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Native flowering plants for high altitude #332353

Asked June 14, 2016, 2:46 PM EDT

I have been asked by some friends to help them lay out some new landscaping for their home here in Sunriver. They have a few Mugho Pines in front, some Catmint and Sylvia. Not sure if Sylvia and English Lavender are the same or not? Anyway, the Sylvia is south-facing and they would like the Catmint to replace the Sylvia, which is not doing well. I would like to get your input on a native plant array to include Pygmy Barberry, Blue Fescue and Scotch Broom (Cytisus decumbens). The latter is the question, not sure if this is the right plant but I've seen this around Sunriver. It remains relatively low, and does not require much water or other care. The Mugho Pines need to be trimmed back to maintain a low profile, which I can do. I was wondering which plants would be good attractors for pollinators. My mother has English Lavender and Verbena in 4 large pots on her deck and we are seeing some butterflies and bees. Just wondering if the Verbena will grow will in our soil here in Sunriver. Thanks

Deschutes County Oregon

Expert Response

Hi,  I will answer all of your questions in the order in which you asked them.

1.Salvia and English Lavender are not the same plant, but both hardy perennials for central Oregon. Some varieties of Salvia will reseed heavily.

2. Catmint works well and again some varieties reseed heavily other do not.

3. Pygmy Barberry and Blue fescue although neither is native, they do well in central Oregon. The low growing broom you are seeing is not Scotch Broom (which is a noxious weed) but likely the cultivated varieties, Lydia's Broom or Moonlight Broom. They are related to Scotch Broom but not noxious.

4. It is not recommended to heavily prune mugo pine.  They candles can be clipped when they start to grow in Spring to help maintain size, but pruning into the old wood is not ideal.

5. Salvia, Catmint are both plants that attract pollinators. Verbena, an annual not perennial,  will need to have some amendment if planted directly in the ground.

For other suggestions on plants:  http://extension.oregonstate.edu/deschutes/sites/default/files/xeri-all_1.pdf  

Thanks,

Amy Jo Detweiler,  Professor and Extension Horticulturist Replied June 15, 2016, 4:50 PM EDT
Amy Jo
The Question Asker Replied June 15, 2016, 7:57 PM EDT
This is Lydia's broom.
Amy Jo Detweiler,  Professor and Extension Horticulturist Replied June 15, 2016, 10:39 PM EDT

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