Mail Order Catalog Fall 2010 - Cistus Nursery

Agave ovatifolia [Sierra de Lampazos clone] whale's tongue agave
One of the most beautiful century plants, found in the Sierra de Lampazos in the early 80s by the late great
plantsman, Lynn Lowrey and only named in 2004 by agave-ist Greg Starr. Growing in a limited range of
pinion/juniper/oak country above 8000 ft, the chalky blue rosettes, exceedingly wide and beautifully toothed, can
reach over 5 ft in width giving the appearance of a much more tropical species. Has proven to be one of the best
performers where cold and wet is experienced in winter and has, thus far, proven hardy to 0F, USDA zone 7, or
even a bit lower. Sun to dappled shade; drainage is always a plus.
$17.00
$14.00
9
Agavaceae
* Agave palmeri [Chiricahua Mtns., 6900' elev.] palmer agave
A handsome agave, to 3 ft all x 4 ft wide, with stiff, blue-green leaves edged with curved, sharp, red-brown teeth
and tipped with a long, sharp spine. Native to southeastern Arizona, southern New Mexico, and northern Mexico,
this form originated in the Chiricahua Mountains of south eastern Arizona at higher than usual elevations. The
flower stalks, produced in early spring after 5 years, bear pale, greenish yellow flowers followed by banana-like
fruit. Plants offset, fortunately, as this a monocarpic species that dies after setting seed. Full sun with good
drainage is best with only very occasional summer water. Frost hardy to 5F, mid USDA zone 7.
Agavaceae
Agave parrasana
This Mexican species is most easily identified by its thick triangular leaves, beautifully marked blue-green in
color, arranged in a striking rosette and edged with equally thick brown and white spines. Plants form low dense
mounds, each rosette eventually measuring 2 ft x 2 ft and, in time, sending up 12 ft branched flower spikes of
warm yellow blushed apricot. Best in mineral soil, sharp drainage, full sun. This represents a high elevation
collection at over 8,500 ft that has thus far withstood between 0 and 10F, USDA zone 7, with overhead protection
from excess winter moisture. Stunning pot plant or container specimen.
$16.00
Agavaceae
Agave parryi (aff. var. couesii) SBHMPS 6725
From one of our favorite places in Arizona, east of Prescott amid nolinas and ponderosa pines, this extremely
hardy century plant grows in colonies of giant (nearly 2 ft), blue, artichoke-like rosettes. Its habitat is a cold
climate where temperatures frequently drop below 0F and the ground is snow covered or frozen for long periods
of time.These plants should be hardy to well below -10F, USDA zone 6. Although this population exhibits
characteristics of both A. parryi and A. couesii, what we know for certain is that these beautiful blue plants are
from the highest elevation we have ever found the species and should be exceedingly frost hardy with good air
circulation, bright light and good drainage.
$16.00
Agavaceae
Agave parryi (aff. var. couesii) SBHMPS 6728
From the high ponderosa woods at over 8,000 ft between Jerome and Prescott, Arizona, where, in 1981, we first
set our eyes upon this particular "patch" growing in light shade with beautiful, 24", blue "artichokes" and dozens
of offsets spreading from the plants, seemingly in a race to get to a nearby clearing. Sometimes the reason the
plants are brought into cultivation is simply because they are easy to propagate. This little agave is both beautiful
and.... we can make more. The same culture as for other Agave parryi with dappled shade to bright light and
fairly free drainage. This clone, however, should be exceedingly frost hardy to at least -10F, USDA zone 6,
possibly colder. Should still be provided winter protection if grown in container below USDA zone 8.
$17.00
Agavaceae
Spring 2010 Mail Order Catalog (* = new to mail order list)