Mail Order Catalog Fall 2010 - Cistus Nursery

Agave x leopoldii
Compact and architectural century plant brought to us by Yucca Do Nursery, the narrow, slightly curved leaves
with a gray-blue-going-green sheen complete with a few stripes and polka dots. Offsets eventually. A most
attractive, small container plant, rarely growing more than 18”, and a great addition to the dry or rock garden in a
sunny site with gritty soil. Frost hardy in USDA zone 8, to 15F or so and as low as 10F if protected from
overhead moisture.
$16.00
13
Agavaceae
Agave zebra
From north central Mexico, this beautiful plant, with narrow leaves to 4 ft striped silver-blue and olive-green,
makes a stunning pot or garden specimen. Though the plant does occasionally offset, offspring might be
removed not only to propagate the plant but also to maintain the presence of an individual and solitary specimen.
Not from as high elevation as some, A. zebra seems quite happy into the upper teens F, upper USDA zone 8, but
can receive frost damage below. Winter drought or cover extends its hardiness lower. Best in full sun with
excellent drainage.
$16.00
Agavaceae
Akebia longeracemosa 'Victor's Secret' chocolate vine
Most unusual for the genus with attractive evergreen leaves, almost butterfly-like, and racemes, to 5" or more, of
vibrant pink flowers lasting a long season. Otherwise the same fascinating (intimidating?) fruit aging to a nearly
metallic blue. All this on a vine of about 10 ft; not as vigorous as some others. Full sun for best flowering though
perfectly at home in shade. Frost hardy in USDA zone 7, to just above 0F.
$15.00
$7.00
Lardizabalaceae
* Allium senescens ssp. montanum 'August Confection'
Small, NON invasive allium, a selection by plantsman Mark McDonough that forms small, handsome clumps of
grassy foliage, to only 5" tall, and produces dark, ruddy pink flowers in mid to late summer. Sun to part shade
and fairly drought tolerant though accepting of summer water as well. Frost hardy to at least 0F, USDA zone 7.
$12.00
Alliaceae / Amaryllidaceae
* Alnus formosana [Tayuling 2004] formosana alder
Native to Taiwan at mid to high elevations, this was of interest to us for its evergreen habit, the glossy green
leaves holding fast, we expect, in temperatures down to 18 to 20F. Though loving damp conditions, these do not
require quite the riparian situation of many alders. Fast growing, to 30-40 ft tall, in sun to part shade with
summer water. Stand back! Ultimate cold hardiness is not yet tested but these will remain healthy, though
deciduous, to the bottom of USDA zone 8.
Betulaceae
Aloe ‘Brass Hat’
A most wonderful Hummel hybrid with dark bronzy leaves and rosettes forming clumps of 6” to 1 ft adorned
throughout the year with brassy orange flowers. The cross, as follows -- A. (A. haworthioides x A. bakeri) x
((A. descoingsii x A. calcairophylla) x A. bakeri) -- seems algebraic and daunting. The plants are not. Alas, frost
hardy only to about 25F, mid USDA zone 9, so take precautions. Great container plant. Keep dry in winter.
$12.00
Xanthorrhoeaceae
Spring 2010 Mail Order Catalog (* = new to mail order list)