Mail Order Catalog Fall 2010 - Cistus Nursery

Arum palaestinum black calla lily
One of many delicious arums from the mountains of the Middle East and one that clumps for us instead of
eating the garden. Winter growing with shiny, bright, 8-12” leaves and velvety, late winter flowers opening black
and aging to rich, dark maroon. Seems tolerant of summer moisture or complete summer drought. Good for
shade in the dry border. Intact in our garden after the December 2008 cold spell to 20F. We reckon cold
hardiness to at least mid USDA zone 7.
$14.00
18
Araceae
Asarum caudatum f. album white flowered western wild ginger
Handsome evergreen goundcover, to only 4-6" tall, and spreading into clumps by underground rhizomes. Leaves
and roots are are aromatic when crushed. Spring flowers are greenish white in this form, a nice contrast to the
dark green leaves, though flowers are often hidden under the leaves. Worth searching out. Best in shade in
well-drained, humousy soil. Needs water to established and then tolerates some summer drought. Frost hardy to
-20F, USDA zone 5.
$14.00
Aristolochiaceae
Aspidistra caespitosa 'Jade Ribbons' cast iron plant
Shared with us years ago by Barry Yinger, this small, cast iron plant produces leaves, to only about 18" in height,
in dense clusters of deep green with a satiny blue finish. Intriguingly beautiful for gardens or containers in
medium shade to the deepest, darkest recesses of the garden. Fairly fast growing in the southeast due to hot
summer nights; on the West Coast, they are slower but worthwhile. Regular summer water in dryer climates to
push them along a bit, though they can go without for long periods. Undamaged at 10 to 12F, USDA zone 8, if
out of wind; can recover from 0F, zone 7.
$18.00
Asparagaceae
Aspidistra elatior 'Asahi' cast iron plant
A gorgeous selection of the same cast iron plant. Though this isn't the "biggest aspidistra in the world," it reaches
about 1/2 to 2/3 the size of typical at about 18" to 25" tall with 6" wide leaves brushed cream especially towards
the tips. A stunning garden or container plant that can thrive in the deepest of shade. Best if kept out of direct
sunlight especially in hot climates. Frost hardy in USDA zone 8; upper zone 7 with protection. Protect from
slugs and snails.
$18.00
Asparagaceae
Aspidistra elatior 'Big Bang' cast iron plant
A larger version of A. elatior 'Milky Way', to 3 ft tall with arching, glossy leaves and the signature yellow polka
dots, elongated as if stretched. Pretty in the garden or in containers alongside creams and yellows to bring out the
contrasting dots. Slow growing, at least in the cool nights of the West Coast. Prefers rich soil and consistent
summer moisture in shade to deep shade with at least afternoon protection from bright light. Grows in the
darkest imaginable areas. Frost hardy in USDA zone 8 to upper zone 7 with protection.
$18.00
Asparagaceae
Aspidistra elatior ‘Variegata’ cast iron plant
The solution to your shadiest spot: a cast iron plant with lovely white stripes on dark green leaves, to 2+ ft tall.
Hardy outdoors in light to deep shade with normal summer water, they prefer good drainage. Regular summer
water for best appearance, though tolerant of long dry periods. Clumping plants, they are somewhat slow
growing, doubling their size in a few years. Also fab in a container. Frost hardy in USDA zone 7.
$18.00
Asparagaceae
Spring 2010 Mail Order Catalog (* = new to mail order list)