Alstroemeria magnifica

So rare, so exquisite & sooo to die for! We are so lucky to be able to offer it. The large 2.5" across, gorgeously marked bright magenta-rose blooms appear on branching stems Spring 'til Summer & display bright turquoise pollen on their stamens. After Spring, they begin to go deciduous & water should be reduced or withheld until Fall. I grow them in clay pots & put them away 'til the rains begin in Autumn. Rather slow growing, they'll increase in size (& blooms) over the years. Again, this is our one crop of the year - so get 'em while they're hot! 2' tall.

Part sun. Avg. water (No water while dormant)
Perennial Bulb USDA zones 9-11

Dierama 'Blackbird'

When visitors see this beautiful & very rare "Fairy Wand" blooming in our garden in early Summer here at the nursery, our 4" pot offerings are always long gone by then. Boo-hoo! So here's your "heads up" that our only crop of the year is available right now! Easy & beautiful in the garden as well as a good-sized container (3-5 gal.) 'Blackbird' forms lots of elegant, long arching stems bearing unusually dark, plum colored tubular bells. Growing 3' to 4' tall, "Fairy Wands" are exciting arching over the edge of a bed or walkway. They'll increase in size each year and can be easily divided to increase your collection. Self-sows, too! What more can you want? Well, they're drought tolerant & snail & deer resistant. Now you know why garden designers love them. Just provide well-drained soil.

Sun Avg. water. Perennial
USDA zones 8-10

Geranium maderense

Always hard to find & always in demand! Spectacular huge heads up to 3' across bear pretty bright pink single blooms from April 'til June. You'll love it for its large glossy and tropical looking foliage. Planted in part shade to full sun (in coastal zones), it's super easy & fast and not very fussy about soil or water, though it is outrageous if planted in rich composted soil. It usually blooms in its second year (remember fab foliage until then) but not to worry, it self sows readily, so you'll get lots of freebies. 3' tall. Hurry, they go fast!

Sun/Bright Shade Avg./Low water Biennial
USDA zones 9-11

Sonchus acaulis "Cerraja"

The first time I saw this "Dandelion on Steroids" at U.C. Botanical Garden in Berkeley, I knew I had to have it! It's taken about 5 years to get our paws on enough seed to be able to offer it & so now I can plant it to my heart's delight! In flower, it can reach 5' tall with big bright yellow dandelions 2-3" across held above the long, upright stems. The huge foliage rosette can reach 3' across & is wild & kooky on its own. A cinch to grow & drought tolerant, it just likes decent drainage & half-day sun for best show, though it thrives in full sun too. So fun in a dry garden & a "stump-your-friends" specimen for a large container.

Part Shade/Sun Avg./Low water Perennial
USDA zones 9B-11