Dove Tree (Davidia involucrata 'Sonoma')

Dove Tree or Handkerchief tree is at its most spectacular in the late spring when the white bracts attending the seeds hang on the tree–like handkerchiefs. The tree will easily reach 35′. The problem with the Dove Tree is that until a few years ago, there were no cultivars available and the seedling took 20 years to flower. Now with Sonoma, we have a Dove Tree that will flower in the second year. zone 6

Disanthus (Disanthus cercidifolius)

This tall shrub grows up thinly in your understory, and unnoticed most of the year, in autumn transforms your woody garden into a cathedral with its stained glass window effect. Zone 6

Columnar Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil')

Sky Pencil stays very narrow and grows slowly to 6-8′. Best in zones 5-7. Great in a pot or formal garden.

Chilean Firetree (Embothrium coccineum)

Chilean Fire Bush is demanding about its location, but if you qualify, this is a must. The soil should be lime-free, deep and well-drained. The orange scarlet flowers in May and June among blue green (almost-evergreen) leaves are a sight to see. In normal life will get 15′ but some giants do exist. zone 7

Blue Ice (Cupressus arizonica 'Blue Ice')

Blue Ice is blue. It is not a small conifer; it will grow to 25′ before you know it and 15′ wide, but if you have the space, it is a beauty. Can stand wind but needs decent drainage. Zone 5.

Beauty Berry (Callicarpa bodinieri 'Profusion')

Beautyberry in the winter is a sight to behold. The profuse purple berries linger long after the leaves are gone and shine like jewels. zone 6

Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis)

True Bay Tree is a dense small, evergreen tree (10-12′), the leaves of which one buys dry in bottles in the grocery store. It is a wonderful garden specimen, but unfortunately not very hardy. I have never had one die here in Oregon (zone 7), but it is probably a zone 8 tree.

Angels Fishing Rod (Dieramma pulcherimma)

One of the common names for Dieramma is ‘Angel’s Fishing Pole. The purple flowers hang like bells from long upright wands and are followed by golden seed pods which are also striking. At Whitman Farms, we don’t grow many perennials, but I cling to this one. zone 7