Growing berries, fruit trees, roses, and native plants

Berries, fruit trees, roses, and native plants can be grown successfully in Central Oregon (CO). The key is to select varieties suited to local growing conditions and follow recommendations for planting and care.

Amy Jo Detweiler, an Oregon State University Extension horticulturist in CO, has authored four OSU Extension online publications that provide details on:

• Berries: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/ec-1621-selecting-berry-crop-varieties-central-oregon

•Fruit Trees: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/ec-1622-selecting-fruit-tree-varieties-central-oregon-landscaping-home-orchards

• Roses: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/ec-1624-roses

• Native Plants: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/ec-1623-selecting-native-plants-home-landscapes-central-oregon.

A typical growing season in CO ranges from 70 to 100 days, depending on location, Detweiler said. “Frost can occur at any time of the year in this region, including when plants are flowering or setting fruit, with possible damage to potential crops. Although a plant may grow well, fruit production can vary from year to year. At lower elevations, the milder climate can increase the chance of a successful fruit crop.”

Some guidelines from the publications can help CO home gardeners and orchardists.

Berries

Many berry crops thrive in CO, especially raspberries, strawberries, gooseberries, currants, and serviceberries, plus cold-hardy, early-season varieties of table grapes, blueberries and blackberries. To improve fruit production select cold-hardy, short-season varieties; a site with full sun and well-drained soil; and a high spot with good airflow to reduce frost damage.

Fruit trees

The apple tree is the most reliable fruiting tree in CO, followed by hardy Asian pear, European pear, plum, and sour cherry. Peach, apricot, sweet cherry, hardy kiwi, and some kinds of nut trees may not bear consistently. To increase fruit production, consider pollination requirements of plants before purchasing, and, to prevent killing bees or other pollinators, do not spray insecticides during bloom. Dwarfing rootstock and semi-dwarf trees produce apples sooner than their standard counterparts, take up less space and are easier to maintain because of their smaller size.

Roses

With attention to planting and care, many types of roses can be grown successfully in CO. Select a rose suited to your area’s USDA hardiness zone, and look for disease-resistant varieties. Choose a spot that will receive at least six to eight hours of sunlight daily; morning sun is ideal. A site protected from the wind is recommended. Roses prefer moist, well-drained soil. In CO, native soils are predominantly sandy and can benefit from additions of organic matter.

Native plants

Native plants add beauty with colorful flowers, foliage, texture, and scents. If planted in a suitable habitat, they adapt well to CO soils and climate. This reduces the need for supplemental water and maintenance. When grown in the right conditions, native plants experience less environmental, insect, and disease damage than nonnative plants. Native plants also create the best environments for local pollinators and wildlife. They are minimally invasive when planted in the right environment. The lists of trees, shrubs, grasses, and perennials in the online publication focus on native plants that are readily available from local nurseries and adapt easily to an urban landscape environment. When selecting native plants, choose those whose natural habitat is similar to conditions in your landscape.