skip to main content

Northwestern Gardening

Garrya elliptica

17 years ago

I'm interested in garrya elliptica. It was in Grant's 'Trees and Shrubs for Pacific Northwest Gardens,' 2nd ed. but I haven't seen it in 'recommended' lists anywhere else. What can I expect from it in my south Everett garden? Can anyone suggest another plant with similar characteristics - mainly in foliage and color?

Thanks,

Maro

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

maro
Original Author
17 years ago
I forgot to say, it is the 'James Roof' variety I am looking at.

Thanks!
eric_in_west_seattle
17 years ago
another cultivar is 'Pat Ballard'. Very long catkins.

These are phenomenal winter blloming shrubs that are very drought tolerant. Part shade is preferred I believe.

There are some great specimens at the Arboretum winter garden and at the Locks. Past blooming stage. In Jan. & Feb. I think they are the best thing in the garden. Magnificient. Don't hesitate.
Related Discussions
My Front Yard Again
Q
Comments (13)
maro what i get from your garden is you are basically like me if i am guessing right :)...you dont like things bunched up and you like things that grow in a nice neat mounded look. By your garden it appears that way and that is how i like mine...although there can be things that spread but i usually thin them out to where they are a nice shape...everything is about shape for me (may be a little ocd but that is neither here nor there lol). what i don't see in your garden that i think is needed is color...lots of bright vibrant color...deep blues, reds, yellows whatever you like but it needs color. The siding on your home looks to be a neutral color and i think it would give the front of the house more interest to add color. There seems to be plenty of green in lots of size, shape, color and textures now just add the splash of color...the things that you got that are color are very subtle in my opinion and you need a splash of like a said vibrant color. It also looks to me like adding a screen would defeat the whole purpose of you making the beautiful bed which is for curb appeal...how can there be any if you block the view? just a thought about that.
...See More
Denizen of the Pinneapple Express
Q
Comments (0)
This is a small Garrya elliptica that produces long catkins in mild - cool & wet conditions. I first noticed this type of shrub (to 15 ft) near downtown Victoria. The catkins are long in late Jan or in Feb. This one is early enjoying one heavy rainfall after another. I'm on higher ground so I'm cooler and wetter than sea level gardeners. This shrub will enjoy the extra rain. It may act like a rhodo in summer and grow very little. So it's not like growing a giant conifer. Here is a link that might be useful: Silk Tassel Bush
...See More
Garrya Elliptica - prune it?
Q
Comments (4)
No it does not mind being pruned into a small tree, however it is pretty persistent in producing enough suckers to make it back into a large shrub. Al
...See More
Anyone have luck with Garrya elliptica in Bellevue?
Q
Comments (14)
>The 'Issaquahensis' cultivar is named for the place it originated which is IssaquahMy above comment "I've been to the Ballard garden and seen a hybrid garrya there. It was either the original or a seedling from it. As I recall it had frozen down in 1990" refers to this plant. It is not a cultivar of G. elliptica called 'Issaquahensis' but rather a hybrid grex G. x issaquahensis (G. elliptica x G. fremontii) consisting of more than one selection, including 'Glasnevin Wine' and 'Pat Ballard'. The 2002 Hillier manual gives this version: "First raised in Seattle in about 1957, the cross later occurred accidentally in the garden of Mrs Pat Ballard of Issaquah, Washington in 1960" The "original" I referred to above would likely have been the 'Pat Ballard' cultivar. 'Glasnevin Wine' was raised in Ireland.
...See More
thane
17 years ago
Yep, they're fabulous! Here's the thread where I asked about them.
maro
Original Author
17 years ago
Thane, I can't think how I missed that thread when I searched. Most helpful.

Eric -- I did read about the 'Pat Ballard' cultivar. The 'James Roof' I saw in the nursery had a wonderful leaf color and I read that it is somewhat darker than 'Pat Ballard,' but also that it is a bit less hardy.

You two are so enthusiastic, I'm almost in the car on my way to the nursery! Thank you for the endorsement.

Maro
Embothrium
17 years ago
'Pat Ballard' is a hybrid with much less fancy Garrya fremontii, if you want the full monty get 'James Roof'.
JudyWWW
17 years ago
While we are on this topic i have a question. I have a James Roof which is about 4' and almost as wide. It bloomed beautifully last winter (it's second winter in the ground here) and had nothing this year. Is this common? It is in bright shade about 50% and sun the remainder. The foliage is gorgeous and flawlwss despite the ups and downs of the alst 2 winters. jwww

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Coast Silktassel

By Annie Thornton

Cascading catkins bring this California native shrub to life just when the rest of the landscape is asleep

GARDENING GUIDES These Hedges Can Add Interest to Your Winter Garden

Evergreen trees and shrubs provide structure and color in the winter months — and can attract wildlife too

WINTER GARDENING Color Sparks a Winter Landscape

By Debra Prinzing

Try these beautiful winter plants to give your garden pizzazz when most branches are bare

GARDENING GUIDES Southern California Gardener's October Checklist

By Margie Grace - Grace Design Associates

Get planting happy this month — so many natives, bulbs, cool-season flowers and vegetable crops to choose from, so little time ...

GARDENING GUIDES Top 10 Native Plants for the Pacific Northwest

More than just gorgeous and adaptable, these standout plants convey a sense of place

Sponsored

MCR ROMERO WORK LLC

Innovative & Creative General Contractors Servicing Franklin County

More Discussions

Gossler Farms Nursery visit...Embothrium purchase

7

Helleborus 'Garnet Frills'

4

My favorite plant in my garden, right now.

12

My favorite plant, Easter 2024

4

We wants it! (But will it rule them all?)

10