PLANT OF THE MONTH- APRIL

by Sigrie Kendrick

Pulsatilla vulgaris, the European Pasque flower

Few spring-blooming perennials combine delicate beauty with rugged resilience quite like Pulsatilla vulgaris, the European Pasque flower.

Named for its bloom time around Easter (Pâques in French), this silky-petalled gem is equally at home in a rock garden or a sun-baked hillside and is virtually maintenance-free.

Pasque flower is cold-hardy in zones 4-8, making it an excellent choice for even the higher elevations in our Okanagan valley.

Native to the dry chalk grasslands and limestone meadows of central and northern Europe, Pulsatilla vulgaris has evolved over millennia in some of the continent’s most unforgiving soils.

Poor, thin, and freely draining ground is exactly what it prefers. Plant it in rich, moisture-retentive soil, and it will quietly sulk or simply disappear.

Give it the lean, gritty conditions it knows, and Pulsatilla vulgaris will reward you with decades of enjoyment.

How does Pulsatilla vulgaris resist drought?

The Pasque flower’s drought resilience is structural, not incidental. Its deeply tapering taproot drives far down into rocky substrate, accessing moisture reserves long after the surface soil has dried.

The finely divided, feathery foliage is covered in soft silver hairs, a classic xerophytic adaptation that reflects intense sunlight and reduces water loss through the leaf surface.

Even the ornamental silky-tailed seed heads that follow the blooms serve a purpose by allowing the plant to complete its reproduction cycle quickly, before summer heat fully arrives.

Growing tips–

Once established, which typically takes a full growing season, Pulsatilla vulgaris requires essentially no supplemental irrigation in climates such as the Okanagan with its modest spring rainfall.

It is highly suited to xeriscaping plantings, gravel gardens, and low-maintenance perennial borders where water conservation is a priority.

Pulsatilla vulgaris prefers to be sited in a full-sun location with excellent drainage, but will tolerate part-sun.

Avoid transplanting Pulsatilla once established, as the taproot, which makes this such a successful xeric plant, resents disturbance.

Cultivars of this perennial range from the classic violet-purple through white, red, and soft pink.

Pasque flower is one of the earliest blooming spring perennials and, as such, offers vital support for pollinators emerging from the long winter.

Our Plant Database features more than 500 plants tested and ideally suited for the unique challenges of gardening in the Okanagan’s extreme climate, including the plants in this article.

Use Native Plants to Create a Natural Garden

Article by Josh Smith, Xeriscape Endemic Nursery (XEN)

Consider transitioning a section of your landscape to native plants, where you can reduce both maintenance and water use, conserving a vital resource in this arid valley, along with your own energy.

A side benefit is that you are providing valuable feed and habitat for all sorts of indigenous wild things– from insects to birds, to small and large mammals– by your restoration.

Do not embark on this project unless you are prepared to accept that you are collaborating with your environment, not conquering it.

Rabbitbrush, Eericameria nauseosa

WHAT ARE NATIVE PLANTS?

Native vs Endemic vs Exotic vs Naturalized vs Invasive
The scientific definition of a native species is an organism that occurs naturally in a region without human introduction, having evolved there or arrived via natural dispersion over evolutionary time.

• NATIVE plants belong here.
• ENDEMIC plants belong ONLY here.
• EXOTIC plants are introduced by humans from elsewhere.
  *NATURALIZED plants are exotic plants that behave themselves.
  *INVASIVE  plants are exotic plants that are ecologically harmful.

CONSIDERATIONS FOR CHOICES

Consider first where a plant is native— Canada, B.C., or the Interior. Winter cold, summer heat, humidity/precipitation, and competition are all factors in limiting where exactly a plant is native.

Lots of plants native to B.C. are completely inappropriate in the Okanagan, so they’re unlikely to thrive here.

Then, within the Okanagan, first you must also consider whether a plant is native to our particular region of the valley; then, in which ecoregion it belongs: upland, riparian, high elevation, etc.

Further, consider whether it would thrive on a dry silty slope, a creek edge, or in a bed of clay.

Provenance (original seed source) and site matching (right plant, right place) matter more than just choosing a native plant.

Within the Okanagan, there are extremely diverse ecosystems in close proximity to each other, and ignoring sub-regional differences can cause failure unless you are careful to plant native plants in their natural environment.

Elevation, temperature, sun exposure, drainage, and soil texture often matter more than region.

In general though:

• The South Okanagan is hot and dry and of low elevation
• The Central Okanagan is transitional
• The North Okanagan is cooler and wetter

Pre-settlement landscapes in the Okanagan featured native plants that evolved with disturbance, not with watering, fertilizer, or mulch, such as we use on our man-made landscapes. This is a fire-adapted ecosystem that consists of drought-tolerant plant communities in patchy, disturbed, open landscapes.

Many native plants expect stress and respond poorly to pampering, so, as gardeners, we should take advantage of these attributes.

Showy Milkweed, Asclepias speciosa

ADVANTAGES OF NATIVE PLANTS

LESS WATER
The use of native plants in your landscape reduces the amount of supplemental water needed, but it does not necessarily mean they require no water. All plants require enough water when first planted to help them to settle in, so at least for the first year, they are likely to need some supplemental water over the summer and during drought.

LESS MAINTENANCE
Over the longer term, inputs such as fertilizer, replanting, chemicals and other maintenance are greatly reduced with native plants grown in a natural garden. Plants that evolved here are used to our weather swings. This is their home, and they are climate-resilient.

SUPPORT LOCAL ECOSYSTEMS
Native plants also support the local ecology, including pollinators, birds, mammals, and beneficial microorganisms, as well as their companion native plants.

Native plants overwhelmingly provide better habitat than non-native ornamentals and are the entry point for energy into our local ecosystem. They are the foundation of all food webs and feed everything, or everything’s food. Birds depend on insects as part of this food web: over 95% of land-based birds in North America feed insects to their young, and this includes species of birds that exclusively eat seeds as adults.

Birds cannot survive without insects, and insects are highly-specialized and often have evolved specific digestive enzymes and life cycles that require native plants as food or as a larval host for reproduction.

For an extreme example, the Okanagan has some species of butterfly that are at risk or endangered because they have evolved to only use one specific plant, or plant family, as a larval host.

Behr’s Hairstreak Butterfly depends on Antelope Brush; Monarch Butterfly larva can only survive on Milkweeds (Showy Milkweed is the only native here), and the Mormon Metalmark Butterfly relies on Buckwheats.

Human activity and climate change have reduced the population of these plants, which results in a reduced butterfly population, which in turn reduces pollination and seed production for these plants. This type of negative feedback spiral is often the cause of species extinction.

Pollinators also require native plants. Most ornamental, non-native flowers produce nectar that can be used by native adult bees as food, but the 500-600 species of bees native to BC are often pollen specialists that require specific plants or plant families for the pollen they need to feed their larva. Although the bees are very important, flies, other insects, and birds also do their share of pollinating plants.

In addition to pollination services, these insects and birds also often provide pest control, such as being predatory on pests like aphids.

PLANT OF THE MONTH- March

by Sigrie Kendrick

Lenten or Christmas Rose, or Hellebore

Helleborus orientalis, commonly known as the Lenten or Christmas Rose, or simply Hellebore, is an excellent choice for Okanagan gardens.

Native to Greece, Turkey, and the Caucasus region, this elegant perennial has been favored by gardeners for centuries for its remarkable resilience and quiet, understated beauty.

Despite its common name, the Lenten Rose is not a true rose but a member of the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. It produces nodding, cup-shaped flowers in a stunning range of colours from pure white and soft cream to deep plum, burgundy, and near-black.

Many cultivars feature attractive spotting, veining, or picotee edges, adding further visual interest. Helleborus orientalis blooms appear from late winter through early spring, often pushing up through frost and snow, earning the plant a reputation as a harbinger for the warmer days ahead.

The leathery, dark green foliage is evergreen in many climates, providing year-round structure and ground cover. Leaves are deeply divided into palmate segments, giving the plant a bold, architectural quality even when not in bloom.

Hellebore thrive in a woodland garden

Helleborus orientalis thrives in partial to full shade, making it an invaluable choice for woodland gardens and shade borders. It prefers well-drained, humus-rich soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Once established, it is remarkably drought-tolerant and long-lived, with individual plants surviving for decades with minimal care.

Few plants offer so much for so little effort. The Lenten Rose naturalises freely, self-seeding to gradually form impressive clumps. It is also deer-resistant, a significant advantage in many Okanagan gardens.

However, gardeners should note that all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, so care should be taken in gardens frequented by children or pets. Some people may even experience mild skin irritation after touching Hellebore.

With its late-winter blooms and easy-going nature, Helleborus orientalis remains an essential plant for any shade garden.

Our Plant Database features more than 500 plants tested and ideally suited for the unique challenges of gardening in the Okanagan’s extreme climate, including the plants in this article.

PLANT OF THE MONTH- FEBRUARY

by Sigrie Kendrick

Why are snowdrops remarkable?

Galanthus nivalis, commonly known as the snowdrop, is a small bulbous perennial plant that has captured the hearts of gardeners and nature enthusiasts worldwide. Native to Europe and parts of the Middle East, this delicate flower is one of the earliest bloomers in the garden calendar, often pushing through frozen soil and even snow cover to display its pristine white flowers.

The botanical name offers insight into its nature – “Galanthus” derives from Greek words meaning “milk flower,” while “nivalis” refers to snow, aptly describing both its appearance and its winter-blooming habit. The snowdrop typically grows to about 15 centimeters in height, with narrow, blue-green leaves and a single pendant flower consisting of three outer tepals and three shorter inner tepals marked with green.

What makes snowdrops particularly remarkable is their ability to flower in the coldest months of the year, usually between January and March in the Northern Hemisphere. This is made possible by several adaptations, including antifreeze proteins in their tissues that prevent damage from freezing temperatures. The drooping posture of the flowers also serves a practical purpose, protecting the plant’s reproductive parts from rain, snow, and cold winds.

Galanthus Nivalis – the promise of Spring

Snowdrops contain compounds of medical interest, notably galantamine, which is used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. This alkaloid was first isolated from snowdrops and related species in the Amaryllidaceae family, showcasing how even the smallest garden plants can hold significant pharmaceutical value.

For garden enthusiasts, snowdrops inspire a particular passion, sometimes leading to “galanthomania” – the obsessive collection of different snowdrop varieties. Despite their seemingly simple appearance, there are over 20 species and hundreds of cultivars differing in size, flowering time, and the patterns of green markings on their inner tepals. Some rare varieties can fetch prices in the hundreds of dollars for a single bulb.

Planting snowdrops is straightforward, though they prefer partial shade and humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. They naturalize readily in suitable conditions, forming impressive carpets over time. Most effectively, they are planted “in the green” – that is, shortly after flowering when still in leaf, rather than as dry bulbs.

For many gardeners, the sight of the first snowdrops emerging marks a significant moment in the yearly cycle – a promise that spring, with all its abundance, is on its way.

Our Plant Database features more than 500 plants tested and ideally suited for the unique challenges of gardening in the Okanagan’s extreme climate, including the plants in this article.

PLANT OF THE MONTH- JANUARY

by Sigrie Kendrick

Wild pansy, heartsease, or Johnny-jump-up

Although not typically considered a xeriscape plant, these diminutive beauties, sited on my patio, receive very little supplemental irrigation and are actually quite drought-tolerant. They have been blooming since September and, with our recent mild weather, continue to do so, brightening the gloomy winter days, making them worthy to feature as Plant of the Month.

Viola tricolour, commonly known as the wild pansy, heartsease, or Johnny-jump-up, is a delightful European wildflower that has captured hearts for centuries. This small but mighty plant, belonging to the violet family Violaceae, displays cheerful blooms in combinations of colours, hence its scientific name “tricolour,” meaning three colors. Blooming in shades of blue, purple, orange, yellow, burgundy, white, and near-black, with many multicoloured varieties, these are tough, fast-growing, self-seeders.

Native to Europe and temperate regions of Asia, this hardy annual or short-lived perennial thrives in meadows, wastelands, and cultivated fields. The plant typically grows 6 to 8 inches tall, with delicate flowers measuring about half an inch across. Each bloom features distinctive face-like markings, with dark lines radiating from the center.

Viola tricolour – folklore and symbolism

Throughout history, Viola tricolour has been steeped in folklore and symbolism. Medieval Europeans called it heartsease because of its supposed ability to mend broken hearts and ease emotional pain. In the Victorian language of flowers, it represented loving thoughts and remembrance. Beyond its ornamental appeal, the wild pansy has practical uses. Herbalists have traditionally employed it to treat skin conditions, respiratory ailments, and inflammation. The flowers are edible and make attractive garnishes for salads and desserts, offering a mild, slightly minty flavor.

Viola tricolour is also the ancestor of the modern garden pansy (Viola × wittrockiana), developed through extensive breeding in the 19th century. While cultivated pansies now boast larger blooms in countless color combinations, many gardeners still cherish the wild pansy’s modest charm and natural grace.

This resilient little flower continues to brighten gardens and wild spaces, reminding us that beauty often comes in small, unpretentious packages. Viola tricolour are typically more heat and drought-tolerant than pansies and worth including in any garden.

Our Plant Database features more than 500 plants tested and ideally suited for the unique challenges of gardening in the Okanagan’s extreme climate, including the plants in this article.

GARDENING WITH NATURE

Not all plants like the Okanagan

Popular Garden Plants That Struggle Here

Rhododendrons, azaleas, hydrangeas, and most Japanese maples (Acer species) may dominate garden centres but they’re fighting an uphill battle against this valley’s unique environmental conditions.

The most fundamental obstacle these plants face in the Okanagan is soil chemistry.

Rhododendrons, azaleas, and most hydrangeas are acid-loving plants that thrive in soils with a pH between 4.5 and 6.0. Unfortunately, Okanagan soils typically range from neutral to alkaline, often sitting between 7.0 and 8.5 pH. This alkaline environment creates a cascade of problems for acid-preferring plants.

In alkaline soils, essential nutrients become chemically bound and unavailable to plant roots, particularly iron, manganese, and zinc.

The result is chlorosis – that telltale yellowing of leaves while veins remain green – which weakens plants and makes them susceptible to other stresses.

While gardeners can attempt to acidify soil with sulphur or aluminum sulphate, maintaining the necessary pH in naturally alkaline conditions requires constant intervention and expense.

Dry Summers and Low Humidity

The Okanagan’s semi-arid climate presents another insurmountable challenge.

With annual precipitation ranging from just 250-400 mm in many areas, the region experiences genuine water scarcity.

Rhododendrons and azaleas evolved in moist, humid environments where their shallow, fibrous root systems could rely on consistent moisture and lots of organic matter. Their large, thin leaves are designed for environments with high humidity and reliable rainfall—not this valley’s dry summers and low humidity.

Hydrangeas also struggle with the Okanagan’s drought conditions. These plants require consistent soil moisture and suffer significantly when subjected to water stress, which is virtually inevitable during the valley’s hot, dry summers.

Most Japanese maples face similar challenges. These delicate trees prefer consistent moisture and protection from harsh afternoon sun and drying winds – conditions opposite to what the Okanagan typically provides.

Temperature Extremes and Wind Exposure

While the Okanagan enjoys warm summers perfect for viticulture, it also experiences significant temperature fluctuations and harsh winter conditions that stress some of these ornamental plants.

Many rhododendron and azalea varieties that appear hardy on paper struggle with this region’s combination of cold winters followed by rapid spring warm-ups, which can trigger premature budding. That can then be followed by frost damage to those tender new buds.

The valley’s frequent winds compound these problems. Strong, dry winds increase water loss from plant tissues and can physically damage the brittle branches of Japanese maples.

Rhododendrons and azaleas, with their broad evergreen leaves often lose moisture faster than their root systems can replace it.

Choosing Plants That Belong Here

Rather than fighting against the Okanagan’s natural conditions, successful valley gardeners embrace plants that thrive in alkaline soils and dry conditions.

Native and adapted plants like penstemon, lavender, yarrow, ornamental grasses, and xeric trees and shrubs provide beauty without the constant struggle.

The Okanagan’s unique climate offers opportunities to grow plants that would struggle elsewhere – Mediterranean herbs, drought-adapted perennials, and heat-loving annuals that coastal gardeners envy.

By choosing plants suited to local conditions, gardeners can create stunning landscapes that celebrate the region’s natural character while conserving precious water resources.

The key to successful Okanagan gardening isn’t forcing unsuitable plants to survive, but discovering the remarkable beauty of plants that naturally call this unique valley home.

A variety of sedums and ornamental grasses instead of coastal perennials

The relationship between plants, pests, and beneficial insects represents a natural system of checks and balances. By supporting these natural predators, we align ourselves with ecological processes refined over millions of years.

Rather than fighting against nature with chemicals and barriers, we can harness these allies to create gardens that not only produce beautiful plants but also support diverse wildlife communities.

The next time you spot a lacewing, soldier beetle, or even a spider in your garden,
consider yourself lucky to be witnessing nature’s pest control experts at work.

Communities in Bloom Award Goes to OXA

Prestigious Showcase Award

Excelling Across Multiple Categories

Our educational component runs deep. Throughout the growing season, the organization hosts workshops, garden tours, and consultations, welcoming thousands of residents who are reimagining their own landscapes. Volunteers, the organization’s lifeblood, staff Seedy Sunday, information sessions, maintain the demonstration gardens, and share their accumulated wisdom about what works in the Okanagan’s unique climate. They continue to spread this knowledge in our community.

The timing of this recognition feels particularly significant, coming just as the garden is celebrating its 15th year. As climate change intensifies pressure on water resources throughout B.C., the practices we champion should be shifting from optional to essential. Municipal water utilities increasingly recommend the general use of xeriscaping principles, and our demonstration garden provides a visual reference point for residents wondering how to implement these practices without sacrificing the beautiful gardens they love.

Communities in Bloom’s evaluation criteria focus on a variety of areas. The Okanagan Xeriscape Association demonstration garden clearly excels across multiple categories, but its strongest showing comes in environmental action and community involvement, with a focus on education.

The Showcase Award also acknowledges the countless volunteer hours put in as OXA members gather to maintain the garden. In a post-COVID era when volunteer organizations often struggle to maintain momentum, OXA has built an engaged community of advocates who understand they’re not just maintaining flower beds but are working together towards a more sustainable future. Their work extends beyond the garden through school programs, partnerships with local governments, and advocacy for water-wise landscaping policies.

For Communities in Bloom, recognizing the Okanagan Xeriscape Association aligns perfectly with the program’s evolving mandate to celebrate not just beauty, but sustainability and environmental stewardship. The demonstration garden represents both ecological and aesthetic beauty—precisely the kind of project that deserves showcase recognition.

As visitors wander through the garden’s pathways this season, admiring the red foliage of the Acer ginnala, the dried coneflowers, and spectacular ornamental grasses, all thriving with minimal water, they’re witnessing more than award-winning landscaping. They’re seeing proof that communities can bloom beautifully even in challenging conditions, and can take inspiration for transforming their own outdoor areas into sustainable spaces.

For a wide range of inspiring information about xeriscape, look through our website to begin your xeriscape journey.