Pronounced: (kuh-row-key-uh kuh-ton-ee-as-ter)
Fast facts:

• common name: wire-netting bush
• one of ten species in the Corokia genus 
• known for its zig-zagging, or divaricating, branches
• excellent option for a container plant
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A personal favorite, the Corokia cotoneaster adds a low maintenance and unique flair to the landscape. A shrub native to New Zealand, this species is slow growing, achieving a maximum height of 6-8ft over the years. It loves sun, but can tolerate part-sun, and thrives in well-draining soils. Its naturally quirky branches have small silvery-green evergreen leaves, with yellow flowers in spring that mature to red berries in fall. This shrub responds very well to pruning. Plant this if you're looking for an eye-catcher that is easy to care for. We frequently have this shrub in stock, and if you don't see it, let us know and we will source it for you. 

Pronounced (kali-stemen  see-beri)
Fast Facts:

• commonly known as 'bottlebrush'
• growth maxes out at approximately 6' x 6'
• drought, wind, salt tolerant
• disease, pest, and deer resistant

A shop favorite, the Callistemon sieberi 'sugar candy' is a durable evergreen shrub that is a superbly low maintenance choice for the home gardener. It will reward your landscape with beautiful magenta blossoms up to 6" long in spring, and sometimes fall. Loves full sun, can tolerate light shade, and will grow in well, moderate, and poorly draining soils. A true champion of numerous harsh conditions, plant Callistemon in a challenging area of your yard where other specimens may not fair quite as well. Responds well to moderate pruning, tolerates a light frost, and will attract pollinators to your garden. Plant as a hedge or part of a hedge row for privacy, in a container, as a windbreak, or anywhere you like to appreciate the foliage and that habitat this shrub provides. 

Pronounced (daf-nee oh-dor-uh zwee-co nih-she-kee)
Fast facts:

• a Japanese varietal of the ever popular Daphne odora
• blooms can be expected to open around Valentine's day
• cold hardiest of the odoras
• grows best with morning light or part shade

A well-loved plant, Daphne odora's can be expected to be low maintenance, beautifully fragrant medium sized shrubs that are excellent grower's in Portland's zone of 8b. It's size is comparable to better known varieties, such as the 'marginata' and care is similar: well draining soil is a must, and infrequent waterings. Daphne's will do better if they are a tad neglected. The 'zuiko nishiki' sets itself apart from other varieties by having stiffer branching allowing it to hold its form, whereas constant rain or snowfall can lead other varieties to slouch or stay low. 

Pronouced (col-le-tia hiss-trix)
Fast facts:

• an evergreen known as the 'Pink Cruxifixion Thorn' or 'Barbed Wire Bush'
• one of 15 species of spiny shrubs in the Rhamnaceae family
• unlike many of the cultivars in the hystrix species, 'Rosea' has pink, rather than white, tubular flowers that bloom mid-winter
• native to chile and argentina

A rare find in the usual Portland garden, the Colletia hystrix 'Rosea' will add intrigue and statement to your landscape. This spiky and angular plant will reach maturity in 10-20 years and can be as large as 8-12' x 8-12' and responds well to moderately hard pruning. Sparse, small leaves are scattered throughout the divaricating branches, though are largely overlooked due to size of thorns and the fragrant flowers. Loves full sun, sandy to loamy soil, is fairly pest and disease resistant, and frost tolerant. Plant as a feature point in your garden, in a container, or use as a border between yards. If you're in Portland you can see a mature Colletia hystrix at McMennamin's Kennedy school, and we have it stocked at our nursery in 2 gallon pots.