Plants
Nepenthes sibuyanensis
Nepenthes sibuyanensis is a fascinating carnivorous plant native to the slopes of Mt. Guiting-Guiting in the Philippines. It is known for its large, waxy pitchers that range in color from cream to iridescent red, with distinctive toothy peristomes. This plant is adaptable to various conditions and produces lower pitchers when in contact with a surface. The upper pitchers are less common and lighter in color. It is a weak climber with stems reaching up to 5 feet long and has thin, leathery leaves. The plant is endemic to Sibuyan Island and was first described in 1998. It grows at altitudes between 3,900 and 5,900 feet and is considered vulnerable due to its limited distribution. The plant's seeds are unique, lacking the papery ends typical of other Nepenthes species, which aids in local dispersion.
Bletilla 'Summer Moonshine'
Bletilla 'Summer Moonshine' is a hardy orchid with light yellow petals and a distinctive white throat, accented by magenta flecks. It blooms from mid-May through summer, with flower stalks reaching up to 30 inches. This plant is drought-tolerant and attracts insects, making it a versatile choice for various garden settings.
Eupatorium purpureum 'Baby Joe'
Eupatorium purpureum 'Baby Joe' is a compact plant reaching 3 feet tall, known for its highly branched flower heads. It thrives in moist ditches and garden soils of average moisture, attracting a variety of pollinators while being deer resistant.
Masdevallia lucernula
Masdevallia lucernula is a South American orchid species that thrives in cooler, high-humidity environments. It is part of the Orchidaceae family and is well-suited for cloud forests and high-altitude regions. This orchid requires filtered light and is known for its delicate and intricate blooms.
Hosta 'Alvatine Taylor'
Hosta 'Alvatine Taylor' is a broad-spreading clump-forming plant with elongated blue-green leaves edged in gold. It produces white flowers on 4-foot tall scapes in early summer, adding vertical interest to shade gardens. Its striking foliage and flowers make it a popular choice for hosta enthusiasts.
Nepenthes mirabilis var. globosa
Nepenthes mirabilis var. globosa is a unique carnivorous plant native to small areas in Thailand, known for its globose pitchers that vary in color from green to red. It grows in flooded or depressed areas and is best suited for lowland conditions. This plant is rooted in sand and has a tuberous rootstock, often found growing alongside its relative, var. mirabilis.
Helleborus hybridus 'Heronswood Violet Red Strain'
Helleborus hybridus 'Heronswood Violet Red Strain' is a single red-violet strain of lenten rose, known for its early blooming in February. This deer-resistant plant is seed-grown and was developed through a breeding program at the former Heronswood Nursery. It thrives in part sun to shade and is a hardy perennial, making it a reliable choice for winter and early spring gardens. 'Heronswood Violet Red Strain' adds a splash of color to shaded areas.
Ruscus aculeatus 'Christmas Berry'
Ruscus aculeatus 'Christmas Berry' is a dwarf evergreen plant with spiny, dark green cladodes and bright red berries in winter. It grows to about 1 foot tall and wide over five years and is self-fruiting. This plant is drought-tolerant and suitable for shaded garden areas.
Carex muskingumensis 'Ice Fountains'
Carex muskingumensis 'Ice Fountains' is an ornamental grass with variegated leaves featuring a prominent stripe down the center. The variegation is most noticeable in early spring but fades with hot temperatures. This plant is ideal for moist sites near garden ponds, adding texture and interest to water gardens.
Symphyotrichum dumosum 'Sapphire'
Symphyotrichum dumosum 'Sapphire' is a native plant from Maine to Texas, forming dense clumps about 16 inches tall and 2 feet wide. It produces 2-inch blue-lavender flowers from August through mid-September, attracting butterflies and adding color to gardens.
Euphorbia iharanae
Euphorbia iharanae is a critically endangered plant endemic to Madagascar, known for its tall, spiny stem and yellow flowers. It grows on rocky shores and is threatened by habitat loss.
Pyrus communis 'Summercrisp'
The Pyrus communis 'Summercrisp' is a cold-hardy pear tree known for its decorative nature and vertical branches that require minimal pruning. It produces crisp, juicy pears with a red blush, typically harvested in August. This variety is resistant to fireblight disease and, while self-fruiting, benefits from a pollination partner for better yield.
Alocasia cuprea 'Red Secret'
Alocasia cuprea 'Red Secret' is known for its large, metallic leaves that shimmer with copper and green hues, accented by a light pink sheen. The deeply corrugated leaves have nearly black veins and a rich maroon underside. It thrives in bright indoor light or part sun-shade outdoors, requiring well-drained soil and humidity. This plant is sensitive to temperatures below 55°F and above 90°F.
Citrus aurantium 'Moro'
Citrus aurantium 'Moro' is a citrus tree known for its deep red, seedless fruit high in Vitamin C and potassium. It requires full sun and well-drained acidic soil. This mid-season variety has a long hang time and low moisture needs.
Bulbophyllum biflorum
Bulbophyllum biflorum is a miniature orchid species found in regions like Java, Sumatra, and the Philippines. It is an epiphytic plant that grows in warm to cool climates and is known for its fragrant flowers, which can reach up to 3 inches in length. This orchid is appreciated for its unique floral scent and adaptability to various growing conditions.
Phlox paniculata 'Midnight Feelings'
Phlox paniculata 'Midnight Feelings' is a unique garden phlox known for its dark mahogany-colored bracts that appear in mid-summer. Unlike typical phlox, it does not produce flowers, making it an interesting choice for adding texture and color to a garden. It grows on 28-inch stems and is suitable for attracting butterflies.
Euphorbia succulenta var. succulenta 'Variegated'
Euphorbia succulenta var. succulenta 'Variegated' is native to South Africa, featuring a large fleshy rootstock and branching at the base. It forms a domed cushion up to 2 feet in diameter and is drought-tolerant. The leaves are light green with a cream strip, and it blooms white or light pink flowers.
Echeveria 'Blue Frills'
Echeveria 'Blue Frills' is a slow-growing succulent with blue-green leaves that form rosettes up to 8 inches in diameter. It blooms with yellow to orange flowers in summer and requires bright light, avoiding direct sunlight to prevent leaf damage. This plant prefers a well-drained, slightly acidic soil mix and is hardy in zones 8, making it suitable for full to partial sun exposure.
Pinus koraiensis
Pinus koraiensis, or Korean pine, is a hardy tree growing 30-50 feet tall with a pyramidal to rounded canopy. It features blue-green needles held for three years and produces six-inch cones with edible pine nuts. This tree is wind resistant, cold hardy, and adaptable to clay soils, making it a versatile choice for various landscapes. It provides shelter for birds and thrives in full sun with well-drained soil. Pinus koraiensis is a valuable addition to gardens for its ornamental and practical benefits.
Chrysogonum virginianum 'Golden Acres'
Chrysogonum virginianum 'Golden Acres' is a US native plant with green, deer-resistant leaves and 6-inch tall upright stalks of 1-inch dark yellow daisies. It flowers consistently until September, adding a bright touch to gardens. This plant thrives in part sun to light shade and is well-suited for rain and shade gardens. Its resilience and long-lasting blooms make it a valuable addition to landscapes seeking continuous color.
Hemionitis lorentzii
Hemionitis lorentzii is a fern with unusual dark green, hand-shaped leaves, forming a small 10-inch wide clump. It is marginally hardy in Zone 7b but thrives in Zone 8 and south, making it an excellent houseplant in northern regions. This fern prefers shaded environments and adds a unique texture to plant collections.
Sedum tetractinum 'Little China'
Sedum tetractinum 'Little China' is a charming, evergreen groundcover known for its medium green, paddle-shaped leaves that develop a burgundy-red hue in cooler weather. This miniature plant produces bright yellow flowers in late spring and performs well in both sun and part sun. Its rubbery-textured foliage makes it a resilient choice for various garden settings, including rock gardens and green roofs.
Tricyrtis 'Amanogawa'
Tricyrtis 'Amanogawa' is a hybrid plant with an arching growth habit and brown speckled leaves. It produces creamy yellow, lightly speckled flowers that resemble orchids, blooming from very late summer through early fall. This plant is ideal for shade gardens and attracts insects.