 |
|
Speirantha
|
Speirantha convallarioides (False Lily-of-the-Valley)
Light Shade to Shade Zone: 5b-8, at least 10" tall Origin: China
Open House/Web-Only!
Speirantha convallarioides is a monotypic (all alone in its genus) species found on hilly broadleaf forests up to 3,000' in the Chinese provinces of Anhui, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, and Zhejiang. In the garden, our 10-year-old clump has reached 3' diameter. The evergreen 10" leaves emerge from a thick, slowly spreading rhizome, resembling narrow lily-of-the-valley foliage. In April-May, the clumps are adorned with small, white, bottlebrush-like flowers among the foliage...a superb woodland plant and quite a bit hardier than books indicate.
Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #06994
|
|
Spigelia
|
Spigelia marilandica (Indian Pink)
Sun to Light ShadeZone: 5b-9 24" tall Origin: USA
If this isn't the region's most beautiful native, then I don't know who is...any votes for Elvis or Dolly? This exquisite woodland perennial makes a dainty-looking 12" wide clump of 2' tall stalks clothed with nondescript green foliage. We have found that it grows equally as well in full sun or light shade, as well as in very moist or bone-dry soils. In late spring, however, the clumps become topped with dozens of spectacular up-facing, tubular, bright red flowers with a dramatically contrasting, yellow center. The clump, which improves with age, will be a true garden show-stopper! This is propagated by tissue culture. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #02315
|
|
Spiranthes
|
Spiranthes cernua var. odorata (Nodding Ladies' Tresses)
Sun to Light ShadeZone: 3-9 12" tall Origin: USA
(syn: S. odorata) Truly, an orchid for all gardens...or as close as we will come. This easy-to-grow native orchid is the southern form of S. cernua (or a separate species depending on your choice of taxonomists), ranging from Virginia south to Florida. The ground-hugging, dark-green rosettes spread slowly by underground rhizomes creating a nice colony when growing in native habitats such as moist soils, bogs or swamps. In mid-September, the insignificant rosettes produce incredible 1' tall spikes spiraled with small, white bell-shaped flowers, emitting a delightful fragrance often described as a cross between vanilla and jasmine...a superb plant everyone should grow! Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #03562
|
|
Sporobolus
|
Sporobolus wrightii (Big Sacaton Dropseed)
Sun to Part SunZone: 5-9 60" tall Origin: USA
Big Sacaton dropseed must qualify as one of the least-known and most ornamental of the US native grasses. Tolerant of extreme drought as well as alkaline soils, and with a range from Utah south to Texas, you would think it would be widely recognized by now. A single plant will quickly produce a 3' tall x 4' wide clump of grey-green foliage. In midsummer and into early fall, the clump is topped with graceful 5' tall flower panicles of a delicious golden-bronze. Our plants are seed grown from a superbly floriferous form we have grown for over a decade. We can't endorse this strongly enough. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #08632
|
|
Sprekelia
|
Sprekelia formosissima (Aztec Lily)
Sun to Part SunZone: 7b-10, at least 12" tall Origin: Mexico
The Aztec lily is one of those plants that is so spectacular and reliable that we can't imagine gardening without it. What appears to be a tender woodland plant is, in fact, native to rock outcrops in the Mexican mountains. For us, sprekelia has performed best in our dry rock scree in full baking sun. For those in the Deep South, some afternoon shade is best. The bulbs multiply well to make a nice clump of narrow green leaves, which burst into flower in early April and continue through May. After a summer rest, they usually re-flower in the fall. The 6" brilliant red flowers most closely resemble a delicate hippeastrum...truly stunning! Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #05279
|
|
Stachys
|
Stachys coccinea 'Hot Spot Coral' (Red Betony)
Sun to Part SunZone: 6-7, at least 20" tall Origin: USA
Open House/Web-Only!
This southwestern US native (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas) is surprisingly adaptable to most soils with the exception of poorly drained wet clay. This Arizona selection from High Country Gardens makes a wonderful 18" tall x 3' wide mound of small, nepeta-like, grey-green leaves, topped from midspring through early summer with hundreds of bright coral-red, tubular flowers on 20" bloom stalks...a hummingbird's dream come true. This is one of those plants that is much hardier than the books would lead us to believe...important safety tip...never let plants read books. Visitors to the garden are always oohing and aahing over the never-before seen perennial...now it can be yours too! Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #06642
SOLD OUT
|
Stachys 'Countess Helene Von Stein' (Giant Lamb's Ear)
Sun to Part SunZone: 4-9 10" tall Origin: Iran
Open House/Web-Only!
The leaves on this spectacular, silver-foliaged lamb's ear are at least twice as large as normal, but still soft and fuzzy (just like your picture of Elvis). Giant lamb's ear is also much more heat- and humidity-resistant. S. 'Countess Helene Von Stein' is supposedly non-flowering, but we have seen two flower stalks in 13 years...does close count in lamb's ears? "The Countess" is great to brighten a dark spot in the garden, or plant one near the outhouse for those unexpected emergencies. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #01036
SOLD OUT
|
|
Stokesia (Stokes' Aster)
This lone species of stokesia from the pinewoods of the Southeastern US has gained recognition as one of the world's finest perennials. We are pleased to present several new diverse selections that expand the species far past any forms that were previously known. Stokes' aster performs great in full sun to light shade and in well-drained soils that range from moist to moderately dry. Stokesia are a great butterfly attractant in the summer garden. |
Stokesia laevis 'Honeysong Purple' (Stokes' Aster)
Sun to Light ShadeZone: 5-9 12" tall Origin: USA
Stokesia 'Honeysong Purple' is an exciting introduction from hosta guru Alex Summers and his son, Alan, of Carroll Gardens. S. 'Honeysong Purple' boasts large, vivid, dark purple flowers with a contrasting reddish-pink center on a nice, compact grower. This is truly the most stunning stokesia on the market...absolutely marvelous! Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #04336
|
Stokesia laevis 'Mary Gregory' (Yellow Stokes' Aster)
Sun to Light ShadeZone: 5-9 12" tall Origin: USA
Open House/Web-Only!
This is a truly exciting native plant find, first introduced to the trade by Niche Gardens. From South Carolina comes this Stokes' aster with creamy yellow flowers, similar in color to Coreopsis 'Moonbeam'. For us, it flowers consistently throughout the summer...this is sure to be the talk of the gardening community...color echos, here we come! Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #01404
|
Stokesia laevis 'Peachie's Pick' (Stokes' Aster)
Sun to Part SunZone: 5-9 20" tall Origin: USA
What a stunner! From Mississippi gardener Peachie Saxon comes the best Stokes' aster we have had the pleasure of growing. Everyone who has grown S. 'Peachie's Pick' agrees it is truly the best cultivar on the market. Not only are clumps dense and tight, but the densely compact upright flower spikes are topped with dozens of large blue flowers, from late June to early July...a favorite of yellow swallowtail butterflies. S. 'Peachie's Pick' occurred as a seedling in Peachie's garden and, due to her generosity, the rest is history. If you have only grown seed-strain Stokes' asters in the past, you're in for a major surprise! Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #04726
|
|
Syneilesis
|
Syneilesis aconitifolia (Shredded Umbrella Plant)
Part Sun to Light ShadeZone: 5-8 18" tall Origin: Japan, Korea
(aka: Senecio aconitifolius) Don't bother to look this one up...it's that new to cultivation. I flipped back in the 1980s when I first saw this plant at the US National Arboretum, only later to rediscover it in the wilds of Korea. This woodland Asteraceae (ligularia relative), native to dry hillsides, emerges in early spring as the white wooly leaves push through the ground like mayapples...or more appropriately, like shredded umbrellas after a hurricane. The exquisite foliage flattens out atop 18" stems by midspring. Expect a decent-sized colony as the rhizomes slowly spread (2' wide in 5-7 years). Flowers...forget the insignificant flowers...and enjoy the luscious foliage! Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #03400
SOLD OUT
|
Syneilesis palmata (Palmate Shredded Umbrella Plant)
Light Shade to ShadeZone: 5-8, possibly colder 15" tall Origin: Japan, Korea
Syneilesis palmata looks so much like a mayapple (barberry family) that it's almost impossible to fathom that it is actually a ligularia cousin (chrysanthemum family). S. palmata is similar to S. aconitifolia but more deeply cut, and with less leaf segments. S. palmata emerges with silky green leaves that open like a miniature umbrella to 6" wide, each sitting atop a 15" tall stem. The clumps enlarge thanks to a slowly spreading rhizome. For difficult woodland conditions, there isn't much better than syneilesis. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #05617
|
Syneilesis palmata 'Kikko' (Kikko Shredded Umbrella Plant)
Part Sun to Light ShadeZone: 5-8 18" tall Origin: Japan
Open House/Web-Only!
I have lusted in my heart for Syneilesis 'Kikko' after seeing a photo taken in Japan several years ago. The fuzzball-like foliage expands to form a shredded umbrella-like leaf atop an 18" tall stem. The veins on the leaf of S. 'Kikko' are creamy-white, providing an amazing contrast. I wish I could describe the tall thin spikes of tiny grey flowers as exciting, but hey...focus on the leaves. As with all syneilesis, they are easy to grow and amazingly drought tolerant once established. If you're looking to one-up your gardening friends, I can think of no better way to start. Our supply is very limited, so don't delay. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #08408
SOLD OUT
|
|
Tanacetum
|
Tanacetum vulgare 'Isla Gold' (Gold Leaf Tansy)
SunZone: 4-8 24" tall Origin: Europe, Asia
Amazing! Wow! This is the most excited I've been in a long time about a plant (stop laughing!). This amazing tansy originated in the now-defunct Isla Nursery in Cambridgeshire, UK, but it is now poised to make a big splash on this side of the pond. When planted in an average-to-dry site, the brilliant lacy foliage emerges bright gold in early spring and remains so until frost. This easy-to-grow herb is gorgeous where golden foliage is needed in the perennial border. It truly proves to be a beacon all summer...superb! Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #04219
|
|
Tetrapanax
|
Tetrapanax papyrifera (Rice Paper Plant)
Sun to Light ShadeZone: 7b-10 80" tall Origin: Taiwan
Open House/Web-Only!
This amazing tropical-looking favorite is grown as a dieback perennial from Zone 8 north, and as a shrub from Zone 8 south. The fast-growing, thick, fuzzy, upright stems are clothed with large, equally fuzzy, green castor bean-like leaves emerging from an underground rhizome. Rice paper plant will spread underground in good soils, so don't plant it near small defenseless plants. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #04676
|
Tetrapanax papyrifera 'Steroidal Giant' (Giant Rice Paper Plant)
Sun to Light ShadeZone: 7-10, at least 120" tall Origin: Taiwan
Open House/Web-Only!
For a truly tropical look in a temperate garden, we have a plant for you! Giant rice paper plant can reach the epic size of 25' tall from Zone 8b south (compared to 10' for the typical species). In dieback climates, expect only half this height...a measly 10-12'. The brown hairy stalks are clothed with giant 3-5' wide, fuzzy, castor bean-shaped leaves. Tetrapanax does root sucker underground, but fortunately, it is easy to remove. T. 'Steroidal Giant' first came from a gardener in Japan to Hawaii, then to the California Bay area, thanks to nurseryman Ed Carmen, who kept it in a 1-gallon pot for 20 years. It was seen by plantsman Roger Warner, who, thinking it was a dwarf, planted a piece in the ground. As the story continues, after the size shock, Roger shared a piece with Sean Hogan, who graciously shared with us...whew! Thanks, guys...for a dazzling new introduction. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #04634
SOLD OUT
|
|
Thalictrum (Meadow Rue)
Meadow rues provide a nice airy texture to contrast with the more bold elements in a garden. Meadow rues are tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions, depending on the species.
|
Thalictrum 'Black Stockings' (Black Stockings Meadow Rue)
SunZone: 5-8, at least 72" tall Origin: Hybrid
This stunning new meadow rue from the Terra Nova breeding program forms a 6' tall clump of lacy green foliage topped with large, pink flower heads reminiscent of T. rochebrunianum, but in this case, highlighted by jet-black stems. Breeding labels went missing, so we don't know the exact parentage behind this splendid hybrid. While T. 'Black Stockings' is very easy to grow under most garden conditions, moist rich soils result in optimal performance. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #06482
|
Thalictrum delavayi 'Hewitt's Double' (Hewitt's Double Meadow Rue)
SunZone: 4-7 48" tall Origin: China
Open House/Web-Only!
The airy maidenhair fern-like foliage adorns the 4' tall stems, topped from mid-summer through fall with clouds of small double lavender pompom-like flowers...simply a sensational textural element in the summer garden. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #07239
SOLD OUT
|
Thalictrum rochebrunianum Korean Form (Giant Meadow Rue)
Sun to Part SunZone: 5-9 60" tall Origin: Korea
We have quite a few meadow rues, fewer rues, and no meadows, but I digress. This Korean collection of the popular T. rochebrunianum has drawn raves from garden visitors. The sturdy, purple-black stems are clothed with thumbnail-shaped, blue-green leaflets. The clumps expand skyward starting in spring and are soon topped for months, beginning in early summer, with large flower heads of purple and yellow (purple petals and oversized yellow anthers). This meadow rue is incredibly showy and allows for some really cool color combos in the border...striking! Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #04459
|
Thalictrum virgatum (Virgate Meadow Rue)
Part Sun to Light ShadeZone: 6-8, possibly colder 12" tall Origin: China
Open House/Web-Only!
This delightful Chinese meadow rue has been a star performer in our woodland garden for the past 5 years, so it's time we shared. The 1' tall x 1' wide clumps of dainty, grey-green leaves are topped from March to June with airy clusters of tiny white flowers. T. virgatum is about as far from big, bold, and bodacious as it gets, but ranks very high in the dainty, cute, and charming category. T. virgatum has proven to be quite easy to grow in a variety of part sun to woodland conditions. It reminds us of an Isopyron biternatum that doesn't go dormant in April. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #06464
|
| <Sinningia - Solidago] | [Thelypteris - Trachycarpus> |
|
