Pacific Northwest Gardening: Favorite Winter Combinations, 1 by

wrote:
Okay, last but not least is an unidentified woody perennial that just continues to put out blooms no matter what the weather. I got this plant at Fred Meyer, believe it or not, sometime in early December. It was among two or three leftover plants back in the nursery section. I generally shy away from the plants there because many of their shrubs are potted in pure clay and are particularly unhealthy once planted in the garden. But I've bought several nice perennials there over the years. I have no idea what this is so if anyone knows, please post. I'll put it on the plant ID forum if no one here can ID it.

Basically my biggest difficulty is getting good garden 'bones' that will continue to add structure and color all year. I'm working on putting in more evergreen shrubs that flower or that have interesting shape and color so that my perennial borders will be less boring in the winter. Thus I though this plant would be a good addition. I've also added a number of hebe's in cultivars that stay rather small and tidy. I would appreciate any other suggestions people have. I want things that will not outgrow the space and that mix well with perennials, roses, annuals and bulbs. I guess I am trying to make these areas more of a 'mixed border'. The areas I have are full sun, whatever that means up here. Heidi, chime in anytime!

I do have an Edgeworthia chrysantha by the front door that is getting ready to bloom. I'll post when it does, probably a couple more weeks.