1 Retail listings 2012 by USDA zone, as of April 5 ... - Cistus Nursery

Retail listings 2012 by USDA zone, as of April 5 - please check for current availability
Agave murpheyi murphey's agave
Sweet little agave, from mid elevation deserts of central Arizona into Sonora, often found associated with
Native American sites. To 18", or 2 feet at most, with narrow, upright leaves, slightly recurved and steel to
powder blue. Offsetting fairly quickly. The eventual flowers also produce tiny bulbils -- as the song goes -which
might explain its being spread by people in the early days. Because of its drier habitats we keep ours in
pots with very well drained soil, or only in the most exposed areas of our garden and growing in true grit. Full
sun. Again, dry conditions with an occasional splash of summer water. Cold hardy into upper USDA zone 7 if
dry.
2g @ $28 Agavaceae
Agave ovatifolia 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
pinyon/juniper/oak country above 8000 ft, the exceedingly wide, beautifully toothed and chalky blue rosettes
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.
6in @ $17, 2g @ $32 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.
6in @ $16 Agavaceae
Agave parviflora - Ruby, AZ
A jewel-like miniature agave from the dry grasslands of southern Arizona and adjacent Sonora, a habitat that
includes Dasylirion wheeleri and the famed Opuntia violacea v. santa rita, a rich area where we have selected
forms of heucheras, Zauschneria arizonica, and numerous desert ferns. Rosettes are only 6-8" with narrow
leaves, deep green marked white, and curled filifers that make it an intriguing plant for container or garden.
The flowering stalks are tall and narrow; the unusual, creamy flowers are tinted red, making hummingbirds
very happy. Provide excellent drainage in bright light to only the lightest of shade for best form. The habitat
has dry winters and thunderstorm laden summers so these plants are best well watered in summer and kept dry
in winter, though plants in our Portland garden have been quite happy for some years in a stone wall with no
cover. Frost hardy from 0 to 10F, USDA zone 7; colder if kept winter dry.
4in @ $16, 2g @ $15 Agavaceae
Cistus Nursery ◆ 22711 NW Gillihan Rd ◆ Portland, OR 97231 ◆ (503) 621-2233 ◆ info@cistus.com
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