Mail Order Catalog Fall 2010 - Cistus Nursery

Opuntia spinosior - highest elevation form [Pinaleño Mtns.] cane cholla
This classic and most attractive cholla, from elevations over 8100 ft in southeastern Arizona, has tightly held,
silvery spines tinted pink on rounded branches and cherry red flowers in late spring on “shrubs” to about 4 ft -the
entire plant a luscious purple in the colder months of winter with the branchlets handing downward. A
beautiful contrast to the greeny yellow fruit. Full sun, good drainage, and, where dry, occasional summer water to
boost growth. Frost hardy in zone 5, possibly a bit lower.
$14.00
$15.00
70
Cactaceae
* Opuntia strigil marblefruit prickly pear
Unusual, south Texas native, prickly pear, to 3-4 ft or so,with round, 6" pads, the sharp spines chocolate-brown
and evenly spaced. Creamy yellow flowers appear in May or June and produce small fruit that blushes red. Does
well in full sun to bright shade, lean and well-drained soil, and little or no summer water. Frost hardy to 10 to
15F, USDA zone, more reliable if dry in winter or with excellent drainage. A very good container plant for bright
light.
$12.00
Cactaceae
* Opuntia x rutila - red/black spines
This so far unnamed hybrid was an early Colorado Plateau collection by plantsman Claude Barr. Stout
orange-red and black spines mark pads roughly 3" long, the elongation suggesting parentage by O. polycantha
and O. fragilis. Mid spring, yellow flowers fade to apricot. Wonderful for small rock gardens with the usual
cactus conditions -- sun, lean and well-drained soil, and little or no summer water. Frost hardy in USDA zone 4.
Cactaceae
Oscularia deltoides pink ice plant
Seriously cute ice plant from South Africa, this one evergreen with succulent, fleshy leaves -- light blue-green and
somewhat 3-sided with toothed edges -- on dark stems! What’s not to love? Add the fragrant, deep pink,
daisy-like flowers with yellow centers for more fun in spring and summer. Full sun to a bit of shade and good
drainage. Drought tolerant but fatter and fuller with regular water. Frost hardy to 15-20F, upper USDA zone 8.
$4.00
Aizoaceae
Osmanthus armatus toothed sweet olive
This substantial sweet olive’s foliage reminds you of a holly, but its sweetly perfumed white flowers in fall will
surprise you. Dark, leathery leaves are less spiny when mature. Handsome, multi-stemmed shrub to 10 ft or so,
and evergreen. Makes an excellent screen. Full sun to dense shade in fertile soil with regular water. Frost hardy
in USDA zone 7.
$14.00
Oleaceae
Osmanthus heterophyllus ‘Goshiki’
This fragrant olive’s rounded outline and foliage make it an excellent border shrub. Goshiki is ‘five colored’ in
Japanese and refers to the rainbow-splashed variegation in the new growth. Intensely fragrant, tiny, cream, fall
flowers are added attractions. To 4-8 ft in sun to part shade with regular summer water. Frost hardy in USDA
zone 7, possibly 6.
$15.00
Oleaceae
Spring 2010 Mail Order Catalog (* = new to mail order list)