Category Archives: Families

Fragaria chiloensis, coast strawberry

Fragaria chiloensisFragaria chiloensis, coast strawberry

Family: Rosaceae

Description:

Native to the pacific coast, this low spreading, evergreen strawberry is recognizable for red stolons and glossy green foliage. Leaves are small, compared to other strawberry species, and trifoliate with toothed margins. White flowers with five petals and a central cluster of yellow stamens emerge in spring and early summer. Fruit is edible, though the least tasty of the strawberry varieties. Fruit is a rare occurrence, as this is a diecious plant that is seldom fertilized.

Growing conditions:

Fragaria chiloensis prefers well-drained, sandy soil in full sun. It is typically found on coastal bluffs or dunes.

Suitable uses:

This is a useful evergreen groundcover that spreads quickly. It is particularly useful on sandy sites, where other plants may struggle.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/23326361@N04/3463796677/in/photolist-6h5S5n-a1QLt1-7A9Sa7-DpH7Wz-CYqA8X-9MtXFn-DE5o2o-ohkpng-8YEabB-D9vaPm-DdpkNy-DxLf64-eYnfnw-E1g9sD-E7v2Wu-gM4Ge7-8SNSyM-E4Tu8L-9z2E5g-niHb3r-gfBgvv-huXQk-DxJmcg-E7fnkn-E7dxGD-bnbKPt-cxs7Lb-cxs6qo-8SRXhw-dMPerW-axwbMz-6xxKBg-5T3fZ9-8SRXjo-wgqvK-mM1DRA-8SRXkJ-Jjab8-ao8i4u-6aZQjn-6aZQic-dQ1oVQ-neS17t-3Tvc8c-nxihRj-7CKcQR-Bmt6gF-ed8RMh-gfBxAs-d5yRUS

CC Image courtesy of David A. Hofmann on Flickr

Astilbe chinensis, Chinese astilbe

Astilbe chinensisAstilbe chinensis, Chinese astilbe

Family: Saxifragaceae

Description:

This compact astilbe is has lovely lavender-pink flowers that cover conical racemes. Small, whitish stamens point outward past the corolla, creating a fuzzy appearance. Foliage is dark green with a coarse, hairy texture that eventually transitions to smooth. There are two forms available, one that reaches 1m in height, and another that is low to the ground never exceeding 50 cm. Growth is rhizomatous.

Growing conditions:

Astilbe chinensis is best grown in partial shade with moist soil.

Suitable uses:

This perennial is well suited for a woodland garden. The smaller form grows densely to form a solid mat, making it a suitable groundcover.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/131880272@N06/27941781232/in/photolist-6RpkFY-bsYDL7-addhg3-8mi82D-pvG5w7-ahYguj-cmecgU-4RhizL-4Rhe1E-4RhfnC-6x8Ahu-dpys4K-addhkL-4R9T7a-8mmd3A-8mmd9Q-8mi7U4-8mi4jK-7kXMvK-7dw341-vyg3Zn-8z9Mo2-Jz7ZHb-JF7rF3-HMVRUQ-wYty82-KN6J7N-J5V9kp-JYjZYJ-Jz7W5Q-JJb9kp-JJb9WK-ynoSpx-HMVSEY-HMUVat-nM5XuG

CC Image Courtesy of K M on Flickr

https://www.flickr.com/photos/59898141@N06/6045405178/in/photolist-4RhizL-4Rhe1E-4RhfnC-addhkL-addhg3-pvG5w7-ahYguj-6RpkFY-bsYDL7-cmecgU-6x8Ahu-dpys4K-4R9T7a-8mi82D-8mmd3A-8mmd9Q-8mi7U4-8mi4jK-7kXMvK-7dw341-vyg3Zn-8z9Mo2-Jz7ZHb-JF7rF3-HMVRUQ-KN6J7N-Jz7W5Q-JJb9kp-JJb9WK-ynoSpx-HMVSEY-HMUVat-wYty82-J5V9kp-JYjZYJ-nM5XuG

CC Image Courtesy of Distant Hill Gardens on Flickr

Perovskia atriplicifolia, Russian sage

Perovskia atriplicifoliaPerovskia atriplicifolia, Russian sage

Family: Lamiaceae

Description:

This classic sub-shrub has a woody base and is more or less evergreen. Reaching over 1m in height, this sage species has a fairly open form with a sprawling habit. Fragrant flowers are borne terminally with a hairy, purple calyx and blue corolla. Leaves are finely divided with teeth that have deep sinuses. New growth is whitish.

Growing conditions:

This is a low maintenance shrub that is best suited for full-sun and dry, well-drained soil. It can tolerate drought.

Suitable uses:

As a low maitenance, drought tolerant species, Perovskia atriplicifolia is ideal for a highway median. It looks good as seen from a distance.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/organ_printer/4897769001/in/photolist-8sNm68-p2VvVN-9zpzQZ-bV7hev-6GBWWm-g3ufj-6QPZne-cwpMiQ-bsKcCC-2HR2ai-6GxTtT-osaoL6-8A1yJK-6NiatD-xTZ4W4-2HR6va-xBnMef-wPK1eC-JinwzN-owoBEE-x7UhuM-xpFwt5-AigdjA-xpEU27-ymFZHg-ymFZua-zCYNTR-HPUdZX-xpQ11H-xpQ3LT-JknZv9-yZNG9Y-y55RJw-ynqhsa-JHc1Vj-y55Rsu-y5cNvc-yjoTXW-JDkEKF-HPWVEG-HPWULC-HPUfbK-JTJJnU-KHuLaD-JTJs6A-JTJruL-JTJqYW-KEjtxx-JHRAyT-KuT4p3

CC Image courtesy of organprinter on Flickr

https://www.flickr.com/photos/131880272@N06/28152409294/in/photolist-cwpMiQ-bsKcCC-6GxTtT-osaoL6-6NiatD-2HR6va-x7UhuM-wPK1eC-xpFwt5-AigdjA-xpEU27-ymFZHg-ymFZua-zCYNTR-HPUdZX-xpQ11H-xpQ3LT-JknZv9-yZNG9Y-y55RJw-ynqhsa-JHc1Vj-y55Rsu-y5cNvc-yjoTXW-JDkEKF-HPWVEG-HPWULC-HPUfbK-owoBEE-JinwzN-KF22Cm-JTJJnU-JTXdNM-KHuLaD-KHuKmz-KHuK2r-KHuJJT-JTXbrc-KHuHRa-KMvWt3-JTJst9-JTJs6A-JTJruL-JTJqYW-KEjtxx-JHRAyT-KuT4p3-JAvDzS-J5VbKp

CC Image courtesy of K M on Flickr

Nymphaea odorata, water lily

Nymphaea odorataNymphaea odorata, water lily

Family: Nymphaeaceae

Description:

This aquatic species is easily recognizable for large round leaves and beautiful white flowers that float at the waters surface. Flowers have multiple rings of petals surrounding a series of central yellow stamens. This is a very aggressive spreading species that will easily fill in ponds, especially if planted alongside cattail. Ponds may need to be dredged to keep from disappearing. Nympaea odorata also increases biodiversity, attracting frogs and aphids.

Growing conditions:

Nymphaea odorata requires freshwater.

Suitable uses:

This is a suitable species for an ornamental pond. It is found in local ponds, but is invasive and should not be used on a project bordering wild land.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mr_t_in_dc/5744984862/in/photolist-9KExR9-dsDjiF-fnvy2W-2zHg6w-vPmKTh-7M9Q68-HXXxM-95Bbzr-aeWGwf-9KBJnB-7K6GFp-vqXswu-vGYHAy-FLJroR-azXbt-2AVSUh-fsvbKR-95Bcig-dbNVmd-8hhjcU-9zTBnp-xphbN3-7M5CYn-Gb9qma-HM57jH-GRqKYx-4Tz6nE-aVvusc-95BbXZ-GVoSAb-EQwms-7MdLeG-pnEz5-u5ZF8f-unM9yp-9haBvZ-zEeZq-aVNqei-9zTAzK-x8wHVA-nuQgfJ-95BbjV-oiJFeL-6YARzK-ci9Vq5-v6b3Yz-95EdgN-vM4Dfm-v7NZgr-JgLyz5

CC Image courtesy of Mr.TinDC on Flickr

https://www.flickr.com/photos/59898141@N06/9146871516/in/photolist-8LuadS-osPehW-hkXCjr-eWh7ej-kN3eKi-wHnpN-d5N22L-nQgEqn-nQpqDc-8Lr6Wz-cRXUpj-oK37Hn-hkWscW-8Lr6Se-cRXUH3-FLJvkD-afphpu-8Luaew-oHh6pj-8mfKdA-cjj3W5-nSj8Jz-2Y4q9-jB1wVY-6p8hEw-2CMy6j-8hAkKD-fv7qci-5LBN7D-8hhjKC-HQ317u-dbNVQz-dhkfpX-jJpju9-d6EJsG-6n7S1m-qAXted-cs6A6U-y42gCg-ykw6qe-xovqAj-y3ULH5-y3VLG9-ymeAit-wTNYrF-nQkLWU-ddn4qm-ykJz5s-8R16SJ-wcqP7V

CC Image courtesy of Distant Hill Gardens on Flickr

Yucca filamentosa ‘Golden Sword’, Golden Sword yucca

yucca filamentosaYucca filamentosa ‘Golden Sword’, Golden Sword yucca

Family: Asperagaceae

Description:

This evergreen yucca is comprised of a rosette of flat, sword-shaped leaves. The variegated form is susceptible to reversion. In summer, creamy bell-shaped flowers emerge along a central stalk, reaching 6-feet in height. Flowers are lightly fragrant and only pollinated by the yucca moth, which does not live in the Vancouver region. It will, however, spread aggressively by rhizomes.

Growing conditions:

This species is best in full-sun, tolerating dry spells.   It can tolerate moisture, as long as it is planted in a sunny location with well-drained soil.

Suitable uses:

Because this is a prone to spread, it is best to plant this in a contained environment, such as a median, container, or traffic circle.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/8793955@N04/537920806/in/photolist-PwZ7E-5DCvaS-35ci7Q-2wkGTg-4yTUGj-6xgh8f-5DCv3N-4oWRjT-aeH1C-N1ZhT-63EXy6-5YzaU-zfGL8x-hcb8rf-6335MB-52qYrE-5vXdEj-fhCkMN-GLjGS4-6HqGia-acABKJ-6QBE-fhCkwS-o1DwUD-p4UaTV-acABAG-6K1yWL-89is1z-aVUaLr-EofWm4-pxeKhH-4sGxQa-G86mq-pHUE9T-4DmYk5-9X1v43-6MEAu1-fhCknQ-o5yimY-bwbzuo-c59VU5-bp2L6E-9QMdbW-9nseqv-cpCQaA-6kusn-qYDD8-9yadoL-t71FwU-88EEZ9

CC Image courtesy of biggest_toes on Flickr

https://www.flickr.com/photos/dmott9/3635576140/in/photolist-6xgh8f-5DCv3N-4oWRjT-aeH1C-63EXy6-5WuKZk-5YzaU-8ewNrE-hcb8rf-6335MB-52qYrE-5vXdEj-4jVuC-EofWm4-GLjGS4-o5yimY-bwbzuo-c59VU5-p4UaTV-H9NCWx-qhYQn9-8Ldpu-5jEz3-acABAG-if4Ed-88EEZ1-udgh5-6K1yWL-89is1z-aVUaLr-pxeKhH-4sGxQa-fhCkMN-G86mq-pHUE9T-4DmYk5-6HqGia-9X1v43-6MEAu1-fhCknQ-acABKJ-6QBE-bp2L6E-9QMdbW-9nseqv-cpCQaA-fhCkwS-6kusn-o1DwUD-qYDD8

CC Image courtesy of DM on Flickr

Echinacea purpurea, purple coneflower

Echinacea purpureaEchinacea purpurea, purple coneflower

Family: Asteraceae

Description:

This member of the aster family has recognizable blooms of soft, purple or pink ray petals extending from a central cluster of orange composite flowers. Flowers are in bloom for several months, after which the central head will persist until the flower dies in winter. Echinacea purpurea takes 1-2 years to grow 40 cm across, expanding laterally. Typically it will start to decline in the second or third year of growth. It is a self-seeder, making for a predictable return each year.

Growing conditions:

Echinacea purpurea requires dry, well-drained soil and cannot tolerate shade or excess moisture.

Suitable uses:

This is an ideal plant for hot, dry location. It is low maintenance and drought tolerant, allowing for flowering interest in an institutional setting. It is useful for attracting bees and butterflies as well as provides food over winter for small birds, if seed heads are not removed.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/50697352@N00/14507154768/in/photolist-o6WXG5-a25Qka-79s3ed-fix33k-o6g5fB-9e52Zj-8bdaur-ooptWu-8bdaep-cpjPvd-8bdaxt-8bdaa8-8bgr9s-8bgr6m-hMwHk1-a25Rtk-av3KEz-8bgqRQ-8bdacx-8bgqVd-8bgreU-8bdaB2-emNdsM-sWFkK9-7voZok-oh3Gdi-CYLun3-3eNi2-PLdMv-6zrbfo-6ud5zG-av6bE5-e3knwM-sWHUQL-cqecsy-a28MP7-8bgrcq-6zn5jP-8vWqiu-iLM8m-6GwgZM-3eNib-ooHyUG-fix1nr-7pcnAq-ooa5ft-DuX5d9-chSQnb-dDmWte-8wgfRp

CC Image courtesy of F. D. Richards on Flickr

https://www.flickr.com/photos/johnshortland/5451343659/in/photolist-9iHyxM-oeT588-csxHQQ-gpSX8y-5boqvQ-pGs8MC-79vde5-ciPZg7-ciPZKw-5boqcb-bAjk36-bscrBD-oFpkKh-79rmd2-pw3FHf-bnpqTU-ewZ64Q-5bj8iT-5mjZJD-a2tw95-8npUvp-3D3UQ-FbmWDF-ftmwUn-9wPMkH-oSGzDP-p3uieV-f4vB1Y-9ZXvs9-o6WxyL-pwpstc-PjriJ-fqGUzA-o6WVnh-G4kj9W-ooqB6s-6MHZYu-cqe8UU-cjYW7s-eixuve-csxJj5-6FW15r-coiZkm-eGgHXg-ompQsf-e3ZKjo-oopFkS-8npUGg-pwpLwX-dDskiw

CC Image courtesy of john shortland on Flickr

Fuchsia magellanica ‘Little Giant’, Little Giant fuchsia

Fuchsia magillanicaFuchsia magellanica ‘Little Giant’, Little Giant fuchsia

Family: Onagraceae

Description:

This species is recognizable for bright, fuchsia flowers with violet corolla that persist for 4-5 months. It can be grown as a shrub, or sub-shrub in the Vancouver region. However, in colder climates, this species behaves as an herbaceous perennial. Leaves are arranged oppositely in threes. The distinctive flowers are comprised of a basal tube with sepal and petals fused into the tube. Flowers droop down, requiring hummingbird pollination.

Growing conditions:

Fuchsia magellanica requires well-drained soil. While it prefers rich soil, it can also tolerate poor soil conditions.

Suitable uses:

This species offers a bright addition to the landscape, with long flowering interest. It is ideal for attracting hummingbirds.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/tweedia/5619519501/in/photolist-9yzvng-kZh8yz-7zMcW2-q1g164-kQppsD-DQSVeU-9q5fAe-8wopXY-neScdb-rRLPvP-4zMrx-nTGU7M-8XPviE-rPRpMY-p5soKi-72qjkW-nVtAiQ-dQY5dc-6b6phS-ngC1HV-8pkFou-j6BtRk-p2vob1-7dbVjN-cfVFJE-8XLrWx-bfAqFv-niF6nZ-axBHnf-orkbeY-d1FkCE-vE4Bh-nVtMPd-vE7qH-oaVYKU-oa4NgP-6asbop-29iHuL-nVtM2b-oticFg-oa3M7Z-Znsae-oa3FjY-oqR3Dp-o9mqm9-nREvsW-vE4oj-s9dVBe-orkgSS-oohfTD

CC Image courtesy of Zahumeria on Flickr

https://www.flickr.com/photos/scottzona/5226173500/in/photolist-8XPviE-rPRpMY-p5soKi-72qjkW-nVtAiQ-dQY5dc-6b6phS-ngC1HV-j6BtRk-p2vob1-7dbVjN-cfVFJE-8XLrWx-bfAqFv-orkbeY-d1FkCE-vE4Bh-nVtMPd-vE7qH-oaVYKU-oa4NgP-6asbop-29iHuL-nVtM2b-oticFg-oa3M7Z-Znsae-oa3FjY-oqR3Dp-o9mqm9-nREvsW-vE4oj-s9dVBe-orkgSS-oohfTD-nsPvWJ-nLkm1s-7A7FN9-ogqcrT-48XTmx-2jTyq-5aLrM9-dpKpn9-6b6phE-HtohUY-q2azSc-dVjNK-63dc5R-916Aen-ngWKNE

CC Image courtesy of scott.zona on Flickr

Verbena bonariensis, tall verbena

Verbena boneriensisVerbena bonariensis, tall verbena

Family: Verbenaceae

Description:

Closely related to the mint family, this annual is comprised of small opposite leaves that sit decussately on tall, square stems. Terminal clusters of small purple flowers are rounded and persist for months, typically from mid-summer to early fall. The stiff stems create open and symmetrical form.

Growing conditions:

This species requires well-drained soil and prefers sandy soil with little nutrition.   It is not very cold hardy and should not be planted in higher elevations.

Suitable uses:

Verbena bonariensis is a brings regularity and stiffness to the landscape. The tall, upright form creates an architectural presence while still remaining airy and open.

Verbena bonariensis_1

CC Image courtesy of Gerry Popplestone on Flickr

https://www.flickr.com/photos/allan_harris/14494753364/in/photolist-o5RpbL-htZzMQ-c8vyYL-5sD5Gn-qXgUj-au1bqV-mcFRt-58HvP1-cxzUk1-mcGdn-a5krKD-8CX9Tb-8xiLC4-pMSaYz-czT9b7-7eA5o6-8HQNLB-39Zqak-avxgSv-9ZP2ry-cFG6GQ-h68EHU-6QSso6-cWLpyu-eVHNz9-oFnYzQ-6J6SbM-4uoYa-8mirkV-6WmEid-5pL8r8-6QSsfX-h68oUv-53tJN4-3a4VXw-cWLp9J-c8taeQ-6Q2hcM-9Gqg5m-cA12RS-axC68s-e3FLzm-8Kp2xc-h67wbW-9KZdrq-a5oiNy-8DWGhJ-nKW9bi-8vbatU-ekiwhG

CC Image courtesy of alh1 on Flickr

Geranium ‘Rozanne’, Rozanne cranesbill

Geranium 'Rozanne'Geranium ‘Rozanne’, Rozanne cranesbill

Family: Geraniaceae

Description:

This is a fast and densely spreading perennial that is situated low to the ground. Flowers are dusty blue and held above a mound of dark green foliage. Geranium ‘Rozanne’ is notable for a profusion of flowers that persist for months. Flowers are sterile and everblooming, emerging in mid-spring and continuing through mid-fall.

Growing conditions:

This species grows best in partial or full sun with moist soil.

Suitable uses:

This is an ideal ground cover and works well when needed to quickly fill in large patches.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/130637544@N02/27746243522/in/photolist-JgQKx1-J1eTY7-2RmeMt-Jj52w6-a5bsjv-2RqJpJ-2RqJg3-2Rmk1x-JBatHy-2RqHMo-JLcFP2-2RmjNX-2RqGdm-2Rmmda-2RmkPR-2RqGUS-2RqGEC-2Rmezv-2RmjzB-5cwUfV-2RqDP5-2RqKF5-a5eiFC-2RqJ3U-2RmkxF-2Rmi3D-8iNkET-2RqLRA-2Rmfgk-nNe1bF-oD5Vfc-oD5Y3X-oF7tnM-JBapjy-vhFyG7-uCfACo-vzCDiB-uCqq7x

CC Image courtesy of Brenda Dobbs on Flickr

Adiantum aleuticum, Pacific maidenhair

Adiantum aleuticumAdiantum aleuticum, Pacific maidenhair

Family: Pteridaceae

Description:

This delicate deciduous fern is native to the Vancouver region and notable for its soft, fine-textured fronds that are pedately compound. Thin stems are purple-black, and offer a striking contrast to the green leaflets. Edge of leaves are rolled over, where the spores are borne.

Growing conditions:

Adiantum aleuticum is most often found in rock crevices near rushing water. It requires both significant moisture and drainage.

Suitable uses:

This is challenging fern to grow and the best site would be adjacent to a north-facing waterfall.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/nhoulihan/3714083514/in/photolist-egRhhr-ecTzoq-bhZKUB-roj1fA-wSC1es-kidKPi-C8aSqc-odXsnn-H8VmKB-4zXyQk-in1zh-C8aS3t-44MMMB-in2HF-8pKBg1-oLsfw-in2pE-ddcFTA-4To8sy-w6fCP-6EcDCE-in2vp-in1pV-H2SMAM-H8VUpi-cqVVXQ-6JPcgt-EsH8j9-4zXyuT-nK7FCy-BFWyeB-56mhMZ-56qsLu-in2Sa-4zXzkB-52a2Q4-nq4NMS-KHax1V-KEjJgb-E5CZtX-4V8MNf-4A2R31-6AugJc-JpMsqs-6AugCv-98VdYQ-rtcQks-KBHhey-KBHfWJ-KvkP4t

CC Image courtesy of InAweofGod’sCreation on Flickr

https://www.flickr.com/photos/brewbooks/257636548/in/photolist-oLsns-o9qbQT-oXK5kB-F8goXS-NtzwM-6T4p2j-66Az78-PRWt5-6SZnuk-8rTaCM-74hCte-egRhhr-ecTzoq-bhZKUB-roj1fA-kidKPi-H8VmKB-4zXyQk-in1zh-C8aS3t-EsH8j9-BFWyeB-in2pE-ddcFTA-4To8sy-w6fCP-6EcDCE-in2vp-44MMMB-in1pV-H2SMAM-in2HF-H8VUpi-8pKBg1-cqVVXQ-6JPcgt-oLsfw-4zXyuT-nK7FCy-56mhMZ-56qsLu-in2Sa-4zXzkB-52a2Q4-4V8MNf-4A2R31-6AugJc-JpMsqs-nq4NMS-6AugCv

CC Image courtesy of brewbooks on Flickr