Mail Order Catalog Fall 2010 - Cistus Nursery

Berberis thunbergii - good purple
And a very good purple it is! Though it well might have a more “proper” name, this plant, given to us by
horticulturist Neil Bell, illicits such admiration from garden visitors that we felt a duty to reproduce it -- and thus
it remains “good purple” for the time being. The overlapping, 1”, velvety, deep burgundy leaves are held late
into the season on this 6 ft, fountain-like shrub, providing a rich tapestry of fall color, for us in late November
and December. Rich yellow flowers against the dark leaves are also an attraction in spring as are the small,
orange-red fruits that adorn the arching branches in late summer and fall. Full sun to bright shade and regular
summer water. Frost hardy to USDA zone 5 or 6. Not recommended to the Northeast because of invasive
potential.
$14.00
22
Berberidaceae
Beschorneria aff. decosteriana - large green
These seedlings from plants originally collected from Mexico’s Tamaulipas State have grown larger than any
others we have tried. The succulent, deep green rosettes reach to over 4 ft wide and high and occasional
cherry-red and green flower spikes, to upwards of 10 ft, suggest giant hummingbirds hovering just out of sight.
Possibly the best attribute of this wonderful plant -- and the whole genus for that matter -- is its agave-like texture
coupled with a willingness to grow in medium shade though perfectly at home in full sun in all but the lowest,
hottest places. Occasional summer thunder storms, or the equivalent thereof, simulate its mountain forest home.
Frost hardy in upper USDA zone 7, having lost its leaves but recovered from around 10F in gardens…not ours,
thankfully.
$16.00
Agavaceae
Beschorneria albiflora
One of the larger members of this genus of agave relatives from northeastern Mexico growing amid oaks, pines,
and many other delicious plants. This species forms open rosettes of pale green leaves, to about 3 ft, with bright
red, branched flower stalks rising to 6 ft or more, the pendulous flowers often red at the base and very pale green,
indeed nearly white, at the tips of the sepals. Prefers some summer water where dry. Has performed admirably in
our garden in dappled shade and should be frost hardy in USDA zone 8, to about 15F with no leaf damage,
resprouting in spring from 10F or so.
$16.00
Agavaceae
Beschorneria septentrionalis false red yucca
Another bold non-agave from northeastern Mexico, producing rosettes to 2 ft of deep green, 4" leaves, the plant
resembling a pile of hung-over starfish. The flowering, on red stems, are deep red edged with green and followed
by red tinted seed pods. Drought tolerant but loves a little summer water along with excellent drainage and partial
shade to full sun. Essentially a USDA zone 8 plant though success has been achieved in USDA zone 7 gardens
with occasional protection.
$15.00
Agavaceae
Beschorneria sp. [S. LaPeña, Mex. 8700']
From a 1993 collection in the rugged mountains of Coahuila, Mexico amid many other botanical treasures,
comes this strap-leaved, blue-green perennial, to only about 18”, with some of the prettiest flowers to be found in
the genus. The stems are red, holding orange red flowers with bases dipped in green. Hummingbird magnets!
We are still looking for a likely name. Because of its high elevation habitat at over 8500 ft, it is expected to be
frost hardy well into USDA zone 7 and evergreen to 15F. Full sun to medium shade; has succeeded in full shade
in very hot climates with occasional summer water for best look. A very nice plant.
$16.00
Agavaceae
Spring 2010 Mail Order Catalog (* = new to mail order list)