Test PB Collection: FTE

Berberis aquifolium Compacta in March 2013. Photo: SK Reid. The 40% ETo treatment yielded consistently the highest quality ratings, though there were no differences between treatments in relative growth.

Neomarica caerulea on 20% ET0 in June 2013. Photo: SK Reid. The walking iris is a little grown plant, but with potential for dry shade gardens since its foliage is tall and striking throughout the year.

Sollya heterophylla on 20% ET0 in April 2013. Photo: SK Reid. The Australian bluebell creeper turned out to be one of the favorites in our irrigation trials with its year-round fresh green foliage and dainty blue flowers in summer.

Buddleia Blue Heaven in September 2011 on 60% ETo (60 high; 2x the expected height). Photo: SK Reid. Buddleia Blue Heaven was a real favorite in the 2009-2011 trials. Except for the middle of the winter, as is typical of this genus, this plant was consistently handsome in the trials field.

Bulbine Tiny Tangerine in April 2011; 20% ET0. Photo: SK Reid. This cultivar of cape balsam is an exceptional garden plant with superior pest tolerance and disease resistance.

Cordyline Purple Sensation on 60% ETo in July showing signs of sunburn. Photo: SK Reid. This Cordyline cultivar suffered high mortality the first summer. The remaining plants sulked through fall, and disappeared from winter through spring. The surviving plants were evaluated from May through August.

Escallonia Pink Whisper September, 2011, on 40% ET0 with drip head for size comparison. Photo: SK Reid. The plugs we originally received did not survive transplant, and we replanted completely in October 2011. We allowed the plants to settle in before beginning to take ratings in February.

Helleborus Red Lady in full bloom, March 2011, showing slug damage on leaves. Photo: SK Reid. This Lenten rose was favored because of the attractive deep ruby color of the flower bracts in late winter. The flowers held for months on the plant, and were still attractive when dry.

Heuchera maxima in full bloom April 2011. Photo: SK Reid. Island alumroot is an attractive herbaceous perennial California native, even when not flowering.

Trachelospermum Sassy in April 2014. Photo: SK Reid. This recent introduction of star jasmine bears flowers with a fragrance reminiscent of root beer or sarsaparilla.