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Aristolochia
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Aristolochia fimbriata (White Veined Hardy Dutchman's Pipe)
Sun to Light Shade Zone: 7-9 6" tall Origin: Argentina, Brazil
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WOW! Another alien introduction. This really cool, deciduous groundcover dutchman's pipe spreads out to 2' on little green stems. Each rounded leaf is medium green, highlighted with dramatic silver veining. The cute, little, 1" long, yellow-and-brown flowers, resembling miniature elephant trunks, are produced along the stem all summer. In winter, the stems retreat back to the base, so there's no invasive problems with this gem! Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #03031
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Arum (Lords and Ladies)
These mostly European cobra lily relatives emerge in fall and grow all winter, most flowering in spring. Arums are quite easy to grow in a wide range of soils and moisture levels, although part sun and dry soils are recommended. I can think of few plants that provide such bold texture in the winter garden.
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Arum cyrenaicum x concinnatum (Hybrid Arum)
Part SunZone: 7-9, at least 15" tall Origin: Crete
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On the island of Crete, an unauthorized horticultural liaison took place between the primarily Libyan Arum cyrenaicum and the mostly Turkish Arum concinnatum. The result is s stunning plant with black petioles, and slightly silver-veined dark green arrow-shaped leaves...occasionally highlighted with random dark black spots. The late-May borne 1' tall inflorescences of translucent pink appear just as the foliage begins to go dormant for the summer. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #08038
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Arum dioscoridis (Disco Arum)
Sun to Part SunZone: 6-9, at least 12" tall Origin: Cypress, Turkey
If you're into swinging plants, disco arum is for you. This easy-to-grow species hails from Cypress and Turkey, where it comes alive in October with upright spade-shaped leaves. The leaves remain evergreen all winter but may get burned back in very cold spells. In late spring, the clumps are adorned with stunning spathe and spadix flowers. The dramatic purple-blotched spathe holds the purple and yellow-blotched spadix (not a social disease). Peter Boyce, author of "The Genus Arum," described the floral fragrance as "a mixture of dung and rotting flesh." We'll have to trust Peter since we haven't so indulged. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #06340
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Arum dioscoridis var. cyprium (Cyprian Arum)
Part SunZone: 6-8, at least 12" tall Origin: Cyprus
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This form of the wide-ranging Arum dioscoridis hails from the small, but tall island of Cyprus, just south of everyone's favorite Thanksgiving meal. Arum dioscoridis var. cyprium emerges in fall forming a clump of large, dark green spade-shaped leaves. In late April as the leaves prepare to go dormant, the clumps are topped with amazing spathe and spadix inflorescences on short stalks. The spathes (the sail-like part of the floral structure) are creamy yellow, highlighted by dark purple staining at the base, changing to large dark purple spots toward the center. The floral smell is a bit unpleasant for a few hours, but then so is a colonoscopy...still worthwhile! Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #08076
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Arum elongatum (Elongated Arum)
Sun to Part SunZone: 6-8, possibly colder 12" tall Origin: Greece, Turkey
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We have grown this splendid species since the mid-1990's and cannot imagine why it is not more widely grown. Naturally occurring in the region along the Black Sea, it can be found growing in moist soils along the forest edge and in full sun. The clump of upright spade-shaped green leaves is adorned in very early April by a wide 8" maroon spathe, highlighted by a prominent white spadix, often spotted with maroon. As the morning air warms, the inflorescence exudes the robust aroma of farm-fresh dung. As with all arums, they are summer dormant, so mark the spot well. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #08077
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Arum italicum 'Marmoratum' (Italian Arum)
Part Sun to Light ShadeZone: 4-9 12" tall Origin: Europe
In late summer, the tropical-looking aroid foliage emerges from dormancy to remain attractive all winter. Each glossy green, arrowhead-shaped leaf features dramatic silver patterning, usually following the veins. In late spring, 12" white peace lily-like flowers appear, followed by an attractive stalk of red berries. At this point, the plant goes to sleep for the summer, emerging again in late August. Italian arum will naturalize in woodland areas, albeit a slow process...I wouldn't garden without it! Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #00765
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Arum pictum (Fall Flowering Arum)
Part Sun to Light ShadeZone: 7b-9, at least 10" tall Origin: Mediterranean Europe
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We are very pleased to offer this rare arum species, not to be confused with Arum italicum 'Pictum'. A. pictum is from the Mediterranean islands and is the only Arum species to flower in the fall. The marvelous black-purple spathe and spadix emerge in September alongside the glossy green foliage. I'd grow this species for the leaves alone, which emerge bordered with a lovely purple cast. Often in late spring, the leaves develop silver veins, but this varies with individual clones. The stunning flowers, both in their macabre beauty and memorable fragrance (like running over a skunk), are delightful additions. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #05573
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Arum purpureospathum (Purple Spathe Arum)
Part SunZone: 8-10, at least 8" tall Origin: Crete
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This relatively new discovery from southwest Crete was named in 1987 by arum expert Peter Boyce. The 8" long green arrow-like leaves that emerge in fall and grow all winter are replaced by 10" tall inflorescences in late spring as the leaves go dormant. The attractive inflorescence with the mild aroma of aged cow manure is composed of a dark purple spathe and equally dark spadix. Obviously since they go dormant in the summer, they are exceptionally drought tolerant. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #08078
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Arum rupicola var. virescens (Stretch Arum)
Part SunZone: 7-9, at least 12" tall Origin: Turkey
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The fascinating Arum rupicola var. virescens can be found throughout Central Turkey and east to Azerbaijan. Emerging in mid-winter, the 1' long narrow green arrow-shaped foliage serves as a foil for the 3' tall inflorescences that emerge in late spring. Each inflorescence consists of a tall peduncle (flower stalk), topped by a greenish-white spathe, edged in purple and highlighted by an equally large purple-stained spadix. A mass of these in the spring garden is sure to get the garden club ladies talking...and fantasizing. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #08079
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Aruncus
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Aruncus 'Misty Lace' PP 15,798 (Misty Lace Goatsbeard)
Part Sun to Light ShadeZone: 4-7, at least 18" tall Origin: Hybrid
This new goatsbeard got its start as a seedling in the garden of Richard Simon of Maryland's Bluemount Nursery. The three seedlings which were a result of a romantic interlude between the US Aruncus dioicus and the Korean A. aethusifolius were taken by Allan Armitage back to Athens, GA, for summer heat evaluation. One of the seedlings thrived in the hot, humid summers and was christened A. 'Misty Lace'. The 1.5' tall x 2' wide tall clumps of astilbe-like foliage are topped in mid-May with airy pure-white plumes. A. 'Misty Lace' is a perfect size for the smaller garden as well as extending the range for those of us in the aruncus-impaired southeast US.
Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #07423
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Arundo
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Arundo donax 'Golden Chain' (Golden Chain Giant Reed Grass)
Sun to Part SunZone: 7b-9, at least 84" tall Origin: Mediterranean Europe
This beautiful new UK selection of the giant reed grass makes a great plant and adds a new twist. Arundo 'Golden Chain' was named in the mid-1990's by Liam Mackenzie of the UK's Madrona Nursery as a tissue culture mutation from A. donax 'Versicolor'. A. 'Golden Chain' forms a clump of 7' tall upright stalks of medium green leaves edged in gold. The color holds all season, unlike the larger and more common A. d. 'Versicolor'. Arundo 'Golden Chain' is also a much smaller and less vigorous plant, making propagation more of a chore, but keeping it in scale with smaller gardens. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #06671
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Arundo donax 'Peppermint Stick' (Peppermint Stick Giant Reed Grass)
SunZone: 6-9, at least 144" tall Origin: Mediterranean Europe
This wonderful grass, native to Mediterranean freshwater wetlands, has long been a favorite of gardeners. The only drawback was the fading of the leaf variegation in warm weather. Arundo 'Peppermint Stick', imported from the Shanghai Botanic Garden by plantsman Greg Speichert, solves that, with striped leaves just as vivid in summer as in spring. Arundo 'Peppermint Stick' forms sturdy 12' tall canes, adorned with wide green-and-white striped leaves. In the fall, the clumps are topped with 18" tall bronze-colored plumes. Arundo may get too large for small gardens, but it is NOT an invasive plant (displacing natives in functioning ecosystems) as I read in some eco-Nazi literature. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #06677
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Asarum (Wild Ginger)
Asarums (also known by a few US botanists as Hexastylis) are one of our favorite plant groups. These woodland natives thrive in moist but well-drained conditions with light shade. Most asarum species are evergreen although some, such as A. canadense, lose their foliage in the winter. We have estimated hardiness based on past performance, although those gardeners in areas with consistent winter snow cover have been known to eke out a few extra hardiness zones. Wild gingers make great plants for the woodland garden with their spectacular cyclamen-like foliage, unusual flowers, and in some species, a wonderful fragrance (when crushed). Because of their rarity and slow growth rate, expect 2-3 years for the plant to establish and form a spectacular clump. |
Asarum europaeum (European Wild Ginger)
Light Shade to ShadeZone: 4-7a, at least 6" tall Origin: Europe
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From Europe, comes this fabulous evergreen groundcover... a great "winter green" feature in colder climates. The thick, slowly spreading stems are clothed with glossy green, heart-shaped foliage. A. europaeum forms a great evergreen background for specimen trees, or is great in the woodland garden among ferns and hostas. This is not a good choice for gardens south of Zone 7a, where the summer heat can be deadly. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #00063
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Asarum maximum 'Green Panda' (Panda Face Ginger)
Light Shade to ShadeZone: 7b-9 6" tall Origin: China
We are thrilled to be able to offer the most sought-after of all asarum species. This clumping species from China has large, 6", glossy, rounded arrowhead-shaped, green leaves. It is certainly best-known for its stunning flowers (often the subject of fine paintings). The 2" flower is velvet-black outside with a stunning white interior. This easy-to-grow species really responds well to rich humus-laden soils and high fertility. A well-grown clump of A. maximum 'Green Panda' is simply stunning! Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #02671
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Asarum maximum 'Ling Ling' (Panda Face Ginger)
Light Shade to ShadeZone: 7b-9 6" tall Origin: China
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We are thrilled to present a new US selection of the famed Panda-face ginger. A. 'Ling Ling' makes a stunning clump of large, glossy, rich-green, heart-shaped foliage highlighted by two silvery-green blotches on either side of the central stripe. In late spring, the clumps are adorned by clusters of 2" round, velvety black flowers, each highlighted by a wide white band around the center. This easy-to-grow wild ginger is truly a showstopper in the garden or in a container for the sun room. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #04564
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Asarum minamitanianum (Mouse Tail Ginger)
Light Shade to ShadeZone: 7-9, colder with protection 6" tall Origin: Japan alternate image
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From Japan comes this virtually impossible-to-find evergreen ginger that is now extinct in the wild. The pointed heart-shaped leaves are patterned with distinctive silver markings...but wait until you see the cool flowers in April/May...dark purple, edged in white with very long mouse-like tails to 4"...a true collector's item! Once established, dry shade is perfect. It's been 7 years since we have been able to offer this, so don't miss out this time. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #01852
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Asarum minor 'Dixie Darling' (Wild Ginger)
Light Shade to ShadeZone: 5-9 6" tall Origin: USA
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This selection of the East Coast native, A. minor, is one we collected on a plant rescue in Wake Co., NC. The very dark green, heart-shaped leaves are highlighted by dramatic silver patterning. In late spring, the 8" wide evergreen clumps are adorned with amazing maroon and white marked flowers produced beneath the leaves. For dry shade, few plants are better than asarums. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #04981
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Asarum nipponicum (Japanese Wild Ginger)
Light Shade to ShadeZone: 5b-9 4" tall Origin: Japan
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A. nipponicum is possibly the finest of the Japanese species for gardeners in a cool climate. The rounded, dark green leaves offer a stunning array of silver-speckled leaves. This easy to grow evergreen clumper is just waiting for a perfect spot in the woodland garden. Pot size: #01812
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Asarum splendens (Chinese Wild Ginger)
Light Shade to ShadeZone: 6-9 6" tall Origin: China
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Splendid indeed! This vigorous and superbly easy-to-grow Chinese ginger makes a great groundcover for the woodland garden. The large, dark green leaves (evergreen to 10 degrees F) are heavily adorned with silvery mottling throughout. A. splendens is a vigorously rhizomatous species. In early spring, you will also love this one for the large, 2" flowers of dark purple...one of the finest members of the ginger family. Our original stock came from China, via both Jim Waddick and Barry Yinger. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #00720
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Asclepias
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Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed)
SunZone: 3-9 24" tall Origin: USA
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This 2' tall heat and drought tolerant US native perennial has fuzzy, narrow green leaves clothing the upright stalks. A. tuberosa is often seen in the wild while traveling the highways of the east and midwest US during the early summer months. It is topped with 3" wide clusters of brilliant orange flowers, which are enjoyed by guess what... butterflies! The flowers are followed by unusual seed pods that burst open to spread their silk laden seed. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #00335
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Asclepias tuberosa 'Hello Yellow' (Butterfly Weed)
SunZone: 4-9 20" tall Origin: USA
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This wide-ranging US native is found in all but 7 of the continental states...sorry, Northwest. Asclepias 'Hello Yellow' is a golden-yellow seed strain that comes remarkably true within the range of yellow-gold. This drought-tolerant deciduous species makes a 20" tall x 2' wide mound of stems clothed with index finger-sized green leaves and topped in late spring with branched spikes of golden flowers...a butterfly favorite. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #06700
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Asparagus (Asparagus Fern)
Outside of the edible Asparagus officinalis, the genus Asparagus has been largely considered tropical houseplants. Some people even think that these lily-relatives are related to ferns because of their common name. We are already growing many wonderful species from China, Korea, and Africa that have proven to be reliable garden perennials. We are continuing to experiment as we find asparagus to be very durable in the garden while providing a nice airy textural contrast to the bolder elements of the garden. |
Asparagus cochinchinensis (Korean Asparagus Fern)
Sun to Part SunZone: 6-8, at least 24" tall Origin: China, Korea
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We first became acquainted with this wonderful asparagus thanks to the late Ferris Miller, founder of Korea's Chollipo Arboretum. The rich green lacy foliage makes an easy-to-grow, wonderful textural clump, 2' tall x 3' wide. If pollinated, it will be further adorned with bright red berries in late summer and fall. I can think of few plants better to add a textural contrast to the garden. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #05571
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Asparagus denudatus (Nekkid Asparagus Fern)
SunZone: 7-8, at least 48" tall Origin: S. Africa alternate image
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(aka: A. d. A1SA-124) I nearly jumped out of the van when I first saw this cool asparagus fern near the town of Rhodes at the southern end of South Africa's Drakensberg Mountains. I returned home to delightedly find I had already overwintered a small plant in the garden. The species name, "denudatus," is nothing more than a fancy Latin word for "nekkid." The upright, glaucous-green, stiff, wiry stems sans leaves compose this 4' deciduous clumper. The glaucous-blue foliage color doesn't show up until the second growing season. In fall, the clumps are adorned with small red berries. A. denudatus makes a stunning textural combination plant that has immeasurable possibilities in the garden. I love this plant! Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #06498
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Asparagus officinalis var. pseudoscaber (Hardy Asparagus Fern)
Sun to Part SunZone: 4-9 48" tall Origin: Yugoslavia
I first saw this in Pamela Harper's garden, used as a striking accent with delicate lacy green clouds of see-through foliage...what a wonderful textural element! The 2' wide mound of foliage lasts into early fall, when it changes to yellow with the addition of an abundant crop of red berries. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #00825
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Asparagus verticillatus (Vining Asparagus)
SunZone: 3-8a 180" tall Origin: Russia
Imagine an asparagus that behaves like a twining vine to 15' tall, has glossy green foliage covered in fragrant white flowers in late spring, and is smothered with 1/2" bright red berries in late summer. Did I mention it's hardy to Zone 3? Would you believe it? Well, it's true, and we are pleased to be able to share one of the most bizarre plants we have encountered. The original seed came from the old DeGiorgio Seed Company via Harlan Hamernik, who also adores this plant in his garden in NE. The foliage stays green into the mid 20s F, serving as a perfect foil for the red berries. Any sturdy trellis, old junked pickup, or stationary highway worker is perfect for support...stand back and watch it grow. Fruiting should take about 3 years from potted plants...very cool! Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #04747
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Asparagus virgatus (Broom Fern)
Sun to Part SunZone: 7b-10, possibly colder 36" tall Origin: S. Africa alternate image
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This South African broom fern really swept me off my feet with its garden performance. Asparagus virgatus is a wonderful winter-hardy garden addition where an airy texture in sun is needed. The 3' tall upright spikes open into a soft thread-like green "broom." Each 2' wide drought-tolerant clump can be used for a textural contrast in the garden, for a long-lasting filler in floral arrangements, or to treat syphilis and intestinal worms. You gotta love those multi-use plants. In September, the foliage is adorned with a multitude (catalog lingo for more than one) of small red berries. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #04033
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Asparagus volubilis (Steamrolled Asparagus)
SunZone: 7b-10 48" tall Origin: S. Africa alternate image
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(syn: Myrsiphyllum volubile) Plantsman Frank Galloway introduced this plant to us after finding it in an old southern garden. This unusual South African species is native in the North, West, and East Cape regions...usually in coastal forests. Asparagus volubilis is one of the best plants to fool your favorite gardening know-it-all. Interestingly, the number one identification guess is podocarpus. If you can imagine an asparagus fern that has been flattened by a steamroller, you have the idea. The leaves, which resemble flat, green plastic strips, adorn the upright, 4' tall, wiry, arching stems...a perfect companion to pink plastic flamingos. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #06400
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| <Arisaema II] | [Aspidistra - Aster> |
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