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From the woodlands of Chile (a region whose flora contains only cool plants, as we all know) comes this large open shrub or small tree to 15'. Its evergreen, fine textured, slightly serrated leaves come in two sizes: small round ones and larger lanceolate ones, which is quite interesting. Yellow flowers that are larger than those of A. microphylla, but more strongly vanilla-scented, cover the plant in spring. It will appreciate moist soil and partial shade, and should be hardy to around 10-15°F.
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Berberis darwinii - DARWIN BARBERRY NEW Spring 2010! |
$9 |
Why does anyone plant ugly, boring barberries when they could plant this one? This evergreen species from Chile with rather thick, glossy leaves is one of the showiest in flower: in spring, it is covered in screaming orange bell shaped flowers! These are followed by little bluish fruits. Reasonably well behaved, it usually stays under 6' in gardens and can always be cut back hard if need be. Other than that, it's very easy to grow in sun or shade on most any soil. Watch out for those spines! This is the plant Darwin was named after - who would have thought? Hardy to about 5°F.
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From Chile, this is one of the largest and perhaps the most magnificent Eucryphia species. It has rather leathery foliage, lustrous green above and paler beneath, and usually undivided. It starts out shrubby but eventually develops into a large tree to 50' or more in favorable climates. In late summer the tree is covered in large, white anemone flowers typical of the species and at least as prolific as the others. Although reputed to be one of the less hardy species, it has persisted in Seattle for many years. Hardy to at least 10 - 15°F.
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A delicate little Fuchsia reminding one of F. magellanica, but smaller in stature, stopping at under 3' tall for me so far after many years in the garden. Little blooms of pink with purple (pretty standard for hardy Fuchsias) are produced from late spring until hard frost. If it's really happy it may colonize the garden spreading at the roots, but not to the point of being pesky. This is one of the most heat tolerant Fuchsias, as well as very hardy, and shows potential to adapt to east coast gardens. The top will die back around 22°F but it's root hardy to at least 0°F.
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Fuchsia magellanica [small leaf form] |
$7 |
Often considered as a perennial, but really more of a shrub, this popular species has attractive red stems and produces purple flowers with pink sepals all though the summer and fall. Native to Chilean rainforests and naturalized throughout the west coast of Scotland, it thrives in coolness and moisture, but it is actually very adaptable and will even withstand a certain amount of drought in equable climates. This very vigorous plant occurred as a chance seedling in my garden, and just keeps on going: when will it stop? 10'? 12'? We will see. Hardy to 0°F.
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Fuchsia magellanica 'Ricartonii' NEW Spring 2010! |
$7 |
This form of Fuchsia magellanica has more delicate, pointed, pale green leaves, with pink undertones rather than red, and wider internodes. The flowers are just as showy and it produces fruit that can be eaten if you run out of Luma apiculata berries. For me it is top hardy to about 22°F, but it always regrows from the base. Results from the Spokane area suggest that this and other forms of F. magellanica may have greater root hardiness than previously believed, perhaps to USDA zone 6 or even lower.
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Fuchsia regia var. regia NEW Spring 2010! |
$9 |
Big, vigorous, and easy... pretty much sums up this Fuchsia from the highlands of southeast Brazil. It has rather large, long leaves to 4" and the usual pink/purple tubular, hummingbird friendly flowers. Depending on the climate and culture it can grow as a freestanding shrub (easier in hot climates) or be allowed to scramble through other shrubs or trees to 15' long or more! Supplied with adequate moisture, it tolerates the heat of the mid-Atlantic states quite well for a Fuchsia. Top hardy to about 22°F... root hardy to perhaps 0°F.
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Fuchsia sp. [Yachats, Oregon] |
$7 |
This very hardy, vigorous and robust plant is of uncertain origin. Having large leaves and flowers, it really looks like one of the tender hanging basket Fuchsias, except that it doesn't, well, hang. The big flowers of typical Fuchsia form have pink sepals and purple petals, and are produced in generous quantities. Not only that, this plant is indestructible: the Fuchsia for those who kill Fuchsias. Still, like all Fuchsias it will perform best with lots of moisture and protection from blasting heat. Chop it back every once in a while or it may engulf your house. Hardy to at least 10°F. (Machete not included.)
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Luma apiculata - PALO COLORADO (ORANGE-BARK MYRTLE) |
$10 |
Formerly classified as Myrtus luma, this beautiful Chilean tree has numerous virtues. The glossy, evergreen foliage is attractive in all seasons; and in June, masses of soft white flowers cover the plant. These are followed by black edible fruits in autumn which are quite tasty! To me, however, the best feature is the bark: smooth, peeling, predominantly orange but showing a variety of colors at once, it will out-bark most any smooth-barked deciduous tree. I like it best in its natural growth form, where it is often multi-trunked, the trunks curving gracefully toward the crown in a somewhat rugged fashion; however, it can also be kept shrub-size by heavy pruning. It will tolerate sun or shade, and endures temperatures down to about 10°F.
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Myrceugenia ovata var. nanophylla NEW Spring 2010! |
$12 |
Here's one of many wonderful Chilean members of the Myrtaceae family that deserves much more attention. I bought this as an impulse purchase from Heronswood a long time ago, but now it's become one of those things I'm really glad to have. I just like the look of it: it reminds me of a softer version of Luma apiculata. As a young plant it is very graceful with softly hairy leaves. In time it produces showy white flowers, which are followed by berries which may or may not be edible (who wants to try one and find out? Ha). Culture and adaptability are probably about the same as Luma apiculata. No damage at 15°F - below that, we don't know what happens yet.
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Rhaphithamnus spinosus |
$12 |
This shrubby member of the Verbena family from Chile, Argentina and Peru has much to offer, including glossy evergreen leaves and showy tubular lilac flowers, followed by attractive purple fruit! Its stems are armed with spines to deter grazing animals. It may reach 15' tall in the wild but I would plan on perhaps an eventual 4 - 6' in gardens. It adapts to a wide range of habitats in the wild from rainforest to somewhat drier areas. Our plants originating in Chile should be hardy to around 5°F. Too cool!
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