A common question often asked of a Master Gardener (MG) is, “What are the best native, or perennial, or summer blooming, or ‘you get the idea’ type of plants?”

As you might guess, if you ask several MGs, you will get several different lists. Furthermore, if you are familiar with MGs, you know that you will never really get a list, or quick answer, rather a long explanation considering all the cultural considerations in choosing a plant.

It’s your lucky day; the Clallam County MGs are so busy preparing for the Spring Plant Sale, there is no time for long explanations. A group of MGs were asked, “What is your favorite native, spring blooming, summer blooming and shrub type plants?” A list, representing some of the “best,” is offered.

And since there won’t be a long winded explanation, the MGs were also asked, “What is your favorite gardening resource?” That’s a clever reminder that it is always important to research the cultural needs and different varieties before choosing a plant.

Natives

• Red flowering current (Ribes sanguineum), hands down, is on the top of most lists. Its a beautiful large bush with drooping, bright pink to red, flowers in early spring.

• Vine maple (Acer circinatum), a small tree, made the list for its gorgeous fall foliage.

• Tall Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium) has year-round evergreen foliage and striking early spring yellow flowers.

• Red-Osier dogwood (Cronus serviceable) is a wonderful border plant, especially in wet areas, and has a beautiful display of red stems in the winter.

• Evergreen huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum) is another lovely evergreen shrub with small edible berries late summer.

Spring bloomers

• Snow drops (Galanthus invalids) is one of the first flowers of spring with adorable white flower hanging like a drop off a deep green stem.

• Leopard’s-bane (Doronicum orientale) has a cheerful daisy-like yellow flower that blooms early even in a little shade.

• White fawn lily (Erythronium oregonum) is a native perennial bulb with 12-18 inch high showy white blooms in early spring.

• Rock cress (Aubrieta Deltoidea) will thrill with a profusion of long lasting blooms and the plant will survive the dry summer with little care.

• Daffodil (Narcissus) is common but so hardy and cheerful, it comes in many varieties from the standard yellow to the tiny tete-a-tete.

Summer/fall bloomers

• Liatris, is on the top of most lists, it’s a flower spike loved by gardeners, as well as, hummingbirds and is perfect in a cottage or cutting garden.

• Blanket flower (Gaillardia) comes in bright color combinations (a lot of orange) and is a treat for pollinators, summer into fall.

• Chrysanthemum is the standard bearer of fall, but like daffodils, it comes in so many varieties it’s hard not to love.

• Black-eyed-Susan (Rudbeckia) has to be one of the easiest, longest blooming and toughest daisy-like flowers to make a statement in your garden.

• Fall blooming crocus (Calchicum) is a fascinating, but not well known, fall blooming bulb with large cup-shaped flowers borne 6 inches off the ground.

Shrubs

• Rhododendron genus counts the official state flower amongst its varieties ( Pacific Rhododendron, R. macrophllum) and has to be on any “best” list.

• Hydrangea is another very common but favorite shrub that has so many varieties it can be used in a wooded border or planted in a container.

• Sweet box (Sarcocacoca) has evergreen foliage and is a shrub that likes shade. It produces a tiny flower with a lovely fragrance in late winter.

• Japanese Aralia (Fatsia japonica) is not for everyone but it is a shade loving, large leaved shrub that will lend a tropical feel to a garden.

• Ninebark (Physocarpus), a beautiful low maintenance shrub that has many varieties (including a native) with different foliage color and size to select from.

Resources

• “Sunset Western Garden Guide” (2012); published by TI, Inc. Books

• “Maritime Northwest Garden Guide”; published by the Seattle Tilth

• “Vegetable Gardening in the Pacific Northwest” by Lorene E. Forkner (2013); Timber Press

• WSU Extension Hortsense: hortsense.cahnrs.wsu.edu

• Clallam County MG Plant Clinics: extension.wsu.edu/clallam/mg/plant clinics

Many of these great plants, and many other favorites, will be available at the Master Gardener Spring Plant Sale on May 4, starting at 9 a.m., at the Woodcock Demonstration Garden, 2711 Woodcock Road.

Susan Kalmar is a Clallam County WSU Master Gardener.