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Aloe (Aloe)
Aloe is a genus of mostly African plants that have been overlooked for potential winter hardiness. While the common Aloe vera (medicine plant) and many others used primarily as houseplants are not winter hardy, many others are. In fact, many aloe species occur at elevations exceeding 10,000'. We have killed quite a few species in our trials but have had some wonderful success as well. We are continuing to evaluate numerous species for their abilities to tolerate our cold wet climates.
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Aloe cooperi (Cooper's Hardy Grass Aloe)
Sun Zone: 7b-9, at least 15" tall Origin: S. Africa
Open House/Web-Only!
Not to be confused with a '70s rock singer with unmown grasslike hair, Aloe cooperi hails from the dry, open grasslands in the Natal Mountains of South Africa where it was discovered in 1860. The narrow, green, v-shaped leaves are edged with a row of tiny white bumps. The fast-multiplying, 15" wide deciduous clumps are topped in midsummer with 18" terminal flower spikes of dangling coral-orange flowers. Both the young shoots and flowers are edible and considered a delicacy where they grow wild...they must not have McDonald's yet. McAloe's...hmmm. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #05256
SOLD OUT
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Aloe humilis (Low Aloe)
Sun to Part SunZone: 8-10 4" tall Origin: S. Africa
Open House/Web-Only!
We are pleased to offer another of the winter hardy aloes we saw in the wild near Napier, South Africa in 2005. The species has a wide range from near sea level to 5300' elevation. The small tight rosettes are composed of narrow blue-green leaves covered in small raised bumps. The dense offsetting clumps are topped in spring with 1' spikes of dangling bright orange tubular flowers. For us, A. humilis has survived 10 degrees F in the garden, as long as it is not subjected to winter moisture. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #08139
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Aloe polyphylla (Hardy Spiral Aloe)
Part Sun to Light ShadeZone: 7b-9 12" tall Origin: S. Africa
You've seen it pictured on everything from postcards to calendars. Now you can have one of your own! No, we're not talking about Pamela Anderson, we're talking about Aloe polyphylla. We were amazed when we first saw this growing in the Lappi garden in Chapel Hill, NC, where it had happily resided for over a decade. Now we are able to offer the very rare and exquisitely beautiful spiral aloe. Native to the high mountains of South Africa, where it is in danger of extinction, Aloe polyphylla is perfectly adaptable to the cold winters of the eastern US. The fast-growing Aloe polyphylla forms a tight rosette of light green leaves that continues in a beautiful spiral as the plant ages. For a specimen plant that will dazzle visitors, this is a must. Plant on a slope, since winter moisture is a bad thing! Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #04905
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Aloe striatula (Hardy Aloe)
SunZone: 7b-10 40" tall Origin: S. Africa
Open House/Web-Only!
From the wilds of South Africa comes this amazing species with upright stalks of 1" wide, dark green foliage. In warmer climates, the stalks can reach in excess of 3'. The larger stalks tend to arch outward with age due to excess weight...as do we. In early summer, the clumps are topped with amazing scapes of orange-yellow bells. This is one for the plant nut who likes to push the limits of hardiness. In Zone 7, you will need to provide great drainage and protect the foliage from excess winter moisture to avoid slight foliage burn or rot...we planted ours under the eaves of the house, but either a cloth or upside down pot would do the trick. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #04037
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Aloysia
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Aloysia virgata (Sweet Almond Tree Verbena)
SunZone: 7b-10 96" tall Origin: Argentina, Brazil
We have grown Aloysia virgata since 2001 and in that time it has become one of our favorite summer flowering plants. In our climate, it dies to the ground in winter and behaves as a 8' tall perennial, where in more southerly climates, it makes a large open shrub to 15'. The upright woody stems are clothed with dark green sandpapery leaves. Starting in July and continuing until a hard frost, the branches end in terminal spikes of extremely fragrant white flowers that serve as an attractant for butterflies, other cool insects, and garden visitors. The intoxicating fragrance of vanilla almonds is strongest in late afternoon and evening. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #07587
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Alpinia (Ginger)
This diverse and easy-to-grow genus of tropical and subtropical gingers hails from Southeast Asia. Gardeners in mild climates will be rewarded with colorful terminal flower spikes, while those of us in colder zones where the foliage dies back in the winter will be left to enjoy alpinias as tropical-textured, fragrant foliage plants.
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Alpinia japonica 'Extra Spicy' (Extra Spicy Ginger)
Part Sun to Light ShadeZone: 7b-10 20" tall Origin: China, Japan, Taiwan
Open House/Web-Only!
This wonderful Japanese selection of the hardy Alpinia japonica is no relation to any member of the 1990's English pop group. The upright, glossy green 1' long fragrant leaves are heavily splashed with creamy white, making an eye-catching addition to the woodland garden. Occasionally, the clumps will throw an all-green division, which is more vigorous and should be removed. In spring, the clumps are topped with white flowers with red stripes on terminal spikes...stunning!
Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #06037
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Alpinia pumila (Silver Lance Dwarf Ginger)
Light Shade to ShadeZone: 8-10, at least 6" tall Origin: China
New crop available 12-3-2009 Thanks to ginger guru Tom Wood for telling us about Alpinia pumila, which has become one of our new favorite hardy gingers. A. pumila hails from the Chinese provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi, Hunan, and Yunnan where it can be found in mountain valleys at 1,600'-3,600'. A. pumila makes a diminutive, slowly stoloniferous groundcover with 6" long x 3" wide leaves of green, highlighted by broad silver streaks. The cardamon-fragranced leaves are held at a low, nearly horizontal angle to the ground. As if you need more, watch for the 1" tall basal flower spikes of bright red in April-May...simply charming for deep shady areas...both the alpinia and Tom. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #08542
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Alstroemeria (Peruvian Lily)
While most alstroemerias hate heat, hate cold, or take over the garden, our trials have found several great garden specimens that behave quite well and actually grow. Many are hybrids from Mark Brigden's wonderful breeding program when he was at the University of Connecticut (now Cornell). In addition, they make superb long-lasting cut flowers.
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Alstroemeria 'Freedom' PP 9,393 (Freedom Princess Lily)
Sun to Part SunZone: 5b-8, at least 30" tall Origin: Hybrid
We are pleased to present this wonderful introduction from the breeding program of Mark Bridgen of Cornell University. A. 'Freedom' boasts similar heat- and cold-tolerance to that of A. 'Sweet Laura'. The winter rosettes of green foliage give rise from June through September to 30" tall spikes of peachy red flowers (RHS 53D), highlighted at the tip of the uppermost two petals with a bold white pattern, speckled with carmine. A. 'Freedom' has proven to be much more of a clumper in contrast to the more common runner, A. psittacina. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #04159
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Alstroemeria 'Glory of the Andes' (Glory of the Andes Princess Lily)
SunZone: 5b-8, at least 30" tall Origin: Hybrid
Open House/Web-Only!
We are truly excited by this variegated sport of the wonderful A. 'Sweet Laura' that was discovered at Connecticut's Sunny Border Nursery. The upright stalks are clothed with thumb-shaped green leaves edged with a creamy yellow border, adding more interest to an already fabulous perennial. A. 'Glory of the Andes' begins flowering in early July in NC with 30" tall spikes of orange and continues until fall. Even when it's not in flower, A. 'Glory of the Andes' provides great foliage interest in the garden. The longer we grow this, the more impressed we are with this great alstroemeria. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #05364
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Alstroemeria 'Koadore' PP 15,898 (Inca Adore Princess Lily)
SunZone: 7b-9 24" tall Origin: Hybrid
NEW!
Alstroemeria 'Koadore' is a great new alstroemeria from the Inca series developed at Könst Alstroemeria of Holland. A. 'Koadore' makes a 2' tall x 18" wide clump of stalks that flower starting in late June (NC) and continue until fall. The attractive red flowers are each highlighted by a wide yellow band and small brown flecks. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #08696
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Alstroemeria 'Koexotica' PP 15,947 (Inca Exotica Princess Lily)
SunZone: 8-9 24" tall Origin: Hybrid
NEW!
This tight clumping hybrid from Holland's Könst Alstroemeria is topped from late June (NC) until frost with 2' tall stalks of yellow flowers, each highlighted by orange blotches and small brown freckles...very nice! Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #08695
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Alstroemeria 'Patricia Lynn' (Patricia Lynn Princess Lily)
Sun to Part SunZone: 6-8 24" tall Origin: Hybrid
New crop available 1-1-2010 From the breeding program of Cornell's Mark Bridgen (formerly at the University of Connecticut) came this new direction in hardy alstroemeria breeding. A. 'Patricia Lynn' is the first release with multi-flowered inflorescences of fluorescent red-purple (RHS 61B). Each flower is highlighted by dramatic black lines and a contrasting yellow throat. For us, clumps of Alstroemeria 'Patricia Lynn' are ablaze with flowers from June until October...a superb show in the summer garden. Alstroemeria 'Patricia Lynn' was named in 2000, in honor of former Connecticut First Lady Patricia Lynn Rowland. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #04643
SOLD OUT
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Alstroemeria psittacina 'Variegata' (White Edged Princess Lily)
Part Sun to Light ShadeZone: 6b-9a 15" tall Origin: Brazil
Open House/Web-Only!
This Japanese selection improves on the native Brazilian species with dramatic, white-edged leaves. This winter-grower makes a spreading mass of attractive foliage to 15" tall x 3' wide in 6 years (much slower than the species). In June, the flowering stems erupt to nearly 3', each topped with narrow tubular flowers speckled maroon and green...actually quite beautiful. After flowering, the clump goes semi-dormant for the summer, re-emerging in September. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #03028
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Alstroemeria 'Sweet Laura' PP 10,030 (Sweet Laura Princess Lily)
Sun to Part SunZone: 5b-8, at least 30" tall Origin: Hybrid
From Mark Bridgen at Cornell University comes this extraordinarily hardy and fragrant princess lily. The winter rosettes of green foliage give rise from June through September to 30" tall stems of golden flowers, highlighted with orange tips and cinnamon specks. The sweet fragrance of the abundant floral display makes this a must for the summer border. In our climate, most princess lilies die of heat stroke when they sample our summers, but not A. 'Sweet Laura'. Once established, this A. caryophyllaea hybrid spreads very slowly, unlike many of the more aggressive species. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #03543
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Alstroemeria 'The Third Harmonic' (The Third Harmonic Princess Lily)
Sun to Part SunZone: 7-9, possibly colder 36" tall Origin: Hybrid
This amazing new hybrid from breeder George Hare of California is little known outside of the West Coast. After several years in our trials, it has ranked as one of our top performers. This sterile cross of A. 'Harmony' and A. aurantiaca is a vigorous grower topped virtually all summer with 3' tall flower stalks with clusters of large, medium orange flowers, each with a purple-flecked lip. The back of the petals also has a lovely contrasting burnt-maroon flush. Whether you enjoy them in the garden or take them indoors as cut flowers, this is a real winner! Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #04160
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xAmarcrinum
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xAmarcrinum 'Born Free' (Born Free Amarcrinum)
SunZone: 7-10, at least 20" tall Origin: Hybrid
NEW!
This stunning xAmarcrinum (hybrid of Amaryllis belladonna x Crinum) originated as an open pollinated (result of wild, unprotected sex) seedling in a Fresno, California garden. It was subsequently spotted and named after its conception method by bulb collector Herb Kelly around 1980. The 20" tall spikes of flowers, which open pale pink and quickly change to pure white, start for us in late summer and continue until fall. This is a rarely offered gem, available only in limited quantities. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #07930
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xAmarcrinum 'Fred Howard' (xAmarcrinum)
SunZone: 7-10, at least 24" tall Origin: Hybrid
xAmarcrinum is one of those rare man-made wonders rivaling the Great Pyramids! This bigeneric hybrid of Amaryllis belladonna x Crinum moorei produced one of the most fabulous bulbous perennials for the South. The short, glossy, strap-like leaves to 18" give rise in the hottest part of summer to 2' stalks, each topped with 6-8 large, lovely pink, exquisitely fragrant flowers. As soon as one stalk finishes flowering, another emerges, and this flowering pattern continues until frost. In colder climates, xAmarcrinum makes a superb potted specimen! Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #01408
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Amicia
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Amicia zygomeris (Gotta Pea)
SunZone: 7b-9, at least 84" tall Origin: Mexico
Open House/Web-Only!
When plantsman Sean Hogan shared this with me under the guise of it being hardy, I had to laugh. Despite being native in the Mexican mountains, I never expected it to survive our winters. Despite a late planting and a severe hit-and-run with a rabid wheelbarrow, up it came in spring like nothing had happened. This Martian-looking pea relative makes a 7' tall, upright perennial with glaucous green foliage that folds up at night. Near the top of the fuzzy stems, the leaf axils are adorned with funny-looking, purple-stained bibs. The stalks are also adorned with large, yellow, pea-like flowers throughout the summer and early fall. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #06198
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Ammocharis
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Ammocharis coranica (Sand Crinum)
Sun to Part SunZone: 7b-9, at least 12" tall Origin: S. Africa
Open House/Web-Only!
Ammocharis are some of many bizarre South African bulbs that make great garden subjects, but are still far too little-known outside of their native habitats. We have been very impressed with the performance of ammocharis in our gardens over the last several years. This native of seasonally wet, hot, sandy soils emerges in late spring with 12" long x 1" wide, glaucous, strap-like, ground-hugging leaves. Imagine a crinum run over by a steamroller, and you have the picture. In mid-June in NC, the flower cluster containing 25-50 nerine-like, rich pink flowers emerges on a 8-12" tall stalk. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #05830
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| <Ajuga - Alocasia] | [Amorphophallus> |
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