Banksia [seedling of 'Giant Candles'] New Fall 2011!

$14

Little candles? No, not really - just because it's a seedling doesn't mean the candles will be smaller than the parent. It will probably be quite similar or perhaps even better. But we don't know yet. 'Giant Candles' is a B. ericifolia x B. spinulosa cross with exceptionally long, golden "candles" or flower stalks often exceeding 1' long. Its narrow, small leaves are a little bit larger than those of B. ericifolia, and it is a vigorous grower.

Banksia grandis - BULL BANKSIA

$14 (standard) $22 (1 gallon)

From the south coast of Western Australia comes this robust and vigorous species. Its immediately striking feature is the foliage, which is coarse and irregularly cut with serrations that go all the way back to the stem but in an asymmetrical fashion. This appearance has been described as "like something a child would draw" by one gardener I know. Mature plants may reach 10' tall and produce "candles" of yellow flowers up to 18" long, the longest of any Banksia. It is easily grown and will last a long time in a container where its size will of course be restricted. Hardy to about 25°F.

Banksia integrifolia subsp. integrifolia - COAST BANKSIA

$14 (standard) $20 (1 gallon)

Probably the most common large Banksia in cultivation, this vigorous and very easily grown species develops rapidly into an irregularly shaped tree to 20' or more. Its showy, tall spikes of yellow flowers appear sporadically throughout the year but particularly in spring and fall, and it is also a popular species for the cut foliage industry as it has beautiful silver-backed leaves and coppices well. Subspecies integrifolia, the coastal form of this species, is often promoted as one of the hardiest Banksias: I'm not sure why, since it is not as hardy as some other Banksias such as B. marginata; but it is still a useful ornamental. It can be grown in a large container for many years where it will make a most impressive specimen. It is hardy to about 18 - 20°F, but new growth may be injured at higher temperatures.

Banksia integrifolia subsp. monticola - WHITE MOUNTAIN BANKSIA

$18 (standard) $24 (1 gallon)

Probably the most common large Banksia in cultivation, this vigorous and very easily grown species develops rapidly into an irregularly shaped tree to 20' or more. Its showy, tall spikes of yellow flowers appear sporadically throughout the year but particularly in spring and fall, and it is also a popular species for the cut foliage industry as it has beautiful silver-backed leaves and coppices well. The subsp. monticola is an exciting, recently described taxon that requires some introduction, as we may be (as far as I can tell) the first in the United States to offer it. While the typical subsp. marginata is strictly coastal, this form is a disjunct inland population found in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, where it grows at altitudes above 2,000'. It differs slightly from B. marginata in that the leaves are longer with more serrations, and it grows larger and decidedly tree-like (in the wild it may reach 110' tall, the tallest Banksia known). We think this is an exciting new plant combining the exceptional vigor, beauty, and ease of growth of B. integrifolia with vastly improved hardiness and much better promise for colder gardens. A Banksia grower in Canberra uses this plant as a rootstock to graft all other Banksia species onto because of its exceptional hardiness, vigor, adaptability, disease resistance, and general ease of cultivation. Since this is a new plant for us, we don't have any exact numbers for hardiness; but it certainly ought to be hardier than the coastal form, and I'll be surprised if it can't handle at least 15 - 20°F.

Banksia marginata [ex. Vashon, small lvs] - SILVER BANKSIA New Fall 2011!

$14

I guarantee this Banksia is made of pure silver! Well, not quite, but it's almost as good. This species is usually a shrub to about 5 - 8' tall, but it may attain the stature of a small tree. The green leaves are comparatively small (under 3") with light serrations, and silvery underneath. Yellow flowers may appear on tall cylindrical "cones" in winter. Silver Banksia is very easy to grow. It will be happiest in full sun on sandy or silty soil, and does not like clay or very rich soils. It is quite drought tolerant but will also not object to moderate summer irrigation. It can also be grown in a large container for many years. This form comes to us from a garden on Vashon Island where it had been misidentified as B. cuneata. It has smaller leaves than usual and, while we haven't yet seen a mature specimen, we suspect it may develop into a nice miniature form of this species. It should be hardy to at least 15 - 18°F and perhaps lower. In one garden near Sequim, Banksia marginata weathered 12°F with little harm in the November 2010 freeze!

Banksia marginata [pink new foliage, suckers] - SILVER BANKSIA New Fall 2011!

$14

I guarantee this Banksia is made of pure silver! Well, not quite, but it's almost as good. This species is usually a shrub to about 5 - 8' tall, but it may attain the stature of a small tree. The green leaves are comparatively small (under 3") with light serrations, and silvery underneath. Yellow flowers may appear on tall cylindrical "cones" in winter. Silver Banksia is very easy to grow. It will be happiest in full sun on sandy or silty soil, and does not like clay or very rich soils. It is quite drought tolerant but will also not object to moderate summer irrigation. It can also be grown in a large container for many years. This is a selection from South Australia that has pink new foliage and tends to sucker profusely at the roots once established. For gardeners who have always wanted a Banksia thicket. We don't know yet how the hardiness of this form compares to the others. In one garden near Sequim, Banksia marginata weathered 12°F with little harm in the November 2010 freeze!

Banksia marginata [Tas. form ex. Bremerton] - SILVER BANKSIA

$14 (standard) $20 (1 gallon)

I guarantee this Banksia is made of pure silver! Well, not quite, but it's almost as good. This species is usually a shrub to about 5 - 8' tall, but it may attain the stature of a small tree. The green leaves are comparatively small (under 3") with light serrations, and silvery underneath. Yellow flowers may appear on tall cylindrical "cones" in winter. Silver Banksia is very easy to grow. It will be happiest in full sun on sandy or silty soil, and does not like clay or very rich soils. It is quite drought tolerant but will also not object to moderate summer irrigation. It can also be grown in a large container for many years. This form was shared with us by Brian Brown from his garden in Bremerton, Washington, where it has remained unscathed by the severe cold events of November 2006, December 2008 and December 2009 - after reaching about 10' tall from unknown causes. Originally from Tasmania, it has been hardy to 12 - 15°F for us and ought to be well suited to milder Northwest gardens. In one garden near Sequim, Banksia marginata weathered 12°F with little harm in the November 2010 freeze!

Banksia marginata [very tall flowers, Tas.] - SILVER BANKSIA New Fall 2011!

$14

I guarantee this Banksia is made of pure silver! Well, not quite, but it's almost as good. This species is usually a shrub to about 5 - 8' tall, but it may attain the stature of a small tree. The green leaves are comparatively small (under 3") with light serrations, and silvery underneath. Yellow flowers may appear on tall cylindrical "cones" in winter. Silver Banksia is very easy to grow. It will be happiest in full sun on sandy or silty soil, and does not like clay or very rich soils. It is quite drought tolerant but will also not object to moderate summer irrigation. It can also be grown in a large container for many years. This form from Tasmania is expected to have very tall flowers, although we haven't yet seen it bloom. It is also very vigorous with slightly broader, darker green, and more serrated leaves than the other forms. It ought to be quite cold-hardy, perhaps to 12 - 15°F. In one garden near Sequim, Banksia marginata weathered 12°F with little harm in the November 2010 freeze!

Banksia oreophila - WESTERN MOUNTAIN BANKSIA

$16

Attractive greyish foliage completely lacking tomentum distinguishes this shrub from other Banksias. Over time you may get flowering "candles" that have been described as "pink-grey" but are rather variable in color. It may reach 8' tall in the wild, but it does not grow as quickly as some other Banksias and makes a great container plant. This Banksia has the distinction of being native to the Stirling Range, which is the highest mountain range in Western Australia, although this doesn't mean it is especially cold there. We don't know how hardy it is yet - a wild guess would be perhaps somewhere between 15 - 25°F.

Banksia robur - SWAMP BANKSIA

$22 (1 gallon)

This dramatic species from eastern Australia has leathery, stiff, serrated leaves that may reach 40" long on a plant to 6' tall and wide. After a couple years of growth, flowers appear on huge brown "cones," which can only be described as bizarre. One of the most adaptable Banksias, and one of the easiest to grow, this species will tolerate wetter soil than most and seems to thrive with summer water and heat, though it does not really need a lot of heat. It thrives in the Australian National Botanic Gardens where temperatures as low as 15°F may occur (they note, however, that some protection may be necessary for young plants), but its adaptability to cold winters may be limited in climates where the temperature occasionally does not rise above freezing during the day. If heavy frost damage occurs, it will regrow from the base. This may be one of the best species for the Southeastern United States, as I am aware of a thriving specimen in a planting in Savannah, Georgia.

Banksia serrata - SAW BANKSIA

$14 (standard) $22 (1 gallon)

Running low on saw blades? Each leaf of this Banksia (aptly named "Saw Banksia" but also called "Old Man Banksia") is like a little double sided saw. These are green above and pale green underneath, with attractive pinkish new growth on some forms. Add to that the silvery grey cone-like flowers with yellow or golden stamens, and you have a spectacular plant! Often a shrub in cultivation, if it is happy it may grow into a large tree to 30' or more! Hardy to around 20°F, it will be happiest in a well drained, sunny situation, or it can make a fabulous potted patio plant for the foliage alone, to be brought into a cool greenhouse in winter. It may be hardier in climates with hot summers, and will regrow from the base if it freezes.

Banksia serrata [Tasmanian origin] - SAW BANKSIA

$22 (1 gallon)

Running low on saw blades? Each leaf of this Banksia (aptly named "Saw Banksia" but also called "Old Man Banksia") is like a little double sided saw. These are green above and pale green underneath, with attractive pinkish new growth on some forms. Add to that the silvery grey cone-like flowers with yellow or golden stamens, and you have a spectacular plant! Often a shrub in cultivation, if it is happy it may grow into a large tree to 30' or more! Hardy to around 20°F, it will be happiest in a well drained, sunny situation, or it can make a fabulous potted patio plant for the foliage alone, to be brought into a cool greenhouse in winter. It may be hardier in climates with hot summers, and will regrow from the base if it freezes. Banksia serrata is one of just two Banksia species to occur in Tasmania, where this collection originates.

Banksia spinulosa var. collina [orange/red] - HAIRPIN BANKSIA

$22 (1 gallon)

Native to low to moderate altitudes in eastern Australia, this vigorous and easily grown shrub makes an excellent specimen that always looks great either in a garden or in a container. It may reach 8' tall in the ground, but is easily kept smaller. Its leaves are thin and narrow, green above and silver below, and about 2 - 3" long with notched margins. This spectacular form has orange flowers with red stamens. Banksia spinulosa is usually hardy to about 20 - 24°F, but we haven't yet put this particular collection to the test.

Banksia spinulosa var. neoanglica New Fall 2011!

$18

This is a very attractive, compact version of B. spinulosa that only grows to about 3' tall and perhaps 5' wide. Its leaves are smaller than usual for B. spinulosa and the freely produced flower spikes are a beautiful orange with very dark purple styles! As it comes from the New England plateau in the interior of New South Wales, in an area that can record cold winter lows in places, it is notably hardier than other forms of B. spinulosa, this may be one of the hardiest Banksias for outdoor use in the Pacific Northwest, though we don't know exactly how low it will go. Try it and let us know!

Grevillea 'Audrey'

$12

So you've always wanted a plant called 'Audrey', only unlike certain other plants called Audrey, this one should not be fed. 'Audrey', a hybrid of G. juniperina x G. victoriae, has long been one of the most popular Grevilleas for its versatility, hardiness, and long bloom period (It blooms continuously from about September through July most years in my garden). The leaves are narrow, green above and grey beneath. The red-orange flowers appear at the branch tips and along the branches in abundance, and never fail to attract hummingbirds. It benefits from regular pruning to keep it dense, and may eventually reach 8' tall and 12' wide. 'Audrey' has been sold incorrectly as 'Poorinda Constance' by many nurseries in the past, especially in the Pacific Northwest (the real 'Poorinda Constance' has darker red flowers and is extremely rare). This has made 'Audrey' very sad, but finally her day has come to be recognized for who she truly is. 'Audrey' is hardy to 5 - 10°F, perhaps lower in hot-summer climates; and would love to make her new home in your garden.

Grevillea 'Austraflora Canterbury Gold'

$12

Recent references shorten the name of this plant to just 'Canterbury Gold' which thankfully is a bit less of a mouthful, but we feel like keeping the original name just for fun. A low, mounding shrub with grey-green leaves, it can be thought of as a groundcover that shoots up the occasional semi-upright branch to a foot or two high and may eventually mound up a little bit. Rather large, sulfur yellow flowers appear sporadically throughout the year, but most frequently in winter and spring. Like its parents G. juniperina and G. parvula, it is quite vigorous, hardy, and undemanding; tolerating drought and heavier soils with ease. It is somewhat shade tolerant but will not bloom as well in the shade. Hardy to about 5°F.

Grevillea 'Canberra Gem'

$12

This popular hybrid of G. juniperina x G. rosmarinifolia has narrow, deep green leaves and an angular, upright habit to about 7' tall and 10' wide, perhaps larger over time. Red flowers appear at the branch tips over a long period, never failing to attract hummingbirds regardless of what else is blooming. One of the pricklier Grevilleas, this is the one to plant if you want to stop those pesky neighbor kids from intruding your cactus garden. 'Canberra Gem' has a proven track record in the Pacific Northwest and in the South, as old, mature specimens can be found in Victoria, BC and in central Alabama. Hardy to around 10 - 12°F.

Grevillea juniperina var. sulphurea

$12

Growing vigorously into a sizeable shrub (to about 7' tall and wide) with prickly leaves and sulfur yellow flowers, this plant will tolerate the toughest of conditions, including drought and heavier soils. Indeed it does look like a juniper when out of bloom, but your non-plant-geeky neighbor will be astounded when the brightly colored flowers appear! Grevillea juniperina is certainly one of the hardiest Grevillea species to cold, though certain forms are hardier than others: we have never had damage on this particular plant and we think it is probably hardy to around 5°F if grown tough; perhaps lower in hot-summer climates.

Grevillea lanigera 'Mt. Tamboritha'

$12

One of the smallest Grevilleas, this attractive low plant (to about 12" tall and 30" wide) has bright green branches vaguely recalling those of a fir tree, but creeping along the ground with some upright branches. Showy pink flowers appear at the branch tips in late spring. An adaptable plant, it makes an excellent subject for a rock garden, but will also thrive in heavier soils. Hardy to around 15°F in the Northwest, but might handle colder lows in climates with hot summers.

Grevillea lanigera 'Prostrate Form' New Fall 2011!

$12

This vigorously spreading groundcover grows to about 1' tall and may reach 4 - 5' wide, though it is easily kept smaller. In spring, and sometimes again in fall, it is covered with masses of showy pink flowers. Its small, felty, green-grey leaves look great all the time anyways. It is easily grown in full sun and can tolerate a little shade too. Although we don't have one out in the garden yet, we expect hardiness in the 10 - 15°F range.

Grevillea miqueliana [ex. Heronswood]

$12 (standard) $18 (1 gallon)

This appealing plant was formerly classified as a form of G. victoriae, to which it is closely related. Having rounded, felty green leaves and a naturally dense growth habit, it is sturdy, vigorous, and easy to grow, with varying flower colors in shades of yellow and pink/red. Like many Grevilleas, it will produce flowers over a long period and always looks great, tolerating drought and poor soil with ease. Initial results in the ground suggest it may be somewhat less tolerant of heavy clay soil and shade than G. victoriae. This form may reach 5' tall or so and a little wider over time. We think the flowers will be bicolored pink with yellow, but we haven't actually seen them since it seems to be a shy bloomer until it has been in the ground a couple years. It is hardy to around 10 - 12°F, probably lower in climates with hot summers.

Grevillea 'Poorinda Blondie' New Fall 2011!

$16

For something totally different and, we think, rather special, this Grevillea has long, pinnately divided leaves looking like those of "florists' Grevillea" (which is usually G. 'Ivanhoe' although it could just as well be this one). Yet unlike 'Ivanhoe' this cultivar has straw-yellow flowers in the shape of a really long toothbrush, which are not exactly a bright shade but still look cool up close. In the ground this plant can grow large, eventually to 8' tall and wider, but it will thrive a great many years in a pot which keeps its size reduced. This hybrid has a taxonomically confused past but appears to be of entirely Western Australian origin - meaning, it likes dry summers with a winter rainfall maximum, but is probably not cold hardy enough for outdoor use in the Northwest. Experiment with it in a really sheltered spot to see what it can take - perhaps 20 - 22°F?

Grevillea 'Poorinda Elegance'

$12 (standard) $18 (1 gallon)

Another hybrid that deserves wider use, this shrub to 5' or more is somewhat similar in habit to 'Poorinda Constance' but a little bit denser, with greener leaves. The outstanding feature is the flowers, which have a bright yellow perianth (that's the outer part) and bright red stamens, a unique combination that has to be seen to be appreciated! Plant it where in can be viewed up close. A moderate grower, it will appreciate full sun and tolerates drought or difficult sites, and the occasional haircut to keep it dense. Hardy to about 12 - 15°F.

Grevillea 'Poorinda Leane'

$12 (standard) $18 (1 gallon)

This hybrid of G. juniperina x G. victoriae has been incorrectly sold by nurseries for many years as 'Poorinda Queen': the real 'Poorinda Queen' has salmon colored flowers; I haven't seen it in the USA. It is truly one of the easiest, most rewarding, and least demanding plants in the whole Proteaceae family. A vigorous grower to about 5' tall and 7' wide, it has small, silver-backed leaves and produces tawny yellow-orange flowers for much of the year, peaking in early spring. It is suitable for sun or part shade and will even tolerate heavy clay soil as long as drainage isn't too bad. It also tolerates heat, and cold down to at least 5°F, perhaps lower for brief periods (we have never had damage on it in the ground). Actually, it seems pretty much indestructible, which is why we highly recommend it.

Grevillea rosmarinifolia - ROSEMARY GREVILLEA

$12

Grevillea rosmarinifolia is a highly variable plant represented by numerous leaf sizes, flower colors and climate tolerances. Here we have one of the hardiest forms which also has attractive soft grey leaves. Although the leaves look like rosemary, the resemblance is only superficial: everyone who sees it rubs the foliage expecting it to smell like rosemary, but it has no scent. The attractive flowers are dark pink contrasting well with the foliage. It grows to about 4' tall and wide for us, and will assume a more dense habit the more sun it gets. Hardy to about 10 - 12°F.

Grevillea 'Ruby Clusters'

$14 (standard) $20 (1 gallon)

A more subtle Grevillea with deep green leaves and large, dark, ruby-red flowers produced in winter and then again in the summer. Because the flowers are so dark they get a bit lost among the foliage, so the plant is not really eye-catching from a distance, but it is still a very attractive plant. Planted where the flowers can be viewed up close, their size and deep color can be appreciated. This cultivar might not be the best for hot, dry areas, though it still grows well without supplemental water for me on clay soil. Hardiness considerations aside, it is very easy to grow, doesn't mind summer water, and tolerates more shade than most Grevilleas. We have a lot of experience with this one through cold winters: in the ground it is safe to 20°F. Expect trouble below that, though it has bounced back from 16°F. In a container, protect it from temperatures below 25°F.

Grevillea victoriae - ROYAL GREVILLEA

$10

This Grevillea may have the longest history of cultivation in the Pacific Northwest of any of them, and remains very popular. An attractive shrub in any season, its felty, silvery, upward pointing leaves provide the perfect backdrop for the numerous racemes of rusty orange flower buds. These appear in fall and open sporadically into vermillion-red spider-like flowers throughout the fall and winter, so that the plant is seldom out of bloom when hummingbirds get voraciously thirsty. It has a naturally dense habit and may reach 10' or more over time with equal spread. Though it comes from high mountain areas of the Australian Alps, where it is buried in snow much of the year; it is adaptable to any well-drained site in the garden, handling moderate irrigation or drought with ease. It will tolerate some shade, but performs best in sun. This form, which we call the "typical form" or just the species G. victoriae appears to be the same clone that was originally introduced at UBC Botanic Gardens back in the early 1980's (earlier?). It has a proven track record the Seattle area and is always attractive and trouble free. Most Northwest gardeners who have discovered this plant cannot imagine their garden without it once they have tried it. It has also proven adaptable to hot summer climates, being successful at Plant Delights Nursery in Raliegh, NC. As for hardiness, I've heard of them occasionally freezing out back in the 1980's and in colder Northwest gardens, but it seems adequately hardy for most of us west of the Cascades, especially on drier sites - to around 0 to 5°F.

Grevillea victoriae 'Marshall Olbrich'

$12 (standard) $18 (1 gallon)

This outstanding and hardy plant originated as a chance seedling at the former Western Hills Nursery in Occidental, California and was later named by Sean Hogan; who assures us beyond any doubt that the name 'Marshall's Seedling', under which this plant is commonly sold, is quite incorrect. It is listed as a form of G. victoriae but is likely a hybrid of this species and something with narrower leaves, perhaps G. rosmarinifolia. A vigorous shrub, it grows to 8' or more eventually (though it can easily be pruned to shape as desired) with red-orange flowers that appear over a long period, and narrow grey leaves to about 2" long. It has the general aspect of Grevillea 'Poorinda Constance' but with larger flowers and leaves. Very hardy and adaptable, it ought endures 5 - 10°F without harm, and will tolerate most soils and even a little shade.

Grevillea victoriae 'Murray Valley Queen'

$14 (standard) $20 (1 gallon)

This very showy cultivar differs from the basic form of this species in having rusty orange flowers in more prolific, large, compound racemes, thus covering the plant much more throughly than the typical form. Also, the leaves are rounder and a little bit less silvery and the plant has a slightly more open, spreading habit to about 6' tall by 9' wide. Like the regular form, it has done well in my garden with no care. It can also handle quite a bit of shade, and will still bloom well though it assumes a much more open growth habit. Hardy to about 5°F.

Hakea lissosperma - NEEDLE BUSH New Fall 2011!

$14

The name pretty much sums it up: a stout evergreen shrub covered with prickly green needles for leaves. What could be cooler? As an added bonus, cream colored flowers appear on mature plants. It's easy to grow in sun or shade, on any well drained soil - and it's quite drought tolerant. One of the few Hakeas to occur in Tasmania, it can certainly handle 10 - 15°F and perhaps lower.

Hakea microcarpa

$14

A hardy Hakea! Not all members of this rather exotic Australian genus are frost tender: this one originates in subalpine forest margins in southeast Australia and Tasmania. Very narrow evergreen leaves are like small needles that cover the whole plant; and small, cream colored, vanilla scented flowers are produced after several years. Eventually it may reach about 5 x 7' wide. It can grow on most any average to well-drained soil in sun or part shade, and is quite drought tolerant. It endures at least 8°F with no damage, and perhaps lower.

Leucadendron argenteum - SILVER TREE

$24 (1 gallon)

From Table Mountain on South Africa's Cape Peninsula comes this tree of legend, and now it can be yours (at least, until we run out of them). Reaching 30' tall in the wild, its spectacular silvery color shimmers in the breeze and grabs attention wherever it is planted. Although it is supposed to be very difficult to grow, we haven't managed to kill one yet, remarkably enough. It is said to require excellent drainage and "air circulation," but we would emphasize that the most important ingredient for keeping Leucadendrons happy is full sunlight, and those other factors, we think, might not be such a big deal as commonly believed. One of the least hardy Leucadendrons, it must be protected from hard frost below 30°F. Grow it in a container until it gets too big, then move to California so you can plant it out.

Leucadendron galpinii [female clone] - HAIRLESS CONEBUSH

$14

This upright shrub has exquisitely fine, soft foliage. We have identified and propagated the female form of it since it has superior ornamental qualities to the male form, bearing attractive little flower cones in winter. (Far be it from us to speculate on any allegorical possibilities to our own species.) Despite originating at rather low elevations, this species seems to be able to handle temperatures around 22°F.

Leucadendron laureolum - GOLDEN CONEBUSH

$14

This South African shrub to 6' is the parent of many attractive Leucadendron hybrids, including some of the hardier ones. With soft, somewhat silky foliage and appealing bracts, it looks great all year and is generally one of the easiest Leucadendrons to grow. It could be used in a container where it can spend most of the time outdoors to be brought in during periods of heavy frost. Hardy to about 25°F.

Leucadendron meridianum 'More Silver' New Fall 2011!

$16

If you're looking for something smaller and less easy to kill than L. argenteum, but with great silver color, this is the Leucadendron for you. Its leaves are quite a bit smaller than those of L. argenteum (to about 1") but show excellent silver color particularly if sited in full sun. The plant itself is much more compact with a rounded shape, easily kept at 1 - 2' tall in a container (in the ground, where hardy, it might reach 4 - 5'). It is hardy to around 24°F.

Leucadendron 'Maui Sunset'

$14 (standard) $22 (1 gallon)

Vigorous and robust, this shrub (to 6' tall in the ground, but easily kept smaller) has beautiful sea-green foliage with strongly red-tinged stems and tips, and an upright growth habit. One of the hardier cultivars, it seems to be able to handle around 20 - 22°F once established, perhaps a little lower in hot climates and/or with superior drainage.

Leucadendron 'Safari Sunset'

$14

Wow! Start your own florist shop by harvesting the beautiful red bracts of this plant, which persist all through late fall, winter and spring. Even without the bracts, the new growth is an attractive silvery-red. This large shrub may reach 8' tall by 10' wide or more in the ground, and benefits from occasional light pruning to make it more dense and reduce long, rangy stems. One of the oldest Leucadendron cultivars, as well as one of the easiest to grow, 'Safari Sunset' is also one of the most widely produced members of the Proteaceae for use in floral arrangements. It needs good drainage and sun, but fortunately it is one of the least fussy South African Proteas. Established plants can endure temperatures down to around 22°F.

Lomatia fraseri New Fall 2011!

$16

Here's a way cool, hardy Protea that seems to have 'flown under the radar' for a long time. With large, undivided, toothed leaves it strongly resembles some of the subtropical Australian Proteaceae and is very exotic looking. Terminal racemes of conspicuous, curiously shaped white flowers appear in summer on mature plants. In the wild it is quite variable in many aspects; hence, it seems easy to grow in any exposure in the garden from shade to full sun, though you will probably get more flowers with at least half sun. It would appreciate a little water if placed in a sunny position but can certainly handle quite dry conditions in shade or part shade. Our form (originally introduced by Cistus Nursery) is moderately vigorous, eventually reaching 6 - 8' tall, and is hardy to 12°F.

Lomatia myricoides

$14

This shrub from southeast Australia is perhaps the best known Lomatia in the Pacific Northwest and has for some reason become one of those Proteaceae-cult-plants even if the other species are really just as good (though this one is certainly no worse). It closely recalls the Australian L. fraseri but with narrower leaves and more of a dense, bushy habit. The narrow, toothed leaves are deep green and always look great, and white to cream flowers are produced in abundance in late spring or early summer. It will thrive in sun or part shade and is moderately drought tolerant once established. It is quite vigorous and has reached 8' tall and wide in Seattle. Hardy to around 10°F.

Lomatia tinctoria - GUITAR PLANT

$14

Who draws the crowd and plays so loud, baby? It's the guitar plant! Actually, the soft, fernlike foliage alone - deep green, very finely dissected leaves with bronze new growth - could draw a crowd. But it also produces showy spikes of white or cream flowers in summer, which someone apparently thinks look like little guitars up close (but much quieter). This Tasmania endemic has been in cultivation for a while, though still very rare, and it's much hardier and easier to grow than given credit for, thriving easily on any reasonably well-drained soil in sun or part shade. Hardy to about 5 - 10°F.

Protea cyanaroides [summer flowering] - KING PROTEA

$14

King Protea is the floral emblem of South Africa, bearing huge, intricately shaped pink and white flowers in late summer (or perhaps fall in the Northwest). The spoon shaped leaves are pretty cool too, even when it's out of bloom. It is best grown in full sun, and can be pruned heavily or cut back hard to reduce its size or rejuvenate it. This plant loves water. Water water water! And don't forget to water. It can handle dry conditions in the ground once it is well established, but it grows faster with some water. Hardy to around 25°F, it is best suited to a large container in the Pacific Northwest.

Protea subvestita - WATERLILY SUGARBUSH New Fall 2011!

$16

Here's one we have been after for a while and now finally have enough to sell. This Protea is one of several that occurs high in the Drakensberg (to 7,000') enduring very cold temperatures. Its grey-green leaves look great all the time and are covered in downy hairs on young plants. The flowers are generally white to cream in color and look a bit like small waterlilies but are more tubular. Hardiness is likely to vary somewhat depending on the origin of the plants, and since we don't know the provenance of our plants, it's hard to guess accurately. We do know that this species endured several winters in the ground in the alpine garden at UBC Botanic Gardens in Vancouver. Although it was probably done in by a cold winter, we don't know the provenance of that plant either. As it comes from a winter-dry climate, this may be one of those plants that can handle 0°F if it's dry but gets hurt at higher temperatures where winters are wet. This may mean it's worth trying under a protected south-facing overhang or a raised bed of grit to improve drainage. Try it and let us know what happens!

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