Much of the excitement in Pacific Coast gardening comes from experimenting with plants native to western states and those from other countries with similar climates.
Many natives have adopted themselves to zones and exposures quite unlike those in which they are found.
Fallugia Paradoxa “Apache Plume”
One of these shrubs is Fallugia paradoxa, more commonly known as Apache plume.
Apache plume is a rapid-growing bush, usually about 5’ feet but sometimes 10’ feet tall.
Its twigs are straw-colored, its branches a flaky yellow-gray.
It is conspicuous for its single white rubus-like flowers, 1 ½” inches across, and its decorative tufts of feathered seed tails, cream-colored at first and then lavender-pink.
Flowers, almost flat and with anther-filled centers, and fruit put on a continual show from early April into winter.
The bush is native to the mountain ranges of 7 western states, where it is found in the following:
- Rich, moist canyons
- In dry, sunny washes
- In exposed rock
- Gravel and limestone
- In black, frozen sponge-like lava cinders
- On shrubs, dotted benches rise from the mesas.
It is valued as a soil conserver and as a forage plant in these places.
Ideal Light And Soil Requirements
In the garden, Apache plume is equally at home in rich loam and on home rocky banks in the sun.
It is a success in the Northwest as long as it gets sun and perfect drainage.
Though it thrives on my coastal hill, fog-bound in summer, it grows more slowly.
I have no doubt the Apache plume would thrive in the coldest northern and eastern states as long as it had sun and drainage.
It is not cold but wet-clogging soil that most natives of the higher southwestern zones dislike (Apache plume goes up to 8000′ feet elevation).
Young plants need a few summer waterings but will later endure a long summer’s drought.
Apache Plume Propagation
Seeds germinate easily at a temperature of 65° degrees Fahrenheit, and established bushes may be propagated by layering and from the rooted tips of outer branches.
When selecting a plant from one of the nurseries specializing in native material, choose, if possible, a large-flowered form, for not all bushes carry blooms of the same size.
This is not easy as they are likely to be potbound in their pots.
Deep Prune To Shape Your Apache Plume
Deep pruning of old branches and some shortening of younger ones are needed if you wish to shape your plant.
Handsome specimens may be seen at botanic gardens where native material is shown.