CORVALLIS, Ore. — Hotter temperatures and longer stretches between measurable moisture mean many plants need more water from the end of a hose.
Choosing plants that require less water saves time and money while helping sustain Oregon’s water supply, said Amy Jo Detweiler, horticulturist with the Oregon State University Extension Service.
Detweiler recommends these 10 low-water options for landscapes across Oregon:
Cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa)
A compact deciduous shrub about 3 feet tall and 5 feet wide with sunny yellow flowers from June to frost. Best in full sun; tolerates light shade. Hardy to Zone 2.
Flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum)
A large shrub reaching about 10 by 5 feet with long clusters of dark pink flowers in May and June. Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Full to partial sun. Hardy to Zone 5.
Globe blue spruce (Picea pungens ‘Globosa’)
A slow-growing conifer with striking silver-blue foliage, maturing at 5 to 6 feet. Full sun for best color. Hardy to Zone 2.
Manzanita (Arctostaphylos)
Evergreen shrubs ranging from 2 to 12 feet tall. Attractive year-round with twisting mahogany bark and hanging clusters of white to pink flowers in late winter to early spring. Hardiness varies by species and cultivar.
Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)
A 6- to 10-foot deciduous shrub with domes of white early-summer flowers, peeling bark and excellent fall color. Attracts birds, bees and butterflies. Notable cultivars include ‘Dart’s Gold’ and ‘Diablo.’ Hardy to Zone 2.
Spiraea japonica ‘Little Princess’
A compact, mounding shrub reaching about 3 feet tall and 6 feet wide with pink summer flowers that attract pollinators. Full sun. Hardy to Zone 4.
Russian sage (Salvia yangii)
A 3- to 5-foot shrub with fragrant, gray-green foliage. Produces airy lavender flower spikes midsummer to fall. Full sun. Hardy to Zone 4.
Serviceberry (Amelanchier)
A 6- to 10-foot shrub with showy white flowers in early spring, edible purple-red berries and bright fall color. Prefers full sun. Hardy to Zone 2.
Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus)
A 5-by-6-foot deciduous shrub with small spring blooms and standout white fall berries. Attracts birds, bees, hummingbirds and butterflies. Full to partial sun. Hardy to Zone 3.
Wayfaring tree (Viburnum lantana ‘Mohican’)
A rounded 7-by-8-foot deciduous shrub with spring flower clusters followed by fruit that turns pink, then red, then black. Deep purple fall color. Full to partial sun. Hardy to Zone 3.
Previously titled 10 all-around great shrubs for waterwise gardens
