Low rainfall, poor soil and shade can be special problems for gardeners. Finding plants that will tolerate all three can be a challenge. One great solution for Pacific Northwest gardens is
Wild Mock Orange (
Philadelphus lewisii), the state flower of Idaho. Not only is it native to the region, it is also a link to our history. It was first described and named by Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The variety 'Blizzard' is smaller and more upright than the wild species. It grows to about 5 feet (1.5 m) tall and wide.
