia dentata ‘Desdemona’) |
C, LV, LM |
Jerusalem sage (Phlomis fruticosa) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Matilija poppy (Romneya coulteri) |
All PNW |
Mullein (Verbascum dumuslosum, V. ‘Silver Lining’) |
All PNW |
“Regarding Autumn Joy sedum, lots of interest nearly all year; rosettes of succulent leaves appear in early spring, then clusters of flowers on upright heads appear in soft pinks and gradually darken over the summer. Leave these dried stalks for winter interest and trim off in late winter or early spring. This succulent takes dryness, sun, and shuns pests and diseases.”—Mary Fran Fryer, writer, horticulturist, Master Gardener, Corvallis, Oregon
Bill Rogers, OSU extension agent since 1980, is officed in Newport, Oregon, in the middle of Oregon’s coastal region. Here are some perennials that are suggested by Bill and other experts. Don’t forget the spring-blooming bulbs that could blend with the perennials below.
“When designing sites in a coastal region, landscapers must select plants that not only survive the winter weather but also withstand salt-laden winds, cool summer temperatures, and fog. These plants must also be able to grow in a wide range of soils that tend to be very acidic. Successful coastal gardeners use features in the landscape to reduce wind speed and to increase temperatures. For example, very attractive gardens are grown on the southeast (leeward) side of homes fronting the ocean. Existing trees and shrubs also can provide special spots that are well protected from the winds.”—Bill Rogers, Oregon State University extension agent, Newport, Oregon
