Asarina purpusii
‘Victoria Falls’

A rare and delightful delicacy for pot culture and hanging baskets! Our propagator Anni Jensen has had a specimen in a 10” pot for the last ten years and it has not diminished in health or in cuteness during that whole time. Flaring magenta trumpets with lime bracts appear all Summer over velvety grey-green leaves, growing to a height of 10” and arching 2’ across. Like all other Asarinas, it goes almost entirely deciduous when Winter rolls around, but pops right back when it warms up again in USDA zone 9 and up! Rich soil with average water and a medium sized pot in part shade to part sun are what it requires!

Part Shade/Part Sun. Average/Regular water. Perennial
USDA Zones 9-11

Cussonia spicata
“Common Cabbage Tree”

I heart “Cabbage Trees!" This easy and fast growing tree is so versatile and so comically pleasing in the landscape that I think everyone should have one. Luckily, we have enough to go around right now! Although mostly these trees are 12-15’ in cultivation, over time they can reach 30’, but I don’t think you’ll have a problem with planting it as a street tree. They are simple in their branching pattern, sometimes forming one single “pouf” of leaves at the top of a single stalk. Plants start out with spring green deeply dissected leaves and eventually the foliage can turn a dusky grey-green. The bark is cooky and corky! A MUST for any gardener who likes their plants a little on the Dr.Seuss side! A great pot specimen or bonsai subject, as well!

Sun. Average/Regular water. Perennial.
USDA Zones 9-11

Euphorbia mellifera

This is the perfect shrub for contrast. Never underestimate the usefulness and appeal of a good foil! This rare, large Euphorbia has lush green leaves that serve well as a backdrop for all manner of cottagey chaos and it is persistently handsome in the garden, even when the cold wet winters drag out. The leaves are a luscious green with a contrasting lighter midrib, and the flowers are an inconspicuous brown and green, but smell sweetly of honey (the species name, mellifera, means “honey-bearing” in Latin) and are borne in late Winter or early spring. Very easy to grow! Just plant in average to rich soil in either full or part sun and stand back! Plants can grow upwards and outwards of 6’. Cut back annually for smaller, bushier specimens. Deer Proof!

Sun/Part Shade. Low/Average water. Perennial.
USDA Zones 9-11

Kniphofia northiae
“Octopus Red-Hot Poker”
“Giant Poker Lily”

Shade? Sun? Deer? Clay? Dampness? Drought? Kniphofias care not about these things. This one makes an especially spectacular show of not caring, growing monstrous and ostentatious over time, with huge club-like flower heads on 3-5’ stems, and strappy leaves that are 6 inches wide, curled, curved and Agave-esque. The showy foliar rosettes eventually rise up on trunks, too! A winning and desirable rarity. Highly recommended! Deer Proof!

Part Shade/Full Sun. Moist/Dry. Perennial.
USDA Zones 6-11

Vernonia altissima
“Giant Ironweed”

We are unabashed about our love for tall plants, and when this beanpole does its thing in Fall, we can’t help but swoon. A wildflower from the East Coast, it’s far from common here in California. Rich, royal purple flower heads about one foot across appear in Fall on tall, strong stems that can reach 7’ in height. Moist soil makes for taller plants, as does a partial sun exposure. Over time plants will spread by rhizomes to form clumps, but are easily controlled and do not run out of turn. Vernonias are fabulous butterfly plants, as they are both sources of nectar for adults and a food source for caterpillars. They make great cut flowers, too, but make sure you have a huge vase!

Part Sun/Sun. Average/Regular water. Perennial.
USDA Zones 5-10