Habranthus martinezii 'Mini Cherry' rain lily
Shared with us by plantswoman extraordinaire, Linda Guy, this oh-so-vigorous rain lily, originally collected in Mexico, quickly produces 18” clumps of narrow, chive-like foliage and dark-stemmed, cheery pink flowers from spring through autumn, seemingly after every watering or, indeed, rain. One of the best we’ve found so far for a sunny place in the garden, stonewall or container. Frost hardy in USDA zone 7.
Amaryllidaceae $14 4D

Haemanthus humilis ssp. hirsutus
Our collection years ago from the eastern Drakensburgs of South Africa growing in the grasses with many other scrumptious plants at about 9,000 ft. Opposite leaves covered with fine hairs emerge from a bulb that can reach 6" or more. White, rounded flowers appear in spring and summer. Bright light and at least some summer water is a must for happy plants. The bulbs alone are attractive enough that they are often lifted in pots to be grown almost as bonsai. Strangely, we have not planted any of ours outside, though their collection location suggests frost hardiness to at least upper USDA zone 8. Excellent pot specimen.
Amaryllidaceae $12 4D

Halimium halimifolium f. maculatum
Charming cistus relative, the spring flowers an easy-going yellow with a dark red spot on each petal near the flower center, handsome amongst the narrow-leaved, blue-green foliage. Plants are evergreen and upright, to 3 ft tall x 4 ft wide, a coolish looking shrub for the Mediterranean garden where the sun is bright, the soil is lean and well-drained, and summer water is rarely provided once plants are established. Frost hardy in USDA zone 8.
Cistaceae $9 3D

Halimium x pauanum
Upright, evergreen shrub, to 6 x 4 ft, with gray-green foliage and, in May and June, abundant, brilliant yellow flowers, larger than most species and lasting for several weeks. Performs best in the sun, planted in mineral soil with good drainage. Drought tolerant once established. This cross between H. halimifolium and H. lasianthum is among the hardiest to frost: USDA zone 8 in Mediterranean conditions.
Cistaceae $12 4D

Hebe 'Mrs. Winder'
Striking and colorful evergreen shrub, the dark green, narrow leaves adding purple highlights in new growth and during cold weather. Late summer flowers are lovely spikes of lavender-purple. To 3 ft tall x 2 ft wide over time in well-drained soil in sun to part sun with regular summer water. Best protected from cold winter winds, but otherwise frost hardy in USDA zone 8.
Scrophulariaceae $9 3D

Hebe 'Silver Dollar'
One of the sweetest hebes around, a glaucophylla type with rounded leaves tinted powder blue and attractively streaked with cream and pink variegations. Evergreen, to only about 2 ft tall and wide, the form is dense and the colors striking. Spring flowers are pale lavender adding even more color. Hebes need good drainage in sun to part sun with summer water. Also one of the hardier hebes, easily accepting USDA zone 8 and fine in zone 7 in the best conditions.
Scrophulariaceae $9 3D

Hebe albicans
Grown as much for its handsome, fleshy, glaucous leaves as for its summer spikes of white flowers with totally cool purple anthers. A dense, rounded, evergreen shrug with a lively texture, to 18" tall and wide in full sun to part shade where drainage is good and summer water is provided. Tough and easy, to 18" or so. Frost hardy to 5F, mid USDA zone 7, or lower in the best conditions.
Scrophulariaceae $9 3D

Hebe topiaria
A very hardy hebe with such compact, tight growth that it does, indeed, look like a trimmed topiary in maturity. Leaves are gray-green with creamy edges and are held at an upright angle creating an interesting texture in an evergreen shrub that eventually reaches 3-4 ft tall x 4-5 ft wide. In the best of times, small, gauzy white flowers are decorative in late spring to early summer. Good drainage is important for hebes and fill sun with occasional summer water. Frost hardy to 0F, USDA zone 7.
Scrophulariaceae $9 3D

Hebe venustula 'Sky Blue'
Shared with us by one of North America's great centers of "Hebeosity", the University of Southern California Arboretum at Santa Cruz, this is one of the most often remarked upon plants in our New Zealand border. 3 ft, nearly orbicular mounds of glossy round leaves set in geometric patterns make a stunning sight! All this with dark stems and the prettiest of blue flowers, usually late spring to early summer. Sun to part sun, good drainage and normal water. Frost hardy to the lower end of USDA zone 8.
Scrophulariaceae $12 3D

Hedera canariensis 'Variegata'
A "good" ivy! With all the suspicions surrounding the genus hedera in our part of the world, there are several species -- quite aside from the offending H. helix -- that have no proven desire to spread to our wildlands. Hedera canariensis is one. A bold foliage, the leaves, to over 6" are heart-shaped and cream-streaked, the variegation becoming tinted pink in cold weather. For ground cover or trellis, a bold texture for the subtropical garden. Drought tolerant though thrives with summer water. For full sun to shade in nearly any drainage. Frost hardy in mid to upper USDA zone 7.
Araliaceae $12 4D

Helianthemum 'Ben More' Sun Rose
One of the "Ben" series of sun roses, old cultivars bred by Scotsman John Nicoll and named for mountains, "ben" being a celtic name for mountain or high hill. 'Ben More' has flowers of deep orange, very striking against the mid-green foliage. These evergreen groundcovers form mats, to 4-6" tall by 15-18" wide, in full to part sun and well-drained soil with little or no summer water necessary once established. A bright spot in the dry garden and frost hardy to -20F, USDA zone 5
Cistaceae $9 3D

Helleborus x hybridus - Cistus white strain
Large, clean white flowers, mostly unspotted, with wide overlapping "petals" in broad scalloped or pointed starry shapes. The best from a group in our north garden that shine out from an otherwise leafless area in late winter. These lovely creatures begin flowering as early as December! For part sun to shade in humus rich soil with average summer water. Frost hardy to USDA zone 5.
Ranunculaceae $24 4in

Helleborus x hybridus - red, centered yellow
These lovely seedlings from our garden plants present early to late winter flowers of a warm, orange-red streaked and centered with creamy yellow. Though variable, they are all particularly showy in midwinter and appear apricot from a distance. These winter bloomers can add beauty to a shady garden spot in late winter to early spring. The same culture as for other hellebores - part shade, dappled shade, or deep shade with occasional summer water. Frost hardy in USDA zone 6 and possibly below.
Ranunculaceae $16 4D

Helwingia chinensis DJHC 695
Unusual, evergreen shrub, to 6 ft tall x 3 ft wide, with dark green foliage tending toward maroon -- this form, a Dan Hinkley collection from China, with leaves narrower than the straight species. Odd flowers are little white bubbles sitting in the leaf centers, appearing in spring and, occasionally again in fall. Best in at least light shade and well-drained soil with regular summer water. A colorful addition to the woodland garden. Frost hardiness expected to extend to USDA zone 7 as with the straight species.
Helwingiaceae $14 4D

Hemerocallis 'Secured Borders'
A stunning, variegated daylily with leaves appearing in spring with a green center in a white field, the result of careful breeding over many years by Sybil and Walter Przypek of Virginia. Plants are small, to 12" tall in clumps growing to 18" wide. Into summer yellow flowers appear above the foliage which has turned to green in the warm weather. A lovely plant and a collector's dream. For full to part sun with regular summer water. Frost hardy in USDA zone 3.
Xanthorrhoeaceae $16 4D

Hermodactylus tuberosus Snake's head iris
Wonderfully exotic, wonderfully fragrant, late winter flowering irid from the Mediterranean regions in unique colors of beige and purple blue. To 12-18" tall. Rhizomatous and forming colonies that love sun and gritty soil. Seemingly, the more extreme the climate, the better. Though this irid would hate hothouse conditions, it has grown and flowered profusely adjacent to a heat loving tuberose. Frost hardy in USDA zone 6.
Iridaceae $11 4in

Hibbertia asperarough guinea-flower
Tender, viney, evergreen shrub from Australia, to 18-24" tall x 3-4 ft wide, with small leaves, shiny and rounded, seeming almost succulent. Bright yellow, buttercup-like flowers are very showy in spring to early summer. Best in partial shade in fertile, well-drained soil that is kept moist. A cheery plant, but sadly, not frost hardy, tolerating temperatures only to freezing and better above that, USDA zone 9. So for balmy climates or containers that move inside for the cold months.
Dilleniaceae $14 4in

Hibiscus syriacus - white new leaves and pink flowesrose of sharon
A nice selection of a popular plant, this rose of sharon has leaves that emerge white and darken to green and pink flowers in summer. A deciduous shrub, multi-stemmed to 6-8 ft tall x 4-8 ft wide, that is easily pruned to tree form. Prefers rich soil in full sun to part shade with average moisture but tolerates less ideal situations including urban conditions, poor soil, and some summer drought. Does well as a small, street tree. Frost hardy to -20F, USDA zone 5.
Malvaceae $11 4D

Hosta 'Hyuga Urajiro'
Stunning and unique hosta not only in the leaf shape -- long, narrow, and pointed at the tips -- but also in the blue-green color with yellow streaks! And that's just on top. The undersides are silvery white, worth a bended knee to see. This kikutti selection from Japan is a collector's dream. Small, under 12", and showing off white flowers on nearly horizontal, branched stems in early to mid summer. Light to full shade with regular moisture. Frost hardy to -40F, USDA zone 3.
Liliaceae / Asparagaceae $16 4D

Huodendron tibeticum xi shan mo il
Rarely offered evergreen shrub to small tree. Grows slowly. Can reach 30 ft, but 15 ft is more reasonable in the garden. Closely related to Styrax, this collection from Yunnan is frost hardy in USDA zone 8 if planted where it gets even moisture over the summer and isn’t soggy in the winter. Long, narrow leaves are shiny green with bronze coloration in new growth. White bell flowers are abundant in spring when mature. Best in sun to part shade.
Styracaceae $14 4D

Hydrangea arborescens 'Emerald Lace'Smooth hydrangea
An unusual and unique hydrangea, found in Illinois by Stan Tyson, with dark green foliage, ragged and deeply, irregularly lobed with occasional crest formations. Summer flowers are white lace-caps. A deciduous shrub, reaching to 4-5 ft tall x 3-4 ft wide over time and enjoying bright light to part shade with regular summer water. Blooms on new wood; can be cut back hard in late winter. Frost hardy to -25F, mid USDA zone 4. Sometimes found as H. arborescens 'Green Dragon'.
Hydrangeaceae $15 4D

Hydrangea arborescens 'Ryan Gainey' Smooth hydrangea
A charming mophead hydrangea with rounded clumps of abundant, small white flowers from June and continuing to nearly September especially if deadheaded. This cultivar is a compact shrub, to only 3-5 ft tall, with dark green foliage and sturdy stems that don't bend or flop easily under the weight of heavy rain. Blooms on new wood and benefits from late winter, hard pruning. Best in morning sun with regular moisture. Frost hardy to -40, USDA zone 3.
Hydrangeaceae $12 4D

Hydrangea aspera - red leaf form
A striking plant that has appeared from both Japan and China of late presenting 6-8", beautifully felted leaves colored burgundy on the undersides and, in spring, large flattened sprays of fertile flowers from white to pale blue. These deciduous shrubs easily reach 6-8 ft, tall enough to be lifted, e.g., trimmed up to expose the contrast of golden, flaking bark and the striking leaf undersides. Prefers a moist situation with dappled shade. Frost hardy in USDA zone 7b.
Hydrangeaceae $22 4D

Hydrangea macrophylla 'David Ramsey'Big-leaf hydrangea
This exciting hydrangea cultivar seems to bloom almost continuously all summer into fall, producing abundant pinkish (or bluish depending in more acid soil), mopheads to 10" wide, reblooming on new wood. A smallish, deciduous shrub, to 3-4 ft tall and wide, for full sun to part shade in well-drained soil with regular summer water. Frost hardy in USDA zone 4.
Hydrangeaceae $16 4D

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Hatsushima'
A medium growing mop-top with pleasing blue-violet flowers, the flowers deepening in intensity over the summer into autumn. But even more exciting these have consistently white streaked leaves making it a beautiful woodland shrub contrastingly greatly with the flowers. (We have found our plants to occasionally throw a green reversion so best to prune accordingly.) Best in damp, well-drained soil preferably in dappled shade. Frost hardy in USDA zone 6.
Hydrangeaceae $16 4D

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Junihitoe'
Glossy and large textured, this shrub to 4-5 ft presents cupped and particularly shiny, leathery leaves each appearing almost crested and, in late spring and early summer, white flowers fading to pale blue and darkening as the season progresses. Prune back only lightly each winter to maintain shape and encourage flowering. Full sun to part shade with regular summer water. Frost hardy in USDA zone 6b.
Hydrangeaceae $15 4D

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Mickanya'
A mophead hydrangea with violet flowers and dense, glossy green, rounded leaves -- rather different from other deciduous hydrangeas. A small to medium shrub, to only 4 ft tall or a bit more for sun or dappled to part shade in hottest climates and rich, well-drained soil with consistent summer moisture. Frost hardy in USDA zone 6.
Hydrangeaceae $16 4D

Hydrangea macrophylla 'New Wave'
A Cistus introduction, a fabulous sport of H. macrophylla ‘Lemon Wave’ that we have been perfecting for some years, selected for its green leaves with wide, gold-yellow margins and, sometimes thin, silver centers. Lacecap flowers are pale blue (in acid soil), blooming in July and lasting into autumn. A large-leaf hydrangea, to 3-6 ft tall and wide, and definitely as robust as ‘Lemon Wave’. Has not sunburned in our experience but best in part shade with reliable summer water. Frost hardy in USDA zone 6.
Hydrangeaceae $18 6in

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Sun Goddess'
'Sun Goddess' is also known as 'Lemon Zest' and 'Yellow Leaf' -- confirming that, indeed, this is a yellow foliage hydrangea, a shrub to 4 ft x 4 ft with mophead flowers, pink to blue (with sufficient acidity). For a bright garden accent, protect from hottest afternoon sun and provide summer moisture. Frost hardy in USDA zone 8, upper zone 7 in a protected spot.
Hydrangeaceae $16 4D

Hydrangea paniculata 'Summer Snow'
This cultivar, shared with us by plantsman Ted Stephens, displays cream-tinted, pink splashed leaves which merge beautifully with the red petioles and new stems. Lovely upright flowers age gracefully through summer, becoming tawny seedheads for winter display. The older bark flakes a golden color, so best placed to catch the winter sun. Grows 5 ft tall, easily trained to 10 ft, and 5 ft wide. Afternoon shade in hottest climates and periodic water in summer. Frost hardy in USDA zone 7.
Hydrangeaceae $16 4D

Hydrangea petiolaris 'Sutters Mill'
Shared with us by plantsman Lance Reiners, this deciduous climber emerges with the brightest of golden color each spring, the leaves fading to a bright spring green only with heat. To 10-15 ft tall and eventually larger, with horizontally placed "lace-cap" flowers of white. The golden late season color of the faded flowers in combination with the bark makes for good winter interest. Medium shade for best effect and consistent moisture. Frost hardy in USDA zone 6b.
Hydrangeaceae $16 4D

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Little Honey'Golden Oak Leaf Hydrangea
Gorgeous and exciting hydrangea with new leaves golden, slowly darkening to green in mid-summer just as the 6” panicles of white flowers appear. Fall brings scarlet colors on leaves and stems. A medium-sized, deciduous shrub, to 4 ft tall x 3 ft wide, versatile in either sun or shade. Prefers regular summer water, though tolerates some drought. Frost hardy to USDA zone 5.
Hydrangeaceae $15 4D

Hydrangea scandens 'Fragrant Splash'
A unique and hard-to-find hydrangea, low growing, the branches trailing along the ground with handsome, new leaves, emerging purple marked with pale yellow veins. White, lacecap flowers, arriving surprisingly early in spring, are numerous, floriferous, and charming. Dappled shade to part shade with summer water. Frost hardy in USDA zone 7.
Hydrangeaceae $14 4in

Hydrangea serrata 'Golden Sunlight' PPAF
Deciduous shrub, to 5 ft tall and wide, with foliage emerging clear yellow in spring and turning soft green in late summer. Primarily grown for the bright foliage, the lacecap flowers are white but rather sparse. Accepts full sun without burning in all but the harshest light and tolerates shade as well. Bred by H. Kolster, Netherlands in 1995. Supplemental summer water. Frost hardy in USDA zone 5.
Hydrangeaceae $16 4D

Hydrangea serrata 'Maiko'
Another in the ever-increasing series of lovely lacecaps, this small hydrangea, to 4-5 ft, has slightly purple-hued leaves and, beginning in June, blue fertile flowers surrounded by deep-lavender sterile flowers aging in late season to nearly copper overlaid with blue. A pleasing contrast as the leaves turn ever more purple and then golden in November. For the light woodland garden in decent drainage with some summer moisture where dry. Frost hardy to USDA zone 6, possibly lower.
Hydrangeaceae $14 4in

Hydrangea serrata 'O-amacha Nishiki''
Rare and unusual, strikingly variegated hydrangea in greens and golds, this form selected by the late JC Raulston at the NC State University Arboretum that now bears his name. Deciduous shrub to 4 ft tall and wide with summer lacecap flowers of white florets blushed pink. Can take full sun on the coast but best protected from the harshest afternoon sun inland. Rich soil and summer water everywhere. Frost hardy to -20F, USDA zone 6.
Hydrangeaceae $14 4in

Hydrangea serrata 'Shirofugi'
New and rare, this delicious, white blooming hydrangea is covered in summer with double florets like summer snowflakes -- unique but more lacecap than mophead. (Shirofugi translates as "snowcapped Mt. Fuji", a perfect description.) Their size isn't mountainous; plants are small and compact, to only 3 ft tall and wide, and easily tucked in here and there to refresh the summer garden. Part shade is best except in the coolest, coastal climates. Remains white in any soil! but needs summer moisture. Frost hardy to -10, USDA zone 6.
Hydrangeaceae $15 6in

Hypericum olympicum var. uniflorum 'Citrinum'
Interesting and textural St. John's Wort, ours from the beautiful gardens of Cold Springs Nursery in Duvall, WA. A low growing, perennial or shrublet, to 15" tall in wide clumps of single, nearly erect stems with small, blue-green leaves and, in midsummer, pale, lemon-yellow flowers sitting atop the stems. Very showy but subtle. Prefers sun, well-drained soil and summer water to establish. Very drought tolerant thereafter. Evergreen into USDA zone 7 and expected root hardy in zone 5.
Hypericaceae $12 2D

Ilex aquifolium 'Crassifolia'leatherleaf holly
Cultivated since the 1700s, this oddly handsome, small holly reaches 6 - 8 ft tall but very slowly, its curved leaves, shiny and dark with their distinctive, soft spines standing out on dark purple stems in the new growth. Spring flowers are white but inconspicuous, producing no fruit on this male cultivar. Sun to part shade with average summer moisture, though these can tolerate some drought once established. Frost hardy in USDA zone 7.
Aquifoliaceae $14 4D

Ilex dimorphophylla x cornuta
This very compact shrub, to upwards of 6 ft and rather narrow, has densely held, 1-2", almost succulent, spring-green leaves with spines towards the ends. This cross has all the glossiness and cold hardiness of I. cornuta and the delicate beauty of the more tender I. dimorphophylla. Good for small specimens or hedges and a most attractive pot specimen. Prefers dappled shade to full sun and regular, even if infrequent, summer water. Frost hardy in upper USDA zone 6 or low zone 7.
Aquifoliaceae $15 4D

Ilex vomitoria 'William Fleming'
A strikingly upright cultivar of a southeast US native, the form is columnar --like Italian cypress (Cupressus sempervivum), reaching 8-15 ft, though easily kept lower -- and accented with glossy, evergreen leaves, to about 1" long, and small, orange-red berries in autumn. On mature plants, the upright branches can lean and develop upright branchlets so plants are easily shorn or tied to retain a tighter presence. More tolerant of moisture than Italian cypress. Lovers of heat and tolerant of drought once established, they are frost hardy to USDA zone 7 and are best in full sun to only lightly dappled shade. As the name suggests, the fruit should not be eaten.
Aquifoliaceae $14 3D

Impatiens 'Sichuan Gold'
Collected by Darrell Probst in China's Sichuan Province, this well-behaved impatiens has dark green leaves on stems to 18" tall and large, pale yellow flowers all summer long. A cheerful addition to the partly shaded garden -- no hot afternoon sun, preferably in moist soil but tolerates some dryness. Besides being lovely and cheerful, it is very tough and frost hardy to at least -15F, upper USDA zone 5.
Balsaminaceae $11 6in

Impatiens flanaganae
Very new to cultivation and rare, this species from East Africa grows to 3 or 4 ft on red, potato-like, prolific, tuberous roots and produces masses of orchid-like flowers on tall stems with magenta upper petals and large soft pink lower petals. Very exotic. For shade and moist soil. From a low elevation, but surprisingly frost hardy, to 10F, USDA zone 8, or lower.
Balsaminaceae $12 3D

Impatiens omeiana
A handsome, hardy dwarf impatiens, winter deciduous, with cream-yellow flowers hidden by the handsomely variegated foliage. Reaches 8-10” tall and spreads slowly but has not seeded around. Part shade to shade with regular moisture. Very well behaved and frost hardy, resprouting in USDA zone 7, and possibly lower, with mulch.
Balsaminaceae $12 4in

Impatiens omeiana - silver and green
A diminutive, wide-leaved form of this somewhat uncommon species from China’s Mt. Omei, this form with green leaves dusted silver and golden flowers beginning late summer and lasting to fall. Another lovely impatiens from Mr. Impatiens himself, Derick Pitman. Easy to grow in light to heavy shade if kept moist - the deeper the shade the more silver the leaves. Perennial and frost hardy in USDA zone 7.
Balsaminaceae $16 4D

Impatiens omeiana 'Ice Storm'
A diminutive, wide-leaved form of this somewhat uncommon species from China’s Mt. Omei with leaves dusted silver-pink and golden flowers beginning late summer and lasting to fall. Named by Mr. Impatience, Derick Pitman, of Sacramento, CA. Easy to grow in light to heavy shade if kept moist - the deeper the shade the more silver the leaves. Perennial and frost hardy in USDA zone 7.
Balsaminaceae $12 4D

Impatiens omeiana 'Silver Pink'
This wonderful new selection of the Mt. Omei impatiens spreads slowly into a dense colony of 6" bronzy stems and gorgeous leaves in a dark bronzy green sprinkled with silver, like fairy dust, with central veins in pink that darkens and spills into the leaf. Yum. Mustard to salmon flowers make a great contrast from late summer to frost. Shade to deep shade in moist soil with, of course, summer water. Frost hardy in USDA zone 7.
Balsaminaceae $16 4D

Impatiens rhombifolia
For the impatiens lover, a surprisingly frost hardy but little known creeping impatiens, to only 6" tall with stems that root along the ground wherever there is sufficient moisture. The flowers are exotic, yellow with interior red spreckles covered by a bit of hood, appearing in late summer and autumn. Tough in part shade to shade in rich soil that is kept evenly moist. Frost hardy in USDA zone 7!
Balsaminaceae $14 4D

Ipheion 'Alberto Castillo'Spring starflower
A Uruguay native, selected in Argentina by, indeed, Alberto Castillo, for its large flower size and pure white color. A hardy bulb, the foliage appears with the flowers in early spring, then fades in summer’s heat, returning in September. Naturalizes easily. Best in light shade in rich, light soil with regular summer water. Frost hardy in USDA zone 6 and possibly lower. Easily grown indoors.
Amaryllidaceae $12 4D

Ipheion uniflorum 'Charlotte Bishop'pink spring starflower
A somewhat new, pink form of this always popular flowering bulb, with lightly fragrant and particularly large, star-shaped, bright pink flowers in late winter to early spring. Clumps of, grassy, blue-green leaves rise to only 4-5", fitting anywhere in sun to part shade. Drought tolerant but appreciates some summer water. Particularly useful under the bright edges of shrubs where there is much root competition or anywhere spring pink is welcome. Frost hardy in USDA zone 5.
Amaryllidaceae $12 4D

Ipheion uniflorum 'Froyle Mill'star flower
This native of Uruguay was selected for its deep, uniform blue-purple color and its large flower size. A hardy bulb, its foliage appears with the flowers in early spring, then fades in summer heat, returning in September. Best in light shade in rich, light soil with regular summer water. Extremely easy to naturalize. Frost hardy in USDA zone 5.
Amaryllidaceae $7 4in

Jasminum officinale 'Aureum' poet's jasmine
Unusual and exciting variegated poet's jasmine, a plant we brought home from Britain a number of years ago, having been struck by the foliage, green with warm yellow splashes, and the bare winter stems, green with yellow stripes. Our larger plants have reached 12 ft and and make a wonderful show spilling over fences or mixed with other vines. Summer flowers are white and sweetly fragrant as in other cultivars. Best in light shade to full sun with consistent summer moisture. Frost hardy to 5F, mid USDA zone 7.
Oleaceae $14 3D

Jasminum parkeri 'Phantom'
A Cistus introduction. Having originated from one of our seed batches, this is a deciduous shrub to only about 18" to 2 ft tall with fine-textured leaves of only one inch or less that hold on late into the fall. Spring growth emerges nearly white splashed pink fading to cream then light green. Though smaller than the species, still vigorous for such a variegated plant. Tolerant of summer drought and happy in full sun to dappled shade. Evergreen where temperatures do not drop below 25F. Otherwise frost hardy in USDA zone 7b.
Oleaceae $18 2D

Juniperus communis 'Hood View'
A Cistus introduction. This low-growing form, collected near the Lolo Pass Road on Oregon's Mt. Hood, has nice, blue-green foliage held tightly on densely branched plants, to only 4-6" tall x 5 ft wide. Evergreen, of course, and happy in full sun to light shade and lean soil that drains well where little summer water is provided. Beautiful among other natives such as its natural cohorts, manzanitas, in a container, wall or bank planting. Frost hardy in USDA zone 5 or colder.
Cupressaceae $15 4D

Kadsura coccinea
While the genus as a whole includes a lovely group of vines, this, from China’s Nanjing Botanical Garden differentiates itself from the others by showing off red tints in both new growth and new stems, with the same showing in the winter color of the evergreen foliage. Small flowers produce whitish fruit on female plants but, really, that’s not the reason for growing these. Another in the increasingly large arsenal of useful vines that don’t immediately climb to the top of the nearest tree. Sun for best color though not half bad in shade with some some water where dry. Frost hardy in USDA zone 7.
Magnoliaceae $14 4D

Kerria japonica 'Albescens' white japanese kerria
Deciduous shrub, enjoyed especially for its single flowers with oddly shaped petals in creamy, pale yellow. To 6 ft tall and wide, but easily trimmed, these are lovely in early to mid spring when covered with flowers. Fine in part shade to full sun with occasional summer water. Said to be deer resistant. Frost hardy to -30F, USDA zone 4.
Rosaceae $15 4D

Lampranthus deltoidesPink Ice Plant
Seriously cute ice plant from South Africa, this one evergreen with succulent, fleshy leaves -- light blue-green and somewhat 3-sided with toothed edges -- on dark stems! What’s not to love? Add the fragrant, deep pink, daisy-like flowers with yellow centers for more fun in spring and summer. Full sun to a bit of shade and good drainage. Drought tolerant but fatter and fuller with regular water. Frost hardy to 15-20F, upper USDA zone 8.
Aizoaceae $04 4in

Lantana 'Miss Huff'ham and eggs
Butterflies and hummingbirds are ecstatically happy in gardens that include Lantana 'Miss Huff', with her orange-yellow-pink, verbena-like blossoms. An old selection that originated in the Georgia garden of .... Miss Huff herself, this die-back perennial emerges in spring and forms clumps to 3 ft tall x up to 10 ft wide (though easily contained in smaller spaces), flowering early and continuing until frost. Needs full sun, good drainage and regular summer water. Frost hardy to 5F, upper USDA zone 7. Said to be deer resistant.
Verbenaceae $11 3D

Laurus nobilis - narrow leaf form
Handsome evergreen shrub to small tree with dark green leaves, narrower than the species, but still fragrant and useful in culinary arts. Evergreen shrubs are 6-10 ft tall, a bit more delicate looking than the species. Spring flowers are yellow and small in small clusters followed by small black berries. Care is the same as the species: full sun to part shade. Drought tolerant but enjoys summer water. Also does well in containers. Frost hardy in USDA zone 8.
Lauraceae $14 4D

Laurus nobilis 'Crispa'Undulate grecian laurel
Also known as "wavy bay," this selection of Grecian laurel has leaves that are not only tasty, used for flavoring meats and soups, but also handsome, the leaf edges crisply textured with tight undulations. Easy to grow, this large shrub to small tree, to 12 ft tall or so, is evergreen, upright and fast-growing in full sun, lean and well-drained soil, and little to no summer water. Frost hardy in USDA zone 7. Sometimes found as Laurus nobilis 'Undulata.'
Lauraceae $14 4D

Laurus nobilis f. angustifoliaWillow-leaf bay
Narrow leaved form of the Grecian bay with willow-like evergreen leaves and a densely branched, more spreading canopy than the more upright species, to 20 ft tall and eventually 25 ft wide. Sun and well-drained soil is best with little summer water necessary once established. Has proven hardier than most selections and, though a warm sheltered spot is preferred, has survived temps nearing 0F, bottom of USDA zone 7, with little harm. We received this the Royal Horticultural Society garden at Wisley with the above name, a still current name there, but plants are also sold as L. nobilis 'Angustifolia.'
Lauraceae $17 4in

Ledebouria 'Gary Hammer'spotted squill
A charming version of the common squill, this South African form has wonderful foliage, long narrow, gray-green leaves, evenly spotted and lasting for up to three months before dormancy arrives. Forms clumps to only 6" tall x 20" wide. The flowers are a pale blue and proliferate cheerfully. Sun and dry summers, though summer moisture is tolerated. Don’t be fooled, hardier than they look! Frost hardy to a bit below 10F, upper USDA zone 7. Does well in containers.
Liliaceae $11 4in

Ledebouria coopericooper's false scilla
Sweet and easy bulb from South Africa with 4", narrow, olive-green leaves, upright and marked with purple stripes and spots. Decorative in themselves, and more so in spring when adorned with racemes of pink, scilla-like flowers. Spreads slowly to form a 1 ft wide clump. Easy in the garden in sun or part shade where good drainage can protect from too much winter wet. Tolerates some summer drought but accepts summer water as well. Frost hardy in USDA zone 7.
Asparagaceae $12 4D

Leptospermum lanigerum - Mt. WallTea tree
This late spring flowering Tasmanian tea tree becomes a medium shrub in time, to 5-10 ft tall x 3-5 ft wide -- not really a tree at all. Silvery evergreen leaves are small and fragrant when crushed or brushed and meld well with all sorts of other foliage types while creating a perfect backdrop for the small, single, white, fragrant flowers. Full sun to light shade is best where soil is well-drained. Needs little summer water once established. Frost hardy in USDA zone 7.
Myrtaceae $15 4D

Leucosceptrum japonicum 'Silver Finger'
Shared with us by plantsman Ted Stephens this small shrubby perennial, to only about 18-20" inches tall, adorns itself with 4" leaves of silver simply edged in deep green. The strange terminal flowers are a pale lilac but appear almost cone-like. A striking addition to the woodland garden. We suggest underplanting with darker, evergreen ground covers for contrast. Frost hardy in USDA zone 6.
Lamiaceae $16 4D

Leucosceptrum stellipilum 'October Moon'
A rare but most useful fall-flowering perennial, sometimes semi-woody in mild climates for dappled shade. The 4-5” leaves are a velvety light green to chartreuse with cream edges in this lovely Japanese selection. The autumn flowers, a light lavender, are a very nice contrast and useful for late season effect when there is little else in bloom. This Japanese selection, brought to North America by plantsman Barry Yinger, enjoys evenly moist soil in shade to sun in particularly moist places. Endures in temperatures to at least USDA zone 5.
Lamiaceae $16 4in

Lewisia cotyledon [mixed seedlings]
One of northern California and southern Oregon’s most beautiful native wildflowers. These are seedlings and can be expected to produce an eye popping range of flower colors, the exact color unknown for individual plants but all should be charming. The evergreen rosettes are handsome as well, offsetting slowly to add more plants and more color. Give these sun and excellent drainage and enjoy the show. May go deciduous in too much heat or cold, but they are frost hardy in USDA zone 4.
Montiaceae $9 4D

Libertia grandiflora - Neil Leonard new zealand iris
Bold, evergreen iris relative from New Zealand forming clumps to 3 ft tall x 2 ft wide of long narrow leaves, green and a bit shiny then coppery especially with cold weather. Clusters of small white, perfect iris flowers stand above the foliage for a long period in late spring. Full sun to part shade in rich, well-drained soil with regular water. Frost hardy in USDA zone 8. This form wild collected by Neil Leonard in southern New Zealand.
Iridaceae $15 4D

Libertia ixiodes 'Goldfinger' new zealand iris
One of the brightest, with cascading, gold-orange foliage on a clumping, garden accent, to about 18” x 18”. White star-like flowers appear in clusters mid-spring, producing large yellow berries for fall. These New Zealand natives prefer sun to part shade and rich, moist, well-drained soil but tolerate some summer drought once established. Easily frost hardy in USDA zone 8 and reported to tolerate temperatures as low as 0F.
Iridaceae $16 4D

Libertia ixioides [ex 'Taupo Blaze']
Seedlings of the stunning cultivar L. ixioides 'Taupo Blaze' recently introduced by Phillip Smith of Taupo, NZ. These show the same leaves, nearly brick-red infused with cooper-orange with more olive-green tones in summer. Very nice. Leaves are stiff and erect leaves, to 18" tall, gradually forming clumps to 1-2 ft. Clusters of 3-petaled, white flowers rise above the foliage in spring and produce attractive yellow-orange seed pods. Sun to part shade in well-drained soil with occasional summer water. Frost hardy to a bit below 10F, just below USDA zone 8. Good in containers and particularly handsome when backlit.
Iridaceae $12 2D

Libertia peregrinans 'Gold Leaf'New zealand iris
Introduced from New Zealand in about 2006 this evergreen “flag” makes spreading clumps of plants, to 18” tall, with dainty, iris-like foliage tinted a golden-orange that is more intense in winter. Slightly lean soil and bright light for best color. White spring flowers produce clusters of black fruit, attractive against the foliage. Able to withstand wet soil and all but severe drought. Another good container specimen and/or knitter. Frost hardy to the low end of USDA zone 8.
Iridaceae $12 4in

Ligustrum japonicum 'Ko Ryu'japanese privet
New and unusual evergreen shrub, a Japanese selection, with shiny, dark green leaves that are narrow, curved, and slightly twisted with a ridge along the midrib, creating a striking and irregular texture. Becomes graceful with age as, eventually, a handsome, small tree for sun to part shade with regular summer water. A good container plant. Frost hardy in USDA zone 7.
Oleaceae $16 4D

Ligustrum japonicum 'Rotundifolium'
Evergreen shrub, grows quickly to a dense 4-6 feet tall over time x about half as wide, with smooth and shiny, dark leaves, somewhat curled with margins occasionally showing a bit of red. White flowers are scented in pyramidal panicles in Spring. A very useful shrub for sun or part shade, well-drained soil and regular summer water. Easily pruned to shade. Frost hardy in USDA zone 7.
Oleaceae $15 3D

Ligustrum lucidum 'Variegata'Glossy privet
Forget all you know about privets. This plant rocks! with its tricolor leaves in cool white-grey-green and panicles of tiny white flowers in spring for hummingbirds and butterflies, followed by tiny black fruits (drupes) that birds love. Evergreen, these are easily maintained as large shrubs or small trees, to 6-10 ft tall, useful as single specimens or as a screen or hedge. Happy in full sun to almost full shade with good drainage and regular summer water. Rewarding in that difficult spot. Frost hardy to 0F, USDA zone 7.
Oleaceae $12 3D

Liriope muscari 'Okina'Frosted Monkey Grass
Brighten a garden spot with this stunning, clumping monkey grass, to 10” tall, from China. Evergreen leaves emerge a very eye-catching white in spring and become streaked through the season, turning all green in the fall. Stalks of lilac flowers in late summer add to the delight of this special plant. For sun to shade. Frost hardy in USDA zone 6.
Liliaceae $16 4in

Lobelia bridgesii RCH 442 tupa rosada
Lovely evergreen perennial collected from coastal southern Chile by Randall Hitchin. To 3 ft or more with lettuce green leaves and peachy pink flowers over a long season. Likes sandy soil, but seems to grow in just about anything. Provide bright light and some summer water where dry. Frosts back in winter and regrows at the bottom of USDA zone 8, remaining evergreen above 15 F or so.
Campanulaceae $12 4in

Lonicera confusa soft leaved honeysuckle
Vining honeysuckle, to 25 ft, with gray-green foliage that is softer than the more commonly grown L. japonica. Flowers appear in spring with some fall rebloom, opening to white curled petals that fade to yellow. Fragrant, of course and a lovely texture. Sun where temperatures are cool and light shade in hottest climates. Requires regular summer water. Evergreen or semi-deciduous, depending on winter cold. Frost hardy to 15F, mid USDA zone 8.
Caprifoliaceae $12 4D

Lonicera crassifolia
A teensy weensy goundcovering honeysuckle….it’s about time. This Asian, woodland, evergreen rarely grows more than 3” in height, a single plant spreading to about 3 ft in as many years. Foliage is dense, with small, shiny, rounded leaves, thick and succulent as the crassifolia name implies. A profusion of cream colored flowers with hints of pink appear in late spring to early summer leading to bluish black berries for autumn and beyond. Great small-scale groundcover for the woodland or spiller for container. Likes consistent moisture and shade to half sun. Frost hardy in USDA zone 7.
Caprifoliaceae $15 4D

Lonicera nitida 'Briloni'
Golden leaved honeysuckle shrub for the shaded garden. Blooms sparsely in spring, the small white flowers followed by small, bluish fruits. Slow growing, to only 3-4 ft tall and wide over time and smaller than other golden forms, with arching branches that add texture and bright golden accents. Tolerates sun but tends towards a more chartreuse color. Enjoys summer water but tolerates some drought once established. Frost hardy in USDA zone 5.
Caprifoliaceae $14 4D

Lonicera nitida 'Lemon Beauty'
If you are going to commit a horticultural faux pas, you might as well do it with this. Evergreen shrub, to 4-6 ft with tiny green leaves edged yellow, remaining so in a bit of shade; variegation becomes less distinct, more overall yellow, in brightest light. ‘Lemon Beauty’ makes a very nice low hedge. As a single plant, it shines. Sun to part shade with normal water. Frost hardy in USDA zone 6.
Caprifoliaceae $12 4D

Lophomyrtus x ralphii 'Little Star'
Petite little shrub, eventually to 3-4 ft though can be kept much smaller, with evergreen, 1/3” leaves streaked pink and white. Wonderful small garden specimen or container knitter. In warm climates easy to grow in full sun to partial shade with some summer water. Avoid heavy fertilizing. Good addition to flower arrangements. Frost hardy into the upper teens briefly – upper USDA zone 8.
Myrtaceae $15 4D

Loropetalum chinense - Japanese variegated form
Shared with us by plantsman Dan Heims from one of his many plant finding trips to Asia, this striking and interesting Chinese witch hazel has purple leaves and variegated, the mix creating a highly textured appearance. Flowers are deep pink threads in late winter and early spring. Best in full sun to part shade with regular summer water, preferably in a protected spot out of winter winds with, possibly, a bit of overhead protection to provide a little extra winter warmth. Expected to be frost hardy in USDA zone 8. Leaves can be damaged by prolonged temperatures in the mid teens F but plants recover quickly.
Hamamelidaceae $14 2D

Loropetalum chinense 'Pipas Red'Chinese fringe flower
A particularly popular and sturdy fringe flower and probably the darkest leaved cultivar available, this purple-leaved shrub is gorgeous by itself, and spectacular in late spring with its sprinkling of cerise-pink flowers. Reaches 8-10 ft eventually, but easily kept as a low spreading shrub with careful pruning. Even moisture, dappled shade to full sun, well-drained soil our of winter winds. Evergreen in the upper teens F, easily recovering to the bottom of USDA zone 8 especially with a bit of overhead protection. Root hardy in USDA zone 7.
Hamamelidaceae $14 4in

Loropetalum chinense 'Zhuzhou Pink' Chinese fringe flower
We at Cistus seem to be bent on growing every loropetalum there ever was -- and then some. 'Zhuzhou Pink' has been a favorite. The weeping habit of its branches, the darkest burgundy leaves and the large, 1", spidery pink to cerise flowers together make it a dazzling garden or container species. It has also been rated as among the most frost hardy, surviving winters to as low as several degrees below 0F with little damage, though should be planted in the warmest places anywhere frost might nip at late season new growth. Lovers of summer water and bright light for best color though quite at home in dappled shade. Frost hardy just below USDA zone 7.
Hamamelidaceae $14 3D

Lycoris chinensis - yellow Golden surprise lily
And-suddenly-the-earth-smiles -- this translation of the Chinese name perfectly describes these summer-dormant, amaryllis relatives emerging from bare earth to produce their flowers prior to leafing out. Though one of a series introduced by Jim Wattick as L. aurea, it is probably not since aurea seems to be species in which to lump every occurrence that isn’t red. This, with pleasing creamy yellow florets, has been relatively vigorous, seemingly happy with winter or summer drought in lightly dappled shade to full sun. Frost hardy in USDA zone 7.
Amaryllidaceae $15 4D

Lycoris longituba white spider lily
Another unusual species of suddenly-the-earth-smiles, free clumping with strappy, white-centered leaves and white flowers, tubular as the name would imply, often appearing in late summer and autumn. For full sun to lightly dappled shade. They do enjoy occasional summer water for vigorous growth though tolerant of summer and winter drought. Frost hardy in USDA zone 7B.
Amaryllidaceae $15 4D

Lysimachia paridiformis var. stenophylla DJHC 704
Dan Hinkley's collection from China's Emei Shan from whence have come so many exciting plants, this is a striking, evergreen perennial with dense clusters of golden-yellow flowers all summer long atop stems to 10" tall or more. Forms well-behaved clumps of whorled foliage, the leaves dark green and shiny with hints of bronze, in sun or part shade where soil is well-drained and some summer water is provided. Frost hardy in USDA zone 7.
Primulaceae $12 3D

Lysionotus pauciflorus
Another intriguing gesneriad, this with deeply lobed shiny leaves to about 18” frequently adorned with lavender-purple “snapdragons”. A very good plant indoors anywhere, or outdoors where temperatures do not fall below the upper 20sF. We find it is vigorous enough to make a very good pot stuffer for shady situations. Keep from the hottest of sun and place on a saucer of damp gravel if used as an indoor plant. Frost hardy in USDA zone 9b.
Gesneriaceae $12 2D