Mail Order Catalog Fall 2010 - Cistus Nursery

Podocarpus totara 'Pendula'
Gracefully weeping large shrub, easily trained to small tree size, 8-12 ft tall or so, with yellow-green, densely held
needles and dense weeping branches as well, though these can be thinned to enhance this fine plant's graceful
appearance. Easy care, requiring regular but infrequent water in dry summer places and sun for best needle
color, though perfectly happy in dappled shade. This New Zealand native seems adaptable to both east and west.
Frost hardy in USDA zone 7. Excellent container plants.
$15.00
$24.00
78
Podocarpaceae
* Podophyllum pleianthum - short form
An outstanding addition to the shade garden. Huge leaves in summer-- starry saucer-shaped with high, dark
green gloss. Burgundy flowers hang below the leaves in spring, followed by rounded, yellow fruit. In fact,
everything about this selection is the same as the species, except its height - in this case to only 18" tall. Best in
shade with regular summer water, as drought stress may trigger early dormancy. Winter dormant and frost hardy
in USDA zone 6.
$14.00
Berberidaceae
* Polianthes tuberosa 'The Pearl'
Wonderfully fragrant bulb from Mexico loving dappled shade to sun and all the heat you can give it. Thought by
many to have been selected originally by the Mayans back before ... the 1960s, but definitely discovered in the
1870s by nurseryman John Hendserson. Clusters of deliciously fragrant, creamy white, double flowers appear in
late summer to autumn on 2-3 ft stalks, opening from pink-blushed buds. Given hot sun and ample fertilizer and
summer moisture, these are cold hardy in USDA zone 7. Otherwise great as pot plants -- a necessity once one
has become addicted to the fragrance. Can be allowed to dry in winter.
Agavaceae
Poncirus trifoliata ‘Flying Dragon’
Ancient Asian selection of the bitter orange with lovely twisted stems & wicked thorns. Extremely hardy (-20F),
deciduous citrus, best in winter when the green stems and huge thorns are exposed and large orange fruits hang
on. In spring, white flowers with a sweet fragrance. Plant in containers for the most drama; in the ground for
easiest care. 10 ft in time... a long time. Extremely frost hardy, to USDA zone 5.
$14.00
Rutaceae
Prostanthera rotundifolia 'Variegata’ variegated australian mint bush
Another wonderful, Australian shrubby, mint, this one with deep purple-blue flowers in spring and summer and
strikingly creamy, variegated foliage, the 1/2" rounded leaves emitting a strong, almost bitey, minty fragrance. The
entire plant grows to 4-5 ft in height but is easily shorn to any reasonable height. Average soil conditions, though
good drainage is a plus. Bright to dappled light. Prostantheras vary in hardiness; this one seems to have about an
18 to 20F threshold, upper USDA zone 8, so best for protected garden spots along the West Coast, but a
fabulous container plant anywhere.
$12.00
$14.00
Lamiaceae
* Prunus subcordatum
This small cherry relative, from the southern Cascades and the Sierras, growing to only 6-8 ft tall, has attractive,
shiny bark, narrow deciduous leaves, and white flowers followed by purple fruit -- good bird food especially for
cedar waxwings. Attractive both as a shrub or pruned into a small, multi-trunked tree. A surprisingly drought
tolerant creature that doesn't refuse occasional summer water in sun to dappled shade where soil is well-drained.
Frost hardy in USDA zone 5.
Rosaceae
Spring 2010 Mail Order Catalog (* = new to mail order list)