Postage : Seeds only $4 / Plants $20
A small, aromatic, evergreen, drought tolerant sub-shrub from the Mediterranean, grown for it's attractive woolly appearance. Pairs of heart shaped woolly leaves clothe stiff, woolly stems. In summer whorls of small, pink and white, two lipped flowers are held in what are best described as woolly green, hollyhock-like bracts.
Trim in spring to encourage compact growth.
A great plant, understated enough to use as a common theme throughout a garden, without detracting from other plants, yet with enough interest to never become boring. Indeed it can be quite a feature, the bracts alone are a fascinating study in botanical architecture.
A beautiful palm from Baja California and the Sonoran Desert.
Frost, salt, drought and heat tolerant, it's crown of silvery blue fan-like leaves atop the stout trunk makes a striking statement in any garden, whether among informal plantings or used as a design element along drives or to frame vistas. Huge pendant cream coloured inflorescences add an extra dimension over summer and are followed by dark brown fruit which are supposedly edible after roasting.
Happy in any well drained soil but found naturally in soil that is alkaline so it is ideal for coastal gardens.
Sure to thrive where more common and tropical palms struggle.
A too rarely encountered perennial from coastal Italian cliffs, often confused with the yellow flowered Jacobaea maritima or other species, and still one of the best plants I have ever had the privilege to grow and one whose more common use can only benefit our gardens.
Tufts of softly pinnate leaves cut from white suede form a shrubby mound, bearing fine, branching, white stems of lilac coloured, thistle like flowers. A florists dream. Used to great effect in mass planting or as common foil for formal or informal gardens, beside driveways or in moon gardens as reflective lighting, or just as an exceptional component amongst other well defined mediterranean type plants.
If its leggy, flops in the heat or is short lived then conditions are too soft, it has no adaptations to shade. At its best in exposed sites with freely draining, lean, alkaline soil, gardeners on the coastal plain should have no difficulty. Summer irrigation is mostly detrimental. A good test, quick and easy to grow but the standard and longevity of this plant will directly reflect your understanding of gardening for a mediterannean climate.
A good annual or biannual cut back, when and where strong new shoots are seen, will keep it looking tip top for many years. Don't cut it down to bare stems, without leaves it may starve to death before it can regenerate.
A small to medium, evergreen shrub. Small, silvery, sage green, lance shaped leaves are held in pairs on thin wiry branches. In late spring it smothers in small, satiny, baby pink, saucer shaped flowers. Prune regularly to keep dense and encourage flower production. All Cistus's are extremely tough plants.
A medium evergreen shrub tolerant of dry conditions. Rosettes of lance shaped silver-green foliage are produced on woody branches to form a dense mound. In spring fat spikes of brilliant blue flowers appear from the centre of each rosette. Excellent.