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195-004-1 Magnolia 'Ann' 
Sun Zone 3-8 Red Purple flowers
There is nothing quite like the glow of the large, red purple, cupped flowers of Magnolia 'Ann' against the gray of our midspring skies. What is amazing is that 'Ann' doesn't stop there but keeps blooming intermittently throughout the summer. At 8 feet tall, it is an ideal small tree for an urban garden. Midspring and repeats throughout summer. bloom 8-10 ft. x 8 ft.

195-001D4 Magnolia ashei 
Sun, Part Shade Zones 7, 8, 9 White flowers
Although it hales from North Florida, this deciduous species is surprisingly hardy. What is most surprising about the tree, is the size of its giant leaves which can measure up to 2 feet in length. These dark green, glossy leaves have distinctly glaucous undersides. Magnolia ashei is particularly rewarding because, unlike many magnolias, it will come to bloom three or four years after you plant it. The blooms are magnificent, ten-inch wide, saucer-like flowers that are well worth the brief wait. Looking inside one you will see a red stain at the base of each petal. Early summer. bloom 30-70 ft. x 25 ft.
463-001D4 Mahonia nevinii 
Sun Zones 8, 9, 10 Yellow flowers
The tough, narrow, holly-like leaves with glaucous blue green surfaces and powdery blue undersides of Mahonia nevinii indicate clearly that this is a plant from a dry region, in this case Southern California. It has proven to be a reliable shrub here in the Pacific Northwest reaching 7 to 8 feet in height on gnarled, very textural branches. The evergreen leaves are copper-red when young, complementing the dense racemes of yellow flowers. In midsummer, it bears slightly orange red berries. Early to mid-spring. bloom 7-8 ft. x 6-8 ft.

463-003D4 Mahonia repens 
Sun, Part Shade, Shade Zones 6, 7, 8 Yellow flowers
Mahonia repens is an especially blue-foliaged selection of our NW native woodland groundcover. Its evergreen, thick, holly-like foliage is always attractive, but never more so than when it is in bloom with complementary yellow flowers. Later blue-black fruits offer a more subtle contrast. A Great Plant Picks selection. Mid- to late spring. bloom 12 in. x 3 ft.

512-002D4 Marrubium incanum 
Sun Zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Near White flowers
We grow Marrubium incanum in the dry border where we admire the gray green leaves that are densely felted in white on their reverses. It bears whorls of white flowers. Early summer. bloom 20 in. x 24 in.
338-001 Mazus radicans 
Sun, Part Shade Zones 6, 7, 8 Violet flowers
Mazus radicans is a ground hugging dense mat former with foliage closely attached to the stem. The rounded leaves are stippled brown and complement the pretty violet flowers. From New Zealand. May to June. bloom 1 in. x indefinite.
338-003 Mazus reptans 
Sun, Part Shade Zones 5, 6, 7, 8 Purple Blue flowers
Mazus reptans is a very dense mat former that is suitable for a part-shade situation. Small bluish flowers. Can tolerate light foot traffic. Late spring to summer. bloom 2 in. x indefinite.
338-002 Mazus reptans 'Albus' 
Sun, Part Shade Zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 White flowers
Mazus reptans 'Albus' is a vigorous and very dense mat former used successfully by many of our customers who need a fairly fast spreading and easy ground cover. Pure white flowers. From the Himalayas. Summer. bloom 2 in. x indefinite.
052-001 Meconopsis cambrica ( Welsh poppy ) 
Sun, Part Shade Zones 6, 7, 8 Yellow Orange flowers
One of our staff took advantage of the long bloom period of this shallow-cupped, orange flowered poppy of Meconopsis cambrica and placed it next to black leafed Ophiopogon for a Halloween arrangement. Does well with surprisingly little light. Reseeds, so place it where it can mingle. Midspring to midsummer. bloom 18 in. x 12 in.

562-002D4 Melianthus major 'Antonow's Blue' ( Honey Bush ) 
Sun, Part Shade Zones 8, 9, 10 Brownish Red flowers
South Africa. Melianthus major 'Antonow's Blue' is a bright blue leafed form that was found in the garden of the late Steven Antonow whose untimely death surprised the garden community in the Northwest. Every time we see its large, bold, primatively toothed foliage, we remember his exceptional garden where we first saw this. The pinnate, evergreen leaves can be as long as 20 inches. Spring to midsummer. bloom 6-10 ft. x 3-10 ft.

660-001 Melittis melissophyllum 
Part Shade Zones 6, 7, 8, 9 White/Purple Pink flowers
We grow Melittis melissophyllum in our Woodland Border where it produces its lovely flowers over a long time. The rounded leaves have scalloped edges and are aromatic to the touch. The white flowers are two-lipped with a large purple pink blotch in the lower lip. Late spring to early summer. bloom 28 in. x 20 in.

618-001 Mentha requienii ( Corsican mint ) 
Shade, Part Shade Zones 6, 7, 8, 9 Lilac-Pink flowers
Brush the tiny green leaves of Mentha requienii and release the intense fragrance of earthy peppermint. This needs shade and consistant water to keep it looking its best during our hot, dry summers. Whorls of tiny little flowers grace this mat-former. Once established it is tolerent of some foot traffic, releasing its scent with every step. Summer. bloom 1/2 in. x indefinite.
200-001-2 Metasequoia glyptostroboides ( Dawn redwood ) 
Sun Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
China. Metasequoia glyptostroboides is an ancient conifer, known only through fossil records until rediscovered after WWII. We used to grow it in a huge tub in our retail area until we grew concerned about its ever increasing height. We moved it to a permanent site. The tree is deciduous turning a golden brown in autumn before dropping its leaves and revealing its well-branched silhouette. In spring the soft green foliage is very appealing. Fast growing, always interesting. A great tree for a large garden. A Great Plant Picks selection. 70-130 ft. x 15 ft.
825-001 Milium effusum 'Aureum' ( Golden wood millet ) 
Part Shade Zones 5, 6, 7, 8
We are always looking for ways to lighten up shady borders. This clumping grass can indeed do just that. Its soft blades are at their brightest in the spring when they are new. As the season advances, they turn golden green. We use Milium effusum 'Aureum' to contrast with darker foliaged shade plants like Sarcococca and ferns. Be sure to maintain regular water during the summer to keep this grass looking its best. Spring. bloom 2-3 ft. x 2 ft.
053-004 Mimulus cardinalis ( Monkeyflower ) 
Part Shade Zones 6, 7, 8, 9 Scarlet flowers
Mimulus cardinalis is a wonderful accent for a woodland setting. Scarlet monkey flowers with yellow throat markings bloom generously over a long period. A nice treat for humminbirds in a partly shady section of the garden. Summer. bloom 36 in. x 24 in.

299-001-1 Miscanthus giganteus ( Giant Chinese silver grass ) 
Sun Zones 6, 7, 8, 9
Miscanthus giganteus (floridulus) is a giant grass that has towering silvery tassels 12 feet in the air. Forms a graceful screen. 8-12 ft. x 5 ft.

299-006-1 Miscanthus 'Purpurascens' ( Flame grass ) 
Sun Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Miscanthus 'Purpurascens' is a shorter grass whose green leaves turn iridescent red and purple in the fall accenting the silver plumes. Because our summers are often dry, we have found this needs more water during the growing season than other maiden grasses in order to put on its display. Fall. bloom 3-4 ft.
299-022-1 Miscanthus sinensis 'Adagio' 
Sun Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Miscanthus sinensis 'Adagio' (Bluemel) is a superb shorter maiden grass with the habit of Miscanthus 'Yaku Jima'. The bronzy inflorescences are held above the narrow leafed foliage in a stately manner. By autumn, the blades transform into a whirl of orange, gold and burgundy. A Great Plant Picks selection. 5 ft.

299-013-1 Miscanthus sinensis 'Arabesque' 
Sun Zones 6, 7, 8, 9
Miscanthus sinensis 'Arabesque' (Bluemel) is a mid-sized, narrow bladed grass with a distinct midrib of silver. Silvery inflorescences in August and September. Good burgundy stems. August and September. bloom 5 ft.

299-002-1 Miscanthus sinensis 'Autumn Light' 
Sun Zones 6, 7, 8, 9
Miscanthus sinensis 'Autumn Light' produces quarter-inch wide foliage that takes on yellow and claret tones in the autumn. 8-foot bloom spike. September. bloom 8 ft.

299-023-1 Miscanthus sinensis 'Flamingo' 
Sun Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Miscanthus sinensis 'Flamingo' bears claret stems and loose pink inflorescences on this winning grass. 7 ft.

299-030D4 Miscanthus sinensis 'Gold Bar' 
Sun Zones 5, 6, 7, 8
Miscanthus sinensis 'Gold Bar' PP15193 is a Joy Creek Introduction. Truly a show-stopper with its dense and dramatic gold striping from the base of the grass to its top. It is exceptionally upright and compact in habit. At the end of October, burgundy inflorescences appear just above the blades. Try it in the mixed border or in a container. After 8 years, this finally grew to 5 feet in height. Great for use in pots and in small urban gardens. A Great Plant Picks selection. Late October. bloom 4-5 ft. x 20 in. at base.

299-031D4 Miscanthus sinensis 'Gold Breeze' PP22311 
Sun Zones 5, 6, 7, 8 Copper Red flowers
Miscanthus sinensis 'Gold Breeze'PPAF is a Joy Creek Introduction. This is a bigger and softer appearing version of Miscanthus 'Gold Bar'. Like 'Gold Bar', its blades have dense horizontal gold stripes from the base of the plant to its tip. Where the dark green blades of 'Gold Bar' are stiff, however, those of 'Gold Breeze' are broad, arching, and apple-green. The name conjures up the way the grass moves in the wind. When the showy red inflorescences appear in late August, they stand atop 6.5-ft. stems. Fall bloom 7 ft. x 30 in.

299-004-1 Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus' 
Sun Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
This "most graceful" old cultivar is still a standard for grasses. The narrow green blades of Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus' form an arching fountain, taking on autumn tones of gold and later burgundy. The tawny inflorescences open late in September and early October. A Great Plant Picks selection. September and early October. bloom 7 ft.

299-015-1 Miscanthus sinensis 'Graziella' 
Sun Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
In our gardens, Miscanthus sinensis 'Graziella' (Pagels) is distinct from the other maiden grasses because of the burgundy reverses on the green blades and the darkness of the stems. The white midrib of the blades turns rosy as it matures. Silvery plumes. 7 ft.
299-025-1 Miscanthus sinensis 'Grosse Fontaine' 
Sun Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
We were not prepared for the stunning autumnal copper and burgundy of the blades of Miscanthus sinensis 'Grosse Fontaine' (Pagels). The inflorescences fade to a lovely gold. 8 ft.
299-016-1 Miscanthus sinensis 'Kirk Alexander' 
Sun Zones 6, 7, 8, 9
This gold barred grass is shorter, more compact and freer flowering than 'Zebrinus.' The apple green blades of Miscanthus sinensis 'Kirk Alexander' turn yellow in the fall. The inflorescences are coffee-colored. 6 ft.

299-026-1 Miscanthus sinensis 'Malepartus' 
Sun Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Miscanthus sinensis 'Malepartus' (Pagels) is a sturdy grass with broad green blades that turn coppery with rose highlights in late summer. The thick burgundy stems bear plum colored inflorescences that fade to buff. September. bloom 7 ft.

299-005-1 Miscanthus sinensis 'Morning Light' 
Sun Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
The narrow silver-edged blades of Miscanthus sinensis 'Morning Light' create a shimmering magical effect. Suitable for gardens or containers. Six-foot stems bear red bronze tassels. A Great Plant Picks selection. Fall. bloom 5 ft.

299-018-1 Miscanthus sinensis 'November Sunset' 
Sun Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Miscanthus sinensis 'November Sunset' (Bluemel) has narrow crisp green leaves with white midribs. Blooms in late fall as the foliage reddens to the color of Madeira. Late fall. bloom 6 ft.
299-019-1 Miscanthus sinensis 'Puenktchen' 
Sun Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Miscanthus sinensis 'Puenktchen' (Pagels) is similar to Miscanthus 'Strictus' but even stiffer and more compact for us. The name means "little dot" and the cream barring on light green blades does resemble little dots on either side of the pale midrib. Tawny inflorences in November. November. bloom 4 ft.

299-011-1 Miscanthus sinensis 'Sarabande' 
Sun Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Miscanthus sinensis 'Sarabande' (Bluemel) has very narrow blades with a pronounced white midrib. Coppery inflorescences open russet in early September. Early September. bloom 6 ft.

299-012-1 Miscanthus sinensis 'Silberfeder' 
Sun Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
The name means "silver feather." The light pink-fading-to-silver inflorescences of Miscanthus sinensis 'Silberfeder' (Hans Simon) rise distinctly higher above the foliage than in many maiden grasses. The stems are somewhat rosy. A Great Plant Picks selection. Late August. bloom 7 ft.

299-027-1 Miscanthus sinensis 'Silberspinne' 
Sun Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
In mid-August, the claret stems of Miscanthus sinensis 'Silberspinne (Pagels)' hold young metallic pink inflorescences that fade to silver as they age. The foliage on this maiden grass is narrow and bright green. The name means "silver spider" which refers to the inflorescences. Mid-August. bloom 6 ft.

299-007-1 Miscanthus sinensis 'Strictus' 
Sun Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Miscanthus sinensis 'Strictus' is often called the Porcupine grass, this gold-barred grass is similar to Miscanthus 'Zebrinus' but has stiff, not arching, blades, giving it a very architectural appearance and perhaps showing off the bars more clearly. Ruddy plumes. 9 ft.

299-028-1 Miscanthus sinensis 'Undine' 
Sun Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
We selected Miscanthus sinensis 'Undine' for the Four Seasons Garden because of the graceful way it holds its foliage at right angles from the stem and because of the wonderful array of fall highlights in its narrow leaves. 7 ft.

299-003-1 Miscanthus sinensis var. condensatus 
Sun Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Wide green leaves of Miscanthus sinensis var. condensatus have a creamy central vein. Red purple plumes form in late summer. Taller and more robust than the species. 7 ft.

299-014-1 Miscanthus sinensis var. condensatus 'Cabaret' 
Sun Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
The blades of Miscanthus sinensis var. condensatus 'Cabaret' are more than an inch across and are rich green with a bold irregular cream stripe down the middle. Combine this with other showstoppers like the dark leafed cannas. Coppery blooms very late in the season. Blades to 6 ft. Inflorescences to 9 ft. A Great Plant Picks selection. Fall. bloom 6 ft.

299-021-1 Miscanthus sinensis var. condensatus 'Cosmopolitan' 
Sun Zones 6, 7, 8, 9
Miscanthus sinensis var. condensatus 'Cosmopolitan' is almost the reverse of Miscanthus 'Cabaret' with white edged blades and a rich green central midrib. The towering inflorescences bloom very late here. A Great Plant Picks selection. Fall. bloom 6-8 ft.

299-008-1 Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus' ( White variegated Japanese silver grass ) 
Sun Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
The dark green leaves of Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus' are dramatically margined in white and form a graceful fountain. Reddish pink inflorescences. A Great Plant Picks selection. 7 ft.

299-009-1 Miscanthus sinensis 'Yaku Jima' 
Sun Zones 6, 7, 8, 9
Due to its shorter mounding habit and its lower bloom spikes, Miscanthus sinensis 'Yaku Jima' is an ideal maiden grass for gardeners with smaller gardens. Very free flowering with golden tassels. A Great Plant Picks selection. 3-4 ft.
299-010-1 Miscanthus sinensis 'Zebrinus' ( Zebra grass ) 
Sun Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
The graceful arching leaves of Miscanthus sinensis 'Zebrinus' are irregularly barred with golden stripes. A lovely sight when backlit by the sun. Milky cocoa plumes appear in late September. Late September. bloom 8 ft.

299-034-1 Miscanthus transmorrisonensis 'Arnin's Weeping' 
Sun Zones 6, 7, 8, 9
This selection of the evergreen species forms a spectacular specimen in our garden. Miscanthus transmorrisonensis 'Arnin's Weeping' produces dozens of bronze flowering stems that arch outward, sometimes just dusting the ground. Blooms are sequential so the show continues for an extended time. Inflorescences start purple and age to green. The blades are narrow green with a white central vein. Together with the stems they create a cascading rhythm in the landscape. This is only truly evergreen in Zones 7-8. Late summer to autumn. bloom 5-6 ft. x 8 ft.

300-001-1 Molinia caerulea ssp. arundinacea 'Skyracer' ( Tall purple moor grass ) 
Sun, Part Shade Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
The name of Molinia caerulea ssp. arundinacea 'Skyracer' describes so clearly the effect of the lofty, plum colored inflorescences that rise above the low clumping dark green foliage. Is said to need water but does well in our Dry Border. Late September. bloom 7 ft.

300-002 Molinia caerulea 'Variegata' ( Variegated purple moor grass ) 
Sun, Part Shade Zones 5, 6, 7, 8 Purple Inflorescence flowers
Molinia caerulea 'Variegata' is one of the very easy to grow small clumping grasses. The creamy yellow and green variegated foliage makes the plant a top choice for the front of a mixed border. It is at its best in full sun but will tolerate a few hours of light shade during the day. Here in western Oregon we grow this Molinia in our full sun, gravel garden where we water it about three times a summer. It flowers in late summer with 2' airy, purple flower spikes which contrast beautifully with the variegated foliage. As the inflorescences age they turn a rich golden yellow that beautifully reflects the fall sunshine. In the 16 years that we have grown Molinia caerulea variegata we have only needed to divide it once to renew the plant. Molinia caerulea variegata is a Great Plant Picks selection. Summer. bloom 2-2.5 ft. x 1.5 ft.

286-023 Monarda 'Aquarius' ( Bee balm ) 
Sun, Part Shade Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Light Pink Purple flowers
One of a series of Bee balms named for constellations in the Zodiac, Monarda 'Aquarius' has attractive purple pink and somewhat shaggy flowerheads that are very popular with the hummingbirds. They love to dip their beaks into the individual hooded flowers. The aromatic foliage is mildew resistant. When the flowers are spent, cut this back hard to promote new growth and later flowering. Midsummer, late summer and early autumn. bloom 3-4 ft. x 3-4 ft.
286-002D4 Monarda 'Gardenview Scarlet' 
Sun, Part Shade Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Scarlet flowers
Monarda 'Gardenview Scarlet' is a big clump forming perennial with intoxicating foliage and bright whorled flowers. This form has especially large flowers and is said to be mildew resistant. If we see telltale signs of mildew (usually in early summer here) we cut back severely and promote new growth and later bloom. Mid- to late summer. bloom 3 ft. x 2 ft.

286-013 Monarda 'Jacob Kline' 
Sun, Part Shade Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Scarlet Red flowers
Monarda 'Jacob Kline' is one of the best of the bee balms for mildew resistance. The long-blooming bright red flowers are ideal for a sunny border. The citrus-mint aroma of the foliage is an added bonus. Summer. bloom 24 in. x 24 in.
286-010D4 Monarda 'Mahogany' 
Sun, Part Shade Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Wine Red flowers
What is most striking on Monarda 'Mahogany' is the persistent dark red-brown bracts beneath the wine red flowers. This does not bloom as long for us as some but it is dramatic when it is in bloom. Summer. bloom 3.5 ft.
286-012D4 Monarda 'Marshall's Delight' 
Sun, Part Shade Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Pink flowers
Monarda 'Marshall's Delight' is said to be mildew resistant but our Bee balms have rarely had mildew so we cannot say for certain. This is a compact plant with bright pink blooms over a long period. Summer. bloom 30 in. x 30 in.
286-011D4 Monarda 'Prairie Night' 
Sun, Part Shade Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Lilac Purple flowers
Monarda 'Prairie Night' bears lilac-purple flowers with red flushed green bracts. We grow it in the pink section of the Four Seasons Garden. Mid to late summer. bloom 3 ft. x 2 ft.

286-014D4 Monarda 'Raspberry Wine' 
Sun, Part Shade Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Rich Raspberry flowers
Monarda 'Raspberry Wine' wins the award for vigor, height, and length of bloom. Customers were raving about this in late spring when it started blooming and they were still asking for it in late August. Tall with rich raspberry flower and darker bracts. Late spring to late summer. bloom 4 ft. x 4 ft.

286-020D4 Monarda 'Scorpion' ( Bee balm ) 
Sun Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Reddish Purple flowers
Monarda 'Scorpion' has attractive purple stems that complement the purple calyces surrounding the red-purple flowers. The effect is very eye-catching. And, of course, the foliage is highly aromatic. June to August. bloom 4 ft.

740-014 Monardella villosa 
Sun Zones 7, 8, 9 Rose flowers
We have come to really appreciate our many native Monardellas because of their extremely aromatic foliage and their drought tolerance. The rounded, lightly hairy green leaves of Monardella villosa have pinkish stems and are slightly puckered, even concave. The small, rounded flower heads are rose colored. Early summer. bloom 1-2 ft. x 1-2 ft.

824-001 Muehlenbeckia sp. 
Sun Zones 8, 9, 10 Yellow Green flowers
Muehlenbeckia sp. Is perhaps a form of M. axillaris. Shiny, small, dark green leaves are sparsely distributed down wiry dark red-brown stems. The tiny yellow green flowers appear in the leaf-axils. Use this spreading shrub to cover banks and other difficult sunny, dry areas. Also usefull for spilling out of a container or windowbox. Late summer to mid-autumn bloom 8 in. x spreading.
444-003D4 Muhlenbergia dubia 
Sun Zones 7, 8, 9
Native to west Texas, New Mexico and Northern Mexico. Muhlenbergia dubia is a low, dense, clump-forming grass with finely textured, cylindrical green blades. This mostly evergreen grass is quite drought tolerant and makes an attractive addition to mediterranean borders. Airy plumes in late summer and early fall. Bloom spikes can rise up to 30 inches. Late summer to fall. bloom 2-3 ft. x 2 ft.

444-004D4 Muhlenbergia rigens ( Deer grass ) 
Sun Zones 7, 8, 9
Deer grass. Muhlenbergia rigens is native to low to middle elevation sites in the Southwest. This spiky evergreen grass with its stiff gray green foliage is an attractive addition to the dry border. The inflorescences reach 5 feet giving a touch of drama at the end of summer. Late summer to fall. bloom 3 ft. x 3 ft.

596-001-1 Mukdenia rossii 
Shade, Part Shade Zones 7, 8, 9 White flowers
(N. China, Korea) We received this large-leaved herbaceous perennial under the name Acerphyllum rossii about 20 years ago. Although the plant has easily survived the visicitudes of our weather, its former name has not. That fact and its geographical distribution suggest that this is much hardier than we rate it. As a woodlander, its glossy palmate leaves emerge in spring together with a bloom spike which consists of small white flowers. If the site is not too hot, dry or sun-lit, the very attractive leaves persist throughout the summer before they begin their decline. The leaves of this particular form are extra-large and less leathery than the other forms we grow. Spring. bloom 5-6 in. x 12 in.

596-002 Mukdenia rossii 'Crimson Fans' 
Part Shade Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 White flowers
Mukdenia rossii 'Crimson Fans' ('Karasuba') is a Japanese selection of the woodland perennial that keeps the red coloration of its maple-like leaves all summer. Panicles of small bell-shaped flowers are early. These are slow to develop but very worthwhile. A Great Plant Picks selection. Spring. bloom 12 in. x 16 in.
727-001-1 Musa basjoo ( Hardy Banana ) 
Sun Zone 8-10 Cream flowers
With the rise of "tropicalismo" came the introduction of this lush, hardy banana to our gardens. Although Musa basjoo can get tall, ours is in the 5-to-6-foot range, with long bright green blades. We grow it with Cannas and Arundo donax 'Versicolor' in our Dinosaur Bed. It has never flowered for us, but with more heat it should bear small inedible bananas. Summer. bloom 10 ft. x 12 ft.

480-002 Muscari armeniacum 
Sun Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Blue flowers
Muscari armeniacum is ideal for naturalizing in sunny wild parts of the garden. The narrow green foliage appears in the autumn waiting for the spring when low densely clustered racemes of small urn-shaped flowers arise. This ephemeral show is very useful under herbaceous perennials and deciduous shrubs. Spring. bloom 8 in. x indefinite.
480-004D3 Muscari armeniacum 'Valerie Finnis' 
Sun, Part Shade Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Powder Blue flowers
The unexpectedly pale blue flowers of Muscari armeniacum 'Valerie Finnis' never fail to get visitors talking. And although this species is known to be overly vigorous, 'Valerie Finnies' has the advantage of being sterile. It will not self-seed. The grape-like clusters of tiny flowers give a welcome, if ephemeral boost, as we wait for the big floral pagent to begin. April, May. bloom 8 in.
885-001-1 Myrsine africans ( Cape myrtle ) 
Sun, Part Shade Zones 8, 9, 10 Yellow Brown flowers
Thanks to our friends at Xera Plants who introduced us to Myrsine africans and encouraged us to ignore warnings about lack of hardiness. Rounded, shiny dark green leaves are attractive against the red stems. This is a great low to mid-sized shrub to use in the backbone of a small garden. Late spring. bloom 3 ft. x 3 ft.

813-001 Myrtus communis 
Sun Zones 8, 9 White flowers
We have found Myrtus communis to be moderate in growth but well worth the wait. The shiny, small evergreen leaves make this a useful structural plant. It is also highly aromatic. The leaves are fragrant when crushed and the flowers have a unique scent that is not sweet but peppery. The white flowers have so many long stamens that they appear to be fuzzy. This versatile shrub can be grown successfully in coastal areas and can also be pruned to form a hedge. July to August. bloom 10 ft. x 10 ft.

813-002D4 Myrtus communis subsp. tarentina 
Sun Zones (7), 8, 9 White flowers
Myrtus communis subsp. Tarentina is a compact form of myrtle with semi-glossy, narrow, green leaves that are aromatic when crushed. During the winter, the evergreen foliage takes on reddish tones. The white flowers are blushed with pink. This is a terrific small shrub for a hot, dry site. Summer to early autumn. bloom 3 ft. x 3 ft.

813-003D4 Myrtus communis subsp. tarentina 'Microphylla Variegata' 
Sun Zones 8, 9 White flowers
The leaves on this showy, small evergreen shrub are white margined. Because Myrtus communis subsp. tarentina 'Microphylla Variegata' is slow growing, it is ideal for small, sunny spaces with good drainage. The small white flowers are aromatic. Late summer to early autumn. bloom 3 ft. x 3 ft.
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