PERENNIALS and SUB-SHRUBS
water-wise
good for bees, butterflies and hummingbirds

A perennial is a plant that lives more than 2 years and doesn't have woody stems. Perennials grow and bloom during the spring and summer, then die back to the ground in the fall, when the weather turns cold. They are low-maintenance: just cut them back to the ground in late fall or in spring.

Sub-shrubs (also known as woody perennials) don't die back to the ground in winter. Instead, the flower stalks die and the woody branches may loose some or all of their leaves. Lavender is a good example of a sub-shrub. Instead of cutting the entire plant back to the ground each year, just remove the dead flower stalks in late fall or in spring.

All of the plants shown here will thrive in sunny locations and have minimal to moderate water needs, once established.

This list includes a mix of plants are native to our region and plants that aren't. All are well-adapted to Spokane's climate and beneficial to bees, butterflies and other wildlife.

Agastache (Hummingbird Mint)

Agastache grows to 3 feet tall, blooms in mid-summer and attracts hummingbirds and other pollinators. It is native to the western US and comes in many different colors, including apricot,  mauve and purple. Does well in hot, dry conditions and prefers sandy, gravelly soil. If your soil is rich and dense, mix some sand and gravel in before planting.

Aster

Aster is native to the western US and an important pollinator plant. It starts blooming in late summer and continues throughout the fall. Not all varieties of aster survive cold winters, so be sure to read the tag before buying. Spokane is in climate zone 6.

Bee Balm (Monarda)

Bee Balm typically grows to 3 or 4' tall and prefers full sun. It attracts bumblebees, butterflies and hummingbirds. The most common colors are red, hot pink and purple. It's native to the western US and much of North America. It's a member of the mint family, so it will spread. Its not particularly drought-tolerant, preferring damp, well-drained soil.

Buckwheat

Native to the Intermountain West, this hardy plant blooms in early to mid summer. It attracts bees, butterflies and other insects, and it's the host plant for several butterflies. Grows to about 15″ tall. Does well in full sun and well-drained soil. Great in rock gardens. The variety shown here is Wyeth or Parsnip-Flowered.

Catmint (Nepeta)

Catmint forms small mounds and is attractive to pollinators. It does well with minimal watering. Cutting it back mid-summer will cause the plant to re-bloom. Works well in a rock garden. Catmint is not native to the US, but bees love it anyway.

Goldenrod

Native to the western US and much of North America, it grows wild in prairies and grasslands. Important source of food for bees and butterflies. Spreads by both underground rhizomes and seeds so give it plenty of room.

Helenium

Helenium is in the sunflower family and is native to the western US and most of North America. Typically grows to about 4 feet tall and tends to flop over, unless it has some support. The shorter variety, called Short & Sassy, does not flop over but is not attractive to bees and other pollinators.

Heliopsis

Heliopsis, known as ox-eye or false sunflower, is native to central and eastern North America. Prefers full sun and regular water. Grows to 3 or 4 feet tall. Popular with the pollinators.

Lavender

Technically, lavender is a sub-shrub rather than a perennial. That means instead of cutting it down to the ground once a year, you'll just remove the dead flower stalks. Lavender is native to the Mediterranean region and is a tough, water-wise plant that needs minimal care. It smells wonderful and is attractive to bees.

Milkweed

When planting milkweed to support butterflies, it's important to choose a species that is native to your area. Showy Milkweed is native to the Spokane region. If you walk at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge or other natural areas, you'll see it growing along roads and trails. This plant reaches 2 to 3' tall, and blooms June through August. It spreads by rhizomes so it will create a patch if given the opportunity. Milkweed is the host plant for Monarch butterflies.

Oregon Sunshine

Oregon Sunshine is a low-growing sub-shrub native to Washington, Oregon and northern California. It prefers sandy or rocky soil and is drought-tolerant once established. If your soil is rich and dense, mix in some sand and gravel before planting. Oregon Sunshine has lovely grey-green leaves and is an important source of pollen for native bees. Because it's a sub-shrub rather than a perennial, just remove the dead flower stalks instead of cutting it down to the ground every year.

Penstemon

Penstemon is native to the western US. It comes in a wide range of colors: white, pink, coral, red, violet, purple and blue. It prefers dry, rocky soil and needs very little water. If your soil is rich and dense, mix some sand and gravel in before planting. Penstemon attracts hummingbirds and bumblebees.

Salvia nemorosa or Salvia sylvestris
(also known as Old World sage or Meadow sage)

Old World sages are native to Europe. Some cultivated varieties (like Rose Queen and Rose Marvel) bloom all summer long, adding brilliant color to the garden, while feeding bees and other insects. Drought-tolerant once established.

Salvia greggii (autumn sage or Texas sage)

This gorgeous sub-shrub blooms from spring through autumn. Native to the southwestern US, particularly Texas. Drought-tolerant and attractive to pollinators. Has been cultivated into many different varieties, some of them cold-tolerant enough to do well in Spokane. Because it's a sub-shrub, don't cut it to the ground. Just trim off the dead flower stalks in late fall or spring.

Salvia dorrii (desert sage)

This sub-shrub is native to the western US and grows well in dry, sandy, gravelly soil. If your soil is rich and dense, you can add sand and gravel to help it drain better. Desert sage can tolerate cold winters once established. For the first couple of years, pile mulch around the plant to protect the developing root system. Highly attractive to bees and other pollinators.

Yarrow

Yarrow is native to much of the northern hemisphere, including the western US. Drought-tolerant and attractive to butterflies. Some types are aggressive and will take over your garden. To be safe, choose a well-behaved variety like Moonshine or Terracotta that won't spread too much.