100 Cold Hardy Trees, Perennials, and Shrubs for Kittitas County

100 Cold Hardy Trees, Perennials, and Shrubs for Kittitas County 100 Cold Hardy Trees, Perennials, and Shrubs for Kittitas County Gardeners in Kittitas County face unique challenges. Cold winters and hot, dry summers, and lots of wind create a tough gardening climate. Additionally, our county contains a wide range of eco-systems, with varying soils, soil pH, rainfall, and plant communities. At higher elevations such as Cle Elum (1,930 feet), the average growing season is 90 to 120 days with last frosts in late May (approximately May 24th) and first frosts in the middle of September (approximately September 11 th). Cle Elum receives about 22” of rain on average. At lower elevations such as Ellensburg, conditions are much drier and frost-free days are longer. The average growing season in Ellensburg is about 120 days with last frosts in early May (May 11 th) and first frosts around the end of September (approximately September 25th). Kittitas County is rated at USDA Zone 5 (-20F. minimum). Our tough climate with varying conditions can be baffling to first time gardeners, who are new to the area. A frequent question at our Master Gardener plant diagnostic clinic is “What can I grow here in Kittitas County?” This brochure is designed to help answer that question, listing trees, shrubs, and perennials that are suitable for this area. Table of Contents 10 Hardy Shade-providing Trees ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................2-3 Commonly Used Trees that Pose Landscape Problems .......................................................................................................................................................................... 4 5 Hardy Evergreen Trees .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5 15 Hardy Shrubs .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................6-8 25 Hardy Perennials .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................9- 12 10 Hardy Ground Covers ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................13-14 10 Hardy Bulbs ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................15-16 5 Hardy Berries ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 17 10 Hardy Fruit Trees ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................18-19 10 Hardy Climbers/Vines ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................20-21 5 Hardy Grasses ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 22 Page 1 10 Hardy Shade-providing Trees for Kittitas County Gardeners often ask, “What shade trees can I grow in here in Kittitas County?” With our hot, often windy summers, care must be taken in choosing tree varieties that will take our arid summer conditions. Of equal importance, shade trees must also be disease and insect resistant, and beautiful. While no tree is entirely immune to pest and disease problems, some are resistant. Listed below are some of the hardiest and most disease and insect resistant varieties for our area. Common Name Botanical Name Tree Height Tree Description Sun/Shade Soil/Water Requirements Comments USDA Zone American Sweetgum Liquidambar styraciflua 40’ to 50’ tall Broad conical tree with five to seven lobed, star-shaped, dark-green leaves, which turn red in the fall. Sun/part sun. May develop chlorosis in high pH soils. USDA Zone 5 (-20 F. minimum) Hackberry Celtis occidentalis 25’ to 50’ tall Full sun to part shade. Deep rooting. Very hardy to wind, heat, alkaline soil, pollution. Watch for aphids. USDA Zone 2 (-45 F. minimum) HoneyLocust, Thornless Gleditsia triacanthos var. f. inermis 35’ to 70’ tall Good substitute for elm but smaller & not susceptible to Dutch Elm Disease. Rounded crown. Bright green, oval leaves to 5”. Branches spreading & sometimes pendulous. Fast growing with upright trunk and spreading, arching branches. Provides nice, filtered shade. Leaves divided into many oval leaflets to 1-1/2” long. Poor to average soil, droughttolerant. Can withstand compacted soil Very soil and site adaptable. Will tolerate some aridity. Good desert tree. Does best with sharply defined winters and hot summers. Hardy. USDA Zone 2 (-45 F. minimum) Idaho Locust Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Idahoenis’ 35’ to 40’ tall Fast growing with leaves divided into rounded leaflets. Clusters of sweet pea-shaped magenta flowers. Showy. Hardy. Full sun. Prefers moist, rich, alkaline soil, but will tolerate drought, pollution and salt. Adaptable to all soil types. Needs no water once established. All zones. Japanese Zelkova syn. Sawtooth Zelkova Zelkova serrata 40’ to 60’ tall Smooth, gray bark like that of beech. Leaves to 3-1/2” long with saw-tooth margins. Colorful fall foliage. Full sun. Var. ‘Purple Robe’ has darker flowers and blooms two weeks earlier and for longer period. Drawbacks include brittle wood and aggressive roots. Good substitute for insectplagued elm. Tolerant of wind and drought. Full sun. Page 2 Prefers deep, moist soil. Water deeply to encourage deep rooting. USDA Zone 5 (-20 F. or slightly colder extremes) 10 Hardy Shade-providing Trees for Kittitas County - continued Common Name Botanical Name Tree Height Tree Description Sun/Shade Soil/Water Requirements Comments USDA Zone Kentucky Coffee Tree Gymnocladus dioica 50’ to 60’ tall Full sun. Adaptable to wide range of soils. Little water once established. Hardy to heat, cold and poor soil once established. Some litter created by seedpods and fallen leaves. USDA Zone 4 (-30F. minimum) Linden Tilia americana T. cordata T. tomentosa To 60’ To 50’ To 50’ Good tree for large areas. Leaves to 3’ divided into leaflets to 3”, pinkish changing to dark green, yellow in fall. Small flowers followed by 6-10’ pods. Bold winter display. Dense, compactly crowned. Small, fragrant flowers in drooping clusters, which are produced in midsummer. Full sun. Linden will tolerate dry, heavy soils. Linden needs regular watering. USDA Zone 4 (-30 F. minimum) Maidenhair Tree Ginkgo biloba 35’ to 50’ tall Full sun. Mountain Ash (European) Sorbus aucuparia 20’ to 40’ tall Narrow to spreading or umbrella shaped. Graceful with broad, fanshaped leaves resembling the maidenhair fern, which turn gold in fall and practically glow when backlit by the sun. Sharply rising branches. Dense, oval to round crown. Leaves have 9-15 leaflets to 2” long. Good autumn color. Clusters of tiny, white flowers in spring followed by red, berrylike fruit. Water in dry season when tree is new, until established when tree has grown 10’ to 20’ tall. Prefers sandy, deep, moist soil. Needs good drainage. Moderate water once established. T.cordata best as shade tree and has yellow flowers. T. tomentosa is heat and drought tolerant and has white flowers. Plant only male trees. Females produce messy, smelly fruit. Maidenhair tree is resistant to insects and root rot fungus. Moderate to rapid growth. May grow much larger. Hardy to cold, wind, low humidity, and extreme heat. USDA Zone 2 (-45 F. minimum) Sycamore (London Plane Tree) Platanus acerifolia syn. P. hispanica 40’ to 80’ tall Large tree with maple-like leaves and interesting exfoliating bark. Good winter interest. P. occidentalis (American Sycamore) is very hardy and has whiter bark. Full sun. Needs lots of room. Cultivar ‘Blood-good’ resists anthracnose fungal disease. USDA Zone 5 (-20 F. minimum) Full sun or light shade. Page 3 Prefers well-drained soil but will tolerate most soil conditions. USDA Zone 4 (-30 F. minimum) Commonly Used Trees that Pose Landscape Problems Ellensburg has many large, beautiful shade trees, which we all admire. Many times, home gardeners would like to grow these trees in their own yards and landscapes. Unfortunately many of these trees, although beautiful, aren’t good choices because of susceptibility to certain disease and insect problems. A list of these trees and their problems are as follows: Name of Tree Birch – Betula species Insect Problem Bronze Birch Borer, Aphids, Leaf Miners Disease Problem None Comments Birch trees like high humidity and lots of water. They are prone to bronze birch borer damage, making them poor landscape choices for our area. Crabapple – Malus species Elm – Siberian Ulmus pumila Apple Maggot, Aphids, Tent Caterpillars Elm Bark Beetles, Aphids, Leafhoppers Scab, Cedar Apple Rust, Fireblight, Powdery Mildew Dutch Elm Disease, Bacterial Leaf Scorch Plant resistant varieties such as Indian Magic, Professor Sprenger, Prairie Fire, Marry Potter, Molten Lava, or Sugar Tyme. Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia) is much more resistant to insect & disease problems. Hawthorne – Crataegus species Horse Chestnut – Aesculus Maple – Silver & Red Acer species Oak – Quercus species Aphids, Borers, Scale Fungal Leaf Spot, Powdery Mildew, Rust, Fireblight, Apple Maggot Leaf Blotch, Powdery Mildew Plant resistant variety such as Crataegus x lavalle. Other problems with hawthorne trees are they are twiggy and have thorns. Willow – Salix species Aphids, Borers, Caterpillars, Leaf Beetles, Scales Gypsy Moth Aphids, Bladder Gall Mites, Box Elder Bugs, Mealy Bugs, Scale Borer, Leaf Miner, Caterpillars, Mites Anthracnose, Leaf Scorch, Fungal Leaf Spot, Powdery Mildew, Verticillium Wilt Oak Root Fungus, Powdery Mildew, Anthracnose, Bacterial Leaf Scorch Blights, Canker, Fungal Leaf Gall, Willow Scab Horse chestnut is somewhat susceptible to winter injury (frost cracks) and summer leaf scorch, as well as disease and insect damage. Silver maple grows quickly, which makes weak wood that breaks. Amur maple (Acer circinatum) or paperbark maple (Acer gingriseum) are better choices. Most oaks prefer acid soils and will not thrive in the alkaline soils of Eastern WA. Shingle oak (Quercus imbricarai) & Bur Oak (Q. macrocarpa) will tolerate our high pH soils. Willows are prone to insect problems, willow borer damage in particular. They are also very brittle and lose branches easily. Page 4 5 Hardy Evergreen Trees for Kittitas County Many gardeners like using evergreen trees in their home landscapes, because of the year round interest that these trees provide. Evergreen trees can also make good windbreaks or add privacy screening, which might be desirable. Some evergreen trees, especially our native species, are drought tolerant, which is useful for home landscapes with limited water. The best choices for our area, are listed below: Common Name Botanical Name Tree Height Tree Description Sun/Shade Soil/Water Requirements Comments USDA Zone Douglas Fir Psuedotsuga menziesii 70’ to 250’ tall Full sun or part shade in youth. All but un-drained, swampy soils. Little or no water once established. Douglas Fir is a beautiful landscape tree that is hardy to wind. Resistant to oak root fungus. USDA Zone 4 (-30 F. minimum) Larch Larix spp. 70’ to 100+’ tall Full sun. All soil types. Prefers moist conditions. Notable for color in spring and fall and nice silhouette in winter. Dropped needles can be a mess in the fall. This tree is attractive to birds. USDA Zone 3 (-40 F. minimum) LodgePole Pine Pinus contorta var. latifolia 80’ tall Pyramidal form. Soft, medium green needles. Oval cones to 3” long. Older trunks divided by thick, reddish-brown ridges. Tassels of new growth on tips in spring. Deciduous conifer with slender, pyramidal habit, with drooping branches. Tufts of bright green, fluffy needles. Woody, rounded cones. Needles pale green in spring, yellow to orange in fall before dropping. Tall conical, evergreen tree with needles in bundles of 2. Sun/part sun. Lodgepole pine has attractive, dense foliage. Nice used as a specimen tree. USDA Zone 5 (-20 F. minimum) Ponderosa Pine Pinus ponderosa 50’ to 150’ tall Large, open growing conifer. Needles are dark green, 4-6” in bundles of three. Cones to 5” long. Exfoliating bark. Full sun. Poor to average soil, droughttolerant. Can withstand compacted soil. Hardy & tolerant of poor soil. Regular watering. USDA Zone 3 (-40 F. minimum) Spruce Picea spp 60’ to 150’ tall Large, pyramidal, conebearing tree. Short, stiff, bluegreen needles spreading around branches. Many kinds have dwarf varieties. All attractive to birds. Full sun to light shade. Signature native tree in Inland Northwest. Can be maintained as a hedge. Susceptible to pine bark beetle in trees under stress. Prevent by keeping trees thinned and well watered. Also susceptible to western gall rust, pine needle scale and pine shoot moth. Norway Spruce (Picea abies) is extremely hardy & wind resistant. Good choice for wind breaks. Englemann Spruce (P. engelmannii) has softer needles. Colorado Blue Spruce (P. pungens) tolerates drought. Subject to Cooley spruce gall adelgid. P. pungens ‘Glauca’ (Colorado Blue Spruce) has blue-green coloring. Page 5 Moist, well-drained soil. USDA Zone 2 (-45 F. minimum) 15 Hardy Shrubs for Kittitas County Shrubs are an important element in the home garden and landscape, adding visual interest and providing a backdrop for other plants. Additionally shrubs are the backbone to a garden, helping to “anchor” a landscape. Many shrubs provide a beautiful display of flowers and have interesting foliage in a wide range of textures and colors. Listed below are some of the best choices for our area. Common Name Botanical Name Shrub Height Shrub Description Sun/Shade Soil/Water Requirements Comments USDA Zone Blue Arctic Willow or Purple Osier Willow Bluebeard or Blue Mist Salix purpurea 6’ to 10’ tall Woody shrub with purple branches and delicate, narrow, bluish, finely textured 1” to 3” long leaves. Fast growing and showy. Full sun. To 3’ to 4’ tall Loose, rounded, open shrub with gray-green, 3’ long leaves that are silvery underneath. Dramatic clusters of blue flowers top stems August to frost. Full sun. Unique coloring. Variety ‘Gracilis’ (Nana) is a low growing, dwarf willow, good kept 1’ to 3’ as hedge. May die back to ground in severe winters but will re-grow. Prune to 12” in spring. USDA Zone 4 (-30 F. minimum) Caryopteris clandonensis Bridal Wreath Spirea or Shoe Button Spiraea prunifolia ‘Plena’ 6’ to 8’ tall Upright shrub with small, glossy-green leaves in graceful arching form. Leaves turn red in fall. Small, double white flowers like tiny roses line branches April and May. Spiraea. vanhouttei flowers June and July. Full sun or partial shade. Adaptable to most soil types. Frequent, regular water. Adaptable to all soil types. Needs infrequent water once established. Prefers regular watering in well-drained soil. Regular pruning required after flowering to maintain best form. USDA Zone 4 (-30 F. minimum) Burning Bush or Winged Euonymus Euonymus alata Deciduous, mounded, horizontal, spreading shrub. Lance-shaped foliage. Insignificant flowers in May. Dark green leaves turn red in fall. Full sun to light shade. Moderate water. Prefers well-drained soil. Elegant form. Attractive, tidy branching habit. Variety ‘Compacta’ grows 4’-6’. USDA Zone 3 (-40 F. minimum) Butterfly Bush or Summer Lilac Buddleia davidii 7’ to 10’ tall See Comments. To 5’ tall Loose, open, rapid growing deciduous or semievergreen shrub. Dark green leaves with white underneath and showy 8”-10” lilac-like fragrant flowers July-Sept. in arching clusters. Full sun to light shade. Moderate water. Prefers well-drained soil. Attractive to butterflies. Can freeze to ground in cold climates but roots are hardy. USDA Zone 5 (-20 F. minimum) Page 6 USDA Zone 5 (-20 F. minimum) 15 Hardy Shrubs for Kittitas County - continued Common Name Botanical Name Shrub Height Shrub Description Sun/Shade Soil/Water Requirements Comments USDA Zone Common Lilac Syringa vulgaris 8’ to 20’ tall Sun/part sun. Fertile, welldrained soil. Will tolerate some drought once established. Lilacs are extremely hardy and tough. Bacterial blight, black vine weevil, and lilac leaf miner can be problems. USDA Zone 5 (-20 Fº. minimum) European Cranberry Bush Viburnum opulus 10’ to 20’ tall Upright, spreading shrub with heart-shaped leaves, large panicles of fragrant flowers in spring. Flower color varies depending on variety. Subsp. Syringa patula ‘Miss Kim’ is a hardy, dwarf lilac with lavender-blue flowers, grows to 3’ tall. Large, open shrub with lobed, dark green, maple-shaped leaves to 4” that turn red in fall. White flower clusters in May. Large, showy red fruit. Viburnum compactum 4’-5’ tall. V. nanum is dwarf form to 2’ tall. Full sun to part shade. Adaptable to most moist, well-drained soils. USDA Zone 3 (-30 F. minimum) Flowering Quince Chaenomeles speciosa 6’ to 8’ tall Full sun. Adaptable to all soil types. Regular water during growing season. Forsythia Forsythia intermedia 7’ to 10’ tall Full sun. Adaptable to most soils. Hydrangea - PeeGee Hydrangea paniculata ‘Grandiflora’ To 10’15’ tall Picturesque, practically indestructible shrub. Shiny, green leaves are red tinged when young. April flowers are white, salmon or red and appear before leaves. Varieties range in form. Fountain shaped shrub. Bare branches covered with yellow flowers from February to April. Followed by lush, green, round leaves with pointed tips rest of growing season. Forsythia viridissima ‘Bronxensis’ (dwarf forsythia) grows to 2’ tall. Dense, upright shrub with 5” long, dull green leaves that turn bronze in fall. Flowers in upright clusters, white fading to pinky bronze. Hydrangea. anomala subsp. petiolaris (Climbing Hydrangea) 12’-15’. Partial shade. Prefers welldrained soil with regular water. Fruit good winter food for birds. Watch for and control aphids early in season. Susceptible to mildew in very shaded areas. Tolerant of cold and heat. May suffer from chlorosis in alkaline soil. Prune to shape or limit growth. Prune established plants after bloom by cutting to ground, one third of branches that have bloomed. Remove old, weak or dead branches. Prune to control size. Cut out stems that have flowered. Climbing hydrangea needs support. Page 7 USDA Zone 5 (-20 F. minimum) USDA Zone 5 (-20 F. minimum) USDA Zone 5 (–20 F. minimum) 15 Hardy Shrubs for Kittitas County - continued Common Name Botanical Name Shrub Height Shrub Description Sun/Shade Soil/Water Requirements Comments USDA Zone Mock Orange Philadelphus coronarius 5’ to 10’ tall Part shade. Adaptable to most soil types. Moderate water. An old fashioned favorite. Mock orange is hardy and somewhat drought tolerant. Prune after bloom. USDA Zone 4 (-30 F. minimum) Potentilla or Cinquefoil Potentilla fruticosa 2’ to 5’ tall Fountain-shaped, large, vigorous shrub with oval 1” to 4” long leaves. Fragrant, single, white flowers in June. Cultivar ‘Aureus’ has bright, golden leaves turning to yellowgreen in summer. Dense, mounded shrub with tiny leaves, divided into 3 to 7 leaflets, green to gray-green. Bloom colors depending on varieties June to October. Full sun to part shade. Potentilla is fairly drought tolerant, once established. Prune oldest stems frequently to keep from becoming ragged. USDA Zone 4 (-30 F. minimum) Russian Sage Perovskia spp. 3’ to 5’ tall Semi-woody, multi-stemmed plant with aromatic, gray-green leaves, white underneath, open spires of violet-blue flowers in late summer. Full sun. Prefers moderate watering in welldrained soil, but will adapt to poor soil, heat and little water. Prefers welldrained soil with little water once established. All zones. Weigela Weigela florida 2’ to 7’ tall Full sun to part shade. Adaptable to most soil with regular water. Witch Hazel (vernal witch hazel) Hamamelis vernalis 15’ tall Rounded shrub with volumes of funnel-shaped flowers in spring. Blooms along previous season’s shoots. Erect shrub, which grows to 15’ wide. Broad, oval leaves, which turn yellow in the fall. Has small yellow flowers, tinged with red. Flowers appear in late winter and early spring. Full sun to part shade. Prefers welldrained, rich, neutral to slightly acidic soil. Russian Sage is considered to be a sub-shrub. Likes summer heat and winter chill. Dormant in winter. Prune back in spring to live wood. Prune branches that have bloomed to un-flowered side branches. Thin or cut back one-half every other year. Nice plant for adding winter interest to the garden. Give this shrub some protection from the wind. Page 8 USDA Zone 4 (-30 F. minimum) USDA Zone 4 (-30F. minimum) 25 Hardy Perennials for Kittitas County Our tough climate can somewhat limit the range of plants we can use in our home landscapes. Despite these challenges, there are still plenty of attractive, hardy perennials that can be used in our yards and gardens. We just have to be careful to pick plants that can withstand cold and heat. Listed below are some dependable perennials that are well suited to our area. Common Name Botanical Name Plant Height Plant Description Sun/Shade Soil/Water Requirements Comments USDA Zone Bearded Iris Iris species 4” to 24” tall. Sun/part sun. Fertile welldrained soil. Average water. Penstemon species 1’ to 3’ tall. Fertile soil, moderate water. Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia 36” tall. Partial shade in hottest climates. Full sun. Rose Campion Lychnis coronaria Cranesbill (or hardy geranium) Geranium species 1 ½’ to 2½’ tall. 6” to 24” tall. Keep rhizomes uncovered by soil when planting. Blooms in spring to early summer. Needs fast drainage. Good for rock gardens. Hardiness depends on variety. Cutting encourages rebloom. Divide when they become crowded. Very tolerant of adverse soils. Seeds itself freely. USDA Zone 5 (-20º F. minimum) Beard Tongue Upright plant with sword-shaped leaves, large flowers in a wide range of colors (blues, pinks, purples, yellows, and white). Narrow pointed leaves with bell-shaped 1½”, lipped flowers in red, blue, pink, lilac, purple or white. Carnation/ Pinks Dianthus 6” to 24” tall. Most kinds form attractive evergreen mats. Flowers are fragrant and come as single or double 1” to 2” blooms, in white, pink, rose, red or yellow. Light shade in hottest climates. Neutral, welldrained soil. Regular watering. Columbine Aquilegia Oenothera Lacy, bluish-green foliage, with red, orange, yellow, blue, purple, or white nodding, fairy-like flowers. Branching perennial with lance-shaped leaves, and 4-petaled, silky flowers in yellow, pink or white. Sun/light shade. Evening Primrose 6” to 36” tall. 8” to 36” tall. Fertile, moist soil. Regular watering. Poor to average, well-drained soil. Little to moderate water. Stems and leaves are rough and hairy. The 4” wide flowers are gold, orange or yellow with fuzzy brown, cone center. Fuzzy gray-white foliage with magenta or white flowers, 1” across. Leaves are lobed or deeply cut. May be upright or trailing. Flowers are clusters in blue, white, purple, magenta, pink or bluish-rose. Page 9 Full sun/light shade. Afternoon shade in hottest climates. Full sun/partial shade. Average soil, moderate to regular water. Average to fertile soil, moderate water. Moist, welldrained, fertile soil, regular water Increase by transplanting rooted portions from a clump’s edge. Nice fall foliage. Hardiness depends on variety. Some varieties of carnations or pinks grow in poor soil. Deadhead to encourage new blooms. Flowers are often twotoned. Can be prone to powdery mildew. Succeeds in gardens with harsh climates. Drought tolerant. USDA Zone 4 (-30º F. minimum) USDA Zone 4 (-30º F. minimum) USDA Zone 4 (-30º F. minimum) USDA Zone 5 (-20º F. minimum) USDA Zone 4 (-30º F. minimum) USDA Zone 4 (-30º F. minimum) USDA Zone 4 (-30º F. minimum) 25 Hardy Perennials for Kittitas County - continued Common Name Botanical Name Plant Height Fleabane Erigeron speciosus 24” tall. Flowering Flax Linum Gayfeather Liatris species Hosta Hosta Monks-hood Aconitum Peachleaved Bellflower Peony Campanula persicifolia Perennial Bachelorbutton Centaurea montanas Paeonia Plant Description 1” to 1½” daisy-like flowers in lavender or pink similar to Michaelmas Daisies. 1’ to 2’ Erect, branching stems with small, tall. lance-shaped leaves, and clusters of light blue flowers. 2’ to 6’ Tufts of narrow, grass-like leaves, tall, narrow plume, with clusters of fluffy, depend- tubular flowers, in various shades of ing on purple or white. variety. 15” to Clumps of large, heart-shaped, oval or 60” lance-shaped leaves form a mound. tall. Some varieties have yellow or cream margins. Thin spikes of blue or white trumpet-shaped flowers. 2’ to 5’ Tall spikes of blue-violet, yellow, pink, tall. or white flowers & lacy, fine textured leaves. 2’ to 3’ Upright, erect stems with narrow, tall. lance-shaped leaves, and pink, white, or blue open, cup-shaped flowers. 2’ to 4’ Large, many-petaled, globe-like tall. flowers on graceful stems. Flowers in pink, red and white. Bush-like plant. 1½’ to Grayish, elongate leaves on woolly 2’ tall stems and blue cornflowers. Sun/Shade Soil/Water Requirements Comments USDA Zone Full sun/ light shade. Fertile, welldrained soil. Moderate water. Well-drained, humus soil. Moderate water. Fertile, moist, well-drained soil. Regular water. Cut back after flowering to encourage new bloom. Partial to full shade. Fertile, moist, well-drained soil. Regular water. Hosta does well in shade gardens or containers. Will sunburn in full sun. USDA Zone 4 (-30º F. minimum) USDA Zone 4 (-30º F. minimum) USDA Zone 4 (-30º F. minimum) Some varieties are hardier. USDA Zone 4 (-30º F. minimum) Full sun/partial shade. Full sun/part sun. Afternoon shade in hot sites. Full sun only. Moist, rich soil. Regular water. These plants need winter chill. All parts of this plant are poisonous. Easy to grow by seed. Sow in late spring. Looks good in a mixed border. Most peonies need winter chill. Planting too deep will prevent flowering Divide every other year. Self sows readily. Full sun. Full sun. Page 10 Moist, welldrained soil. Moderate water. Moderately fertile soil. Regular water. Well-drained soil. Regular water. Flowers close in evening. Self sows freely. Long bloom period. Tall, striking plant, which is good at the back of a mixed border. Blooms mid to late summer. USDA Zone 4 (-30º F. minimum) USDA Zone 4 (-30º F. minimum) USDA Zone 4 (-30º F. minimum) USDA Zone 4 (-30º F. minimum) 25 Hardy Perennials for Kittitas County - continued Common Name Botanical Name Plant Height Plant Description Sun/Shade Soil/Water Requirements Comments USDA Zone Poppy Oriental and Iceland Papaver 12” to 36” tall. Full sun. Deep, average to fertile, welldrained soil. Moderate to regular watering. Oriental and Iceland poppies need winter chill. Blooms from spring to midsummer. Foliage dies back in mid to late summer. USDA Zone 4 (-30º F. minimum) Purple Cornflower Echinacea purpurea To 4’ tall. Oriental poppies grow in large, hairy clumps with large, deeply crinkled flowers in orange, scarlet, pink, red, salmon, or white. Iceland-poppies are smaller plants with 3” cup-shaped flowers in orange, yellow, cream or salmon. Sparsely leaved stems carry 4” daisytype flowers in rosy-purple with a brown cone in the center. Full sun. Good cut flowers. Attracts finches, which love the seeds. USDA Zone 4 (-30º F. minimum) Red Valerian, Jupiter's Beard Centranthus ruber To 3’ tall. Tall, clump-like perennial with lanceshaped leaves, and clusters of tiny, fragrant red to light pink or white blossoms. Sun/partial shade. Fairly drought tolerant. Can be invasive. Self sows freely. USDA Zone 5 (-20º F. minimum) Salvia nemorosa Salvia nemorosa 18” tall. Dense, dark green spikes with whorls of tiny, violet-blue flowers. Full sun. Deep, welldrained soil. Moderate to regular watering. Poor to moderate, welldrained soil. Regular watering. Light, humusrich, welldrained soil. Regular water. Attracts hummingbirds, bees and butterflies. Cut spent blooms for new growth. Salvia sclarea (Clary Sage) Salvia sclarea To 3’ tall Erect plant with ovate to oblong, 8” gray-green, aromatic leaves and pink, lilac, or blue flowers in summer. Full sun/part shade. Spiderwort Tradescantia x andersoniana 1 ½’ tall. Long, grass-like leaves with 3-petaled flowers in blue, lavender, white and pink. Sun or shade. Humus-rich, moderately fertile, welldrained soil. Fertile, moist soil. Regular to ample watering. Attracts hummingbirds, bees and butterflies. Cut spent blooms for new growth. Can be invasive. Divide clumps when crowded. USDA Zone 5 (-20º F. minimum). Some salvias are not hardy. USDA Zone 5 (-20º F. minimum). Page 11 USDA Zone 5 (-20º F. minimum) 25 Hardy Perennials for Kittitas County - continued Common Name Botanical Name Plant Height Plant Description Sun/Shade Soil/Water Requirements Comments USDA Zone Tickseed, Coreopsis Coreopsis 1’ to 2’ tall. Full sun. USDA Zone 4 (-30º F. minimum) Veronica Good for borders and rock gardens. Blooms in summer. Yarrow Achillea 4” to 24” tall. 18” tall. Fertile, welldrained soil. Little to moderate water. Moist, fertile, loamy soil. Moderate water Any welldrained soil. Moderate water. Very drought tolerant. Blooms all summer long. Deadhead for longer bloom. Veronica Long slender stems with linear to lance-shaped leaves, and clusters of 1” to 3” pink, yellow, or deep red, daisylike flowers. Upright to gracefully drooping spikes of lavender, blue, pink, or white flowers, depending on variety. Gray-green, fern-like leaves with dense flower-clusters in yellow, white, red, orange, or rose. USDA Zone 4 (-30º F. minimum) USDA Zone 4 (-30º F. minimum) Full sun. Full sun. Page 12 Cut back after blooming for renewed growth. Drought tolerant when established. Can be invasive. 10 Ground Covers for Kittitas County Home gardeners sometimes overlook the importance of using ground covers in a home landscape. Ground covers are most frequently used in areas where foot traffic is infrequent, at the base of taller plants in a border, or in between pavers or stepping-stones. Ground covers come in a wide array of foliage types, foliage color, and plant forms. Some are low growing and spreading, some grow in clumps, and some ground covers grow taller and can be used to provide a barrier, helping to direct foot traffic, or define a planting area. Whatever the use, ground covers add interest to a garden. Common Name Botanical Name Plant Height Plant Description Sun/Shade Soil/Water Requirements Comments USDA Zone Basket of Gold Aurinia saxatilis 6” to 12” tall. Full sun or light shade. Poor to average, welldrained soil. Moderate watering. Aegopodium podagraria 12” tall. Light shade during hottest part of day. Will grow in any soil. Moderate water. Bunchberry Cornus canadensis 3” to 8” tall. Sun/part sun. Moist, humus-rich soil. Water regularly. Carpet Bugle Ajuga repens 4” tall. Thymus 3” to 6” tall. Full sun / partial shade. Light shade in hottest climates. Moist soil. Needs regular watering. Creeping Thyme Short, trailing plant with oval leaves, white to purplish-white flowers (bracts). A dense mat with bright blue, 6” flowering spikes, blooming in spring and early summer. Wooly-gray leaves with tiny pink, red or white flowers. Good for rock gardens. Self-sows freely. Shear lightly to keep tidy. Spreads fast. Invasive! Best contained by wood or concrete barriers. Blooms in spring followed by red berries in fall. Needs good drainage. Spreads quickly. Very fragrant. Use in rock crevices and between stepping-stones. USDA Zone 4 (-30º F. minimum) Bishop’s Weed Gray leaves form a mound. Dense clusters of tiny golden yellow flowers cover the plant in spring to early summer. Rampant ground cover with lovely, variegated green and white leaves. Flowers are insignificant. Sea Pink Armeria maritima 6” to 8" tall. Narrow leaves grow in compact tufts. Flowers form globular heads and come in white, pink or red. Full sun. Can grow in poor to average, well-drained soil. Little to moderate water. Page 13 Light, well-drained neutral to alkaline soil. Moderate water. Plant forms a tidy mound. Good for borders or rock gardens. USDA Zone 4 (-30º F. minimum) USDA Zone 4 (-30º F. minimum) USDA Zone 4 (-30º F. minimum) USDA Zone 4 (-30º F. minimum) Hardiness varies with variety. USDA Zone 3 (-40º F. minimum) 10 Ground Covers for Kittitas County - continued Common Name Botanical Name Plant Height Plant Description Sun/Shade Soil/Water Requirements Comments USDA Zone Sedum Sedum species 2” to 24” tall depending on variety. Succulent leaves with clusters of tiny star-shaped flowers in yellow, pink or red. Full sun or partial shade. Average to fertile, welldrained, neutral to alkaline soil. Little to moderate water. USDA Zone 4 (-30º F. minimum) Hardiness varies with variety. Snow-InSummer Cerastium tomentosum 6” to 8” tall. Dense mats of silvery-gray foliage, with masses of small, white flowers in early summer. Light shade in hottest climates. Any, well-drained soil. Moderate to regular water. Useful in rock gardens or grown as a bank cover. Easy to propagate with stem cuttings or broken stems. Does well in any soil. Spreads rapidly, especially with regular fertilizing. Sweet Woodruff Galium Oderatum 8” tall. Whorls of narrow leaves, with open clusters of tiny, white flowers. Partial to full shade. Moist, humus-rich soil. Regular to ample water. USDA Zone 5 (-20º F. minimum) Wild Ginger (Canadian Wild Ginger) Asarum canadense 6” to 12” tall. Lustrous carpet of kidney-shaped leaves. Purplish-brown, bell-shaped flowers appear in spring. Partial or full shade. Fertile, humus-rich, moist soil. Regular to ample watering. Spreads rapidly and is attractive to bees. Leaves smell like fresh-mown hay when dried. Spreads fast in rich soil. Nice in a woodland planting. Page 14 USDA Zone 3 (-40º F. minimum) USDA Zone 2 (-50º F. minimum) 10 Bulbs for Kittitas County Early season flowering bulbs are always a favorite in the garden. Often they are the first harbingers of spring, helping to add bright touches of color to a dormant, early spring landscape. Bulbs are generally hardy and most thrive in a variety of landscapes, being able to take cold or heat, and some drought. Many bulbs work well being naturalized in a woodland garden, or can be grown in a rock garden, or container. Listed below are varieties that are best suited to our area. Common Name Crocus Botanical Name Crocus Plant Height Plant Description Sun/Shade 1” to 4” depending on species. Grass-like leaves, growing from a basal clump. Cup-shaped to starshaped flowers in white, various shades of pink, yellow, blue or, purple, depending on variety. Full sun/ part sun. Daffodil Narcissus 3” to 6” depending on variety. Full sun/part shade. Average to fertile, moist, welldrained soil. Fritillary Crown Imperial Frittilaria imperialis 3½’ to 4’ tall. Full sun. Fertile, welldrained soil. Glory-ofthe-Snow Chionodoxa 4” to 6” tall. Full sun/ part shade. Well-drained soil. Can withstand some drought. Hyacinth common Hyacinthus orientalis 8” to 12” tall. Long, thin, strap-like leaves, circle of petals with cup or trumpet type center. Flower color varies from yellow to white, with yellow, pink, orange, or white centers. Whorls of glossy, lanced-shaped leaves on a thick stalk, bearing 6 to 8 bell-shaped, orange, yellow, or red flowers. Small perennial with linear, green leaves and star-shaped flowers in pink, white, or various shades of blue. Bright green, strap-like, basal leaves, and nodding, bell-shaped, highly fragrant flowers in white, pink, red, blue, or purple depending on variety. Full sun/part sun. Average to fertile well-drained soil. Page 15 Soil/Water Requirements Gritty to humusrich, fertile, welldrained soil. Comments Early spring blooming plant, which works well for naturalizing. Protect from gophers and voles. Some species of crocus are fall blooming. Spring blooming plant that is tough, dependable, and won’t be eaten by gophers or voles. Daffodils multiply year after year. Spring blooming perennial with unpleasant odor. Striking plant, which is beautiful in a garden. Beautiful spring blooming plant. Great for naturalizing. Dependable spring flower, which can be used in a mixed flower border. Can also be used for forcing indoors. USDA Zone USDA Zone 3 to 5 (-40º F. to -20ºF. minimum) depending on variety. All Zones Very hardy. USDA Zone 5 (-20º F. minimum) USDA Zone 5 (-20º F. minimum) Hardiness depends on variety. USDA Zone 5 (-20º F. minimum) 10 Bulbs for Kittitas County -continued Common Name Botanical Name Plant Height Plant Description Sun/Shade Soil/Water Requirements Comments USDA Zone Ornamental Onion Allium species ½’ to 5’ tall depending on variety. Full sun/ part shade. Moist, fertile, well-drained, sandy soil. Snowdrops Galanthus species 6” to 12” tall. Full sun/ part shade. Moist, humusrich, welldrained soil. Ipheion uniflorum 6” to 8” tall. Full sun/ part shade. Average to fertile, welldrained soil. Early blooming perennial with an onion odor. Nice in a mixed border. Some alliums such as chives or oriental garlic are both decorative and edible. Snowdrops are vigorous and easy to grow. They can be naturalized in a woodland garden or work well as a border. These beautiful spring blooming perennials are a little tender for our area, but can be grown in a sheltered area. USDA Zone 5 (-20º F. minimum) Most, but not all alliums are hardy for our area. USDA Zone 5 (-20º F. minimum) Spring Star Flower Medium to dark green, linear leaves, flowers are bell or star-shaped with flowers forming a cluster or a ball. Flower color ranges from white, pink, rose, violet, blue, or yellow, depending on variety. Slender, pale-green to blue-green leaves (depending on variety). Fragrant, white, nodding, bell-shaped flowers, with green markings. Flowers appear in early spring. Slender, bluish-green, grass-like leaves and star-shaped, fragrant flowers. Flowers are white, blue, or lilac. Tulip Tulipa species 4” to 16” tall depending on species or variety. Upright, linear to ovate leaves and upright, cup, bowl or star-shaped flowers. Tulips have a wide range of flower color depending on species or variety. They can be white, blue, purple, red, pink, orange, or yellow. Full sun. Fertile, welldrained, neutral to slightly acidic soil. Windflower - Grecian Anemone blanda 2” to 8” tall. Small perennial with finely divided, palmate leaves. Flowers are daisylike in shades of blue, pink, magenta or white. Full sun. Sandy, welldrained soil. Page 16 Tulips bloom early spring to early summer depending on variety. Most tulips decline over time, except for species tulips such as Tulipa. clusiana, T. greigii, T. tarda, and T. kaufmanniana. Gophers love to eat tulip bulbs. Low growing, spring blooming plant. Windflowers are great for naturalizing or used in a mixed border. USDA Zone 6 (-10º F. minimum) – Can be grown in USDA Zone 5 with protection. USDA Zone 4 (-30º F. minimum) USDA Zone 4 (-30º F. minimum) 5 Berries for Kittitas County Home gardeners should consider growing berry crops in their yard and gardens. Harvesting fresh berries is both tasty and rewarding and some berry plants, such as blueberries or currants are useful as ornamentals in the landscape, as well. Additionally, berry plants attract wildlife. The main requirements for growing berry crops are having enough space and full sun. Be sure to always buy certified nursery stock, so that plants will be guaranteed of being insect and disease free. The hardiest berries to grow here are listed below. Common Name Botanical Name Plant Height Plant Description Sun/ Shade Soil/Water Requirements Comments USDA Zone Strawberry Fragaria ananassa 12” tall. Full sun. Rich, slightly acid soil. Strawberries need regular watering. No overhead watering during harvest. Birds eating fruit can be a problem. ‘Shuskan’, ‘Quinalt’, and ‘Tristar’ are good varieties to grow in Eastern Washington. USDA Zone 4 (-30º F. minimum) Raspberry Rubus idaeus 3’ to 5’ tall. Herbaceous, perennial plant, forms low growing mats. Strawberry plants are either once bearing (June bearing) or ever bearing (day neutral). They bloom in spring, followed by juicy, red berries in summer. Tall, somewhat thorny, semi-woody plants with red to maroon berries, which come in summer-bearing and fall-bearing varieties. Full sun. Soaker hose irrigation is best. Fertilize in the spring. Mulch to control weeds. Sumner and ‘Chilliwack’ are hardiest varieties. USDA Zone 4 (-30º F. minimum) Blueberry Vaccinium species Medium to tall, deciduous shrub with dark-green, oval leaves, white to pink bell-shaped flowers, followed by small, round, blue berries. Full sun. Blackberry Rubus species Long, thorny branches, with white flowers in spring, followed by black berries in summer. Blackberries come in upright and creeping varieties. Full sun. Ribes species Medium size, spreading, deciduous shrub with yellow or red flowers in spring, followed by clusters of bright red, white, or black, translucent berries, depending on variety. Sun. Some shade in hottest climates. Mulch. Use acid-based fertilizer. Nice hedging plant. Foliage turns red or yellow in fall. ‘Earlieblue’, ‘Spartan’, ‘Blueray’, and ‘Darrow’ best choices for area. Many varieties not hardy for our area. Upright varieties are generally hardier. ‘Loch Ness Thornless’ and ‘Triple Crown Thornless’ are hardiest choices. Mulch and protect from afternoon sun and wind. Mulch well. Prune during dormant season. Excellent for jelly. The fruit is loved by birds & other wildlife. Choose varieties that are resistant to white pine blister rust. USDA Zone 4 (-30º F. minimum) Depending on variety USDA Zone 5 (-20º F. minimum) Depending on variety Currant 3’ to 7’ tall depending on variety 5’ to 6’ tall or 15’ long for trailing types. 3’ to 5’ tall. Prepare soil with organic material and well-rotted manure if possible. Give 1” water per week. Blueberries need moist, humus-rich, welldrained, acid soil (ph 4.5 to 5.5). Give 1” to 2” water per week. Blackberries need deep, well-drained soil. Amend soil with organic matter. Regular watering is required. Page 17 Grow in average to fertile, well-drained soil. Give regular water. USDA Zone 3 (-40º F. minimum) depending on variety. 10 Hardy Fruit Trees for Kittitas County Apples, plums, pears, peaches, apricots, and cherries can all be grown here in Kittitas County. Some types of fruit trees, such as apples or cherries are more prone to disease and insect problems than other types of fruit trees, although all types are subject to various disease and insect pest problems. Homeowners need to be aware that having a fruit tree or backyard orchard is a real commitment! Trees need to be properly watered, fertilized, pruned, monitored and sprayed for pest and disease problems on a regular basis. Some of the hardiest types of fruit trees are apples. Care should be given to choosing varieties with early to mid-season ripening dates and should be hardy enough for our area. Some good apple, cherry, pear, peach, plum, or apricot varieties are listed below. Common Name Apple – ‘Dayton’ Botanical Name Malus pumila 'Dayton' Tree Height Tree Description Sun/Shade 5’ to 13’ tall depending on root stock. Full sun. Apple ‘Liberty’ Malus pumila 'Liberty' 6’ to 15’ tall depending on root stock. Apple ‘Pristine’ Malus pumila 'Pristine' 5’ to 13’ tall depending on root stock. Short, deciduous, spreading tree, with either an open center or central (single) leader, depending on how tree is pruned. Short to medium sized, deciduous, spreading tree, with either an open center or central (single) leader, depending on how tree is pruned. Short, deciduous, spreading tree, with either an open center or central (single) leader, depending on how tree is pruned. Full sun. Moist, well-drained soil. Do not add amendments such as peat moss to soil when planting. Deep water regularly. Apricot ‘Tomcot’ Prunus armeniaca ‘Tomcot’ 3’ to 15’ tall depending on rootstock. Deciduous tree with upright, open growth habit, elongate leaves, and showy flowers in spring followed by fruit in late July or August. Full sun. Moist, well-drained soil. Do not add amendments such as peat moss to soil when planting. Deep water regularly. Cherry ‘Stella’ (sweet cherry) Prunus species ‘Stella’ 3’ to 6’ tall when grown on Gisela 5 rootstock. Deciduous tree with upright, open growth habit. Cherry trees grown on standard rootstock will grow to 30’ to 35' tall. White flowers in spring. Full sun. Moist, well-drained soil. Do not add amendments such as peat moss to soil when planting. Deep water regularly. Full sun. Page 18 Soil/Water Requirements Moist, well-drained soil. Do not add amendments such as peat moss to soil, when planting. Deep water regularly. Moist, well-drained soil. Do not add amendments such as peat moss to soil when planting. Deep water regularly. Comments Tart, red apple with good flavor. Ripens in late September. Resistant to apple scab, mildew, and cedar apple rust. Needs a pollinizer. Yellow apple with red marbeling, sweet, slightly acidic flavor. Ripens in early October. Resistant to scab, cedar apple rust, and fireblight. Needs a pollinizer. Yellow apple with good flavor. Ripens in mid to late August. Resistant to scab, powdery mildew, fireblight, and cedar apple rust. Needs a pollinizer. ‘Tomcot’ is one of the hardiest apricot varieties available. It bears firm, deeporange fruits and is selffertile. ‘Tilton’ and ‘Chinese’ are also good varieties. Productive tree, bearing large, reddish-black cherries in mid-summer. ‘Stella’ is self-fruitful and is moderately resistant to bacterial canker. ‘Bing’ and ‘Rainer’ are also good varieties. USDA Zone USDA Zone 4 (-30º F. minimum) USDA Zone 4 (-30º F. minimum) USDA Zone 4 (-30º F. minimum) USDA Zone 4 (-30º F. minimum) USDA Zone 5 (-20º F. minimum) 10 Hardy Fruit Trees for Kittitas County - continued Common Name Botanical Name Tree Height Tree Description Sun/Shade Soil/Water Requirements Comments USDA Zone Cherry English ‘Morello’ (sour cherry) Prunus species ‘English Morello’ 9’ to 10’ tall if maintained (pruned) properly. Deciduous tree with upright, open growth habit. Cherry trees grown on standard rootstock will grow to 20' tall. White flowers in spring. Full sun. Moist, well-drained soil. Do not add amendments such as peat moss to soil when planting. Deep water regularly. USDA Zone 5 (-20º F. minimum) Peach ‘Avalon Pride’ Prunus persica 'Avalon Pride' 10’ to 15’ tall. Deciduous tree with, upright, open growth habit, elongate leaves, and showy pink flowers in spring, followed by fruit in mid to late July. Full sun. Moist, well-drained soil. Do not add amendments to soil when planting. Deep water regularly. Pear – ‘Harrow Delight’ Pyrus communis ‘Harrow Delight’ 15’ tall if grown on OH x F rootstock. Pyramidal shape, with upright growth habit, glossy, green leaves. White flowers in spring. Full sun. Moist, well-drained soil. Do not add amendments to soil when planting. Deep water regularly. Plum (European) ‘Italian Prune’ Plum (Asian) ‘Santa Rosa’ Prunus species 'Italian Prune' Prunus species 'Santa Rosa' 12’ to 15’ tall. Deciduous tree with upright, open growth habit. White flowers in spring, followed by fruit in fall (September or October). Deciduous tree with upright, open growth habit. Showy flowers in spring, followed by fruit in late summer (August). Full sun. Moist, well-drained soil. Do not add amendments to soil when planting. Deep water regularly. Moist, well-drained soil. Do not add amendments such as peat moss when planting. Deep water regularly. Productive tree, bearing deep-red fruit. Excellent for pies. All sour cherries are self-fruitful. Ripens in midAugust. ‘Montmorency’ is also a good variety. Peach trees are very productive once established. Prune hard to keep fruit load from being too heavy. Most need a pollinizer. Pick peach leaf curl on resistant varieties. ‘Golden Monarch’ and ‘New Haven’ are also good varieties. Medium sized pears with good flavor. Ripens in September. Resistant to fireblight and scab. Needs a pollinizer. ‘Warren’ and ‘Bosc’ are also good varieties. Productive tree, with big, purple fruit with yellow flesh. Great for canning. Tree is self-fertile. Produces flavorful, purplish-red fruit with yellow flesh. Good for canning. Tree is self-fertile. ‘Shiro’ and ‘Elephant Heart’ are also good varieties. 12’ to 15’ tall. Full sun. Page 19 USDA Zone 5 (-20º F. minimum) USDA Zone 4 (-30º F. minimum) USDA Zone 5 (-20º F. minimum) USDA Zone 5 (-20º F. minimum) 10 Hardy Climbers/Vines for Kittitas County Vines are versatile, being able to be grown up trellises, arbors, along fence lines, or into trees. Most vines are somewhat flexible, making it fairly simple to guide plant growth where you want it to go. Vines add a vertical dimension to landscapes and can provide privacy and shade, which are of great value when creating a garden. Listed below are vines that are hardy to our area. Common Name Botanical Name Plant Height Plant Description Sun/Shade Soil/Water Requirements Comments USDA Zone Akebia - five leaf akebia Akebia quintata 15’ to 30’ long. Sun/part sun. Moist, welldrained, fertile soil. Vigorous growing vine that needs good support. Flowers are nice, but not showy. Fruit is edible. USDA Zone 5 (-20º F. minimum) Clematis Clematis species 6’ to 30’ long depending on variety. Rounded leaves that are divided into five -1½" to 3" blue-green leaflets, clusters of small, brownish-purple flowers in spring, followed by long, purple fruit. Leaves and flowers vary widely, depending on which species. Leaves can be opposite or alternate, palmate, simple, or pinnate. Flowers can be bellshaped, single, double, or starshaped and come in a wide array of colors – pinks, reds, white, purple, or blue. Full sun (tops in sun, feet in shade). Moist, humusrich, fertile, well-drained soil. Generally USDA Zone 4 or 5 (-30º F. to -20º F. minimum). Hardiness depends on variety. Some not hardy. Climbing Hydrangea Hydrangea petiolarus syn. anomala To 50’ long. Sun/part sun. Acidic, moist, well-drained soil. Honeysuckle Lonicera species 6’ to 20’ long depending on variety. Semi-woody climber with 2" to 4" heart-shaped, dark-green leaves. Bears corymbs (flat-topped flower cluster) of white flowers. Deciduous vine with opposite leaves. Bears tubular to bellshaped flowers, which appear in late spring or early summer. Flower color (yellow, orange, pink, or white) depends on variety. Sun/part sun. Fertile, humusrich, moist but well-drained soil. Clematis are early flowering (spring), or late flowering (summer). Be aware that there are 3 pruning groups for clematis group 1 or A requires no pruning, group 2 or B require light pruning, group 3 or C requires hard pruning. Choose clematis from group 3, which bloom on new wood. Sprawling plant needs good support. Flowers in summer. Good fall color, with leaves turning yellow. Honeysuckle flowers are very fragrant, which attracts hummingbirds. 'Gold Flame' or 'Dropmore Scarlet' are favorite choices. Honeysuckles are prone to aphids. Page 20 USDA Zone 4 (-30º F. minimum) USDA Zone 5 (-20º F. minimum). Hardiness varies with variety. 10 Hardy Climbers/Vines for Kittitas County – continued Common Name Botanical Name Plant Height Plant Description Sun/Shade Soil/Water Requirements Comments USDA Zone Hops (common) Humulus lupulus 15’ to 25’ long. Twining vine, with pale-green, 3 to 5-lobed leaves, and 1" to 2" pinecone shaped, fragrant flowers and bracts. Sun/part sun. Fertile, moist, well-drained soil. USDA Zone 4 (-30º F. minimum) Kiwi (variegate d kiwi) Actinidia kolomikta To 15’ long. Full sun. Fertile, moist well-drained soil. Rose – ‘John Davis’ Rosa kordesii 'John Davis' 6’ to 8’ tall. Deciduous vine with oval to slightly oblong, variegated, leaves. Leaves are green, white, and pink. White flowers in early summer. A climbing rose with dark, glossy-green leaves, and double, bright-pink, fragrant flowers. Has repeat bloom. Full sun. Fertile, humus -rich, moist, well-drained soil. Perennial vine that has new shoots in spring & attractive ovoid spikes of flowers, which can be dried for flower arrangements or used for making beer. Aphids can be a problem. Kiwi is vigorous plants, needing good support and shelter from wind. Kiwi produce edible fruit in the fall (produced on female plant), but need a male pollinizer. This is a lovely, very hardy rose with small, pink flowers. One of the few dependable climbers in our tough climate. Rose – ‘New Dawn’ Rosa floribunda 'New Dawn' 10’ tall. Vigorous rose with glossy, dark green leaves. Ever-blooming with cupped, soft-pink flowers. Full sun. Polygonum aubertii 20’ or longer. Vigorous vine with mediumgreen, heart-shaped leaves and small, fragrant, white flowers. Full sun/ part sun. Wisteria Japanese and Chinese Wisteria floribunda (Japanese) Wisteria chinensis syn. sinensis (Chinese) To 28’ long. Twining, woody vines with pinnate leaves. Pea-like flowers in late spring or early summer, in blue, lilac, pink or white. Full sun/ part shade. This rose is a tough and dependable rose, which blooms continually and is disease resistant. Can take some shade. This is a fast growing vine, which can cover 50 to 100 square feet in a season. Needs to be cut back to control growth. Is somewhat drought tolerant Wisteria is an elegant plant with striking flowers, are long lived, and do well on most soils. Wisteria may suffer chlorosis on alkaline soils. May take several years after planting before blooms appear. USDA Zone 5 (-20º F. minimum) Silver Lace Vine Fertile, humusrich, moist, well-drained soil. Average to fertile soil. Page 21 Fertile, moist, well-drained soil. USDA Zone 5 (-20º F. minimum) USDA Zone 3 (-40º F. minimum) USDA Zone 5 (-20º F. minimum) USDA Zone 5 (-20º F. minimum) 5 Ornamental Grasses for Kittitas County Recently ornamental grasses have been popular additions to home landscapes and gardens. Grasses add texture and color, and make a neutral backdrop for other perennials. Ornamental grasses looks fantastic when backlit with sunlight, changing their look, depending on the time of day. Additionally grasses add year round interest, looking attractive in the winter, as well as the rest of the season. They can be grown along an edge of a path, in a mixed border, in containers, or in a natural meadow or woodland setting. A few of the best choices to grow in our area are listed below. Common Name Botanical Name Plant Height Plant Description Sun/Shade Soil/Water Requirements Comments USDA Zone Blue Fescue Festuca glauca To 12” tall. Tight clumps of linear, arching, blue-green leaves, with spikes of bluish-violet flowers (seed heads). Sun/part sun. Very drought tolerant grass. Looks good in a mixed border, rock garden, or container. USDA Zone 4 (-30º F. minimum) Drooping Sedge Carex pendula To 4’. Evergreen, clumping grass with light-green leaves, bearing darkbrown flower spikes in spring. Sun/part sun. Poor to moderately fertile, welldrained, acid to neutral soil. Fertile, moist soil. Very graceful plant. Nice at the back of a mixed border. Makes a nice bog plant. USDA Zone 5 (-20º F. minimum) Japanese Bloodgrass ‘Rubra’ Imperata cylindrical ‘Rubra’ 1’ to 2’ tall. Full sun. Moist, welldrained, humus rich soil. Miscanthus sinesis ‘Cosmopolitan’ To 6’ tall. Full sun. Average, welldrained moist soil. Switch Grass ‘Heavy Metal’ Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’ 3’ to 4’ tall. Full sun. Average to fertile, welldrained soil. Striking perennial grass. Will spread by underground runners. Flowers best in hot summer climates. Tall, arching plant that look nice in a mixed border. Should be cut to the ground in spring. Grow in a mixed border. Tolerates a wide range of soils, dry to wet. Panicles can be cut and used in dried flower arrangements. USDA Zone 5 (-20º F. minimum) Eulia Grass ‘Cosmopolitan’ Erect, clumping perennial grass with linear, flat leaves, with red tips. Has erect spike-like panicles in late summer. Deciduous, clumping grass with green and cream to white striped leaves, followed by gray to maroon, spiked panicles in autumn. Upright to arching perennial grass with metallic, blue-green leaves that turn yellow in the fall, topped by airy, weeping, silvery to pink panicles in mid to late summer. Page 22 USDA Zone 5 (-20º F. minimum) USDA Zone 5 (-20º F. minimum)