Aeonium rubrolineatum

From La Gomera, one of the Canary Islands, comes this only recently described, stately & unusual species. Aeonium rubrolineatum is a thick-stemmed plant with long leaves that darken in the sun, reaching an impressive 5’ tall. It can branch from the central stalk, but not so much as to become “shrubby.” Besides its relative hugeness, the flowers are said to be orange – an unusual color for Aeoniums. The flowering inflorescence itself is very dense & conical. All & all, a promising combination of things. Aeoniums are tolerant of many exposures & soil types as long as they don’t get too damp! New to us, & fairly new to cultivation in general. Try it out!

Sun Low/Avg. water Succulent
USDA Zones 9-11

Canavalia gladiata
"Sword Jackbean"

Here’s some fun for you adventurous and curious gardeners! Long cultivated in Asia for food and as a medicinal plant, this fast growing semi-erect vine bears beautiful pinky-lavender 1” blooms Spring thru Summer surrounded by lush, highly attractive foliage. Generally growing to about 6-10’ tall here in the US, the funnest part is its extraordinary large bean pods to 1’ long. They’re edible too – cooked like snap beans – just harvest when immature at about 4” long. Requires a long growing season, but will overwinter if kept warm to bloom in year two! Beautiful 1” pink seeds form as the pods mature. Give it sun, rich soil and a strong support. Excellent nitrogen fixer.

Sun Avg./Low water
DRT TOLERANT
Annual
USDA Zones 8b-11

Dahlia excelsa

We received this seed as Dahlia excelsa but when it bloomed it was not the pink the species was described to have, but a vibrant red instead! “Tree Dahlias” are notoriously late bloomers and this plant not only bloomed first year from seed, it was 6’ tall when it did so. The following year it had buds as early as June! Said to reach 15’ tall, possibly more! The stems of this Dahlia are strong, narrow and rigid compared to most “Tree Dahlias” and we’re uncertain whether or not the color of the flowers will be red or pink, but they are sure to be darker than those of Dahlia imperialis. Information on this species is lacking, but we do love a good plant mystery and I doubt this plant will disappoint. From Mexico. Cut the large stalks down after bloom for fresh growth next Spring. Mulch root crown in colder areas.

Sun Avg. water
Perennial
USDA Zones 6-11

Echeveria species

Our favorite Echeveria! You'll love this really showy and super long blooming succulent! Perfect in a good sized container (at least 12" across"), rock garden, for edging or almost anywhere, this rare Echeveria (species yet to be identified) forms a lovely rosette 15" across of emerald green fleshy leaves. From Spring till Winter rise sturdy upright reddish pink stalks topped by pendulant clusters of urn shaped flowers. Attractively held in starry blue-green sepals, the blooms are a beautiful soft gold blushed with pink. Cut the stalks as they fade and this Echeveria will keep producing more. Totally simple to grow, just provide decent well-drained soil, bait for snails and feed once or twice a year. Even more exciting when massed.

Sun/Pt. Sun Avg./Low water
DROUGHT TOLERANT
DEER RESISTANT
Perennial
USDA zones 9-11

Ecballium elaterium
"Squirting Cucumber"

Our most entertaining plant here at the nursery, and a favorite for juvenile pranks! And hey, it makes an attractive, dense, low-growing perennial groundcover, too. Cute 3” cucumbers are formed all Summer, and filled with juice as they ripen. At full ripeness, they burst off the stalk and explosively shoot up to 6 yards away! Hilarious! Just invite an unwary kid or visitor to squeeze one and stand back! In rich soil, ours grow to 8” tall & 3’ or 4’ across, and look quite nice trailing over a bed or large container. Easy, evergreen & not fussy at all! Forms an underground tuber, so it’s long-lived too. A delightful garden curiosity & a fun present for your silliest friends. Meditteranean origin.

Sun/Pt.Sun Avg./Low water
Perennial
USDA Zones 9-11

Lupinus albifrons
"Silver Bush Lupine"

Outstanding shimmering silvery foliage is a fabulous feature of this very rare California native. Extremely drought tolerant, it’s a terrific choice for a dry, well-drained garden or good sized container. Forming an attractive, dense, compact mound “Silver Bush Lupine” also offers a long bloom season Spring thru Summer, displaying good sized spikes of rich purple fragrant pea flowers. It’s easy to grow – just give it full sun & lean, well-drained soil. Excellent for a low maintenance rock garden or parking strip. Host to the endangered Mission Blue Butterfly. 3’-4’ tall.

Sun Little/NO SUMMER WATER
DEER RESISTANT!
Native Perennial
USDA Zones 8-10