Plants

Vinca major 'Variegata'

[Variegated Greater Periwinkle]

The Greater Periwinkle is very similar to the Common Periwinkle (Vinca minor), except it is overall larger and less cold hardy, only marginally hardy in USDA zones 5 and 6. 'Variegata' has irregular, creamy white markings along leaf margins. A great evergreen ground cover for shady locations. Spreads quickly after establishment in warmer climates. Does best with regular watering on well-drained soil. Prune back in the spring.

Vinca minor

[Common Periwinkle]

One of the best evergreen ground covers for a shady location. Spreads quickly after establishment. Subject to stem-rot disease when grown vigorously and in wet soil. Also does not like very dry soil and full sun. Does best with regular watering on well-drained soil.

Vinca minor 'Atropurpurea'

[Atropurpurea Periwinkle]

'Atropurpurea' is an excellent cultivar that has large, dark plum-purple flowers. One of the best evergreen ground covers for a shady location. Spreads quickly after establishment. Subject to stem-rot disease when grown vigorously and in wet soil. Also does not like very dry soil and full sun. Does best with regular watering on well-drained soil.

Vinca minor 'La Grave'

[La Grave Periwinkle]

Also known as cultivar 'Bowles', this very common and vigorous variant has large, blue-purple flowers. One of the best evergreen ground covers for a shady location. Spreads quickly after establishment. Subject to stem-rot disease when grown vigorously and in wet soil. Also does not like very dry soil and full sun. Does best with regular watering on well-drained soil.

Xanthocyparis nootkatensis

[Nootka Falsecypress]

The full-size tree is a fine screening plant. Does best with ample soil and atmospheric moisture. A very dry site exposing the plant to afternoon sun and wind in winter could lead to browning and discoloration. Avoid hard pruning into old wood, it will not regenerate new shoots.

Xanthocyparis nootkatensis 'Glauca'

[Blue Nootka Cypress]

Blue Nootka Cypress forms a dense screen of soft blue-green foliage. The tree is a fast growing evergreen that does not require pruning.

Xanthocyparis nootkatensis 'Moonshot'

[Moonshot Nootka Cypress]

Xanthocyparis nootkatensis 'Pendula'

[Pendulous Nootka Falsecypress]

The full-size tree is a fine screening plant. Does best with ample soil and atmospheric moisture. A very dry site exposing the plant to afternoon sun and wind in winter could lead to browning and discoloration. Avoid hard pruning into old wood, it will not regenerate new shoots. An unpleasant odor is emitted when the leaves are rubbed or crushed. Central leader with arching to horizontal branches with drooping branchlets.

Xanthocyparis nootkatensis 'Sullivan'

[Sullivan Nootka Cypress]

Noteworthy for its strong central leader and pyramidal growth habit.

Yucca filamentosa

[Adam's Needle Yucca]

Swordlike foliage gives this species the appearance of a desert plant, and it does tolerate dry soil well. Flower spikes bring overall plant height to over 6'. Best used in mass plantings. Doesn't like wet soils.