Mail Order Catalog Fall 2010 - Cistus Nursery

Aspidistra minutiflora cast iron plant
One of the more intriguing of the cast iron plants, a genus on which we have become rather fixated, this with very
narrow leaves, to 30” tall and only 1/2 to 1” wide, of deep green with a bit of silky blue overlay. Creates graceful
clumps reasonably quickly in the woodland garden or in container where the nearly black stem sheaths can be
easily observed for hours on end … or at least a second or two. Enjoys ample summer moisture, though, as with
other aspidistras, seems to accept being nearly moisture free in dark, cave-like spaces. A perfect addition under
shrubs where other plants are not likely to thrive, or in dark entry gardens for instance. Frost hardy to the bottom
of USDA zone 8. Has also been offered as Aspidistra linearifolia.
$16.00
19
Asparagaceae
Aspidistra tonkinensis 'Spotty' cast iron plant
A Cistus introduction of a lovely species, this our seedling selection from Southeast China, with graceful, long
green leaves, to 3 ft or more, emerging with black sheaths, the leaves humorously spotted almost golden. Tolerant
of deep shade and drought, but more pleased with ample summer moisture and good soil. Thus far frost hardy to
upper USDA zone 7. We think this is one of the most graceful of all the aspidistras.
$24.00
Asparagaceae
Aspidistra typica 'Old Glory' cast iron plant
Small cast iron plant, selected in Sichuan Province in 2002 by Darrell Probst and named by Plant Delights
Nursery. To only 15" tall, the wide and shiny green leaves marked by a broad, greenish yellow band down the
middle and, especially with age, spreckles and spots adding texture. Slowly forms clumps. As with others of the
genus, does well in containers or in the garden in shade to very deep shade, bringing color to dark corners.
Tolerates some drought but prefers even moisture in rich soil. Frost hardy in USDA zone 8 to upper zone 7 with
protection.
$18.00
Asparagaceae
Astelia banksii - compact form shore astelia
Graceful member of the genus, this form producing spring-green, arching leaves, to only 2 ft, with striking, silver
undersides and, in spring and summer, cream to chartreuse flowers. Tolerant of salt spray for coastal gardens and
easy in any garden with regular summer water and full sun to dappled shade. Frost hardy to the mid teens, mid
USDA zone 8; has survived 10 to 12F with some protection.
$16.00
Asteliaceae
Astelia nivicola 'Red Gem'
Our favorite nivicola collection, again from New Zealand, forming clumps to 2 ft wide by roughly 18" tall with
numerous leaves, all coated with a soft silver fur, that become deep red, almost burgundy, with light and frost in
winter. Very striking! This has been one of the toughest creatures, not having received frost damage even in the
14F, arctic extravaganza in 1996. Also an amazingly good container plant where burgundy tones in
rosette-forming plants are hard to come by. Even summer moisture in bright light for best color, though
accepting of shade. Tolerant of frost to 10F, USDA zone 8, with reports of near 0F out of the wind.
$16.00
Asteliaceae
Spring 2010 Mail Order Catalog (* = new to mail order list)