Mail Order Catalog Fall 2010 - Cistus Nursery

Agave parryi [N. of Sedona, AZ]
Tightly clumping agave with seriously impressive leaves and extremely sharp spines. A Cistus collection found
north of Sedona Arizona, this form reaches 3 ft tall and wide. Best in full sun with excellent drainage and
occasional water in summer for best appearance. Cold hardy to 0F, USDA zone 7 if kept dry in winter.
$16.00
10
Agavaceae
Agave parryi var. huachucensis 'Huachuca Blue'
A Cistus introduction, bluer than its near relation. Our fabulous selection -- from 7000 ft in the Huachuca
Mountains in southern Arizona and into northern Sonora -- exhibits particularly steel-blue leaves in the classic
20-24” artichoke shape, eventually offsetting and forming small colonies. Though not the most frost hardy of
the A. parryi clan, still takes 10F in stride, USDA zone 8, and lower if very soil is well drained. Full sun in lean,
well-drained soil with occasional summer water in dry climates.
$16.00
Agavaceae
Agave parryi var. parryi century plant
Strikingly handsome agave with blue-gray, sharp-spined leaves that show the imprint of newer leaves. To 2 ft tall
at maturity, these are best in full sun and soil that is lean and very well-drained. Extra protection from winter
moisture increases frost hardiness. Frost hardy in USDA zone 8 with that excellent drainage. Good in containers
as well, with extra protection in winter cold.
$16.00
Agavaceae
Agave parviflora [Ruby, AZ]
A jewel-like miniature agave from the dry grasslands of southern Arizona and adjacent Sonora, a habitat that
includes Dasylirion wheeleri and the famed Opuntia violacea v. santa rita, and a rich area where we have
selected forms of heucheras, Zauschneria arizonica, and numerous desert ferns. Rosettes of only 6- 8", with
narrow leaves, deep green marked white, and curled filifers that make it an intriguing plant for container or
garden. The flowering stalks are tall and narrow; the unusual, creamy flowers tinted red, make hummingbirds
very happy. Provide excellent drainage in bright light to only the lightest of shade for best form. The habitat has
dry winters and thunderstorm laden summers so these plants are best well watered in summer and kept dry in
winter, though plants in our Portland garden have been quite happy for some years in a stone wall with no cover.
Frost hardy from 0 to 10F, USDA zone 7; colder if kept winter dry.
$16.00
$16.00
Agavaceae
* Agave 'Royal Spine'
Handsome, small agave, to only 18” tall x 2 ft wide with a dense rosette of dark green leaves blushed white
(giving rise to an alternative name, A. 'Green Steel’). A cross between A. macroacantha and A.
victoriae-reginae, the first contributing a dark terminal spine, the second, the darkly chiseled, spineless, leaf
edges. Sun, good drainage and little summer water. Frost hardy in USDA zone 9. Looks wonderful in
containers.
Agavaceae
Agave ‘Ruth Bancroft’ shark skin agave
Found in the hills near Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico, where 3 century plants converge (if not collide). This
selection, from the California garden of Ruth Bancroft, has an exquisitely fine, platinum-colored sheen with no
white markings -- clearly showing its A. victoria-reginae and A. scabra parentage. To 2-3 ft tall x 3-4 ft wide.
For bright sun and well-drained soil with little summer irrigation necessary. Great in containers. Cold hardy to
10F or so, USDA zone 8. Also known as A. ‘Sharkskin’ for its leaf color and texture.
$18.00
Agavaceae
Spring 2010 Mail Order Catalog (* = new to mail order list)