Calceolaria arachnoidea

Black flowers over white leaves? Say no more! This species came to us by way of wild collected seed from Chile – lucky us and lucky you! It’s sure to be a hit with those of you who love a little weird in your flower beds. It’s surprisingly easy to grow, but seems to prefer more than average water (even though it has those cool furry leaves) and a location in the ground. Plants will root along the stem as they grow, so are easy to divide and replace, which is great, because individual plants can be a little short lived. No matter! I would make a special spot for Calceolaria arachnoidea if it were only an annual. Here at the nursery it blooms from May through July or so and soon afterwards should be cut back almost to the base and given some compost. Deadheading will prolong both the bloom time and the eventual lifespan of the plant. Flower color is variable, ranging from violet purple to almost pure black! It’s from high altitudes, as well, so it’s hardy! Yay!

Pt.Sun/Sun. Reg/Avg. water. Perennial.
USDA zones 6b-11

Greenovia aurea

Stress brings out the best in some plants, and this cutie pie looks particularly adorable under duress. During the Winter the rosettes are open, but during the heat of Summer they close tight, creating unusual shapes and forms. All of them are a little different and all of them are super cute! We grew this species a few years ago and fell in love. We had to have them all! Currently you can find most of the species in existence for sale on our website… three out of the total four! All Greenovias are small in scale – under a foot in height and breadth. Cool yellow flowers appear in Winter and can be similar in size to the plants from which they grow. In their native Canary Islands they can be found growing in the shaded crevices of rock walls, creating colonies over time. We grow them at the very edge of beds in loose soil and in pots. Don’t overwater!

Sun-Pt Sun Low-Avg Water. Perennial.
USDA zones 9b-10

Impatiens flanaganiae

One gallon plants are available for purchase at our onsite nursery only.

A super sexy, super rare treat for you lucky ducks who can visit our nursery in Richmond! This is our first major crop of this almost impossible to find and highly desirable species from South Africa. Huge, pink flowers with delicate veining and a remarkably long spur are borne over large, tropical looking leaves. In the peak of Summer, when they are in full growth and bloom, plants can be easily 5’ tall and will be wider every year. Easy to grow by the bay, or anywhere with cool Summers - just provide rich, loamy soil and a cool, shady place in the garden. Said to be hardy to USDA zone 7, but we aren’t going to commit to that till we get some hard proof! Where not hardy, you can dig and store the tubers (in the fridge, not the freezer!). One gallon plants will be available for purchase in our onsite nursery only for $24.95. Limit one per customer.

Shade. Avg/Reg. water. Perennial.
USDA zones 9-11 (maybe lower)

Sideritis cypria

It’s been a long time since we’ve had this beauty available, and my how we’ve missed it! It is by far the most desirable Sideritis we have met – and we’ve met more than most! Tidy in habit, to 1’ tall and wide and with leaves covered in dense, white wool, it sends out distinctive blooming spikes in Summer. The dark stems provide a nice contrast with the flowers, which are held at regular intervals in whorled clusters. Each cluster of blooms is enclosed by a delightful Spring green bract, obscuring the flowers (which aren’t that showy to begin with). Flowering stems make the plant a foot taller, but are airy, so plant it at the front of the border. Flowers are visited by bees and after they fade the bracts keep the interest going.

Full Sun. Low/Avg. water. Perennial.
USDA zones 7-11

Silene ‘Starfish’

We are committed fans of this new, hot perennial! Quite possibly the loveliest of all the Silenes we’ve ever grown, ‘Starfish’ boasts the biggest flowers in the showiest color and blooms over a very long season - late Spring until frost. It is a hummingbird’s dream, and does well in full sun or part shade with average water and even in average soil. Hardiness is untested, but we’re thinking it can survive below USDA zone 9 with relative ease – how far below zone 9 we don’t know! You tell us!

Sun/Pt. Sun. Avg water. Perennial.
USDA zones 9-11 (maybe lower)