Shrubs and Drabby fall gardens
- To: "'Perennials'"
- Subject: Shrubs and Drabby fall gardens
- From: P* S*
- Date: Wed, 14 Oct 1998 08:08:04 -0700
Hi folks,
I have the following "shrubs" in my garden-- (Sorry for lack of Latin names
but I do not have the info available in my head or at this computer!)
1. Star-flowered false Solomon's seal. This is a Pac NW "native",
available from specialized nurseries, or from the wild (where it grows like
a weed and is permissible to dig). It is a lil of the valley-like plant
that grows a nice green 14-16" stalk with opposing leaves, topped in spring
by a spray of small-white star-shaped flowers, which are followed by dark
red berries. the foliage persists through spring, summer, and into fall--
mine has just really begun to yellow in the past couple of weeks. It grows
from rhizomes and is superbly hardy. it also spreads-- I started with 6
plants and now have over 50 in three years. I have grown this successfully
in full sun, partial sun, and mostly shade.
2. 'Patty's purple' hebe. These small shrubs grow about 12-18" tall and
spread maybe 2-3 feet either way. The foliage consists of sprays of tiny,
dark green leaves. In spring, each branch is tipped with bursts of tiny
purple flowers, making them look like lavender bouquets. They're beautiful,
and also attract honeybees. Only drawback-- they are not extremely hardy.
First year I had them, I mulched a little, and they were killed by freezing
weather. next year I planted new ones; in late fall I mulched heavily--
practically buried the little suckers-- and they did fine. Mine grow in
full sun. They seem very tough-- my daughter mowed off half of one
(accidentally!) with the lawn mower, and it recovered very quickly.
3. Ferns (many varieties)-- in full shade or dappled sun. I have bracken,
sword, maidenhair, licorice, shaggy, and some others I'm not familiar with.
In our climate, these are "natives", or think they are, and grow like weeds.
Every year or two I have to cut out or relocate a few as they threaten to
take over. But I love them, and love watching them go through their stages.
When they start to brown in the fall, I cut them completely down and throw
them in my "rough" compost pile.
4. Andromeda-- Many varieties available, small to huge, light or deep green
shiny leaves, red leaves, different flowers (all small), berries, sun or
shade. I have a couple of miniature varieties, some shade, some sun. Mine
are in everything from well-drained to horrible clay soil and do fine with
almost no care. I have not ever cut mine back or shaped them in any way,
and they still look great. (My kind of plant!)
5. Herbs! I have many herbs growing as year-round "shrubs", notably thyme,
sage, oregano, and rosemary. I usually shear all of them back in late fall,
and dry or otherwise preserve the harvested herbs. They are all gorgeous
plants, available in many varieties and sizes, and add so much to borders of
all types. They are all in full sun and do appreciate well-drained soil,
but other than that, they require no care. And there is the added benefit
of always being able to go out and cut fresh herbs for cooking.....
wonderful!
6. Being an Oregonian, I confess I have the ubiquitous rhododendrons and
azaleas, but only a couple.
Sorry this got so long....
Sue P.
SPesznec@lhs.org Portland, Oregon
(USDA zone 8, Sunset zone 6)
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