Perennials - Green

Carex oshimensis 'evergold' ( Sedge )

 
Description: A stunning selection of a Japanese native.This grass is a clumping type 1-2' high x 2-3' wide in maturity. Dark green leaves have a broad strip of creamy white to yellow down the center.
Ideal conditions: Part sun to shade with regular water. Organic matter will improve the size and quality of your plant. It will also improve water retention.
Bloom: Seed tuft at end of seaon in mature plants.

Helleborus argutifolius ( Corcican Hellebore )

 
Description: Evergreen plant. Erect or sprawling up to 2-3' tall . Staking works well. Oddly beautiful. Stalks are up to 2" in circumferance. Leaves are bluish green in groups of 3 with deeply serrated edges.
Ideal conditions: Partial sun to light shade. Composted soil. Regular water. Tolerates drought better than other varieties.
Bloom: Starts in very early spring if winter has been mild. Freezing conditions will blacken the leaves but so far on the coast it comes back fine. The flowers are chartreuse with a very firm texture. Very durable in the rain.

Liliaceae (Ophiopogon planiscapus)'black mondo grass'

 
Description: Dense clump 6-8" high Spreads wider by underground stems. Slow to establish as groundcover. Leaves emerge green and soon darken to a dull black.
Ideal conditions: Well drained soil, moderate to regular water. Sun part sun.
In Bloom: White to lilac flowers tucked down inside leaves usually appear in summer.

Pachysandra terminalis ( Japanese spurge )

 
Description: Compact growth 8"-12" high. Evergreen leaves are shiny dark green, or yellowish green.
Ideal conditions: Excellent ground cover in shady areas. Slow to start . Moist drained soil with plenty of organic matter.
Bloom: Small white flowers are borne in 1-2"spikes in spring
 

Hakonechloa macra 'aureola' ( Japanese forest grass )

 
Description: Clumps of gracefully arching leaves characterize this choice deciduous grass from Japan. 1-3' tall and somewhat wider. Spreads slowly on underground runners. Easy to pull out unwanted shoots.
Ideal conditions: Full sun on the coast, but can live in part shade. Regular water with average soil.
Bloom: None.

Euphorbia characias 'Tasmanian Tiger"

 
Description: Evergreen Up to 3' tall and 3' wide. Leaves are distinctly variegated with green centers and white margins.
Ideal conditions: Moist but well drained soil. Water regularly.
Bloom: Creamy white flowers in spring. Remove faded flowers to extend bloom period.
 

Euphorbia characias 'Wulfenii'

 
Description: Evergreen with 2-3"long slender, leathery blue green leaves. Can reach up to 5'tall.
Ideal conditions: Average well drained soil. Sun to light shade. Regular water.
Bloom: Large clusters of chartreuse flowers in late spring

Miscanthus sinensis 'Gold Bar' (Japanese silver grass)

 
Description: A lively looking clump forming variety of grass. 1-2' tall by the same across. Upright green leaves with golden yellow to cream bars that go across the blade horizontally.
Ideal conditions: Full sun or partial shade. Moderate to regular water with well drained soil and organic matter.
Bloom: grass type seed flowers are usually held well above foliage.
 

Alchemilla mollis 'Auslese' ( lady's mantle )

 
Descripton: Up to 2' tall. Nearly circular, sturdy scalloped edged leaves with a pocket at the base that holds water. light green in color. Self sows.
Ideal conditions: Full sun in cooler climates only. Prefers shade. Average soil with regular water.
Bloom: chartruese colored flowers in large branched clusters. Very attractive in mass or as a border.

Heuchera 'Lime Rickey' (coral bells)

 
Description: 9-10" in height. Broad chartreuse colored leaves with scalloped edges. Tender clumping evergreen. 
Ideal conditions: Full sun with afternoon shade in cool climates. Shade in all shows its colors best though. Moderate to regular water. Any drained moist soil will do, but beef it up with compost and it will really look great. Regular water.
Bloom: Slender wiry stems bear loose clusters of nodding bell shaped flowers. Typically .5 cm across or smaller.
 

Heuchera 'Marmalade' (Coral bells)

 
Description: 10-12" in height. This vigorous grower has a heavy substance and stands up to inclement weather. Mixed shades of red brown, and olive green.
Ideal conditions: Full sun with afternoon shade in cool climates. Shade in all shows its colors best though. Moderate to regular water. Any drained moist soil will do, but beef it up with compost and it will really look great. Regular water.
Bloom: Deep red flowers in early summer.
 

Matteuccia struthiopteris (Ostrich feather fern)

 
Description: Plant can grow 6' tall and 3' wide in moist moderate climates, but may only reach a quarter of that size in dry conditions.
Ideal conditions: Sun in cooler climates or part shade. Regular to ample water. Rich, moist, drained soil is best.
Bloom: none

Polystichum setiferum 'Herrenhausen' ( soft needle fern )

 
Description: 2-3' high very soft finely cut fronds give an effect of green lace. Plantlets form on midribs of older fronds. These can be detached and planted.
Ideal conditions: Part sun to shade. Regular water and rich, moist, drained soil.
Bloom : none

Cyrtomium falcatum ( japanese holly fern )

 
Description: 2' tall and 3' across in maturity. A very slow grower that won't take over. Grows upright like a vase.
Ideal conditions: Prefers rich, moist to wet soil which will keep it growing. Sun to part shade.
Bloom: None
 

Aegopodium podagraria 'variegatum' ( gout weed )

 
Description: Extremely vigorous ground cover. Will become invasive. Oval shaped leaves up to 3" long. Variegated.
Ideal conditions: Partial or full shade with moderate water. Containment is advised near uncontrolled areas.
Bloom: Light airy spray of white flowers. Good fill for arrangements, but can have a funky smell sometimes.

Asarum 'europaeum' ( European wild ginger )

 
Description: Groundcover native to Europe. Shiny, dark green, heartshaped, evergreen leaves 2-3" wide. Slow spreader
Ideal Conditions: Shade to part sun with ample water, and rich soil. Watch out for slug and snail trafffic jams when they are starting out.
Blooms: no bloom.

Hosta 'August Moon' ( Plantain Lily )

 
Description: 20" high x 2' wide. Medium large, round corrugated, greenish golden leaves.
Ideal conditions: Grows best in rich, drained soil with consistant moisture. Full shade to part sun on the coast.
Bloom: Almost white flowers bloom in midsummer.
 

Hosta fortunei 'Aureomarginata' ( Plantain Lily )

 
Description: A large leaved variety grown mostly for foliage. A mature plant will reach 24" high x 36" wide. Distinctly veined deep olive green leaves irregularly rimmed in yellow.
Ideal Conditions: Grows best in rich, drained soil with consistant moisture. Full shade to part sun on the coast.
Bloom: Lavender blooms in late spring to early summer.
 

Hosta Hybrid 'Big Daddy' (Plantain Lily)

 
Description: A large leaved variety grown mostly for foliage. A mature plant will reach 26" high x 36" wide. Leaves sre distinctly veined, with a blueish green color.
Ideal Conditions: Grows best in rich, drained soil with consistant moisture. Full shade to part sun on the coast.
Bloom: Lavender blooms in late spring to early summer.
 

Hosta x tardiana 'Halcyon' ( PlantainLily)

 
Description: A narrower leaved variety grown mostly for foliage. A mature plant will reach 10-18"high x 24 " wide. Leaves sre distinctly veined, with a blueish green color.
Ideal Conditions: Grows best in rich, drained soil with consistant moisture. Full shade to part sun on the coast.
Bloom: Lavender blooms in late spring to early summer.

Echinacea purpurea 'Green Envy' ( Coneflower )

 
Description: Dark green, coarse mounds of foliage hold up thick, stiff stems. 36" tall.
Ideal conditions: Full sun to partial. Well drained fertile soil with regular water although it can take drought once established.
Bloom: The petal tips emerge green and hold the color until the purple takes over by slowly streaking down. The older flower is all purple.

Santolina chamaecyparissus 'nana' ( Lavender Cotton )

 
Description: Small woody shrub that is sold as a perennial. Tiny grey leaves make it look almost furry. When cut or bruised it is highly aromatic. Grows 12"-14" high x 24" wide.
Ideal conditions: A Mediterranean native dictates its need for hot and dry conditions. Loose well drained soil with little to no added water. Cut to the ground, or to healthiest new growth at the base in spring to maintain its full shape.
Bloom: Fuzzy yellow flowers start in mid summer to late. I cut the flowers off quickly, and keep it as a foliage plant. Doing this seems to lengthen the life span of it.

Stachys byzantina ( Lambs Ears )

 
Description: Low, dense, rosettes of large ( 4-6" long ), tongue shaped, grey leaves covered in fine white hair gives this plant a silky, soft, silver glow. Spreads freely by surface runners to as wide as you'll let it go. Tends to burn out in the center when it gets to wide. Either cut back side shoots heavily or dig out the center and replace with a new shoot.
Ideal conditions: Any well draining soil with hot sun on the coast or partial shade with good air flow.
Bloom: Thick furry stems host a nondescript flower that I cut Off. I use the plant as an accent foliage only. Lasts a long time this way and burns out less.

Mukdenia aceriphyllum rossii

 
Description: 6"-12" high groundcover from the saxifrage family . Leaves start out bright green and shaped like a med size maple leaf. Slowly the color turns to red from the outside to the center.
Ideal conditions: Rich, moist, forest like soil. Partial to full shade. Regular water.
Bloom: Mid spring brings a flat spray of white flowers with a red center.
 
 

Houttuynia cordata 'Chameleon' ( Chameleon Plant )

 
Description: Unusual groundcover that can become invasive in moist ground. Underground rhizomes send up 2"-3" leaves that look similar to ivy. The leaves are scented like a combination of orange, and English ivy. They are colored in splashes of green, cream, and red. Dies back in winter, and sleeps in a bit late in the spring.
Ideal conditions: Moist, fertile soil with regular water, and full sun on the coast. Can also be grown in shallow water as a contained pond plant.
Bloom: Small clusters of white flowers similar to dogwood make a show in mid summer.

Myriophyllum brasiliensis ( Red Stemmed Parrot's Feather )

 
Description: Whorls of blue green feathery foliage with unusual red stems. Tips curve upward above the water. An excellent refuge and habitat for aquatic wildlife.
Ideal conditions: Top of the pot can go as deep as 24" below the water surface. Can grow 16"- 24" above water level.
Bloom: No Bloom.

Sedum alboroseum 'Mediovariegatum'

 
Description: This is one of the few sedums with variegated foliage that is an upright grower. Green leaves, softly serrated edges with creamy yellow center. Stands 12" - 18" high x the same wide.
Ideal conditions: Full sun to keep the variegation. Most soil types will suffice. Average to low water needs.
Bloom: Large clusters of star-shaped, white to slightly pink tinted flowers.
 

Sedum sieboldii 'October Daphne'

 
Description: Small, blue grey, succulent, round leaves with a wine red edge more defined with cooler temps. on softly arching stems create a trailing look that is unique year round. 6" high x 12" wide.
Ideal conditions: Average to dry well drained soil in full sun. Low water needs.
Bloom: Small sprays of dusty rose flowers in mid to late summer almost interfere with the soothing look of the foliage.

Sedum 'Acre' ( Golden Carpet )

 
Description: 2" high creeping sedum groundcover has bright green round fleshy leaves that are softly serrated on the edges.
Ideal conditions: Average to dry well drained soil in full sun. moderate water needs.
Bloom: Clusters of bright yellow star shaped flowers in summer.

Astilboides tabularis ( Sheildleaf Rodgersia )

 
Description: This forms a large specimen-sized mound of deep green circular, umbrella-like leaves. 30"-45" tall x 30" 35" wide.
Ideal conditions: Best in a very moist area, even beside a stream or pond. In hot, humid summer regions this is best in partial shade. Will tolerate full sun with plenty of moisture and a rich soil.
Bloom: Large creamy white plumes of Astilbe-like flowers make an appearance in early summer.

Stipa 'gigantea' ( Giant Feather grass )

 
Description: Clumps of narrow arching shiny leaves grow in 2'-3' high x wide tufts. Masses of thin but sturdy stems reach from 6'-8' tall.
Ideal conditions: Any well drained soil should work. Full sun. Regular water until established then it can withstand a drought.
Bloom: Open, airy grass flowers create a shimmering cloud. Has a pinkish hue at first then turns to a wheat color.
 

Arrhenatherum elatius'variegatum' ( Bulbous oat grass )

 
Description: Heavily striped bluish-green and white leaves. Stands 12"-14" high x the same wide. Stays in clumps quite well.
Ideal conditions: Plant in part shade in warm climates, full sun in coastal and cooler climates. Prefers moist well draining soil. Average water needs. May get burnt ends in drought conditions.
Bloom: A wheat colored grass flower emerges in summer.

Festuca 'glauca' ( Blue Fescue)

 
Description: Tight clumps of narrow. very long, needlelike, greyish blue leaves. 8"- 10"high x 8"-12".
Ideal conditions: Average soil, well drained. Full sun with moderate water.
Bloom: Tan spikes appear in summer. May be removed.

Juncus 'effusus' ( Common Rush )

 
Description: Long, stiff, arching, needlelike, hollow leaves are dark green. Leaves are circular instead of flat. Forms dense clumps that are 3'- 4' in height x the same wide.
Ideal conditions: Moist to wet soil. Full sun to part shade.
Bloom: Leaves have a brown tuft of flowers that emerges from the side about 5"- 6" from the top.

Carex 'obnupta' ( Slough Sedge )

 
Description: Clumps of shiny, dark green, narrow, blade like leaves. Very sharp on both edges. Clumps can reach 2'- 4' tall x the same wide. Popular basket material used by the Nuu-Chah-nulth, and the Makah. Evergreen.
Ideal conditions: Moist to wet soil. Full sun on coast to part.
Bloom: Each erect stalk will form multiple dark brown 1 1/2" long seed tufts.
 

Miscanthus sinensis 'Goldbar' ( Japanese silver Grass )

 
Description: Compact, upright growth. Up to 4' tall. Green with bars of gold that cross the long leaves horizontally. Dies down in winter.
Ideal conditions: Average to moist soil in full sun. Regular water.
Bloom: Burgundy grass seed plumes rise just above the foliage in fall.

Fuchsia 'Tom West' ( Variegated leaf Fuchsia )

 
Description: This fuchsia has a pretty flower, but the fascination of it is in the foliage. Leaves are light green with cream edges that fade in and out of shades of pink. Veins in leaves, and new stems are dark pink. stands 12"-18" tall x 18"- 24" wide. Tender perennial. I bring mine into the green house for the winter, and make lots of cuttings just in case.
Ideal conditions: Fertile, moist, well drained soil with good air circulation. Part sun to shade. The less sun it receives will give you less flowers, but the foliage really brightens up a shady spot. 
Bloom: Flowers appear in summer as dark pink, thin, tubular shaped trailing blossoms.

Lamium maculatum 'White Nancy' ( Creeping lamium, Dead nettle )

 
Description: Low growing groundcover that brightens up a shady spot. White, heart shaped leaves are edged in green with green veins. 6" tall x 2'- 3'. Evergreen in a mild winter.
Ideal conditions: Moist fertile soil with lots of water, and shade. Hanging baskets as well as planters.
Bloom: White flowers in summer.

Crassula aborascens
 

Description: In maturity this is a large single-stemmed, many branched shrub or small tree, easily reaching a height of up to 3 m. The trunk is thick and fleshy and has a smooth, green-grey bark. The leaves are thick and fleshy, with a blue-grey, waxy skin, rounded with a sharp tip, The edges have a reddish rim.
Ideal conditions: Plants typically grow in sandstone and shale-derived soils in rocky to gravel-like conditions. Low water needs. Grown on the coast in containers with excellent drainage. Hot sun, and an indoor winter.
Bloom: Flowers in summer with small, star like clusters from white to pink.
 

Echeveria 'Doris Taylor' ( Wooly Rose )

 
Description: Clustering succulent rosette, hairy leaves, 5 inches in diameter .
Ideal conditions: Water as needed in summer. Grown on the coast in containers with excellent drainage. Hot sun, and an indoor winter.
Bloom: Short ( 5"- 6"), sprays of orange flowers in summer. I tend to cut them off even though they are beautiful as they seem to shorten the life span of the plant in our cold climate. They are beautiful in a mini arrangement.

Echeveria 'Blue Curls'

 
Description: Large blue-green leaves with softly, ruffled edges
form a single stem rosette. New ones grow on the stem and can be gently broken off . In the cooler months the ruffled edges turn crimson.
Ideal conditions: Water as needed in summer. Grown on the coast in containers with excellent drainage. Hot sun, and an indoor winter.
Bloom: Tall sprays ( 12"- 14" ) of small, hanging bell shaped flowers in bright orange start in mid summer. I tend to cut them off even though they are beautiful as they seem to shorten the life span of the plant in our cold climate. They are beautiful in an arrangement, and long lasting.
 

Echeveria 'Glauca'

 
Description: This is a very hardy echeveria with a blueish green color. Thick leaves in rosette form with a slight upward lift at the end of the leaf.
Ideal conditions: Water as needed in summer. Grown on the coast in containers with excellent drainage. Hot sun, and an indoor winter.
Bloom: Short ( 5"- 6"), sprays of orange flowers in summer. I tend to cut them off even though they are beautiful as they seem to shorten the life span of the plant in our cold climate. They are beautiful in a mini arrangement.
 

Echeveria 'Lauii'

 
Description: Small, round leaves similar in size to the end of a large thumb. Dull, grey green, with a tinge of pink in summer. Height in maturity is about 6" high.
Ideal conditions: Water as needed in summer. Grown on the coast in containers with excellent drainage. Hot sun, and an indoor winter.
Bloom: Tiny, fleshy, orange- pink flowers about 2" long spill out. I tend to cut them off even though they are beautiful as they seem to shorten the life span of the plant in our cold climate.

Echeveria 'Shaviana'

 
Description: This succulent has flat almost tounge shaped leaves set in a loose rosette form. Outer leaves grow out and then up with a slight ruffle on the tips. Color is light grey with a pink hue. Height is roughly 3"- 4" high.
Ideal conditions: Water as needed in summer. Grown on the coast in containers with excellent drainage. Hot sun, and an indoor winter.
Bloom: Short ( 5"- 6"), sprays of orange flowers in summer. I tend to cut them off even though they are beautiful as they seem to shorten the life span of the plant in our cold climate. They are beautiful in a mini arrangement.

Echeveria runyonii ' Topsy Turvy'

 
Description: Clumping rosette succulent with a loose form. 8-12 inches wide .Leaves are light greenish grey . They curve up with a center ridge that travels the length of the leaf to a pointed tip.
Ideal conditions: Water as needed in summer. Grown on the coast in containers with excellent drainage. Hot sun, and an indoor winter.
Bloom: Short ( 5"- 6"), sprays of orange flowers in summer. I tend to cut them off even though they are beautiful as they seem to shorten the life span of the plant in our cold climate. They are beautiful in a mini arrangement.

Graptoveria 'Acaulis'

 
Description: A fairly quick spreading succulent with masses of pearly pink longish leaves forming rosettes. The pink coloration becomes deeper in winter.
Ideal conditions: Water as needed in summer. Grown on the coast in containers with excellent drainage. Hot sun, and an indoor winter.
Bloom: Very small cream colored flowers in summer.

Graptoveria 'Opalina'

 
Description: Thick, smooth, leaves that are wide at the bottom, and come to a point at the tip. They are under 1" long. The rosette shape is perfect. The color is bluish pink.
Ideal conditions: Water as needed in summer. Grown on the coast in containers with excellent drainage. Hot sun, and an indoor winter.
Bloom: Very small cream on the outside with orange inside colored flowers in summer.
 

Crassula 'Tetragona' ( Miniature Pine Tree )

 
Description: A succulent shrub with upright stems and a tree-like habit will reach about 2 feet tall with an equal spread. The opposite, dark green leaves are like fat needles and can reach a length of 1 3/4". Quite fragile in structure.
Ideal conditions: Water as needed in summer. Grown on the coast in containers with excellent drainage. Hot sun, and an indoor winter.
Bloom: Apparently in the right condition it has a Spray of small white flowers at the top of each branch. I haven't seen it , and probably won't unless I move it indoors permanently.

Sedeveria 'Starburst'

 
Description: Rosettes of thick, longish, rounded, silvery green leaves cluster along slender branches. Develops an apricot hue when grown in full sun. Great cascading over the sides of a pot.
Ideal conditions: Water as needed in summer. Grown on the coast in containers with excellent drainage. Hot sun, and an indoor winter.
Bloom: I have not seen them flower, and can't find any information on what they look like.

Sempervivum 'Pacific Red Rose' ( Hens and Chicks )

 
Description: Stunning olive green rosettes edged in crimson 5"- 6"wide, turning deep crimson in spring. Part sun/light shade.
Ideal conditions: Hot and dry location with well drained soil of most types. Might be lost in temps below 0 . Sometimes will come back from nothing, but most time not. Works well in shallow planters and containers.
Bloom: The flower is like a thick stemmed turret with clusters of daisy like pink flowers on top and sides. ( Stem makes it kind of ugly...sorry )

Sempervivum arachnoideum 'Hookeri' ( Spiderweb Hens and Chicks )

 
Description: Small clusters of rosettes with each one being under 1" in diameter. Color at the base is olive green . The tips are a deep red. Each rosette is covered in a spider web type material.
Ideal conditions: Hot and dry location with well drained soil of most types. Might be lost in temps below 0 . Sometimes will come back from nothing, but most time not. Works well in shallow planters and containers.
Bloom: Small pink daisy like flower with a yellow center on a thick stem.

Azolla caroliniana ( Mosquito fern, Fairy moss )

 
Description: This plant floats on the surface of water by means of numerous, small, closely-overlapping scale-like leaves. Their roots hang in the water. Looks like tiny ferns, or moss.
Ideal conditions: Still water in partial sun. As it gets hotter the color changes from green to red. Great protection for fish in a shallow pond.
Bloom: No flowers, but azolla has been used in rice paddies for over a thousand years as a nitrogen fertilizer ( it self fixes nitrogen from the atmosphere converting it at top speed ! ), weed suppressant, and mosquito laying repellant. Tests are being done on livestock as a food additive for them.
Copyright © 2013 Crystal Cove Beach Resort. All rights reserved.
Web design by Acro Media Inc