Central Oregon Landscaping
Gardening and landscaping in Central Oregon can be challenging because of the region’s dry climate, short growing season, and unpredictable weather. Cold winters, late spring frosts, and sudden temperature changes can damage plants and make it difficult to know when to plant. Summer heat and low humidity also increase water needs, while drought conditions can limit available resources. The area’s volcanic, rocky, or sandy soils may require compost and other amendments to support healthy plant growth. Strong winds can further stress plants and dry out soil quickly. Despite these challenges, choosing native and drought-tolerant plants, improving soil quality, and using efficient irrigation can create beautiful, sustainable landscapes.
High Desert Native Trees
Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa)
Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa)
Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa)
Western juniper (juniperus occidentalis)
Western juniper (juniperus occidentalis)
Quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) - Requires more watering
Quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) - Requires more watering
Quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) - Requires more watering
High Desert Native Shrubs
Big Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata)
Big Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata)
Green rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus)
Green rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus)
Bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata)
Bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata)
Mountain Slope Native Shrubs
Green manzanita (Arctostaphylos patula)
Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
Stream Banks Native Shrubs
Wax current (Ribes cereum) - Requires more watering/shade
Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea) - Requires more watering/shade
Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea) - Requires more watering/shade
Wax current (Ribes cereum) - Requires more watering
Douglas Spiraea (spiraea douglasii) - Requires moist area/water
Woods' rose (Rosa woodsii)
High Desert Native Flowers
Fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium)
Scarlet Gilia (Ipomopsis aggregate)
Goldfields (Crocidium multicaule)
Blue flax (Linum lewisii)
Hummingbird mint (Agastache)
Pineleaf penstemon (Penstemon pinifolius)
High Desert Native Grasses
Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis)
Popular Non-Native Species
Russian sage (Salvia yangii)
Karl Foerster (Calamagrostis acutiflora)
Blue fescue (Festuca glauca)
Rocks, Gravel & Sand
Klamath & Harney Basin Boulders
Gravel 3/4"-minus
Gravel 1/4"-minus
Aspen Gravel 3/4"-minus
Aspen Gravel 3/4"-minus - Screened/Cleaned
Pink Aspen Gravel 3/4"-minus - Screened/Cleaned
Pink Aspen Gravel 1 1/2" - Screened/Cleaned
1-3" Deco
River Pebbles/Drain Rock
Pea Gravel
Decomposed Granite
Construction Sand
Masons Sand