The Best Plants for Coastal Oregon Near Florence

The Oregon coast near Florence falls into the USDA winter hardiness zone 8. The entire western border of Oregon is touched by the Pacific Ocean. This marine influence creates a mild climate for plant survival. This area around the Siuslaw River has sandy soil and heavily-timbered woodlands. Abundant rainfall occurs year round with an average of 76 inches of annual rainfall. The average winter low is 37 degrees F, and the average summer high is 69 degrees F.

Blue Blossom

Blue blossom (Ceanothus thyrsiflorus) is an upright shrub that reaches 20 feet tall. This deciduous bush has oblong leaves 3/4 to 2 inches long with serrated edges. The tops are glossy green and pale green underneath. Deep blue, light blue and almost white, small blossoms cluster together in 3-inch spikes on the ends of the branches in the spring and early summer.

Blue-Eyed Grass

Blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium bellum) produces sword-shaped leaves 4 to 16 inches long. It grows two or more stems with dark purple and pale blue blossoms on top. These 1/2-to-1 inch flower stars each have six petals with a yellow center. The flowers last only one day, then another one opens to take its place. Blue-eyed grass blooms from April through July.

Coyote Bush

Coyote bush (Baccharis pilularis) is a broadleaf evergreen shrub growing 2 feet high and 6 feet wide. The wedge-shaped, oblong green leaves create a dense bush of foliage. Coyote bush comes in male and female shrubs. The female bush produces white flowers and the male bush produces yellow flowers. These flowers form tight clusters. This drought-resistant bush is commonly used for erosion control and is native to the Oregon coast.

Douglas Iris

iris blanc image by Isabelle Guiot-Hullot from Fotolia.com

Douglas iris (Iris douglasiana) grows 2-foot long, sword-shaped, rich green leaves. This perennial bulb produces blue, violet, cream and white flowers. The blooms appear from middle to late spring. This clumping flower grows well in partial shade, but it flowers more abundantly in full sun. The Douglas iris is native to Oregon.

Western Spirea

Western spirea (Spiraea douglasii) is a deciduous shrub that grows upright 3 to 7 feet. The slender branches are covered with oblong leaves. The leaves are dark green above and whitish-green underneath. Deep pink flowers create fragrant clusters that are oblong in shape. Western spirea grows well in soggy areas and is native to Oregon.