This delightfully saucy acanthus has paraded in the trade for years as Acanthus spinosus, but is nothing like that species...i.e., it's missing its spines. It appears perfectly intermediate between Acanthus hungaricus and Acanthus spinosus and is probably a hybrid, hence we have assigned a cultivar name commemorating its widespread culture in Holland under the wrong name. The 1' tall x 2' wide mass of deeply incised, black-green, deer-resistant leaves makes a wonderful clump topped in late spring with 2' tall spikes of white flowers hidden by spiny purple hoods. Sunny, slightly acid to alkaline conditions are best and be aware that unlike vasectomies, cutting the translocation system (roots) causes more babies. Pot Size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml)
Adiantum 'Bermuda Run' represents our 2000 wild collection of this wide-ranging species from Bermuda, where we found it growing on a rock wall near the Royal Dockyards. Although we were skeptical about winter hardiness, it has easily survived 6 degrees F so far. Adiantum 'Bermuda Run' is composed of light green pinnae (fern leaves) held along a 1' long black arching stipe and forms a spreading mat to 10" tall x 4' wide in 10 years. For us, this selection is more compact than most other clones that we have grown. Pot Size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml)
We originally got this from a customer in Virginia who claimed it to be winter hardy near Roanoke. Our plants did survive below 10 degrees F, but damage was too severe to claim it reliable in Zone 7b. It is one of the many yellow-edged Agave americana forms sold under the group name 'Marginata'. This particular clone makes a large, upright clump of sharp-spined, blue-grey foliage with an attractive creamy-yellow edge. Our oldest clumps are 3' tall x 4' wide, but in warmer climates they will grow larger...great for summer containers. Agave blooms attract hummingbirds. Pot Size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml)
This Plant Delights clonal selection of Agave americana var. protoamericana has been one of the best performers in our display garden. The wide, steel-blue, upright leaves form a tight rosette to 6' tall x 10' wide. This selection is a prolifically offsetting form we grew from seed from a Yucca Do expedition near Victoria, Mexico (YD 45-80). For us, Agave 'Blue Steel' has shown minimal winter damage at 9 degrees F. Agave blooms attract hummingbirds. Pot Size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml)
(syn: Agave guiengola 'Marginata') We are pleased to make available this elegant collector plant, whose parent originated in the Guiengola limestone cliffs of Oaxaca (pronounced "Wahaka"), Mexico. Since the name 'Marginata' has been invalid on plants named after 1959, we chose a new name, Agave 'Creme Brulee'. This soft-leaf agave is simply elegant with wide, medium green leaves surrounded by a 1" border of creamy white. While the species can reach 3' tall x 4' wide, the variegation should slow it down considerably...we're guessing about 25 percent. Agave 'Creme Brulee' was discovered by California agave specialist, Kelly Griffin. Agave flowers attract hummingbirds. Pot Size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml)
We first got this stunning selection of Agave salmiana from Marsha McPhetters's California garden, where it made a 3' tall x 4' wide clump. The upright growing rosette of concave, glossy, dark green leaves is dramatically highlighted by a creamy yellow margin. We have grown at least two other margined forms of Agave salmiana. While some Agave salmiana cultivars are winter-hardy to 5 degrees F, we are just now trialing this selection outdoors. Thanks to Brian Kemble of the Ruth Bancroft Garden for assisting with naming this agave. Agave flowers attract hummingbirds. Pot Size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml)
From a 1992 Yucca Do seed collecting expedition (YD 45-83) at 5,200' in Palmillo, Tamaulipas, Mexico, where Agave americana ssp. protoamericana intergrades with Agave scabra, we selected this particularly nice clone. Agave 'Silver Surfer' has since formed a 5' tall x 9' wide clump of stiff, outfacing, silvery-blue leaves. This slow-offsetting agave is a favorite of garden visitors, so we are thrilled to finally be able to list it in our catalog...get them while they last. Agave blooms attract hummingbirds. Pot Size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml)
I first saw this agave when visiting Gary Hammer's former California nursery...a plant Gary had discovered in Mexico, which variegated upon his return home. This deliciously wicked little agave is a selection of Agave x leopoldii (Agave filifera v. filifera x Agave filifera v. schidigera) that forms a 8" tall x 15" wide clump of 0.25" wide bayonet-like, dark green leaves, each etched in white, edged with a chartreuse border, then covered in curly white hairs that would make Santa proud. Agave 'Hammer Time' does offset occasionally, unlike both of its parents. Growing this gem is a bit like having a pet porcupine, so handle with care. Agave flowers attract hummingbirds. Pot Size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml)
This non-offsetting gem is one of the rarest and most beautiful agaves in our collection. Finally, we have enough to share. This 30" wide selection of Agave xylonacantha (xylonacantha means wood teeth/spines) is composed of 18" long x 1" wide leaves which form a symmetrical clump. Each leaf has a medium green central stripe, bordered by a wide creamy yellow edge that ages to white. The unusual snaggle-tooth spine pattern on the leaf edge is truly fascinating. If you live in a state with gun bans, keep a leaf from this baby by the bed for protection. We're on the northern borderline for growing this species outdoors, so from here north, enjoy yours in a container. Agave flowers attract hummingbirds. Pot Size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml)
This stunning Allium nutans hybrid comes from the Onion Man, Mark McDonough. Allium 'Millennium' represents several generations of breeding (onions) and is head and shoulders above any other alliums we grow. The compact 1' tall x 1' wide clump of narrow, glossy green, deer-resistant leaves is topped for over a month in late summer with 2" rosy-purple flower heads. We grow Allium 'Millennium' in several locations and have never seen any sign of a stray seedling...garliccimo! Pot Size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml)
We had almost given up on alliums after growing far too many weedy species but have been delighted to find great non-weedy hybrids like Allium 'Sugar Melt', thanks to Allium guru, Mark McDonough. This hybrid of Mark's combines the best traits of both Allium nutans with the popular Allium senescens. Allium 'Sugar Melt' has been a standout in our rock garden, making a 6" tall x 8" wide circular clump of narrow, green, deer-resistant leaves, topped in early July (later in colder climates) with 16" stems of light pink flower balls...a perfect rock garden plant. Pot Size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml)
In 2005, we were botanizing north of Hanoi and after finding our road washed out, we retreated through a series of uninteresting back roads until sighting this bizarre form of the common Alocasia macrorrhizos in the front yard of a small home. The owner gladly shared a piece that we subsequently named Alocasia 'Shock Treatment'. This mutation of Alocasia macrorrhizos is a 3' tall clumper with glossy green, bizarrely twisted and crinkled leaves resembling a larger version of Alocasia cucullata 'Crinkles'. So far, this has proven as winter-hardy as regular Alocasia macrorrhizos. Pot Size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml)
(aka: Amorphophallus pygmaeus AGA-1052F) This seedling is one we pulled out of an Alan Galloway seed collection from Thailand. Instead of the typical nearly black foliage, this one has amazing pewter foliage. So far, Amorphophallus 'Pewter Pan' has remained quite small, and we anticipate a full grown plant will reach only 6" in height...so very cute! When mature, the tuber produces a 15" flowering stalk, topped with a creamy pink spathe and an oversized white spadix. We only have a limited quantity of these, so don't delay. The tuber can be stored dry when dormant. Pot Size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml)
This selection of the Thailand native Amorphophallus tenuispadix was named for its dark purple petiole, flecked with small pink spots. The 15" tall stalk on this fast-offsetting species supports the small, palm-like foliage. In June/July, the inflorescences appear as small, pale pink cups holding an oversized, x-rated, fleshy appendage...great for spicing up the garden party conversation. Pot Size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml)
I fell to my knees when I first saw Arisaema 'Black Jack' at Woodlanders Nursery in South Carolina and visitors to our garden have continued this tradition. Discovered by native plant guru Bob McCartney on one of his many jaunts through Florida, this selection of our native Jack-in-the-pulpit has shiny black foliage with a few green veins. For us, Arisaema 'Black Jack' emerges slightly later (mid-May) than most Arisaema triphyllum. The 1' tall clumps are adorned in late spring with "pulpits" that also have a stunning black spathe. We have also found Arisaema 'Black Jack' spreads slightly by underground stolons. To be able to finally share this with the public is truly a dream come true. Pot Size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml)
This amazing selection of our native Jack-in-the-pulpit comes from plantsman Paul James of Virginia. This vigorous, fast-multiplying selection emerges in spring with trifoliate leaves adorned with silver-white veins. There are at least three other silver-veined forms, but none we have seen rivals the vigor of this selection. The 22" tall clumps are adorned in early spring with green "Jack" flowers. Arisaema 'Starburst' prefers moist woodland conditions and will go dormant by late summer. Pot Size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml)
This wonderful deer-resistant 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)
(aka: Aspidistra GS form 1) We are pleased to offer a newly-recognized aspidistra species (soon to be published) originally shared with us by the late plantsman, Greg Speichert who obtained the plant from the Nanjing Botanic Garden. Aspidistra basalis has been a great garden plant here for over a decade, during which time it has formed a nice 4' wide patch of very dark glossy green, 30" tall x 1.5" wide leaves. Pot Size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml)
This selection of Aspidistra elatior from Florida is a particularly nice, wide-leaf, solid dark green selection with 3' tall x 5" wide foliage...great where either an evergreen mass planting or single specimen is needed. Pot Size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml)
This cast iron plant cultivar was shared with us by Robin Lennon of Florida's Central Florida Foliage, where he discovered it in his cut foliage fields. The evergreen foliage looks like the common Aspidistra 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)
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