Mail Order Catalog Fall 2010 - Cistus Nursery

Ficus heterophylla DJHC
Though we have several ficus collections under this name, this one, by Dan Hinkley, is my favorite thus far. A
shrub, to about 6 ft, with intriguing, narrow leaves flushed orange, red, and green. A most unusual garden texture
for full sun to about half shade. Ours lost their leaves but remained unharmed at our below 20F freeze in
December 08. Most years, however, it has remained evergreen. Looks to be ultimately frost hardy to about 10F,
the bottom of USDA zone 8, and probably lower with mulch.
$16.00
$15.00
45
Moraceae
* Fothergilla x intermedia‘Blue Shadow’
Elegant blue, blue, blue leaves, rounded and, yes, blue! except in autumn when they put on a display of
purple-orange-red. A compact, decidious shrub, to 5 ft tall x 3 ft wide over time, with ivory flowers decorating
the branch tips in spring. Ejoys full sun if water is plentiful; otherwise, light shade with consistent moisture.
Frost hardy to -20F - USDA zone 5.
$12.00
Hamamelidaceae
* Fraxinus schiedeana
Of all the ashes, including many we would not plant in our garden, we feel this one is quite worthy, bringing
delicate spring green under the harshest conditions. From central and north central Mexico, this F. greggii
relative grows to 10-15 ft, possible eventually to 25 ft, with a dainty structure dressed with 4” evergreen leaves
consisting of multiple leaflets. Exceedingly drought tolerant.This is a fabulous addition to gardens in the
southwest along with milder areas in the rest of the country. Evergreen to the upper teens F, it has not been tested
below the low teens. So let’s stick with upper USDA zone 8 for the moment.
Oleaceae
Fuchsia denticulata
The blue-green leaves on this species Fuchsia are nice, but I could stare at the flowers for hours at a time.
Clusters of 3-4" cerise tubes, shiny green bracts and tangerine petals. Wow. To 6 ft or more, can be “lifted” to
expose flaking bark or cut to the ground each year for use as a perennial. The tops are frost hardy to the high 20s
F, USDA zone 9; resprouts from 15F, mid zone 8 or so if the crown is mulched. Part shade and damp
conditions. Excellent pot specimen.
$12.00
Onagraceae
Gardenia augusta ‘Chuck Hayes’ PP8755 hardy double gardenia
Tough, hardy, and lovely gardenia for USDA zone 7, down to 0F, really! Wonderfully fragrant, double white
flowers in June and July, and occasionally in autumn when temperatures cool down. Compact evergreen shrub, to
3 ft, blooms in full to half sun with normal garden water. Developed by the late Chuck Hayes and Dan Milbocker
at the Virginia Beach Research Station, VA.
$14.00
Rubiaceae
Gardenia jasminoides ‘Frost Proof’
The “more” gardenia -- more tough, more cold tolerant and sun tolerant, more adaptable, and said to be more
deer resistant -- not to mention beautiful! Double white flowers are extremely fragrant and profuse, continuing
over a long season beginning in spring. They can even take a bit of spring frost without dropping. Evergreen, to
2-3 ft tall and a bit wider, and happy in full sun to part sun with summer water where dry. Definitely frost hardy
in USDA zone 8 and expected well into the upper reaches of zone 7.
$15.00
Rubiaceae
Spring 2010 Mail Order Catalog (* = new to mail order list)