Callistemon 'Clemson' -- Hardy Bottlebrush -- Said to have survived an episode of -8 or -9°F, but we recommend zone 8b (15°F) as a safer low end of its range. However, like other Callistemons, it will often regenerate even after being frozen to the ground. The flowers are very large and very red, and continue for a long time, late spring through frost. The shrub is relatively compact, to 6'. Leaves are bluegreen.

Callistemon pallidus 'Eleanor' bears large purple brushes earlier in the year than most, typically May and June here in the Pacific Northwest. Cold hardy to at least 12°F, zone 8, but flowers best against a south wall for plenty of heat. Blue-green foliage is more leaf-like than needle-like, on a 6' x 4' shrub. A selection by Xera Plants in Tualitin, Oregon.

Callistemon seiberi -- River Bottlebrush -- Pale yellow brushes on a sculptural shrub to 8' and as wide. Twisting stems with tightly-packed, olive green, needle-like leaves, flaking bark, and a meandering habit give this alpine shrub a distinct personality. Zone 7b.

Callistemon speciosus -- Albany Bottlebrush -- Abundant deep pink flowers with vermillion pollen at the tips of the filaments. An 8-10' shrub with thick, lemon-scented foliage. Zone 8b.

Cestrum newellii -- Red Cestrum -- Very nice deep red flowers on a shrub that can reach 8-10' and stay evergreen in warm climates, but only 3-5' in colder ones, dying back to the roots in zones 7 & 8, but root-hardy there when mulched. It's vigorous and free-blooming, so well worth growing in the colder zones as a dieback perennial. Not as strongly scented as the other Cestrums listed, but prettier.

Chasmanthe bicolor -- Winter-growing South African corm related to Gladiolus. They bear double ranks of arching, tubular flowers on tall stems. Since they're winter growers, they need to be grown in a climate no colder than zone 9, or in a greenhouse. In nature, Chasmanthes grow in wet spots on rocky outcrops, where they form small colonies. They prefer sun, but will adapt to partial shade. This genus of 3 species is part of the Cape Flora, a group of plants that live around the cape and nowhere else on earth. This is an early bloomer, with dark vermillion and yellow tubular flowers on 3' spikes. From the Southwest Cape.

X Chitalpa tashkentensis -- An intergeneric hybrid between the Southern Catalpa, Catalpa bignonioides, and the Desert Willow, Chilopsis linearis. The hybrid was made in Tashkent, a part of the former Soviet Union, hence Tashkentensis (the suffix -ensis or -ense indicates place of origin, or at least the place it was first described.) This is a spectacularly-flowering shrub or small tree, 15-30', with willow-like leaves. The Chilopsis parent provides some tolerance to heat and drought, while the Catalpa parent provides hardiness to around -15°F. Flowering is profuse from late spring through fall. A fast-growing tree, this can quickly become a certerpiece for yard or patio.

Cinnamomum camphora -- Camphor Tree -- A subtropical tree, zones 9b and above, used as a tub plant in colder climates because of its attractive glossy leaves which have a delicious camphor fragance when crushed. (Camphor is used is cold medications for its pleasant but penetrating fragrance, and was historically used in confections.) Outside in a favorable (warm, humid) climate, it becomes a 60'+ tree. Our specimens are at least 18" tall.

Coix lachrima-jobi -- Job's Tears -- This tall, ornamental tropical grass is related to corn, and the relationship is easy to see. Prized for the seed heads, which are ornamental on the plant and used in arrangements. The teardrop-shaped seeds may be white or grey, glossy, and make excellent beads, often used in rosaries. From tropical Asia, it may be grown as an annual in colder areas, as it seeds heavily. Easy to grow.

Coprosma 'Evening Glow' -- Mirror Plant -- A shrublet native to New Zealand, and named for its shiny leaves, which in this variety are also very colorful. To 18" in height and spread, it naturally assumes a pyramidal shape, but is adaptable to pruning. Colorful leaves replace flowers, which are not significant, but older plants produce orange berries in fall. Some say hardy in zone 8, or even possibly 7, but a safer bet is zones 9-10. Sun to part shade.

Corokia cotoneaster -- Wire Net Bush, Skeleton Bush -- Distinctive Australian shrub with contorted, dark-colored, zig-zag branches and tiny leaves that are deep green on top and silver underneath. Small, bright yellow flowers in spring are followerd by red fruits. Sparse foliage and unusual branching structure make this a great specimen plant in a sunny, dry location or in a planter. 6-8' tall and as wide. Zones 8-10

Corokia cotoneaster 'Little Prince' -- A dwarf variety of the above, to just 3-4' and not quite as wide. By the way, don't let the species name fool you. This is a Corokia, not a Cotoneaster. If your name is Doug MacArthur, you're related to other people named MacArthur, not to other people named Doug

Corokia x virgata 'Sunsplash' -- A very different Corokia from the increasingly common C. cotoneaster, this hybrid does have slightly contorted branches and sparse foliage, but has much larger leaves that are splashed with yellow, cream, and sage green. To 5'x3' in a location protected from hot afternoon sun, it's hardy to between 10 and 15 degrees F. Showy specimen or container plant with good drainage.

Correa reflexa -- Australian Fuchsia -- A variable shrub, usually to about 3', suitable for warmer climates. The pendant flowers are two-colored, deep pink on the upper part of the bell, green on the lower, with yellow stamens protuding just beyond the petals. Leaves are a rounded heart shape, slightly hairy, and deep green. Zone 9, greenhouse, or overwintered indoors.

Cortaderia sellowiana 'Icalma' -- Dwarf Pampas Grass -- The familiar Pampas Grass is very large, up to 10', hardy only to zone 7, and blooms in September. But this dwarf variety grows to 3-4', is hardy in zone 6, and blooms in July. It's a perennial clumper that should not be cut back in spring.

Cotoneaster cooperi (Syn. C. microphyllus cooperi) -- A very tiny (to 3-4" tall) subshrub with equally tiny, oval, densely packed, deep green leaves. A nice rock garden plant, it will crawl over said rocks and reward you with white flowers followed by tiny red fruits in fall. Zones 5-9, sun/part shade.

Crocosmia 'Constance' -- Crocosmia are vigorous, spreading Iris family members, with yellow, red, or orange flowers. This one manages to incorporate all 3 colors. Grows to 2', with abundant panicles of funnel-shaped flowers. Zones 6-9.

Crassula marnieriana -- Jade Necklace Vine -- Succulents are arguably among the strangest kinds of plants. If you are a lover of succulents, let's face it, you might be a little strange yourself, in which case you'll certainly like this little succulent, which my daughter describes as a "fruit loop necklace". I'm sure this is meant to describe the cereal, not the people who buy it. All the loops are jade green with red and white tinging, and the plant is less than 6" tall, with somewhat more spread, nice for a small basket. Spikes of cream-red flowers erupt from the tips of the arms. This will fit right in with your String of Pearls, Pregnant Plant, and Burro's Tail.

Cupressus cashmeriana -- Kashmir Cypress -- Widely considered among the most beautiful conifers, this tree is listed in reference books as hardy only in zone 9 and above. The American Conifer Society, however, lists it as hardy to zone 8, as do some zone 8 nurseries. It is also used as the focus of large atriums and in bonsai. Probably no longer extant in the wild, and with a conservation status of 'threatened', the species originated in the Himalayas, where it is often planted near temples. If you want to give it a try, please note that our specimens are very small, and that the tree needs protection from winds and long, hot, dry spells.
Outdoors, Kashmir Cypress typically grows to 40-50, with a narrowly pyramidal shape. It has upright main branches and long pendulous branchlets bearing blue-green, aromatic foliage.

Cyperus alternifolius, sometimes called Umbrella Plant, is an old-fashioned houseplant that is due for a revival. Its tall, upright habit is very dramatic in a narrow space and, although naturally a water plant, requires only moderate watering indoors. The terminal umbrella of narrow leaves is adorned with flowers and seed heads from time to time, and although these are not colorful, they are attractive. This plant will grow to 5' or more, given a large enough pot and ample water and fertilizer, but can be kept smaller if desired. Zone 9 / indoors

Cyperus fertilis -- Spider Sedge -- Surely the most dwarf member of the genus, this one hugs the ground, to no more than a couple of inches, except for the arching stolon that bends over to deposit the next baby plant on the gound. In this way, it's much like a Spider Plant, AKA Airplane Plant. Its size makes it perfect for terraria. Zone 10/indoors