Perennials
Ajuga
Aquilegia
Columbine
Centranthus
Cerastium
Delphinium
Ferns
Geranium
Gypsophila
Helenium
Hemerocallis
Daylily
Hosta
Iris
Linium
Flax
Lysimachia
Monarda
Oenothera
Phlox
Polemonium
Saponaria
Sedum
Thymus
Welcome to our website!
We are closing for the season on Saturday, July 26th.
Hours this week are 10-3 Monday-Saturday.
We hope gardeners will continue to shop through the week for perennials and shrubs; we will continue to plant in our gardens through the summer. Remaining selections are well cared for and in good condition.

Although we are not a mail order greenhouse, we know that many experienced, new to the area, and just getting started gardeners like to plan ahead and come out with a list of possibilities in hand.
We offer perennials for zones 3-4 with a 80/20 mix; 80% are "tried and true perennials" that I have grown in my gardens and have been happy with the results, and 20% are cultivars of proven plants that are available in a new color or foliage variation that we want to try.
Unfortunately, there is no standardization in the industry, so you may notice the same variety listed in one catalog as a zone 3, and in another as zone 4, or even 5. That's why I think it is important to trial the plants here in our display gardens. We watch for overall garden performance including bloom and foliage through the changing seasons.
Indicates a new offering for us.
When considering perennials for gardens that have a mix of trees, shrubs, and perennials, note the Full Sun, Part-Shade, Full Shade, and Water-Wise symbols so plants with the same requirements can be grouped together; a key element to water wise gardening and landscape success.

Full Sun Part-Shade Full ShadeWater-Wise
It is my experience that plants that thrive in full sun are also water-wise and will do poorly when planted in shady areas and/or are overwatered. Likewise, perennials for part-full shade do best when planted in amended soils that hold water and are topdressed with a layer of organic mulch. Part shade includes filtered, rather than direct light, or morning sun, rather than the hot, afternoon sun. Regardless of their water or light requirements, plants will perform poorly in poor soil.
More on soils and planting tips Adding Amendments

The plant's mature height information is provided so that the shorter plants don't get lost amongst taller varieties. Except with groundcovers, a plant's width/spread/spacing is usually the same as its height. After the height and bloom color, you'll find the plant's regional bloom time for designs that provide all season color.

Towards the end of this page are a few Garden Designs that gardeners can use to select perennials and shrubs. The examples include various garden shapes with notes on the numbers of plants needed to fill the area.

Picture Gallery
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Ajuga reptans 'Burgundy Glow' Foliage and In Bloom
4" Groundcover; Spring
Vigorous plant that quickly forms a dense mat as runners root. The beautiful foliage looks great through the summer months and the burgundy coloration intensifies through fall and remains through winter. Prefers part-full shade through the heat of summer.



Aquilegia 'Music' Blue w/White
24" Bi-Color; Spring
Columbines are among the easiest of perennials to grow with spring blooms and attractive foliage throughout the season when grown in afternoon shade. The flowers attract butterflies and ladybugs. Avoid pesticides so ladybugs have an opportunity to keep aphids in check.


Ladybug eggs to larvae; will thrive in healthy gardens.




Centranthus coccineus
30" Pinkish Red; Summer
An outstanding plant for the xeric landscape. Our plants have thrived through hot, dry summers and -30 degree winters. The plants do best planted in full sun, lean-sandy soils, and it is important to avoid overwatering. Centranthus blooms attract butterflies through the summer, will bloom again later if deadheaded, and reseeds freely.



Cerastium tomentosum 'Silver Carpet'
6" Silver Groundcover; Summer
Aggressive, easy to grow groundcover for hot, sunny areas. Quickly forms a dense mat of silver foliage. Will choke out weeds or anything else that gets close to it. Good plant for sloped, full sun areas.
For 2008, we will also offer Cerastium alpinum a slightly shorter, more compact variety than tomentosum, but with shared characteristics.



Delphinium Magic Fountains Series
24" Light Blue with White Eye; Summer
The flower spikes rise above the foliage on this dwarf series so it's well-suited to our windy area. The blooms last a full two weeks in a vase. Our other Delphinium, also new for us, is from the Summer Series, 'Summer Morning', at 12", with light-pink, multibranched flowers that bloom from mid-late summer. Delphiniums are short-lived so I plant every 2-3 years.


Matteuccia struthiopteris
36" Ostrich Fern
Find a shady spot that includes amended soils and ample water for these hardy ferns and enjoy the delicate fronds as they unfurl in early spring.



Geranium 'Vision'
'Vision' 10"; Groundcover
Perennial Geraniums are a must have for the perennial gardens. The flowers alone are enough to make this plant worth growing, but the foliage is great too. Prune/shear back in late summer for rebloom and fall foliage in September.



Gypsophila repens 'Rosea'
4" Groundcover; Summer
Hardy groundcover with delicate, pale pink flowers. Thrives in hot, sunny, well drained locations; avoid overwatering. Perfect for edging, between pavers, and rock gardens with gravel, rather than bark, mulch.



Helenium 'Mardi Gras'
30" Yellow w/Red; Late Summer-Fall
Once established, this unusual perennial is a welcome addition to the fall garden. The flowers are a blend of reds, yellows, and orange, with a complement of chocolate brown centers.



'Country Melody' and 'Going Bananas'
Hemerocallis (Daylilies)
Few plants provide the texture, structure, and diverse color range that Hemerocallis can. One of the easiest plants to grow, Daylilies are long-lived and adaptable to a wide range of soil types. Our mix includes a range of hues that work well together and in combination with other large plantings in the mixed garden. Prefer space to allow clumps to form.






'Paul's Glory' and 'Wide Brim'
Hostas are a wonderful structural addition to shady areas of the landscape. Their foliage brightens any shady garden created by a full canopy of established trees or beneath trimmed pines.



Iris 'Variegata' and Assorted Bearded Iris
Bearded Iris are a traditional favorite in the spring landscape and do best in sandy, well drained soils. Highly deer resistant, Iris have found a home in our gardens since deer move freely through the landscape foraging, but passing over both the foliage and blooms. Early bloomers, so I often bring them inside for spring bouquets.
Remaining selections include:
'American Classic'; Purple and white bicolor
'Painted Clouds'; Shades of pink
'Red at Night'; Red
'Swingtown'; Deep Purple-Red



Linum perenne 'Sapphire'
24" Early-Mid Summer
Blue Flax has been a favorite in my gardens since we started in 1991. The outstanding blue flowers drop by midday and the plant starts with new petals in the morning. It is one of the few plants that does not get pruned down in the fall; I leave it until early winter so it will reseed and spread, weaving through the naturalized garden. Thrives with little care making it ideal for our hot, dry summers and clay soils.



Lysimachia 'Golden Alexander'
30" Variegated green w/gold foliage, Yellow; Summer
Lysimachia forms a dense mat of foliage that forms upright stems with spikes of yellow flowers. Foliage remains nice through the heat of summer when planted in part shade.



Monarda didyma 'Panorama Mix'
36" Mixed Colors; Mid-Late Summer
I have Monarda in both, full sun and part shade; those in part shade seem to do slightly better. Monarda is well-known for attracting hummingbirds into the gardens since their tubular flowers are suited to the bird's feeding habits. The foliage is wonderfully mint scented and the flowers are good for cutting. Overall, an excellent, long-lived perennial.



Oenothera missouriensis
12" Sprawling Groundcover; Late Summer
The flowers on this variety are a full 4 inches across and provide good color through late summer and early fall. Vigorous, so allow the plants plenty of room to spread since they will fill a four square foot area within two-three years. Viable seeds, from large, unusual pods.



Phlox subulata 'Emerald 'Blue'
6" Groundcover; Spring-Early Summer
Spreading/Groundcover Phlox provides a mass of blooms early in the season and the dense, dark green foliage looks good as it continues to grow through the summer months. Semi-evergreen through winter.



Polemonium 'Blue Whirl'
24"; Spring-Early Summer
Clusters of blue flowers rise above the sturdy, upright stems of this reliable bloomer. The fernlike foliage stays lovely through the heat of summer when planted in part shade and ample water is provided.



Saponaria (Soapwort)
8" Grouncover; Late Spring-Early Summer
Ground cover that's perfect in many ways; good foliage and bright, pink flowers through spring and early summer. Prefers ample water if planted in full sun. Popular as a rock garden plant or at the base of shrubs, vines, and perennials. Avoid planting as a groundcover in full shade areas.



Groundcover Sedums 'Voodoo' and 'Tricolor'
6" Groundcover; Summer
Sedum's succulent foliage is well suited for our hot, dry summers; avoid overwatering. 'Voodoo'; dark burgundy and 'Tricolor'; in shades of cream, pink, and green. Each has a distinct foliage texture and spread quickly over berms and at the garden's edge.


'Autumm Joy' is an upright Sedum that grows to 24" and blooms late.



Thymus 'Pink Chintz' and 'Woolly'
4" Groundcover; Summer
Fragrant foliage with delicate flowers. Great plants for rock gardens and between pavers since they are durable and release their wonderful fragrance with light foot traffic. Looks best the following spring if sheared in the fall. The blooms attract honeybees; a characteristic to consider if your allergic or just don't like bees.





Colorscapes is committed to demystifying the garden design process by providing designs so gardeners can match up the information provided about our plants with the numbers needed to fill the garden area.


Notes on Garden1: ht=height sp=spread
2-15'+Shrubs, 15'ht 15'sp; 5-6'+Shrubs, 6'ht 6'sp;
19-Perennials, 2.5'ht 2.5'sp; 11-Perennials, 3'ht 3'sp;
8-Vines, 8'ht 6.5'sp; 16-Groundcovers, 8"ht 3'sp;
Total Garden Area=Aprox. 54' Wide x 30' Deep
2.5' Perennials bloom; spring-early summer, interplanted w/bulbs.
3' Perennials bloom; mid-late summer and some into fall.



Notes on Garden2:ht=height sp=spread
2-15'+Shrubs, 15'ht 15'sp; 24', 1-Shrub, 3.5'ht 3.5'sp (Front Corner);
1-Shrub, 6'ht 6'sp (Mid-Point); 1-Shrub, 8'ht 8'sp (Back Corner); 18'
15-Perennials, 3'ht 3'sp; 19-Perennials, 2.5'ht 2.5'sp
Total Garden Area=Aprox. 42' Wide x 30' Deep
2.5' Perennials (Forefront) bloom; spring-early summer.
3' Perennials (Towards Back) bloom; mid-late summer and some into fall, interplanted with spring flowering bulbs.



Notes on Garden3:ht=height sp=spread
2-15'+Shrubs, 15'ht 15'sp; 5-Shrubs, 5'ht 5'sp;
14- Perennials, 2.5'ht 2.5'sp; 7-Groundcovers, 8"ht 3'sp
Total Garden Area=Aprox. 30' Wide x 14' Deep
10-Perennials, 2.5'ht 2.5'sp (Foundation Planting)


Notes on Garden3a:ht=height sp=spread
1-15'+Shrub, 15'ht 15'sp; 5-Shrubs, 6'ht 6'sp;
14- Perennials, 2.5'ht 2.5'sp; 7-Groundcovers, 8"ht 3'sp
Total Garden Area=Aprox. 30' Wide x 14' Deep
10-Perennials, 2.5'ht 2.5'sp; 1-Shrub, 6'ht 6'sp (Foundation Planting)



Notes on Garden4:ht=height sp=spread
3-15'+Shrubs, 15'ht 15'sp; 3-Shrubs, 10'ht 10'sp;
17-Perennials, 3'ht 3'sp; 17-Groundcovers, 8"ht 3'sp
Total Garden Area=Aprox. 60' Wide x 42' Deep



Notes on Garden5:ht=height sp=spread
6-Shrubs, 8'ht 8'sp; 14-Perennials, 3'ht 3'sp;
10-Perennials, 2.5'ht 2'sp; 4-Perennials, 3'ht 3'sp;
14-Groundcovers, 8"ht 3'sp
Total Garden Area=Aprox. 50' Wide x 28' Deep
14-Perennials (Towards Center) bloom; mid-late summer and into fall, interplanted with spring flowering bulbs.



Notes on Garden6:ht=height sp=spread
SE Garden: 5-Shrubs, 5'ht 5'sp; 13-Perennials, 2.5'ht 2.5'sp;
Total Garden Area=Aprox. 28' Wide x 18' Deep
SW Garden: 7-Shrubs, 6'x6'; 6-Perennials, 2.5'ht 2.5'sp;
12-Groundcovers, 8"ht 3'sp; Total Garden Area=Aprox. Same Size




Notes on Garden7: Raised Beds for Vegetable Gardening
Beds are Aprox. 4' Wide x 12' Long
Herb Garden includes 3-Shrubs



Notes on Garden8:ht=height sp=spread
2-15'+Shrubs, 15'ht 15'sp; 5-Shrubs, 8'ht 8'sp; 4-Shrubs, 4'ht 4'sp;
18-Perennials, 2.5'ht 2.5sp; 8-Perennials, 6"ht 2'sp
Total Garden Area=Aprox. 36' x 12' + 18' x 18'; 750 sq. ft.

8-Shrubs, 5'ht 5'sp; 34-Perennials, 6"ht 2'sp; Interplanted w/annuals
Total Garden Area=Aprox. 24' Wide x 14' Deep



Notes on Garden9:ht=height sp=spread
3-15'+Shrubs, 15'ht 15'sp, 3-Evergreens, 60'ht 30'sp;
7-Shrubs, 10'ht 10'sp; 24-Groundcovers, 8"ht 3'sp; 4-Vines
Total Garden Area=Aprox. 120' x 60' + 40' x 40'; 8,800 sq. ft.
Skirted Evergreens have a natural shape and cover a wider area than limbed/pruned up Evergreens.



Notes on Garden10:ht=height sp=spread
11-Shrubs, 6'ht 6'sp; 1-Shrub 10'ht 10'sp (Corner);
11-Perennials, 2.5'ht 2.5'sp; 11-Groundcovers, 8"ht 3'sp
Total Garden Area=Aprox. 48' x 30' /2 = 720 sq. ft.
Vegetable Garden Area=Aprox. 30' x 30' /1.5 = 600 sq. ft.
5-Shrubs, 8'ht 8'sp; 17-Perennials, 2.5'ht 2.5'sp;
8-Groundcovers, 8"ht 2'sp
Total Garden Area Aprox. 36' Wide x 20' Deep

You can contact us by email with questions about the plants we have to offer, gardening in this area, or with any comments or problems you may be having with this site.

Or contact me by phone at: 775-753-5000
Mailing Address: 167 Pleasant Valley Road #5
Spring Creek, NV 89815

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