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Aspidistra (Cast Iron Plant)
We have been collecting aspidistras for many years and now have over 70 different clones. We are testing and building up numbers, so expect more new selections each season (many more are on-line). There are few plants more tolerant of deep shade in the garden and dark corners inside homes than aspidistra. A great pastime for truly boring people is to watch for the unusual soil-borne flowers. |
Aspidistra ebianensis Spotted Form (Cast Iron Plant)
Light Shade to Shade Zone: 7b-10 18" tall Origin: China
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From China's Sichuan Province (around 2,500' in elevation) comes this little-known aspidistra, with 18" long leaves, held on short stalks, and encased at the base in a dark purple sheath. The 3.5" wide, dark green leaves are lightly spotted with chartreuse yellow. If you've got a dark spot in the garden where little else grows, try aspidistra. If you're in a colder zone where hardiness is a problem, aspidistra makes a great low-light houseplant...a perfect companion to spiders and dust mites. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #07063
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Aspidistra elatior 'Asahi' (Morning Sun Cast Iron Plant)
Light Shade to ShadeZone: 7-10 20" tall Origin: China alternate image
"Asahi" means "morning sun"...a descriptive name for this dramatic cast iron plant that always stops visitors in their tracks. The green leaves, to 20" long x 5" wide, are set off when the upper third of the leaves turns a dramatic white as the season progresses. The color holds all winter, making a dramatic winter feature in the shade garden. For a dry deep-shade area, there isn't a better choice for a tough-as-nails perennial! Note: A. 'Asahi' will not display its color pattern if planted in a small container. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #02538
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Aspidistra elatior 'Hoshi Zora' (Starry Sky Cast Iron Plant)
Light Shade to ShadeZone: 7-10 30" tall Origin: China alternate image
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If you're looking for a bold textured evergreen to help brighten a dark corner of the garden, we've got just the plant. This old Japanese cultivar (whose name means "starry skies") of cast iron plant has large, 30" tall x 6" wide, dark green leaves that are lightly speckled with small light yellow-to-white dots (stars). Like a fine wine, our 14-year-old clumps just get better with age. This is the hardiest of the yellow-spotted cast iron plants. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #02744
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Aspidistra elatior 'Lennon's Green' (Cast Iron Plant)
Light Shade to ShadeZone: 7-10 24" tall Origin: China
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This new cast iron plant cultivar was shared with us by Robin Lennon of Florida's Central Florida Foliage, where he had accidentally discovered it in his cut foliage fields. The evergreen foliage looks like the common A. elatior, except the leaves are about half the normal width. Each 2' tall clump gives a more dramatic accent than the common, wider leaf clone. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #04350
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Aspidistra elatior 'Lennon's Song' (Cast Iron Plant)
Light Shade to ShadeZone: 7-10 24" tall Origin: China
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This new cultivar was shared with us by Robin Lennon of Florida's Central Florida Foliage, where he had discovered it in his cut foliage fields. The dark green foliage is narrow, but with an irregular central band of muted yellow...essentially a narrow-leaf version of Aspidistra 'Akebono'. A. elatior 'Lennon's Song' is perfect where a narrow, vertical accent is needed in the shade garden. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #04349
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Aspidistra elatior 'Morning Frost' (Morning Frost Cast Iron Plant)
Light Shade to ShadeZone: 7b-10, possibly colder 36" tall Origin: China
NEW!
This large growing Japanese selection of Aspidistra elatior is the latest in the line of frosted leaf cast iron plants. Each 3' tall x 5" wide medium green leaf is highlighted by a central yellow stripe. The upper half of the leaf is then overlain by a white frosting pattern...most evident as the clump matures...a very striking clump once established. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #07065
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Aspidistra fasciaria 'Jade Ribbons (Jade Ribbons Cast Iron Plant)
Light Shade to ShadeZone: 8-10 24" tall Origin: China alternate image
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From our friend Jim Waddick comes one of the most unique and little known Chinese species of cast iron plant that, in foliage, looks more like a daylily than an aspidistra. The 2' long x 1/2" wide leaves make a very tight clump, unlike other cast iron plant species. A single plant makes a wonderful, evergreen, textural specimen for the woodland garden. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #02119
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Aspidistra fimbriata (Cast Iron Plant)
Light Shade to ShadeZone: 8-10, at least 24" tall Origin: China
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This little-known Chinese species makes a tight clump of 2-3" wide leaves that can reach a height of 2'+. The very dark green foliage is nicely highlighted by large yellow spots. A. fimbriata has survived 12 degrees F in our garden, but with some leaf burn. If you watch around the base of the stalks in October, you will notice what appears to be small, shriveled reddish prunes with the tops severed off...that's what you get for flowers...a great gag gift for the pansy and petunia crowd. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #05198
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Aspidistra linearifolia (Chinese Ribbon Plant)
Light Shade to ShadeZone: 7-10 12" tall Origin: China
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This rare aspidistra species hails from southern China (Hong Kong to Guizhou). The 12" long x 1" wide narrow green leaves make a tight clump, being easily mistaken for a clump of liriope. Each leaf has a deep V in the middle, giving the appearance of a variegated stripe. If you have any idea how hard it is to describe aspidistra and make them sound different (and I'm already over my adjective quotient for this sitting), you will appreciate what has already been written. We have trialed this extraordinary species since 1999 and have never seen any winter damage! We previously offered this under the incorrect name of A. minutiflora. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #03997
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Aspidistra lurida 'Ginga' (Speckled Cast Iron Plant)
Light Shade to ShadeZone: 7b-10 18" tall Origin: China alternate image
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A. lurida 'Ginga' is most always sold in the trade as A. 'Milky Way'. The true A. 'Milky Way' does not appear to be cultivated in the US and has leaves with both stripes and spots. The 18" tall, narrow, dark green leaves are speckled creamy white, as though a low-bid painter just finished the ceiling above. In early spring, you will find the bizarre, lily pad-like flowers of rich purple at the base of the foliage, where they are usually appreciated only by snails and slugs. Aspidistras are great for southern gardens where bold foliage is needed...perfect in dry shade! Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #02182
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Aspidistra lurida 'Ginga Giant' (Ginga Giant Cast Iron Plant)
Light Shade to ShadeZone: 8-10 24" tall Origin: China
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We are pleased to introduce this fabulous new aspidistra from Robin Lennon of Central Florida Foliage. Each 2' tall x 4" wide dark green leaf is heavily speckled with yellow flecks. The tight clump makes a stunning accent in a dark part of the garden or in a container in climates not yet affected by global warming. According to Al Gore, this should be hardy in central Canada in the next few years, so get yours now. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #06586
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Aspidistra 'Nanjing Green' (Nanjing Green Cast Iron Plant)
Light Shade to ShadeZone: 7b-10, at least 24" tall Origin: China
NEW!
(aka: Aspidistra G 5 #2) Thanks to Greg Speichert, who brought this back from the Nanjing Botanic Garden in the late 1990's. Our plants have thrived in our gardens since 2001, with no winter damage at 6 degrees F. The 2' tall x 2' wide clumps are composed of medium-green leaves with dramatic raised veins unlike any other cast iron plant that we have grown. Each 3" wide leaf consists of a 1' petiole topped by a 1' arched leaf blade. The leaves on this very attractive clump have small chartreuse spots near the bottom, but these are rather insignificant. We have yet to have this flower so that we can offer a positive ID.
Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #07521
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Aspidistra patentiloba 'Stretch Marks' (Stretch Marks Cast Iron Plant)
Light Shade to ShadeZone: 7b-10 18" tall Origin: China
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We selected Aspidistra 'Stretch Marks' from a group of the rare Chinese A. patentiloba. Each broad (3" wide x 10" tall) medium green leaf is liberally speckled with random creamy yellow, non-concentric spots which seem to have been stretched into oval patterns. The leaves are held atop thin 8" chicken leg-like stalks. A. 'Stretch Marks' makes a tight clump, adorned in midsummer (late June in NC) with flowers that lay on the soil and resemble a 1.5" wide, miniature pepperoni pizza...I'm not making this up. Now you've got an excuse for your unusual behavior when you're lying in your garden. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #07059
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Aspidistra sichuanensis 'China Moon' (China Moon Cast Iron Plant)
Light Shade to ShadeZone: 8-10, guessing 10" tall Origin: China
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(Aka: A. sp. QCS IIM-4) This is another 1999 release of aspidistra from Dr. Jim Waddick's wild collections from the Qing Cheng San mountains of Sichuan in 1985. The leaves of A. 'China Moon' reach 16" long x 3" wide with half of the leaf length being a thin, but rigid petiole. Each leaf is speckled with pale yellow spotting. Each clump will make a wonderful accent in the woodland garden. This is either a form of A. typica or a similar-looking new species. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #03040
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Aspidistra sichuanensis 'China Sun' (China Sun Cast Iron Plant)
Light Shade to ShadeZone: 8-10 10" tall Origin: China alternate image
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(Aka: A. sp. QCS-III-L) This cool aspidistra (possibly a new species) was wild-collected by Dr. Jim Waddick from the Qing Cheng San Mountains of Sichuan in 1985. Each 20" long x 2.25" wide leaf is speckled with pale, light-yellow dots. This is the most vigorous of the "China" selections. Each plant makes a nice, loose-growing specimen clump, or they may be massed in the woodland garden. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #02116
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Aspidistra 'Singapore Sling' (Singapore Sling Cast Iron Plant)
Light Shade to ShadeZone: no info yet 36" tall Origin: Thailand
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This unusual cast iron plant is quite popular at the Thailand flower markets, but has only recently come to the US. The 3' long x 2" wide dark green leaves are heavily spotted with large creamy yellow spots. If you're having trouble visualizing, think about a green whip used to beat a glass of milk into submission, and you've got the picture. We are uncertain as to which species this belongs and do not have a handle on potential hardiness. It is the tallest of the spotted leaf cultivars and will make a stunning house plant where it is not winter hardy. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #07061
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Aspidistra sp. 'China Star' (China Star Cast Iron Plant)
Light Shade to ShadeZone: 8-10 4" tall Origin: China
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(Aka: A. sp. QCSIIM-13) This is the most dwarf form of the recent releases of aspidistras from Dr. Jim Waddick's wild collections from the Qing Cheng San Mountains of Sichuan in 1985. A. 'China Star' has 8-10" long leaves that are each 2.25" wide. Each leaf is spattered with yellow "freckles." A. 'China Star' is the fastest-spreading selection from these new collections. This is either a form of A. typica or a new species that is quite similar. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #02115
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Aspidistra sp. 'Yunnan Sunbeam' (Cast Iron Plant)
Light Shade to ShadeZone: 8a-10, possibly colder 8" tall Origin: Japan alternate image
This selection of cast iron plant comes from plant collector Barry Yinger, who got it from Japan's Kenji Hirose, who collected it in Yunnan, China. The 6" petioles end with 8" long green leaves that emerge with a wide central stripe of creamy yellow. The leaf blade arches sideways, making a 1' tall x 2' wide clump. As the leaves age, small yellow spots appear in the green border...stars and stripes, now that's patriotic. Our plants have survived 8 degrees F so far. This is the same clone introduced by Crug Farm as A. 'Uan Fat Lady'. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #03472
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Aspidistra typica 'Old Glory' (Cast Iron Plant)
Light Shade to ShadeZone: 8-10, at least 10" tall Origin: China alternate image
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(aka: A. 96CPC240) We are pleased to offer this recently introduced cast iron plant selection made in the wild in Sichuan, China, by plantsman Darrell Probst in 1996. The 10" long x 3" wide, light green foliage has a 3/4" wide, yellow stripe running down the center of each leaf. As the leaf matures, it is also highlighted by a good sprinkling of yellow dots...hence the name A. 'Old Glory'. This cultivar is a slow-multiplier, which is a good thing in climates where aspidistras get carried away. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #03693
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Asplenium (Spleenwort)
This diverse genus of ferns ranges from small to large and has a worldwide distribution. We have focused our efforts on the smaller rock garden-size species and hybrids. |
Asplenium x ebenoides (Scott's Spleenwort)
Light ShadeZone: 5-8 6" tall Origin: USA Hybrid
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This unusual, naturally-occurring fern hybrid from AL (formerly xAsplenosorus) is the result of a conjugal visit between two native species, Asplenium platyneuron and Asplenium rhizophyllum (formerly Camptosorus rhizophyllus). The 6" tall x 10" wide, rock garden-size clumps prefer slightly moist, alkaline soils. When established, A. x ebenoides will occasionally produce plantlets on the leaf tips, thanks to the walking fern genes...gotta love those unusual breeding occurrences from AL. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #05360
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Aster (Aster)
Although taxonomists have officially kicked all the US-born plants out of the genus aster, we refuse to cooperate in this vast left-limb conspiracy. Despite the nomenclature controversy, these splendid late-season perennials combine with the colors of autumn and lend cooler blue-violet tones to the bright, exciting colors of fall. We have several different varieties to choose from, so choose all of them! Easy and dependable, asters generally thrive in full sun and average garden soil.
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Aster carolinianus (Climbing Aster)
Sun to Part SunZone: 7-9, possibly colder 120" tall Origin: USA
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(syn: Ampelaster carolinianus) What will they think of next...a native woody aster that climbs! We figure this native aster watched too many old kudzu movies. Yes, it grows, it climbs, it mingles, it blooms...it more closely resembles a clematis in habit (fragrant pink flowers from late summer into the fall). Give it a trellis, or let it socialize in the border...it's actually well-behaved! Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #00823
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Aster dumosus 'Sapphire' (Sapphire Aster)
Sun to Part SunZone: 4-8 16" tall Origin: USA
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I'm not a big fan of most of the Aster dumosus selections that I've grown, despite being native from ME to TX, but A. 'Sapphire' has been a very pleasant surprise. The 16" tall x 2' wide, dense clumps of foliage are topped from August through mid-September with a stunning display of 2" blue-lavender flowers. Sorry, but it's not ever-blooming as some brain-dead marketing folks have promoted in other catalogs. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #06796
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Aster novae-angliae 'Purple Dome' (Purple Dome Aster)
Sun to ShadeZone: 3-9 18" tall Origin: USA
(syn: Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) If you have never seen a mass of A. 'Purple Dome' in full flower, then you haven't yet lived! From Dr. Dick Lighty, former Director of the Mt. Cuba Center, DE, comes this wonderful selection of our drought-tolerant native New England aster. The 18" stems of fuzzy, narrow, green leaves are topped in early fall with vivid 1.5" wide shocking purple daisies...so thick you can't see the foliage. The clump will eventually spread to 2'. Planted in mass, the effect is indescribable! Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #00953
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Aster oblongifolius 'Fanny' (Fanny's Fall Aster)
Sun to Part SunZone: 4-9 24" tall Origin: USA
(syn: Symphyotrichum oblongifolium) We originally acquired this selection of our native Aster oblongifolius from Montrose Gardens, which acquired it from Ruth Knopf of Boone Hall Plantation in SC. Ruth acquired the aster from her maid, Fanny, who acquired it as a pass-along plant from her grandmother. This spectacular aster is the last to flower in our garden, usually in October and November. 'Fanny', the aster--not the maid--makes a nice clump to 4' in width and is smothered with 1" blue flowers...awesome! For a fall show in a hot dry site, a nice 'Fanny' is a hard thing to beat. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #00341
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