PALM TREES, CYCADS & TROPICAL PLANT BLOG

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Nursery offering one of the Best Selections of Rare Plants Anywhere!

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THIS PAGE HAS CURRENT POSTS FOR SEPTEMBER, 2020  

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TUESDAY, 29 SEPTEMBER, 2020 

SPECIMEN SIZE KENTIA PALMS
HOWEA FORSTERIANA

FROM FIVE TO FIFTEEN FEET OF TRUNK
SINGLES AND MULTIPLES
SALE PRICE THESE SPECIMEN KENTIA PALMS

For several decades we’ve worked with an associate grower who offers old specimen Kentia Palms.  Starting in the late 1980’s, these were field grown here in Encinitas, CA.  Over time, many have been dug and put into boxes.  Usually this is into 36 inch box sizes – rarely into 24 inch boxes.  Some are still in the growing fields.  Even if dug from the grower’s and moved to your garden for immediate planting, most do just fine.  And, these have been sun grown only getting shade from adjacent Kentias.

Kentia palms dig quite easily.  The ones shown in boxes below were typically dug three to four years ago.  Several hundred trees are available.  All need heavy equipment to lift and handle – and a flatbed truck for delivery (at least 25 feet long).  Delivery can be arranged as needed.  Call or email us for more information.  Random photos below were taken recently of plants available.  Of note, most remaining are multiples with a few tall singles.

SPECIAL PRICE THESE LARGE KENTIAS – $125 PER TRUNK FOOT

DYPSIS PLUMOSA
THIN TRUNK PALM FROM MADAGASCAR

FLUFFY LEAVES – SILVER CROWN SHAFT
TOLERATES SUN ALONG TH COAST
TEN DAY SPECIAL NICE 15 GALLON PLANT

This single trunk, crown shafted pinnate palm comes from Madagascar.  It is a medium size palm with a narrow trunk and plumose leaves.  Trunk diameter is four to six inches.  The trunk color is silver-green and it has prominent rings.  Leaflets are narrow and green in color.  The ends of the leaves curve downwards.  We have been growing this species for over two decades and found it to be a reliable grower.  When young the trunk is much thinner but fattens up with age.  It is quite cold tolerant, down into the  mid to low 20’s F.   It’s growth rate is good.  It likes full sun in most areas.  We are offering very nice 15 gallon plants on sale.  As you can see, they are very tall and too big to ship by UPS.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $200
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $180

PARAJUBAEA TORALLYI
THE SOUTH AMERICAN “COCONUT PALM”

TALL SUN PALM – SUPER ATTRACTIVE
TEN DAY SPECIAL GOOD SIZED SQUAT 15 GALLON

This morning I thought I’d talk about this South American palm and include a fair amount of information.  I’m doing this because I’ve found there is often confusion with the genus “Parajubaea“.  I included the common name of “South American Coconut” for this genus because the new palm enthusiast will most likely forget these long winded scientific names. I particularly want to emphasize P. torallyi because I think it’s such a great plant and easy to grow.  It has two forms as described below.

Parajubaeas are all from South America.  About twenty-five years ago the genus was “reborn” with the importation of seeds of various species from habitat.  Enthusiasts had to learn more because they had “new plants” in front of them.  Also, this gave palm people the opportunity to grow all of the species.  There are three species and one sub-variety.  These are Parajubaea cocoides, sunkha, and torallyi.  Parajubaea torallyi has a sub-variety named P. torallyi variety microcarpa.  P. cocoides has historically been the species that people have grown for the longest period.  This species is a bit different appearing than all the others with greener leaves and slower growth.  The other three types of Parajubaeas began their notoriety when seeds began being imported.  The seeds are very large (hence the term “Coconut”), shaped like a Coconut seed in a way, and some have the most peculiar wings or flanges at the end. 

Of these three other species, all are easier to grow and faster than P. cocoides.  Long term survival has also been better in California.  All are from high elevation in the Andes in Bolivia.  P. torallyi comes from elevations of up to ten thousand feet and has been reported to be the “highest elevation palm tree in the world”.  Cold tolerance of these three later species is excellent, with some surviving into the upper teens F.  All have a somewhat silver-green leaf and leaflets.  All have a husky trunk.  To compare these palms, here’s a synopsis.  

Parajubaea torallyi:  Tallest of the three, up to fifty feet.  Husky trunk averaging 18 inches.  Largest seed of the group.  Fast growing in the ground.
Parajubaea torallyi variety microcarpa:  Smaller than regular torallyi, trunk height to 30 perhaps 40 feet, thinner trunk, smaller seed, equal growth habit.  These are super hard to find nowadays.
Parajubaea sunkha:Originally thought to be variety of torallyi, now known to be a species.  Smallest of these three species with trunk height 25 feet.  In habitat, grows at lower elevation, 6000 feet.
Parajubaea cocoides:  Natural habitat not known, may actually be a variety of P. torallyi, less cold hardy than others above, less silver in the leaves.  Not as good a grower as any of the three above.

This is a full sun genus.  It is best to start them in strong filtered light.  Germination of seeds is difficult and demands a “long thermometer” with hot days and cold nights. The 8^th photo below is by Gaston Torres and the last photo by PlantAPalm website.

REGULAR PRICE THESE LARGE SQUAT 15G $300
SALE PRICE THIS SIZE $255 Remember:  Mention this Blog Special at the time of purchase for your discount.  Also note that we have very limited supplies of our Parajubaeas.  No seeds have been available3 for years.

DYPSIS LUCUBENSIS
TALL, THIN TRUNKED PINNATE PALM

FLUFFY, PLUMOSE LEAVES
THIS IS THE SUCKERING FORM
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE

This species of palm is typically single trunk but there are suckering forms.  This is what we are offering here.  It is native to island of Nossi-Be off the coast of Madagascar.  It can reach heights of over thirty feet.  It has leaves arranged in three ranks – “tristichous”.   Trunk diameter is about 8 inches and the crown shaft is a rusty-brown color and not elongated.  It is a difficult species to find nowadays.  I’d recommend growing it in full sun along the coast.  I’d estimate cold hardiness to be in the mid-twenties F.  We have nice 15 gallons on special.  Note the interesting leaflet arrangement.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $195TEN DAY SPECIAL 1 GALLON $175

Remember:  Mention this Special for this price when you purchase.  We only have a small number available.

ROYSTONEA REGIA
THE CUBAN ROYAL PALM

LOVES SUN AND HEAT
PLANTS ON SPECIAL SIX FEET TALL
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE 

This pinnate New World species is another favorite of mine.  There are multiple species of Roystonea.  The most common and sought after species is the Cuban Royal, Roystonea regia.   Compared to the South American Royal Palm, Roystonea regia’s leaves hang down past (lower than) the midway point of the crown.  Roystonea oleracea’s leaves stop at the “half moon” point and don’t hang down near the trunk.  

Royal Palms love heat and sun.  Cold tolerance is about 25 degrees F.  They are fast growers.  We have a pretty good supply available of assorted sizes. Note how the base of the well grown Royal Palm is quite swollen and fat.  On up the trunk there is variable swelling present.  The plants I’m putting on special today are an easily shipped size of 5 gallon but would take a tall box.  They are about 6 feet tall in their pots.  BTW, on the garden shots below, the first two were taken in the San Diego area. 

REGULAR PRICE 5G $95
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $75

Remember to mention this Blog Special to get this price when you purchase.

SYAGRUS OLERACEA
THIN TRUNK & TALL SOLITARY PALM

PLUMOSE LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

This species of single trunk pinnate palm is native to Brazil and can get to heights of fifty to sixty feet.  It can be grown in Southern California and is a smaller version of the Queen Palm.   Leaves are green and plumose.  It wants full sun and is cold hardy into the mid to upper 20’s F.  One special are nice 5 gallon plants, still with their juvenile foliage.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON SIZE $95TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $75

Remember:  mention this Blog Special at the time of purchase.  Last photo by John Demott, FL – via the I.P.S.

PRITCHARDIA NAPALIENSIS
THE NAPALIE LOULU PALM

EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO OBTAIN
MEDIUM SIZED TROPICAL FAN PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON JUVENILE PLANTS

This palm is a tropical fan palm native to Hawaii.  Its habitat is located on the cliffs of the Napali coastline on the island of Kauai.  It reaches a trunk height of fourteen to twenty feet with a trunk diameter of about 8 inches.  Taller specimens have been reported in habitat.  Leaves are green, flat with distinctly divided segments when mature.  Seeds become black and are round, about an inch in length.  Near the leaf attachment, the proximal leaf and terminal leaf stem have pronounced rusty-brown hairs/tomentum.  The rest of the ventral leaves are green.  Along the coast it can be grown in full sun and cold hardiness is a bit below a freeze (exact low uncertain).  We rarely have these for sale.  Seeds were from a domestic tree.

TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON $45

Remember to mention this Special.  Mail order possible.
The 7th and 9th photos by Kyle Wicomb, Palmpedia.  The 8th photo is by P. Goltra.

ENCEPHALARTOS EUGENE-MARAISII
BLUE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD FROM THE TRANSVAAL AREA

VERY SOUGHT AFTER BY ENTHUSIAST
MEDIUM SIZED MATURE – UPRIGHT LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE SEEDLINGS

This species is endemic to the Waterberg range in the Limpopo Province of South Africa.  Their habitat is dry and arid.  They grow on steep rocky slops, grasslands and savanna.  It is a small to medium sized species.  Leaf length generally does not exceed a meter and stems can get about four meters high.  Of the Transvaal (previous province within South Africa north of the Vaal River) species, this is the most common.  That being said, this species is still exceptionally rare and almost extinct in the wild. 

The leaves on this species can vary from a blue/green color, to a powdery silver and in some cases be an aquamarine.  Leaflets twist almost perpendicular to the petiole, giving them a ‘stacking’ appearance (like blinds).  In coastal and inland areas, this species prefers to be in the full sun, but can tolerate partial sun.  Cold tolerance is about 22 degrees F.
The seedlings on special are 18 month old with two leaves.  We rarely put them on special.


REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $125
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $85

Remember to mention this Blog Special for this discount at the time of purchase.

ZAMIA SPARTEA
A DWARF THIN LEAF CYCAD

TOLERATES SUN ALONG THE COAST
TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT SIZE

This species of Mexican cycad is quite unusual to see available because it has been neglected for so long because enthusiasts sought out the more broad leaf Zamia species.  Zamia spartea has extremely thin leaflets.  The leaf stems are mildly armed with small spines.  This is a dwarf cycad.  It lives in grassy areas and is difficult to spot in habitat becauseeit is camouflaged by the adjacent grass. It gets a cuadex about four inches in size with leaves three to four feet long.  They are green in color and leaf stems are prominently armed with spines.  In the ground and in cultivation, it will hold perhaps five leaves or more.  It cones at an age of about five to six years after germination.  Shown here are some citrus pot and coning sized plants.  These are about ten years old.  Note the male cones in the 5th photo of a nursery plant.  Cold tolerance of this species is into the twenties F.  Along the coast it can tolerate a fair amount of sun.  Inland areas would require sun protection. We have citrus pot plants with caudexes of about 3 inches that we’re putting on sale.

REGULAR PRICE THESE CITRUS POT PLANTS $300
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE POT AND CAUDEX $240

Remember:  Mention this Special when you purchase.  Easy to mail order.  Garden photo below by friend Joseph Perner from Australia.  It’s the plants in the background.

FARFUGIUM JAPONICUM VAR GIGANTEUM
GIANT LEOPARD LIGULARIA

YELLOW POLKA DOTS ON GREEN LEAVES
LARGE, LILY-LIKE LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL NICE 7 GALLON PLANTS

For years we’ve been selling the regular Ligularia but just got in a small number of the giant Leopard form.  This species has larger green leaves with yellow splotches.  It is native to Japan.  Plant height mature is about 2 feet.  If they get dry, the leaves will droop but respond quickly to water.  Blossoms are yellow in the Fall.  You have to keep snails away from them.  They’ll take full or part sun along the coast and want filtered light far inland.  Cold hardiness is into the mid-twenties or lower.  Ok for zone 7.

REGULAR PRICE 7 GALLON $100
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $85

ALSO ONE GALLON, TEN DAY SPECIAL $35

Remember:  Mention this Special at the time of purchase.  These can be mail ordered in a larger box.

FURCRAEA MACDOUGAL
THE TREE FURCREA

INTERESTING MEDIUM SIZED, SUN LOVING TREE
BLUE GREEN FOLIAGE – WATER CONSERVING
TEN DAY SPECIAL VERY NICE 15 GALLON SIZE

This species is a stunning member of the Agave family.  It is known as the tallest Agave and is native only to a small area Oaxaca, Mexico.  There it lives in hot, dry scrubland.  Overall height in the wild gets to twenty feet, although plants in cultivation often flower at a height of about ten feet.  Leaves are blue-green in color, very fleshy and stiff, and pointed upwards.  They are also thick and firm with small spines along their margins.  When old dead leaves are cleaned from the trunk, it is very cool looking.  When this species flowers, a huge upright flower up to twenty feet emerges.  Initially there are white flowers and these are followed by a large number of “bubils” that fall to the ground and are the means of propagation.  The mother plant then dies.  Cold tolerance from reports is about 22 degrees F.  It is a full sun plant.  The 15g plants on sale are ten years old.

REGULAR PRICE BAND OLD 15G PLANTS $200 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $170

We can mail order these 15g but it takes a very large box. 

ASSORTED VRIESEAS HYBRIDS
BY JOHN ARDEN
EXTREMELY RARE TROPICAL PLANTS

FILTERED LIGHT PLANTS
SPECTACULAR BLOSSOMS
TEN DAY SPECIAL ALL PLANTS SHOWN HERE

About a year ago I offered a good assortment of rare Vriesea hybrids done by the late John Arden.  John was a worldwide famous Bromeliad expert who lived in this area. His hybrid Bromeliads, especially the Vriesea hybrids, were coveted by many.  Through a friend, I am again able to offer some of his hybrids and, this time, at a discount.  Vrieseas are known not only for their interesting foliage but also for colorful  blossoms that protrude welll above the plant.  These would be fairly easy to email anywhere in the U.S.  Most Vrieseas want filtered light and are cold hardy into the mid to upper twenties F. 

REGULAR PRICE PLANTS SHOWN BELOW $65
TEN DAY SPECIAL PLANTS BELOW $55

This special only lasts ten days and I have several of the plants shown.  These will sell out quickly.  Any plant below could have sold out by the time your read this.

Vriesea amazing jade x evelyn

Vriesea California gold x V-400

Vriesea concerto x sunset

Vriesea hybrid John Arden

Vriesea hybrid John Arden 2

Vriesea inspiration

Vriesea mandy hybrid

Vriesea mandy x gradata x marcella

Vriesea maroon shadow hybrid

Vriesea maroon shadow x golden radiance

Vriesea melago negro x V brassicooides

Vriesea sensation x barbarosa

Vriesea sunburst

Vriesea van ackeri x fenestralis x concerto

SATURDAY, 26 SEPTEMBER, 2020

KENTIOPSIS OLIVIFORMIS
A GREAT CROWN SHAFTED PALM FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

I’ve discussed this great New Caledonian species before because it is such a good species for those of us in Southern California.  It comes from high elevation in its native habitat, is a good growing palm and can tolerate full sun easily along the coastal strip.  Its cold hardiness is down to about 23 degrees, better than the King Palm or Kentia Palm.  It has an average trunk diameter of eight to ten inches and a mature height of usually about thirty feet.  It can also be grown in part day sun or strong filtered light. 

Shown here is a nice 25g plant along with other sizes.  You’ll notice that the leaf color in the sun is blue-green in a way.  It is certainly not a lime green color.  Also, some new leaves may emerge with a hint of red color.  Growth rate is good.  We have a reasonable assortment of all sizes although our larger plants are almost sold out.  This species is highly recommended. 

DIOON SPINULOSUM

A CUSTOMER FAVORITE CYCAD
GREEN LEAVES, ELEGANT
LOTS OF SIZES TO CHOOSE FROM

Although you can’t tell from the photos here, this cycad species can get quite tall.  I’ve seen photos from habitat with what appears to be over 20 feet of trunk.  Dioon spinulosum is native to tropical areas in Mexico where it grows in limestone forests.  Trunks don’t get overly thick, typically 12 to 14 inches thick.  With age, this can be more.  Leaves are green and mildly armed.  Leaf length is about six feet.  My preference is to grow this species in filtered light.  Cold tolerance is into the mid twenties F.  Be aware, to get a foot or two of trunk can take a few decades.  At the nursery we usually have a good selection of this species from small to large.  Photos below shown some nursery plants as well as plants in gardens. 

COCONUT QUEEN PALM
DESIRABLE SYAGRUS HYBRID
ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL WHEN MATURE

SYAGRUS ROMANZOFFIANA X SCHIZOPHYLLA
BECOMING ESSENTIALLY UNAVAILABLE
TEN DAY SPECIAL LARGE BOXED PLANTS
This interesting hybrid originated in Thailand by a grower and propagator of rare palms.  It is a cross between the common Queen Palm and an unusual type of palm from the same genus, Syagrus schizophylla.  The offspring have proven to be quite beautiful and have good cold tolerance.  These will be a medium to large palm.  The trunk will be thinner than the normal Queen and the overall size will be less.  The attached photos of mature plants show how pretty it is.  Note that they do not resemble what we all know as the Queen Palm.  Some say they seem more to resemble a Coconut Palm. 

This is a very rare hybrid to come across.  They are essentially unavailable on the market and absolutely no small plants exist.  This is because there have been no seeds for going on ten years. We’re putting huge 24 inch boxes on sale.  They are about 12 feet tall in their box.  This hybrid likes full sun, is a medium rate grower and has a cold hardiness estimated to be in the low 20’s F.  

REGULAR PRICE 24 INCH BOX $750
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $650

This is probably one of the last times we’ll offer this rare hybrid for sale.  We have a few 24 inch boxes and a few 25g, both the same price. 

SUPER RARE HYBRID PINNATE PALM
NEW TO THE MARKET
(BUTIA X JUBAEA) X SYAGRUS

FANTASTIC HYBRID – VERY COLD HARDY
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE PLANTS

The hybrid I’m presenting today is a recent introduction to the market.  Most people are familiar with the Mule Palm – which is a hybrid of Butia with the Queen Palm with the Butia being the seed bearing parent.  The Mule Palm is cold hardy to about 17 degrees and can live in Tucson, AZ.  Butia x Jubaea is even more cold tolerant and takes temperatures down to about 15 to 16 degrees.  We routinely have both of these crosses available.

The hybrid offered below is between a Butia x Jubaea (seed bearer) and the Queen Palm – using pollen from the Queen Palm.  It will look very different and should have a cold tolerance of about 16 to 17 degrees.  We offered these at the end of last year and all sold out within about three days.  We are lucky enough to offer some more presently.

It’ll want full sun.  Before, I’ve only known of small one gallons available of this hybrid and for sale for about $150.  This is a chance to get a nice specimen in a squat 15g pot with a thick base for a great price.  But, we only have a few of them.  I can ship this size.

SALE PRICE THIS NEW HYBRID $300

Mention this Blog Only Special when you buy.  We only have a few of these plants.  The two garden photos below are shared from PalmTalk – unknown contributors.

HYOPHORBE VERSCHAFELTII
THE SPINDLE PALM

BULGING TRUNK ABOVE THE GROUND!
MUCH BETTER FOR CO CAL THAN THE BOTTLE PALM!
TEN DAY SPECIAL 25G SIZE

If you live in Southern California, the chances are 99% that a Bottle Palm (Hyophorbe lagenicaulis) will die in your garden or look really bad.  They don’t tolerate our winter’s cold.  But, if you live along the coast, the chances are 75% that you can successfully grow the Spindle Palm – plain and simple.  This species is more cold hardy than the Bottle Palm.  All our plants have been grown from seed at our nursery.  This species cannot be imported from FL because of Agriculture restrictions.  It does have the bulging trunk, but this bulge is central in the trunk, not at the base.  And, the Spindle Palm is easier to grow, gets taller and has a cigar shaped trunk that is super cool.  Mature height in 25 years is about 15 feet.  Peak height is about 20 feet in many decades.  The mature plants below are very old.  This species loves sun.  Cold hardiness is just below a freeze.  The 25 gallon size shown here are fantastic – very large for their pots with heights overhead. 

REGULAR PRICE 25G $550
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G $465

Just mention this Blog Special for your discount when you purchase

RAVENEA JULIETIAE
AN EXTREMELY RARE PALM FROM MADAGASCAR

THIN TRUNK, UPRIGHT ARCHING GREEN LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE 

This is a rather thin trunked, tall pinnate palm that is rarely seen and native to eastern Madagascar.  How I found out about this species has always made this species special to me.  About twenty-five years ago at a meeting in Florida, just before the book, Palms of Madagascar, was released, I met and talked to its authors, John Dransfield and Henk Benjtee, both of Kew Gardens in the U.K.  Both of these taxonomists and field researchers had heard about this unusual Ravenea species.  They drove for hours trying to get a look at it, always with no results.  Out of frustration, they stopped the car on a remote dirt road, got out the binoculars and started an intense scanning of the horizon, hoping for a glimpse of this yet to be described species.  With them was Henk’s wife, Julie.  In frustration, they were about to give up their search.  Then, Henk’s wife pointed to a large specimen just feet from the car and by the side of the road.  She said, “Maybe it’s this one”.  And, it was!  Right in front of them was the specimen they used to describe this species.  And, because of her “assistance”, it was named after Julie.

Trunk height is thirty feet with a diameter of only about six inches.  Leaves are recurved a bit and leaflets are widely spaced.  Leaf color is green.  We’ve found this species to be very slow growing.  Most would grow it in coastal sun or at least part day sun.  Cold tolerance is unknown but appears to be in at least the upper 20’s F.  This species is near impossible to find.

REGULAR PRICE 15G $250
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $215

Mature plant photos below by TS at RPS and friend Rolf Kyburz from Australia.  It will soon be near impossible to find rare Ravenea for sale.  We only have a couple of this species left.  Remember, it’s a dioecious species and you need both sexes to get seeds.  Importation of seeds is not happening any more.

RAVENEA GLAUCA
GREAT MADAGASCAR PALM – MEDIUM SIZED
THIN TRUNK

NOT TOO MANY LEFT
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G

Many folks like plants that don’t have a super thick trunk and don’t get too tall.  Such is the case with this species.  Ravenea glauca is native to Madagascar, has a thin six inch trunk and gets to a height of about 25 feet.  One of my favorite habitat photos is shown below with the red cliffs in the background.  How gorgeous is this species?  It is a full sun plant in most areas and cold hardy to the upper teens to low 20’s F. 

The 15g plants shown here are six feet or a bit more in height.  They’d be a challenge to mail order.  But, we do have smaller sizes for sale that are easy to ship.  Growth rate is pretty good.  It is a very durable plant and easy to grow.  New growers should consider this species.  Be aware we only have a few available.

REGULAR PRICE 15G $225
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G $190

Just mention this Blog Only Special to get your discount.
The last photo from Palmpedia is by an unknown author. 

MULE PALM
BUTIA X SYAGRUS (QUEEN PALM)

MEDIUM SIZE MATURE HYBRID PALM
SUPER COLD HARDY – TO ABOUT 16 DEGREES
TEN DAY SPECIAL SQUAT 15G SIZE

This popular inter-generic hybrid palm was probably first created by a man made cross of both parents about a hundred years ago.  It has been given a trade name of  “Butiagrus nabonnandii” but most people call it the Mule Palm.  The latter name is utilized because it’s been found on most specimens to have sterile fruit or no fruit at all.   Any seeds formed almost always won’t germinate to grow a new palm.  Butia capitata is a monoecious species.  This means that flower stocks have both male and female flowers.

To produce Mule Palm plants, it takes a tremendous amount of work to viable and true seeds.  On the seed producing Butia flowerstock, all the male flowers must be meticulously removed manually to prevent self-pollination by itself.  Only after this can the Queen pollen but put onto the receptive Butia blossoms.  This takes a lot of experience, effort and time.  This is one of the reasons this hybrid is so rare and usually pricey.

Mature height is up to thirty feet, much shorter than the Queen Palm.  But, cold hardiness is better than a Queen as well.  It’ll take temperatures down to about 16 degrees F. This species prefers a bright sun location and can be grown in the desert in full sun. 

On special are our squat 15g plants.  They are six to seven feet tall.  They are ready for planting.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON SIZE $350
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $275

Remember:  Mention this Blog Only Special at the time of purchase.

ROYSTONEA OLERACEA
THE SOUTH AMERICAN ROYAL PALM

TALL PINNATE PALM WITH LUSH GREEN FOLIAGE
LONG PROMINENT CROWN SHAFT
TEN DAY SPECIAL SEEDLINGS IN BANDS

This species of Royal Palm is native to the lower Caribbean Islands and northern South America.  References say it can reach heights of sixty feet but I’ve personally seen a grove of 100 year old trees in New Caledonia that surpass 100 feet.  They are fast growing, have green leaves, a prominent crown shaft and hold their leaves typically in the upper half of the leaf-crown sphere.  They want sun and are cold hardy to about 25 degrees F.  On sale are one year old band sized seedlings.

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $50TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $35

Easy to mail order.

GAUSSIA GOMEZ-POMPAE
BIGGER AND TALLER THAN GAUSSIA MAYA

PINNATE LEAVES, NO CROWN SHAFT
VERY RARE  – NEW TO CULTIVATION
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZED PLANTS

This is a fairly recently described single trunk pinnate palm is from southern Mexico.  There it lives among rugged outcroppings in mountainous areas.  Little is known about its domestic culture.  It gets to heights of over 30 feet with an 8 to 10 inch thick trunk.  It has a clean trunk and no crown shaft.  Leaves are green and fairly straight.  The mature photos below were taken in Miami, Florida where it seems to be doing fine.  I would anticipate that it wont’ take temperatures much below a freeze.  This is the first time I’ve offered it for sale.

TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $40

RHOPALOSTYLIS CHEESEMANII
MORE RARE SPECIES OF THIS GENUS

GORGEOUS CROWN SHAFT
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE

Of the Shaving Brush Palm family, this is the hardest one to find.  And, many think it’s the prettiest and most desirable species.  Some consider it to be a variety of R. baueri.  We like to consider it a species.  Native to Raoul Island, an island well off the eastern side of New Zealand, this species has a medium sized trunk and reaches a height of twenty five feet.  The crown shaft is gorgeous but not as swollen as R. sapida.  I have some customers who report the crown shaft being a purple color.  On younger plants, the leaf stems are red colored as shown here.  Cold tolerance is the low 20’s F.  It will take coastal sun or consider morning sun or strong filtered light inland.

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $50
TEN DAY SPECIAL $40 FOR A BAND

Just mention this Blog special for this discount.  In the second row below I’ve shown a 5g nursery plant.  We also have 15g size.  The band size is shown in the first three photos below.

ENCEPHALARTOS BUBALINUS
EXTREMELY RARE CENTRAL AFRICAN CYCAD

MEDIUM SIZE FROM TANZANIA
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS ACTUAL PLANT

This rare cycad is from northern Tanzania.  It is small to medium sized with trunks getting about four to six feet tall.  It has a tendency to sucker.  Leaves are green to gray-green and about five to six feet long.  Leaf stems may have tomentum and leaflets are typically cupped.  In terms of sun, along the coast it may tolerate full sun but half day sun might be easier.  In desert areas give it a small amount of sun or strong filtered light.  Cold hardiness appears to be in the mid-twenties F.  The plant on special is in a 15g pot and has a six inch caudex.  This is an extremely rare cycad to obtain.

REGULAR PRICE THIS PLANT $1200
SALES PRICE THIS ACTUAL PLANT $925

We can ship this plant.  Remember to mention this Special at the time of purchase.  The sale plant is shown in the first five photos.

SCHIZOLOBIUM PARAHYBA
THE BRAZILIAN FIRETREE OR FERN TREE

HORIZONTAL BRANCHES
SMALL LEAFLETS – PRODUCES MILD SHADE
EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO FIND
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON & 25G PLANTS

This tropical flowering tree is extremely popular but near impossible to find for sale.  We’ve not had it for several years but are offering it again today.  It is native to regions stretching from southern Mexico to South America.  It has a “snakeskin” smooth green trunk that is narrow to medium size in diameter, expanding with age.  Limbs are held in a typically horizontal position (like many tropical trees) and leaflets are green and small as shown below.  Beneath an overhead tree one gets very light shade – not dense.  Thus, it allows plants that have an intermediate need for light to thrive below.  It is fast growing and can get to well over 30 feet.  It wants full sun and will go deciduous if you see a freeze.  With this said, some have grown it in areas that see temperatures in the mid to upper 20’s F.  We’re offering two sizes on sale as shown.  These are summer transplants into these containers.  Both sizes are almost too big to ship.  The three garden photos below of large trees in order are by biogeodb.stri.si.edu, unknown author Flikr and Wikipedia.

15 GALLON REGULAR PRICE $185TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G SIZE $15025 GALLON REGULAR PRICE $295TEN DAY SPECIAL 25G SIZE $245

We have only limited numbers of this tree so don’t dally if you’ve been searching for one!

MUSA GRAN NAIN
PRODUCES EDIBLE BANANA

SEMI-DWARF SIZE – 6 TO 8 FEET
BEAUTIFUL LEAVES – SOME COLD HARDINESS
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

This species of Banana produces quickly large amounts of fruit.  It is of medium height, never too tall.  It makes clusters of yellow banana – the type you’ll see in many stores.  But, yours will taste better when they are right from the garden.  This plant wants full sun and can be grown in cooler areas that see a freeze.  If the leaves burn with cold, the plant usually comes back in spring.  We’ve been told folks in Zone 8 are growing this plant.  Note how attractive the leaves are.

SALE PRICE 5 GALLON SIZE $55

The photo of the bananas is by A-S.

AUSTRALIAN TREE FERN
CYATHEA COOPERI

FAST GROWING, CAN GET TALLER
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

The Australian Tree Fern in native to several areas on the eastern side of Australia.  It is a faster growing tree fern that can get to a height of over forty feet.  The two photos from my garden in San Diego show potential height.  I have several with twenty-five feet of trunk.  I’m about 8 miles from the ocean and they take my sun fairly well.  Trunks can get up to twelve inches thick although most are more thin.  This species is a bigger alternative to the Tasmanian Tree Fern and has a thicker trunk and longer leaves.  This species tolerates coastal sun or part day sun.  It is cold hardy into the upper twenties or lower.

REGULAR PRICE 5G $55 TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G $45

Mention this special when you purchase.  Mail order possible on this size.

FIRST 2 ROWS OF PHOTOS BELOW, ONE GALLON 3RD AND 4TH ROWS, FIVE GALLON

THURSDAY, 24 SEPTEMBER, 2020

BISMARCKIA NOBILIS
STUNNING BLUE FAN PALM FROM MADAGASCAR

LOTS OF PHOTOS OF THE SPECIES

Today I’m going to show you lots of pictures of one of my favorite palms, the desirable Bismarckia nobilis.  It is native to Madagascar.  It is a fan palm with a rather stout trunk of sixteen to about twenty-four inches in diameter.  Heights can reach over forty feet although it’s unclear how tall they will grow domestically in the U.S.  Leaves are blue in color as are the leaf stems.  Leaves are broad and essentially flat.  With cold weather and on juvenile plants, leaves can take on a purple color from winter’s cold.

Bismarckia love full hot sun.  It can be grown in desert areas.  Cold tolerance is down to the low 20’s F.  The pictures shown today are of assorted trees of varying heights.  I’ve tried to show plant detail that you’ll not find easily on the Internet.  Remember that this is a dioecious species with male and female trees.  One needs both a male and female palm with cross-pollination to set viable seeds.  The seeds shown here are maturing seeds on female plants.

I hope you like this species.  It looks best (in my opinion) planted as a single specimen.  I have shown a few pictures of plants at the nursery at the bottom. 

BURRETIOKENTIA KOGHIENSIS
RARE NEW CALEDONIAN PALM

WHITE CROWN SHAFT – NEW RED LEAF
TEN DAY SPECIAL NICE 15G PLANTS

Burretiokentia koghiensis is a fantastic single trunk palm from New Caledonia.  About 45 minutes out of Noumea (the capitol) is Mount Koghi.  This is the home habitat for this species.  It has a thin to medium trunk, a white crown shaft and gets to about 25 feet tall.  It’s very beautiful and does great in Southern California.  Most grow it in part day sun.  Cold tolerance is into the mid-twenties F. (sort of like a King Palm with tolerance of cold).  The plant below demonstrates how this species, like other New Caledonian palms, can throw a new red leaf.  The size I’m putting on sale are really nice 15g plants, about 8 to 9 years old.  You’ll not see locally grown plants of this species and size around at all.  And, never on sale.

REGULAR PRICE 15G $225
TEN DAY SPECIAL 25G $195

We only have a few of these, so don’t dally.  It’s a fabulous addition to any garden.  Mention this Special

TRITHRINAX ACANTHACOMA
AKA TRITHIRNAX BRASILIENSIS
SPINY TRUNK – MEDIUM HEIGHT FAN PALM

EASILY TOLERATES INTO THE TEENS F.
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G SIZE

This single trunk tropical fan palm is noted mostly for its spiny trunk.  The spines are long, randomly directed and almost needle sized.  It is native to South America and gets to a height of about twenty feet.  It likes full sun and is cold hardy into the mid-teens F.  Unlike Trithrinax campestris, the leaflet tips on this species are not sharp nor pointed.  It is a medium rate grower. 

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $195
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $155

Remember:  Mention this Special when you purchase.  The 15 gallon on sale are shown in the first four pictures below.  The fifth photo shows a close up of the trunk of an older nursery plant.

PHOENIX SYLVESTRIS
TALL PALM WITH BLUE-GREEN LEAVES

THE SILVER DATE PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G PLANTS

This species of Date Palm is from India and Pakistan and somewhat resembles the Canary Island Date Palm.  But, the trunk is much thinner, the crown is not as large and it is more rounded in shape.  Leaf color is blue-green.  Overall height can reach forty to fifty feet.  This is a sun species in all areas with a cold tolerance into the teens F.

We’re offering nice 15g plants on special as shown.  These might be a bit of a challenge to mail order but can be done.

REGULAR PRICE THIS SPECIES 15G $195
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $165

Just mention this Special to get the discount when purchasing,  Only a few available

LIVISTONA SARIBUS
LARGE, DARK & HOOKED SPINES

MEDIUM TO TALL FAN PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE

This medium to tall fan palm is native to southeast Asia.  It can get to heights of thirty-five feet or more.  It is an interesting palm that is easy to grow and has a very ornamental leaf with deep divisions of the segments.  Its segment almost make a complete circle.  Leaf color is green.  The spines on the petioles tend to be dark in color and dramatic, usually the thing most people remember most about this species.  It is a sun species and cold hardy into the mid-twenties at least.  The 15g size on sale are very large size.  One photo below shows the remarkable blue color to the seeds.  We also have available other sizes.  The sixth photo is by John Volk.

REGULAR PRICE 5G $95
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G $70

Just mention this Blog Special for this price when you purchase.  Please note the prominent spines on the leaf stems.

TRACHYCARPUS FORTUNEI
THE WINDMILL PALM

ONE OF THE MOST COLD HARDY PALMS
GOOD SIZED ONE GALLON ON TEN DAY SPECIAL

Trachyarpus fortunei is the most commonly available and commonly grown of the Windmill Palms.  It is of Chinese origin .  It is referred to as the Chinese Windmill Palm, the Windmill Palm, or the Chusan Palm.  Note how the term “Windmill Palm” can refer to this particular species or to the genus as a whole.   It is not uncommon to see it growing in colder areas of the United States, southern Europe, the Mediterranean and southern portions of Australia and Africa. 

Most specimens one will see are in the height range of ten to twenty feet.  However, the oldest of trees may reach forty feet height.  The actual trunk diameter is typically six to ten inches.  The leaves are typically about three feet in diameter and have variable division of the segments. Leaves are green on the upper side and below, but it is not uncommon for one can see a bit of blue discoloration to the underside of the leaf.  Distal leaf segments can flex downward toward the ground.  Shown here are nicely size nursery one gallons on special.   

REGULAR PRICE 1 GALLON $45
TEN DAY SPECIAL 1G $35

Remember to mention this Special when you purchase.

CHAMBEYRONIA HOOKERI
BEAUTIFUL NEW RED LEAVES

SINGLE TRUNK PALM FROM NEW CALEDONIA
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

Most of the palm enthusiasts that I’ve know love to see color in their palms.  And, most of you know that Chambeyronia throw new red leaves.  These leaves can sometimes be fire engine red, other times pink, and sometimes a dark black-red burgundy wine color.  This color lasts ten to twenty days and then turns green.  The color evolves through a red-brown, then brown-green and finally into a green color that you are used to seeing.  Both Chambeyronia macrocarpa and hookeri throw new red leaves.  We’re putting the more rare hookeri on sale today.  Remember that, with either species, one out of twenty plants you see (or buy) will not develop a red leaf.   That’s just the way it is and there is no way of predicting which will throw red other than seeing a red leaf on an individual plant.

This species will usually display the red leaf by a 5g size, but we’ve seen new red leaves in plants as small as one gallon size. Mature size of both species is 25 to 30 feet.  Right on the coast they’ll take full sun.  Far inland areas should grow it in filtered light or a bit of morning sun.  Cold hardiness is about 25 degrees F.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $100
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $85

Remember to mention this Special at the time of purchase.  The first garden photo is by TS at RPS.

CLINOSTIGMA SAVORYANUM
THE PACIFIC BEAUTY PALM

SECOND GENERATION FROM LOCAL TREE!
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON SIZE

This is a gorgeous and exotic crown shafted palm that many in our area can grow.  The plants we’re selling came from seeds from a locally and domestically grown specimen that flowered and set viable seeds.  Everyone loves this palm.  It is single trunk, crown-shafted species comes from Bonin Island near Japan.  It has been proven possible to grow this species in warmer areas of Southern California.  It is very exotic appearing with a prominent green crown shaft.  Interestingly, there are several species of Clinostigma that can be grown here.  But the savoryana is the best and easiest for us.  It can potentially get to a height of 30 feet or more and prefers a sunny location.  Cold tolerance is down to about a freeze. 
 
Clinostigma is a very exotic pinnate palm and would be one of the more exotic and unusual of palm types possible in this area.  Shown here are one gallon plants which we’re putting on special.   

REGULAR PRICE 1 GALLON $55
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE 1G PLANTS $47.50

Remember to mention this Special at the time of purchase.

DICTYOSPERMA ALBUM VAR RUBRUM
PRINCESS PALM, HURRICANE PALM

MEDIUM HEIGHT – CROWN SHAFT
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE

Native to the Mascarene Islands, this thin trunked, crown shafted palm gets to a height of about 25 feet.  This variety is called “rubrum” because of the red color that is present on the stems. It is a sun loving species and is being grown by many in Southern California.  Mature height is about 25 feet.  This is a coastal sun or part day sun species with a cold tolerance in the upper twenties F.  I’ve had one in my garden for years in San Diego.  We’re putting 5 gallon size on Special.  In the last row I’m showing photos of mature garden specimens.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $95
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $75

Just mention this Blog Special when ordering to get this price.

DYPSIS ONILAHENSIS
SINGLE TRUNK OR SUCKERING PALM

VERY POPULAR, EASY TO GROW
TEN DAY SPECIAL OLD 5 GALLON SIZE

This species is a suckering palm from Madagascar but can also be found as a single trunk specimen.  The crown shaft is often white or silver.  The plants we’re offering here appear to be the suckering form.  As a species, it has either flat or droopy leaves/leaflets and white to silver crown shafts.  Overall height is about twenty feet and trunk thickness is four to six inches.  It likes coastal part day sun, perhaps more, and is cold tolerant to the mid-twenties F.  The plants on sale are the 5g size with an age of about 5 years from seed. They tolerate full sun along the coast and are cold hardy into the twenties F.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $95
TEN DAY SPECIAL 1 GALLON $80

You must mention this Blog Special when purchasing

KENTIOPSIS PYRIFORMIS
SUPER RARE SINGLE TRUNK PINNATE PALM

NATIVE TO NEW CALEDONIA
THIN TRUNK – VERY ELEGANT
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE PLANTS

This is a single trunk, crown shafted pinnate palm native to New Caledonia.  Many feel it’s the prettiest species of this genus.  It gets to a height of about 40 feet or more and has a thin trunk.  Leaves are upright, green and arched.  They are keeled and green in color.  The crown shaft is a copper color, covered with a white wax.  It can be grown in some sun, depending on where you live.  It’s probably best to start it in bright filtered light and let it work its way into overhead sun.  Growth rate is good, comparable or faster than K. oliviformis.  Cold tolerance is down to about a freeze.

This is an extremely difficult species to find for sale nowadays.  I only have an excellent selection of band sized plants.  This is an extremely rare species and we rarely have them for sale.

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $55
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $45

Remember  to mention this Blog Special when you purchase to get this discount.  Photos of large plant below by TS at RPS.

CEROXYLON QUINDIUENSE
THE TALLEST PALM IN THE WORLD

NATIVE TO COLUMBIA AND NORTHERN PERU
FAIRLY COLD HARDY – HARD TO FIND SPECIES
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON PLANTS

This tall, fairly cold hardy palm is native to mountainous regions in Columbia and Peru.  It has been grown by many in colder areas including parts of the coastal San Francisco Bay Area.  It has a gray to white columnar trunk with upright green leaves that have a silver color to the underside.  Trunks show prominent rings and are covered with a waxy material that is used in foods in native localities.  Mature specimens in the wild have been reported to be almost 200 feet tall. 

Once established in the ground, it is not difficult to grow.  Getting it established can be a challenge.  It likes humidity and moisture and can tolerate temperatures into the upper teens F.  It prefers to start growing into filtered light and to work its way into full sun.

REGULAR PRICE ONE GALLON $55TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON $45

Remember to mention this Blog Only Special at the time of purchase to get your discounted price

CERATOZAMIA KUESTERIANA
SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED CYCAD

COLORFUL EMERGING NEW LEAVES
INLAND FILTERED LIGHT OR COASTAL SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT SIZE AS SHOWN

This attractive cycad comes from the Sierra Mountain Range in Mexico near Tamaulipas.  There is grows among overhead oak trees.  It is a small to medium sized plant, perhaps at most getting a four foot tall caudex.  Leaf length is four to five feet.  Leaflets are long and narrow, coming to a point.  Leaflet color is green.  But, newly emerging leaves are a brown-red as shown below.  With the 8th photo by Ian Edwards below, you can see how attractive a new swirl of leaves can be.  Petioles can be smooth or armed with small spines.

This is an easy to grow species.  It can take coastal full sun but inland demands filtered light.  Cold tolerance is to the low 20’s F.  This species is being grown in northern CA and in some other states where they see cooler weather.  I’m showing you two plants in citrus pots with new reddish-brown emerging leaves.  Caudex sizes are 3 to 3.5 inches.  Soil should be well draining in the garden.  This species also makes an attractive containerized patio plant. 

REGULAR PRICE THIS SIZE CITRUS POT $350
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SPECIES THIS SIZE $275.

Remember to mention this Special at the time of purchase to get this discounted price. 

ENCEPHALARTOS ARENARIUS – BLUE VARIETY
RARE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD

MEDIUM SIZE MATURE – LIKES COASTAL SUNSTUNNING BLUE TO BLUE-GREEN LEAVES TEN DAY SPECIAL TWO SIZES!

Encephalartos arenarius is from the coastal dunes and forest close to Alexandria in the Eastern Cape.  This species is small to medium in mature size.  Leaf length can range from one to two meters (i.e. three to six feet approximately) depending on cultivar and exposure to sun.  Like many of the Encephalartos from the Eastern Cape, this species is variable in color, size and leaf type.  E. arenarius can range in color from a dull green to a powdery white color (bearing a likeness to E. horridus).   The plants we are putting on special are the blue type.  To get this color they will want full sun or an ample amount of sun.  

It prefers a well draining soil.  Speed of growth of this cycad is good.  You could expect to have a nice garden sized plant from these plants in about five to seven years.  

We’re offering two sizes on sale:  One gallon and Two gallon.  The first four photos are of the one gallon plants followed by five photos of the two gallon size.  They all have multiple leaves with many starting to show the blue color.  Outdoors in full sun they develop more of the blue color.  These are easy to mail order.  I’m also showing gardens plant and one large nursery specimen below.

REGULAR PRICE THESE 1 GALLON $100
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE 1 GALLON $80

REGULAR PRICE 2 GALLON $125
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $100

Remember to mention this Blog Special for your discount when you order AND tell us which size you seek.  These are easy to mail order.
FIRST 4 PHOTOS BELOW 1G SIZE
NEXT 5 PHOTOS 2G SIZE

ENCEPHALARTOS MUCHII
BLUE TO BLUE-GREEN CYCAD

RARE AND VERY ATTRACTIVE CYCAD
TEN DAY SPECIAL GOOD 1 GALLON SIZE

Native to Mozambique, this small to medium sized cycad grows in scrub forest among rocks and boulders.  It is distinguished by its blue to blue-green color and by having leaflets that are prominently spiny.  In my experience, leaf color is sometimes very blue, other times blue-green.  You’ll sometimes hear the description as “soapy green” to describe the leaves.  Overall, the leaf color is variable and I’ve shown several photos here to demonstrate this.  I’ve seen specimens that are as blue as an Encephalartos horridus. 

Trunk size is usually under three feet.  Upright leaves are about four feet long or less.  Leaves are keeled and leaflets are lanceolate and spiny.  This species likes full sun and is cold tolerant into the low 20’s F.  The one gallon on sale are a good, strong one gallon plant.  They came from parents domestically that both had extreme blue color.  These can be mail ordered but not outside the U.S. 

REGULAR PRICE THESE 1G PLANTS $125 TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE PLANTS $95

Remember to mention this Blog Only Special at the time of purchase.

HAWAIIAN TI PLANTS 
GREAT COLOR FOR THE GARDEN
RED VARIETY AVAILABLE

TEN DAY SPECIAL 3 GALLON SIZE

 Cordyline fruiticosa Ti Plants are a great way to add color to the garden.  They easily acclimate to filtered light growing conditions in our area but can be solely acclimated to coastal sun.  Most don’t get much over six feet tall.  They have thin trunks and can take a freeze with some damage.  Severe cold will kill them.  Leaf color varies from pastels to reds to green and black.  We’ve found that the darker leaf and red varieties do better in our area. 

Shown below are a nice red variety.  At this time of year they are somewhat green but, in sun, pick up a lot more of the red color.  We’re putting them on sale. 

TEN DAY SPECIAL RED CORDYLINE TI $40

GREEN HAWAIIAN TI PLANTS
CORDYLINE FRUITICOSA GLAUCA

HARD TO FIND GREEN FORM OF TI PLANT
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON PLANTS

Frequently we advertise colorful Ti Plants for sale.  But, there is a plain green form.  Surprisingly, it is hard to find.  It’s the plant that hula dancers from Hawaii seek out.  They like filtered light and get to about five feet tall.  The 5 gallons as shown in the first six photos would make a fine addition to the garden or serve as a tropical patio plant.  These can be shipped.  Note that we only occasionally have them available.

TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE $55

ALOCASIA SARAWAKENSIS YUCATAN PRINCESS
GOOD SIZES AND BEAUTIFUL COMPANION PLANT

STRIKING LEAVES AND COLOR
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON PLANTS

Alocasia arer native to various Asian countries and eastern Australia.  This variety / hybrid is a good sized plant and can get up to eight feet tall.  It is new to our nursery and will develop strong upright leaf stems.  The leaves themselves are leathery and green in color.  The ventral veins are maroon colored.  It prefers a frost free environment and likes ample water.  It would like very bright filtered light and can tolerate a bit of direct sun, especially in the morning.  The last photo is c/o Scott Arboretum.

REGULAR PRICE ONE GALLON $25

TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $20

ALOCASIA SERENDIPITY
TEXTURED DARK GREEN LEAVES
GORGEOUS COMPANION PLANT

FILTERED LIGHT PLANT
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON PLANTS

This understory companion plant is a hybrid Alocasia that wants bright but indirect light.  It gets to about 5 to 6 feet tall.  In frost free areas it can be grown in the garden and makes a nice patio plant.  The leaves get about 3 feet long and are crinkled and textured in appearance.  They are dark green with maroon undersides.  Stems are also a reddish green.  The leaves have prominent veins.  Alocasia like adequate water.  It is a very different type of Alocasia.  The last row of photos show a larger nursery plant to demonstrate how it looks when bigger.

REGULAR PRICE ONE GALLON $25
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $20

ALOCASIA KUCHING MASK
NATIVE TO BORNEO

GOOD SIZED GREEN COMPANION PLANT
WANTS SOME COASTAL SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON SIZE

This species is native to area area of Kuching in Borneo, Indonesia.  It is a good sized green Alocasia with large leaves.  It can get to eight feet tall and has prominent white veins on the underside of the leaves.  Leaves are large and arrowhead shaped.  It is known to grow in zone 9 and wants some sun.  Right on the coast it can tolerate half or even full say sun.  Make sure to give it some room as it’s not a small Alocasia.  I have no garden photos presently to show on this species.

REGULAR PRICE ONE GALLON $25
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $20

MONDAY, 21 SEPTEMBER, 2020

ASTROCARYUM MEXICANUM
SINGLE TRUNK SPINY PALM

VERY RARE PALM TO FIND
SPINES ON TRUNKS AND STEMS

Astrocaryum is a genus of spiny palms that are native to areas extending from Mexico, down through Central America and into some Caribbean Islands.  Some are single trunk while others sucker.  Astrocaryum mexicanum is remarkable because it doesn’t get too tall and is probably the only species of the genus that can be grown in Southern California.  Trunks, leaf stalks, flower stalks and even the seed clusters can be spiny.  Leaves are green with some silver color to their undersides. 

The last row of pictures here shows how leaves are silver underneath and the entire plant can appear a silver-green.  It is very attractive and tropical appearing and almost impossible to find at a nursery.  When you get one, I’d recommend growing it in filtered light.  Mature height is typically under ten feet.  The first specimen shown has about ten feet of spiny trunk and would be considered very large for a garden.  The second plant is the last row is more typical of what you might see in a garden.  We occasionally have small plants for sale when we can get seeds to germinate.  But, they sell quickly and availability is sporadic.  Cold tolerance is probably just below a freeze.

JUBAEA CHILENSIS
FATTEST TRUNK OF ANY PALM
STATELY AND MAGNIFICENT SPECIES

TEN DAY SPECIAL GOOD SIZED 15G

I’m down to the last few of the large 15g that we’re offering for sale on this, the Chilean Wine Palm.  These plants are approaching ten years old from seed!  As most know, they are unbearably slow to grow and getting a nice plant as shown in the first four photos seems to take forever.  Try it yourself some day from seed.  You’ll know why it takes a decade to produce a nice sized Jubaea.  Interestingly enough, we ship a lot of this sized Chilean Wine Palms to people in colder states like Texas and South Carolina.  This size are not the biggest 15g we offer, but fairly old and very nice.  Typical basal trunk diameter is four to six inches on this batch.  I do have massive 15g that are 10 inches in diameter, but they cost more.  This size is an affordable size for people who want to save a lot of years of growing time.

Ultimate height can reach at least forty feet (in several decades) and trunk diameter up to four feet.  The leaf stems are unarmed.  Seeds are large and globular as shown here.  Cold hardiness in into the mid teens F.  It’s a sun species, even in the desert.

REGULAR PRICE 15G AS SHOWN $285
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $245

But, mention this Special to get your discount.  Note that we have limited numbers but should be able to get more if needed.  Mail order, in the pot with soil, totally possible but it’ll be a big and heavy box to ship.

PHOENIX RUPICOLA
THE CLIFF DATE PALM

MEDIUM SIZE -THINNER TRUNK THAN CANARY
FAIRLY COLD HARDY
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE

I don’t know if you’ve looked for this species, but the Cliff Date Palm is not so easy to find.  It is native to India and is about half the size of the Canary Island Palm in terms of trunk diameter and mature height.  Also, the crown is much smaller.  It is an armed species and has other characteristics of Phoenix like the induplicate leaflets (water held “in” – V shaped ).  But, many think this is the prettiest of all the Date Palms.  It typically gets fifteen to twenty-five feet tall.  The leaves are very pretty and green.  The crown is not overly large.  Leaves curve downwards.  Growth rate is medium, it tolerates full sun and is cold hardy into the mid-twenties or lower.  Shown here are our 15 gallon size which we are putting on sale.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $195
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON $170

Remember to mention this Special for this discount.  The isolated palm in the last row is from Balboa Park, San Diego.

CHAMAEDOREA TEPEJILOTE
SINGLE TRUNK, TALL 
SHADE-LOVING PINNATE PALM

DARK GREEN RINGED TRUNK
OFTEN GROWN AS A “MULTIPLE”
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE

This single trunk pinnate palm is native to areas extending from southern Mexico down to Columbia.  They are often grown for food as the male blossoms are cooked and eaten as a delicacy.  This species doesn’t take sun here – it’ll burn.  But, in shade it thrives in temperatures down to the mid-twenties F.  It is quick growing and has a rather thick, prominently ringed dark green trunk.  Flowers are quite prominent and, if you have several plants closely situated, the chances are you’ll obtain fruit without even trying.  The last photo shows a flower with green fruit.  This species can also be grown inside the home as long as the air is not too hot and dry.  I personally like the looks of a collection of several plants grown together.  Over time, as they age and get overhead, there will be some “stair-stepping” of the crowns and this is quite attractive.  Cold tolerance is into the mid-twenties F.  It needs filtered light, even when tall.  We have singles and some multiples of our 5g that are on sale.

REGULAR PRICE 5G $95
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $75

Just mention this Special for your discount.  The last photo below is c/o TS at RPS

BRAHEA MOOREI AVAILABLE
THE DWARF ROCK PALM

SUPER RARE – SOUGHT AFTER MEXICAN FAN PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON SIZE

Shown below are 2 year old juvenile seelings of the super rare and hard to find Brahea moorei.  The seeds for these plants came from a fruiting tree in San Diego County.  They were very slow to germinate and these seedlings are 24 months old.   We’re putting them on sale.  Some are on their fifth or sixth leaf.OME ARE O

This is a very small, dwarf species with overall height of four to six feet.  Leaves are near fully circular with deeply divided segments.  The underside of the leaves are brilliantly white and often you’ll see a white color on the dorsal segment margins.  The garden specimens are c/o PalmPedia (C.W.) and PACSOA.  Culturally, you can grow this in strong filtered light, part day sun or possibly full sun along the coast.  Cold hardiness is into the low 20’s F.  It is very slow growing.

REGULAR PRICE ONE GALLON $65
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON SIZE $50

BUTIA PARAGUAYENSIS
BLUE-GREEN BUTIA FROM SOUTH AMERICA

ARCHING LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL SEEDLING SIZE


This species is interesting because, in the wild, it is known as a dwarf species that forms minimal trunk.  But, when it is grown domestically, it forms a trunk about the size of Butia capitata.  It, as you’d guess, comes from Paraguay, with habitat extending into Brazil and northern Argentina.  The color is a blue-green, not as silver as Butia capitata.  The leaves are strongly arched as shown.  It is a full sun plant with cold hardiness into the teens F.  We haven’t had them available for a few years.  We are now offering band size four-five leaf seedlings.  Culture includes full sun and good draining soil.  Cold hardiness is into the teens F.  I am also showing a photo of a 15g plant from the nursery that is no longer available.   The habitat photo is by TS at RPS

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $50
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE SEEDLINGS $40

SABAL ETONIA
DWARF SABAL SPECIES FROM FLORIDA

NEVER OVER SIX TO EIGHT FEET TALL
MINIMAL TRUNK – DIVIDED FAN LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE SEEDLINGS

This dwarf species of Sabal is different than the more commonly seen Sabal Palmetto.  It is native to Florida, stretching from the Panhandle down through the peninsula.  It forms minimal trunk – one to two meters at most.  Leaves are green and have divided segments.  Growth rate is slow.  Cold tolerance is into the teens F. and they take full sun.  They are very difficult to find for sale.  These are seedling plants, about two years old.  We’re putting them on Special.

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $45
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $35

Mention this Special for your discount.  The garden photo is from Fairchild Botanical Garden c/o PalmPedia.

CHAMAEDOREA TRUNKING RADICALIS
QUICK GROWING, SINGLE STEM

FAIRLY COLD HARDY – TOLERATE SUN
LARGE FIVE GALLON SIZE – TEN DAY SPECIAL

TAs many of you may know, Chamaedorea radicalis is from Mexico.  The classic dwarf form only gets three to four feet tall.  The trunking form shown here easily can reach eight to ten feet.  Both are single trunk palms.  Both can tolerate a large amount of sun and some are growing them in full sun close to the ocean.  The trunking form is a very fast growing plant.  It has more narrow leaflets compared to the dwarf form.  Both have long male and female blossoms that are oriented upwards off the trunk.  On the dwarf form the blossoms often tower above the foliage.  Cold tolerance is into the upper teens F.  Shown below are singles in the 5g size.  We’re putting this on sale.  The 5^th photo below shows a large plant at the nursery to demonstrate how they’ll look when larger.  Note:  We have limited numbers available with this sale.  Also some are just too tall to easily ship by mail order.

REGULAR PRICE 5g $95
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5g SIZE $80
Remember to mention this Special for your discount when you purchase.  Mail order possible.

RHAPIS EXCELSA
THE LADY PALM 
ONE OF THE BEST INTERIOR PALMS

ALSO GREAT UNDERSTORY GARDEN PLANT
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON PLANTS

We have grown these plants from seeds.  They are about 3-4 years old.  Rhapis excelsa is native to Asia and typically doesn’t get much over 8 feet tall in a pot.  They do great in shady locations of the garden or inside the home.  They are a very nice patio plant.  Cold hardiness is about 20 degrees F.  They want low dose fertilizer.  Too much fertilizer will burn them.  The plants on special would be easy to ship.  I’ve also shown some garden specimens below.  The last photo shows a larger 20 year old 25 gallon at the nursery.  We have a good selection of these larger specimens.

REGULAR PRICE THESE ONE GALLON $55
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $45

Important:  Mention this Blog Only Offering for this price when you purchase.

DYPSIS AMPASINDAVA
SPECTACULAR TALL, CROWN SHAFTED PALM

NATIVE TO MADAGASCAR AND NOSY BE ISLAND
ANOTHER UNBELIEVABLY RARE SPECIES
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

This super rare palm is often described as unbelievably beautiful and spectacular.  Also, it is essentially unknown in cultivation.  It is a tristichous palm with the leaves held in three planes or “ranks”.  Leaves are green with drooping leaflets.  Mature height is 40 feet or more and it has a long, smooth green crown shaft.  Some have said this palm is the same as Dypsis nauseosa above, but mature plants appear totally different to me.  We only have a couple of these available and this is the first time we’ve offered them in years. 

From a cultural point of view, figure it wants to see some sun or perhaps grow into the sun from partial sunlight.  Cold tolerance is not well known at this time.  But, these plants came from a private collection where near freezing temperatures were seen.

TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE 5 GALLONS $100

The two mature plant photos below are c/o Palmpedia with unknown photographer.

DYPSIS ALBOFARINOSA
CLUMPING MADAGASCAR PALM
WHITE CROWN SHAFTS – VERY RARE

PLANTS SHOWN HERE FROM DOMESTIC SEEDS
TEN DAY SPECIAL 1G SIZE

This clumping medium sized palm is native to Madagascar.  It has previously been called “Dypsis species white petiole”.  It was formally described by Don Hodel about fifteen years ago.  It is most closely related to Dypsis baronii and known for its prominently white crown shafts.  Leaves are drooping with rather fine leaflets.  Trunks average about two inches diameter.  Plant height is a maximum of approximately fifteen feet. It can be grown in full coastal sun but should be allowed to grow up and into the sun.  So, starting in bright filtered light is best.  Exact cold hardiness is uncertain but most likely in the mid-twenties F. range.  I am putting one gallons on a Ten Day Special.  These are from domestic seeds and about 3 years old.

REGULAR PRICE 1G $60
TEN DAY SPECIAL 1G $50

Mention this Special for your discount at the time of purchase.  These can easily be mail ordered.  The last three garden photos are by AL PACSOA

DYPSIS DECARYI
THE TRIANGLE PALM

MEDIUM MATURE HEIGHT
THREE SIDED CROWN SHAFT WITH COLOR
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE

This Madagascar palm is known as the “Triangle Palm” because the crown shaft has three flat sides.  This crown shaft has multiple colors including purple, silver and black.  It gets to a mature height of about 22 feet in 3 decades.  It loves heat and sun.  Leaves are a gray-green color and there is prominent speckling in the inner crown with dark colors.  It is slow growing.  It has a cold tolerance of about 24 degrees F.  The band size on special are healthy and near ready for repotting.  These are easy to mail order,  They are about ready to repot into a larger container.

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $50
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $37.50

Remember to mention this Blog Special at the time of purchase.

ENCEPHALARTOS CERINUS
DWARF SOUTH AFRICAN SPECIES

VERY SMALL CYCAD
GRAY-GREEN LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE

This rare dwarf species of South African cycad is quite petite and never gets over four feet tall.  Leaves are gray-green to sea foam green and about three feet long.  A mature caudex is six to eight inches.  Thi species likes sun and is cold hardy to the low 20’s F.  This is a rare and sought out species and never inexpensive.  We are putting older band size plants (not one leafers) on sale.  We do have an assortment of sizes available.

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $85
TEN DAY SPECIAL BANDS $70

Just remember to mention this Blog Special for your discount when you purchase.

ENCEPHALARTOS LEHMANNII
A BLUE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD

NO SPINES ON THE LEAFLETS
TEN DAY SPECIAL NICE ONE GALLON SIZE

This is a popular blue cycad from the Eastern Cape area of South Africa.  Leaflets are without spines except at the tip.  They are also thin leaflets, blue in color.  The leaves and crown are very neat and uniform.  The nearest species to this one is Encephalartos princeps.  Trunks can get to five feet, but one with two to three feet of trunk is very old.  Leaves average about four feet long and are sometimes strongly curled.  Leaf color in sun is intensely blue like E. horridus.  But, you’ll only see this color with full, hot sun.  Cold hardiness is about 21 to 22 degrees F.  In the desert only give it a few hours sun.  Next to Encephalartos horridus, this is the second most popular cycad we grow.

Shown below are good sized one gallon plants we’re putting on special.  They have at least four leaves which are getting pretty long.  These are a piece of cake to ship, but only within the U.S.

REGULAR PRICE ONE GALLON $100
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $80

Remember to mention this Special to get this price when purchasing.

ANGEL WING BEGONIA
RED FOLIAGE
PINK FLOWERS

NICE COMPANION PLANT
TEN DAY SPECIAL PRETTY 5G SIZE

There are many types of Begonias used as companion plants in the garden.  This particular variety is one of our favorites because the backs of the foliage are red and the blossoms (present now) are super pink.  It likes filtered light, sometimes will take full sun and is very durable.  It tolerates a freeze and uses average water.  Right now these are on special.  But the way, you can prune them to give a fuller, more low profile plant.  These plants have pink blossoms with red backs to the leaves.  The last photo shows landscape using a white variety of Begonia.

REGULAR PRICE 5G $55
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G $40

Mention this Special for your discount

PINK CLUSTERING NEOROGELIA
UNUSUAL SEMI-PETITE PINK COMPANION PLANT

FIRST TIME WE’VE HAD THIS VARIETY
TEN DAY SPECIAL CLUSTERS OF ABOUT  8 TO 10 HEADS

On this past Friday we got in about eight of a new Bromeliad – a vibrantly pink clustering and full Neorogelia.  This is a brand new plant for our Nursery.  We started selling them the next day.  I was excited about these plants and wrote this on Saturday morning.  But, by the afternoon they were all gone.  We plan to get in more this week so no to worry.  They are a low profile Bromeliad with heads that are about 6 or 7 inches across.  They want good filtered light.  They are in 8 inch pots.

TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE BROMELIADS $55

FRIDAY, 18 SEPTEMBER, 2020

MULE PALMS
BUTIA CAPITATA X SYAGRUS (QUEEN PALM)

15 AND 25 GALLON PLANTS AVAILABLE
MEDIUM HEIGHT – SUPER COLD HARDY!

We have available 15g and 25g Mule Palms as shown below.  For those who don’t know, this amazing hybrid doesn’t look like either parent.  To make the Mule Palm, the seed bearing parent has to be the Butia capitata.  The pollen donor is the Queen Palm.  The reverse doesn’t produce a palm anything close to the Mule Palm.  

They are remarkable because they are supper attractive.  Some say they have a resemblance to a Coconut.  They also usually just get to 25 feet – compared to the 60 foot height of the Queen.  And, they are very cold hardy – down to about 16 degrees.  I’ve got a customer in Tucson, AZ that can’t grow Queen Palms b/c they freeze in the winter.  Our Mule Palms thrive there.  This hybrid tolerates desert sun.  And, they don’t make any fruit to mess up your pool!  This is why they are called the “Mule” Palm.  What a combination of good qualities!

The plants shown below are too large for standard mail order but can be delivered.  They are lush and gorgeous.  This is a difficult palm to find.

ALOCASIA CAL-ODORA
THE MINIATURE ELEPHANT EAR

NEVER OVER ABOUT FOUR FEET TALL

Customers often shy away from the regular Elephant Ear Alocasia because of it’s potential size of up to eight feet with huge leaves.  There is even one species that gets super tall and almost takes over the garden.  But, what I’m showing you here (Alocasia Cal-Odora) is a true dwarf with plants that never get much above your knees.  The leaves are a foot wide and color is green.  They are an ideal plant where you want a low profile companion plant to cover the garden floor.

This species can take full coastal sun or part day sun and filtered light in all areas.  They do like and respond to water.  We sell a ton of these but do have limited supplies of five and fifteen gallon plants.  We often put them on sale for reduced prices.  When people see how they perform they often come back for more.

The last two photos shown plants of this species at our nursery.  From time to time we do put this species on special.  Also, we offer super unusual and different types of Alocasia, so if you are a tropical plant freak, come and see us. 

DYPSIS LEPTOCHEILOS
THE TEDDY BEAR PALM

RUST COLORED CROWN SHAFT
THIN SILVER RINGED TRUNK
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

This great palm from Madagascar is known for its rusty-brown/red crown shaft that is quite fuzzy to the touch.  It therefore has its common name of the Teddy Bear Palm.  It is not a huge palm, usually getting up to about twenty-five feet with a six inch thick trunk.  Trunk color is silver with prominent rings.  Leaf color is green.  Right on the coast it takes full sun easily.  Far inland would require part day sun or filtered light.  Cold tolerance is down to about 25 degrees F.  This is one of the most popular palms around.  I’m offering our 5 gallon plants that were repotted this summer.  They are nicely sized but would like to grow for a while in their present containers. 

TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $95
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $75

Just mention this Blog Special to get the discount at time of purchase.

HYOPHORBE INDICA
A BEAUTIFUL MEDIUM SIZED PALM

THIN TRUNK, BEAUTIFUL LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

This species of medium sized palm from Reunion Island has been grown by many successfully in Southern CA.  It doesn’t get too tall (about 20 ft), likes full sun and tolerates temperatures into the mid 20’s F.  When young some varieties show a red-brown color to the stem and base.  In addition to not being very large in height, it also has a rather thin trunk as you can see below.  It is pinnate and crown shafted.  It is also a quick grower. 

Shown here are some nicely sized 5g plants that were repotted this summer.  Trunk size mature will be thin, perhaps six to eight inches.  This species prefers heat and sun along the coast.  Of note, this species is in the same family as Hyophorbe verschafeltii, the Spindle Palm and Hyophorbe lagenicaulis, the Bottle Palm (both of which we also offer for sale).  But, H. indica is more cold hardy than either of these species.  The 5g on sale below are summer repots.  The last photo shows a nursery plant in a 35 gallon pot.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON SIZE $95
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $70 

Remember to mention this Blog Special at the time of purchase.

ARENGA ENGLERI
THE DWARF SUGAR PALM

SEMI-DWARF SUCKERING PALMVERY COLD HARDY TEN DAY SPECIAL FIVE GALLON SIZE

This interesting Asian species rarely gets over ten feet tall, suckers, has Caryota type leaflets with jagged ends and is silver on the underside of the leaflets.  Its blossoms are super fragrant (a nice treat).  It takes sun or shade in coastal areas and is cold hardy into the upper teens F.  On sale are nice 5 gallon plants (first six photos).  Also shown below are larger nursery plants.

REGULAR PRICE BAND 5 GALLON $95
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE $75

But, mention this Special to get this price.  Easy to mail order.

ARCHONTOPHOENIX MAXIMA
LARGEST OF THE KING PALMS

NEWLY EMERGING RED LEAVES
FAIRLY TALL CROWN SHAFTED PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE 

By popular demand I have put this great palm on special.  This is the largest of the King Palm family.  It got its name “maxima” by the flower size, but most have found it to be an aggressive grower, have a larger trunk and get taller than the other species of King Palms. Mature heights can read 60 to 80 feet.  Compare this to the height of the common King Palm at about 40 to 50 feet.  It does have silver on the underside of the leaves.  The crown shaft is sort of a yellow, sometimes blue color. 

It is a quick growing pinnate palm native to Australia.  It’s rare to see them available and also hard to find good photos of this species.  Of note, as you see on one photo below, the newly emerging leaf is red.  I wish to thank L.N. below for his picture of a mature tree.  The plants I’m putting on special are 5 gallon size.  Most are multiples and the one shown below is a double with two plants in the pot.  In the last row of photos, I’m showing two 15 gallon plants, but they are not on special right now.

REGULAR PRICE BAND $95
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $75

Remember:  Mention this Special for your discount.

CHAMAEDOREA BENZEI RARE SINGLE TRUNK CHAMAEDOREA
LIKE C. RADICALIS ON STEROIDS!

NEAR IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND
5 GALLON SIZE NOW AVAILABLE TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE

I have not shown this species that often because it’s rarely available and very difficult to find.  It is native to Mexico at high elevations near Chiapas.  It is a single trunk, understory palm that has sort of a thick trunk up to 1.5 or 2 inches.  The flowers are reminiscent of Chamaedorea radicalis as they shoot high into the foliage.  Its overall appearance is also similar to the trunking radicalis but with bigger leaves, wider leaflets and a thicker trunk.  It gets up to about 10 to 15 feet.

It grows in filtered light and seems to be cold hardy into the mid-twenties at least.  We have a limited number of 5 gallons available (first five photos).   Some pots have two plants per pot – so there’s a chance to set some seeds.  These can be mail ordered.  I’m also putting them on special.  Please appreciate that this is a super rare species and is seldom offered for sale.  Note that the photos below show several larger plants from the nursery.

REGULAR PRICE 5G $100
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G $85

Remember: Mention this Special for your discount.  Can be shipped.  

TRITHRINAX CAMPESTRIS
BLUE, SUCKERING FAN PALM
VERY COLD HARDY

LIMITED NUMBER OLD SUCKERING 5G
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

This South American suckering fan palm comes from Argentina and Uruguay.  From these locations, you might suspect it could have quite a bit of cold hardiness, and this is the case with not only this species of Trithrinax, but of the genus as a whole.  Availability of seeds of this species has been sparse to nonexistent.  And, as a young plant, it is quite slow growing.  Consequently, to get a good sized container plant can take a decade or more.  We were fortunate to offer some very nice 5g plants as shown below.  I’d estimate their age at 7 years.  They are dividing and very chunky at the base.  They are totally acclimated to full hot sun and are intensely blue.  This is a perfect selection for someone who lives in an interior area with lots of heat.

Overall height of this species is up to twenty feet.  Multiple stems are produced, but usually the number is just several.  Leaves are small, typically about two feet wide.  The segments of the leaves are pointed and sharp.  Trunks retain old leaf bases but, like Washingtonia, eventually fall off.  This is a drought tolerant species and can take temperatures well into the 100’s F. and cold tolerance is into the teens.  Of note, most specimens I’ve seen are blue.  The last two photos show a mature plant that is blue-green in color, probably due to the fact that it’s not getting full sun.

REGULAR PRICE 5G THIS SPECIES $100
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $85

But, remember to mention this special when purchasing to get this price.

SERENOA REPENS
THE SAW PALMETTO

SEMI-DWARF FAN PALM
GREEN TO BLUE LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE

This semi-dwarf fan palm is a suckering palm native to the SE portion of the United States.  Typical heights are about six to seven feet although there are plants to ten feet.  Leaf color is more commonly green.  However, there are sought after blue clones of the suckering palm.  Leaves are small, typically two to three feet across.  Leaf stems are armed.  It is a full sun palm with a cold tolerance into the upper teens F.

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $45
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $37.50

Just mention this Special for your discount when you purchase.

BRAHEA ELEGANS
THE FRANCESHI PALM

MEDIUM SIZE MATURE
CAN BE GROWN IN FILTERED LIGHT
TEN DAY SPECIAL 1G SIZE

You don’t see this species offered that often.  It is native to the Pacific coastal mountains from Central Mexico down to Guatemala.  It has circular leaves that tend to be flat and a very glossy green on the upper side.  The underside of the leaves can be a bit silver.  Trunk diameter is a pleasant 12 inches and specimens can reach 30 feet of height after many decades.  Regarding culture, it is not quite as cold hardy as other Brahea species like armata, clara and decumbens.  I’d suspect it may go into the upper teens F.  It is more tolerant of moisture and can be grown in filtered light if there’s good drainage.  In the latter conditions the leaves are large, flat and shiny.  They sort of look like a Licuala leaf.We just got in a limited number of nice 1g plants.  They are easy to ship.

REGULAR PRICE 1G $55
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $45

You must mention this Blog Only Special to get this price when you purchase

CHAMAEDOREA MICROSPADIX
SEMI-DWARF SUCKERING BAMBOO PALM

COLD HARDY – NEVER OVER EIGHT FEET TALL
TEN DAY SPECIAL 2 GALLON SIZE

This suckering Chamaedorea has very thin canes, somewhat wide leaflets, green leaves and an overall small to medium size.  Mature plants are rarely over 8 feet tall.  Often leaves can have an iridescent sheen and sometimes are glaucous on the back side.  This species wants filtered light and is cold hardy into the upper teens F.  The 2 gallon on sale are nicely sized and suckering already.  They are equivalent to a 5 gallon plant.

REGULAR PRICE 2 GALLON $65SALE PRICE THIS SIZE $55

Remember to mention this Blog Only Special at the time of purchase.  These can be mail ordered.  The plants on special are shown in the first two rows of photos.  The last row shows a 15g at the nursery.

RARE CYCAS SPECIES
ALL OLD FOR CONTAINER SIZE

THESE PLANTS CAN BE MAIL ORDERED
DIFFICULT TO FIND SPECIES
TEN DAY SPECIAL ALL OUR OUR RARE CYCAS SPECIES

Below you will see an assortment of six unusual Cycas species of cycads that we photographed recently.  These have all been seed grown at our nursery.  Estimated ages are eight to twelve years.  They were not repotted so most are large caudexes for their pots and didn’t grow to their potential.  All need to go into the ground or be repotted.  All these plants have seen a freeze or colder at our nursery and are doing fine. 

Cycas is a genus of Old World plants native to areas stretching from China southwards through Asia, into Australia, surrounding areas and west over to Africa.  There’s even one native to Madagascar.  In general plants are larger than the Ceratozamia.  There are over one hundred species in this genus.  The common Sago Palm, Cycas revoluta, is a member of this group of cycads.  Most species have a cylindrical trunk with leaves emerging from the top.  The leaves of most are green in color although there are some difficult to grow blue species.  There’s even some species (see below) that are quite different and have branching leaves, much like the Fishtail Palms.  As a group, Cycas are fast growing and range in height from head level to way overhead.  

TEN DAY SPECIAL ANY RARE CYCAS IN STOCK –
20% DISCOUNT OFF OF REGULAR PRICE

All of the plants shown below are a shippable size.  We have many more rare Cycas than shown here

Cycas campestris
Citrus pot size

Cycas clivicola var lutea
Citrus pot size

Cycas loei
AKA Cycas petraea
5 gallon

Cycas pectinata
15 gallon

Cycas species no spines
Unknown species
Citrus pot

Cycas tansachana
Citrus pot

CYCAS PANZHIHUAENSIS
RARE GREEN CHINESE CYCAD
EXCELLENT COLD HARDINESS

MEDIUM SIZE MATURE
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON PLANTS

This is a rare green cycad from China.  It is different than the Sago Palm – smaller and, to me, more attractive.  Leaf color is green to blue green.  It tolerates coastal sun and is cold hardy into the upper teens F.  Some feel it’s one of the most cold hardy cycads in the world – even better than the Sago Palm.  Mature height should be about eight feet.  They can sucker, but much less than the Sago.  Leaflets are narrow without armor except on the tips (pointed).  

The 15 gallon plants shown have caudexes in the four to five inch range.  We also have larger and smaller plants for sale.  The special is for the size shown (as cycads are sold by caudex size, not pot size).

REGULAR PRICE THIS SIZE CAUDEX $450
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $350

This size can be shipped or delivered.  Remember, mention this Special when you purchase

MACROZAMIA MOOREI
LARGER COLD HARDY CYCAD

A CYCAD THAT EVENTUALLY LOOKS LIKE A PALM TREE
TEN DAY SPECIAL NICE 5 GALLON PLANTS

This larger cycad is native to Queensland, Australia.  Over many decades, it establishes a thick trunk and can get ten to twenty feet tall.  It is recognizable because of its long, curved and keeled leaves (V shaped in cross section).  Other species like M. johnsoni and communis have much flatter leaves.  The nursery plant shown here is in a 5 gallon pot and is about eight years old.  The caudex size is about three inches.  You’ll notice the keeled leaves on the photos.  It wants full sun.  It might even work in some sun in the desert.  Cold hardiness is into the upper teens F.  We have a whole assortment of sizes of this species.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON OF THIS SIZE $185
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON THIS SIZE $150

This size is easy to ship.  Mention this Special to get this price when purchasing.

HIBISCUS MIDNIGHT
RED BLOSSOM

RARE VARIETY
TEN DAY SPECIAL FLOWERING ONE GALLON

As a nursery, we’re not a specialty Hibiscus grower.  But, I’ve always loved these plants.  Even older species, around for quite a while, add color and charm to the garden.  And, newer varieties are amazing.  The reason we backed off from Hibiscus is that they attract white fly problems.  This was especially present a decade ago but has become less of a problem nowadays.  So, we are growing some cool varieties presently.  Most are from cuttings from collections of desirable plants.  The one on sale here has large red (touch of pink) blossoms.  They are fully rooted.

TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON $30

ASPERAGUS FERN MYERI
ASPARAGUS DENSIFLORUS “MEYERS”
THE FOXTAIL FERN

CLUMPER – NOT RUNNER!
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE 

This evergreen fern is native to South Africa and only gets about one to two feet tall and three to four feet wide.  It doesn’t run or take over the garden – it stays as a smaller clump.  It has tight, fluffy green leaves as shown here.  When I planted out my garden 40 years ago, I didn’t know the difference.  I planted Asparagus Fern sprengeri.  What a mistake!  It takes over.  But, the one shown here doesn’t run or monopolize an area.  It remains a nice little clump.  It’s really cute, cold hardy to 20 degrees F. and easy to grow.  It likes filtered light or sun along the coast and wants average water.  The last photo taken by GCIII.  

REGULAR PRICE 5G $45
TEN DAY SPECIAL $35

Remember:  Mention this Special for your discount.  Garden photo c/o K.G.III.

NEOROGELIA – RED SPECKLED
RED AND GREEN COLORED BROMELIAD

GREAT PART DAY SUN COMPANION PLANT
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE

These attractive Bromeliads offer a nice speckled combination of red and green and are easy to grow.  Our nursery is close to the Ocean and we grow them in full sun.  If you are inland, try part day sun.  They pup freely and are low maintenance.  They’ll take temperatures into the upper 20’s F. if you give them the right care.

REGULAR PRICE THIS SIZE $45
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $37.50
Remember:  Mention this Blog Only Discount for this reduced price when you purchase.

WEDNESDAY, 16 SEPTEMBER, 2020    

POTTING UP A NEW PALM SEEDLING
PHOTOGRAPHS SHOWING TECHNIQUE –
VEITCHIA SEEDLINGS

If you follow the techniques given in the article above, you will end up having seedlings that will need repotting into a growing container.  Shown here are some vigorous Veitchia seedlings that were germinated in a flat.  Flats are not our favorite for germinating (are not deep containers) but, for conservation of space, was what we used for these seeds.  You can see in the first two photos that these are well developed with about two or three leaves.  We prefer to have several leaves before we repot seedlings.

Photographs three to five show the seedlings after they’ve been removed from the germinating flat.  Care was taken to remove and small but complete section of the seedling’s roots.  Note the compact and nice roots on the seedlings.  You must be careful when removing each seedling to protect the roots.  Cutting or damaging the roots can lead to damping off after removal. 

The last photo shows the seedling after being repotted into a one gallon.  Sometimes we put seedlings into our band containers ( 3 x 3 x 9 inches), but Veitchias typically are large, strong seedlings and respond better in a larger pot.  Of course, after potting up seedlings, water immediately and put them into filtered light.  Over time, you can give them more sun exposure. 

I hope this helps you have successful growing of your small new palms.

NEW FLUSH OF LEAVES ENCEPHALARTOS LEHMANNII
BRILLIANT BLUE COLOR

JUST THOUGHT YOU’D LIKE TO SEE THIS PLANT

Many times over the year I’ve offered for sale or discussed Encephalartos lehmannii.  It’s an enthusiast favorite.  This South African species is native to the Eastern Cape and known for it’s silver to blue leaves.  It never gets very large.  A thirty year old plant probably won’t exceed six feet in overall size.  Leaflets don’t have spines except for the tip of the leaflet. 

The flush of new leaves shown below in the first six photos shows the beautiful color of the leaves.  To the touch, these new leaves are soft and pliable.  They’ll firm up over the next month or two.  This plant has an 18 inch tall caudex.  But, we have many sizes for sale from seedlings to 40 year old specimens.

CYCAS THOUARSII

VERY SIMILAR TO CYCAS CIRCINALIS
MEDIUM TO LARGE GREEN CYCAD FROM EASTERN AFRICA AND ADJACENT ISLANDS
EASY TO GROW – TAKES COASTAL SUN

Cycas thouarsii is often mentioned as “coming from Madagascar”, and that it does.  But, there are also native populations in multiple eastern African countries and in the Comoros Islands.  It is a large cycad that can get trunks over thirty feet tall and twelve to eighteen inches thick.  But, in the short term of 20 years, anticipate a trunk height of six or eight feet in the ground.  Leaves are green, tend to be upright and have a length of six to nine feet.  A healthy plant can throw forty new leaves all at once.  Leaflets are paired and bright green.  Leaf stems are armed with small hooks.  Leaflets are leathery and reduced in size toward the base of the leaf.

Cycas circinalis is the trade name for a very similar plant known as the Queen Sago.  Probably, most of the plants in the United States are not the true species which is from India.  From an appearance point of view, it is quite similar to C. thouarsii and often these two are considered the same.  Both of these species thrive in coastal Southern California and tolerate full sun right on the coast.  In fare inland areas, part day sun is preferred. 

Shown below are very nice examples of these species.  The older 15g are 30 year old plants that have been locally grown outdoors in sun.  We also have some boxed specimens and smaller sizes for sale.  The 5g size can be easily shipped.  Cold tolerance is down to the low 20’s F.

PRITCHARDIA HILDEBRANDTII
MEDIUM SIZED HAWAIIAN FAN PALM

GREEN TROPICAL FAN PALM
TOLERATES COASTAL FULL SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL HUGE 25G SIZE

This popular fan palm native to Hawaii is easy to grow and typically, over many years, will get to a height of about twenty feet.  Leaves are usually green but there is a blue-leafed form.  Trunk diameter is about 8 to 10 inches.  Leaves are palmate with a bit of wave in the cross section.  Along the coast they’ll take full sun.  Inland areas should try morning sun or strong filtered light.  Cold tolerance is into the upper twenties F.  The 25g we have shown here is about 12 feet tall in the pot and is about 12 years old.  I’d estimate it’s the size of a 30 to 36 inch boxed plant.  It’s way too big for mail orders but could be delivered.  We have limited numbers available.

REGULAR PRICE 25 GALLON THIS HUGE SIZE $550
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE 25 GALLON $450

Remember to mention this Special at the time of purchase

PRITCHARDIA MINOR 
SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED TROPICAL FAN PALM

EASY TO GROW IN OUR AREA
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

This species of Pritchardia never gets overly large.  The mature specimen shown in the last row of photos is growing in San Diego and in many years has just reached the roof of a single family home.  I’d estimate you’ll get a mature height of ten to fifteen feet in two decades.  Trunk diameter is about eight inches.  Native to the Island of Kauai in HI, this species is quite rare and grows at high elevation in locality.  It tolerates full sun here if you are not too far inland.  Cold tolerance is about 26 to 27 degrees.  The last two pictures of this fruiting tree were taken by KM.  We presently have a limited number of good sized five gallon plants on special.  We may have larger and smaller sizes available. 

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $95
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $80

Remember to mention this Blog Only Special for your discount when you purchase.

DYPSIS CARLSMITHII
ORIGINALLY CALLED “DYPSIS STUMPY“

ATTRACTIVE AND DIFFERENT SINGLE TRUNK MADAGASCAR PALM
MEDIUM HEIGHT – THICK TRUNK
SALE OF 5 GALLON SIZE

The original specimen of this species was found in the garden of the now-late Don Carlsmith on the Big Island, HI.  Friend Jeff Marcus grew this species from seeds of this single plant and, thirty years ago, referred to it as Dypsis “Stumpy”.  With the assistance of John Dransfield at Kew Gardens in the U.K., it was later given the name of Dypsis carlsmithii.

This is a medium sized, crown shafted pinnate palm with upright leaves that are green and arch at their ends.  Leaves are keeled and the crown shaft is green with hints of orange.  It was called “stumpy” by Jeff because the trunk is thick compared to many other Dypsis.  Trunks are ringed and 12 to 14 inches thick.  Mature height is twenty feet and it wants part day or full sun along the coast.  Cold tolerance is into the upper 20’s F.  Nowadays, the only source of seeds for this species is domestic seeds so availability is very limited.  We are putting a small number of 5 gallon on sale.  The seventh photo is by Ryan Gallivan c/o PACSOA. 

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $125SALE PRICE THIS SIZE $100

PRITCHARDIA LOWERYANA
RARE TROPICAL FAN PALM OF HAWAII

MEDIUM HEIGHT, PLEATED FLAT LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON PLANTS

This extremely rare single trunk tropical fan palm is native to the Island of Molokai, HI.  Mature, it is a medium sized palm that gets 15 to 20 feet tall and has a think trunk.  Leaves are green, top and bottom, and leaves are divided about 50% from their perimeter and are strongly pleated.  It has a cold hardiness of somewhere in the upper 20’s F.  It wants sun or part sun right on the coast.  In desert areas I’d recommend strong filtered light.  This species is almost impossible to find on the U.S. mainland.  We’re offering 5 gallon on sale.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $100
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $80

Remember to mention this Blog Special when buying

PINANGA JAVANA
SINGLE TRUNK, TROPICAL & EXOTIC SPECIES

GETS TALLER – BEING GROWN BY COLLECTORS
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

It’s been a few years since we’ve offered this rare single trunk Pinanga from the island of Java, Indonesia.  A different thing about this species is that it is single trunk.  Juvenile plants have solid, simple leaves as shown in the photos.  But, over time, they become pinnate leaves as seen on the larger garden specimen.  The mature trunk is thin and ringed.  Leaves are six feet long or more – green in color.  The thing about this species is that no one has it!  Shown are the 5g plants we’re putting on Special.  It wants filtered light and is cold hardy down to about a freeze.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $100
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $80

HOWEA BELMOREANA
THE SENTRY OR UMBRELLA PALM

ANOTHER PALM FROM LORD HOW ISLAND
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

There is a second endemic species of Howea on Lord Howe Island.  This is Howea belmoreana.  Common names used to describe this species include the Sentry Palm, the Belmore Palm, the “Kentia Palm”, and even the Umbrella Palm.  However, the name “Kentia Palm” is usually used to refer to the H. forsteriana.  Howea belmoreana comes from a higher elevation in its natural habitat compared to the H. forsteriana.  And, given this fact, one might expect that this species is a little more cold tolerant.  Most growers have found this to be true, tolerating temperatures to about 25 degrees F.

The main difference between this palm and the standard Kentia is that the crown of leaves are quite curved pointing downwards toward the grown.  This gives the crown an overall umbrella appearance.  Like the H. forsteriana, the Belmore Palm doesn’t like full sun if away from the Coast and is rather slow growing.  Most find it to be slower than the regular Kentia Palm.  Culture is similar and there is little data on the transplant of this species, but I suspect it will perform about the same as the standard Kentia.REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $95
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $80

Please mention this Special at the time of purchase

CHAMAEDOREA STOLINIFERA
A SEMI-DWARF, SUCKERING SHADE PALM

PROPAGATED USUALLY ONLY BY DIVISIONS
TEN DAY SPECIAL NICE 5 GALLON PLANTS

This is a suckering dwarf to semi-dwarf simple leaf palm that is native to Mexico.  It suckers, rarely gets over six feet tall, has short petioles and has small, entire leaves as shown here.   The leaf surface is a bit wavy and sometimes a bit of a  mottled green color.  And, the new stems emerging do so in a totally different fashion.  It is called “stolinifera” because it forms new “stolons”.  These are vegetative stems that emerge from the base of an older trunk.  They then shoot laterally, sometimes below the soil’s surface, to reappear a short distance from the mother stem.  They look like “snakes” going over the soil surface, sometimes diving into the dirt to root.  This ability to shoot out new stolons often creates a very wide mature clump.

Stems are a quarter inch thick.  This is a filtered light species with a cold hardiness into the low 20’s F.  This species is native to mountainous areas in Mexico at about 2500 feet.  It’s a great garden species.  People are easily growing it in San Francisco and cooler areas.  We usually propagate vegetatively as hardly ever are seeds available.  I highly recommend this species.  

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $135TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $110

Remember to mention this Blog Only Special.

ACOELORRHAPHE WRIGHTII
THE PAUROTIS PALM

SUCKERING TROPICAL FAN PALM WITH SOME COLD TOLERANCE
MEDIUM SIZED – RATHER THIN TRUNKS
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

This This species is native to a vast region stretching from Florida, Mexico and Central American, down through the Caribbean Islands into northern South America.  It has thin fibrous trunks that average about four to five inches diameter.  Height is variable.  In more tropical regions it can get up to twenty feet or more.  In Southern California it usually tops out at about fifteen feet.  With occasional pruning, it is fairly tidy and attractive.  Leaves are small and green in color.  Growth rate is medium.

One nice thing about this species is that it can tolerate temperatures below 20 degrees F.  It’s not known for being super cold hardy, but can take some cold.  It also likes heat, sun and lots of water. Shown below are our 5g plants which we’re putting on Ten Day Special.  The photo below by the pond was taken at Balboa Park in San Diego and the last photo shows a tree in fruit.

REGULAR PRICE 5G $95
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G $75

Remember to mention this Blog Special to get this price at the time of purchase

ENCEPHALARTOS MUCHII
BLUE TO BLUE-GREEN CYCAD

RARE AND VERY ATTRACTIVE CYCAD
TEN DAY SPECIAL GOOD 1 GALLON SIZE

Native to Mozambique, this small to medium sized cycad grows in scrub forest among rocks and boulders.  It is distinguished by its blue to blue-green color and by having leaflets that are prominently spiny.  In my experience, leaf color is sometimes very blue, other times blue-green.  You’ll sometimes hear the description as “soapy green” to describe the leaves.  Overall, the leaf color is variable and I’ve shown several photos here to demonstrate this.  I’ve seen specimens that are as blue as an Encephalartos horridus. 

Trunk size is usually under three feet.  Upright leaves are about four feet long or less.  Leaves are keeled and leaflets are lanceolate and spiny.  This species likes full sun and is cold tolerant into the low 20’s F.  The one gallon on sale are a good, strong one gallon plant.  They came from parents domestically that both had extreme blue color.  These can be mail ordered but not outside the U.S. 

REGULAR PRICE THESE 1G PLANTS $125 TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE PLANTS $95

Remember to mention this Blog Only Special at the time of purchase.

ENCEPHALARTOS LONGIFOLIUS
RARE & SOUGHT AFTER “BLUNT TIP” VARIETY

DEFINITELY DIFFERENT APPEARING
HARD TO FIND
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZED PLANTS

This rare South African cycad is from the Eastern Cape region of South Africa.  It is a good sized cycad with leaf color variable from dark green to brilliant blue.  Trunks can reach a height of twelve feet or more.  There is a leaflet form of this species that is quite different.  I’ve shown several photos of the leaflets below.  They do not come to a sharp point but rather a muted or rounded off tip.  Most find this form to be super attractive.  It’s become sort of a collector only item. 

Anticipate that it will prefer full sun along the coast but in desert areas would want a few hours of sun.  Cold tolerance is about 22 degrees F.  
When new customers visit the nursery to get a cycad, E. longifolius is usually one of their favorites.  When they see this form, they just “have to have it”. 

REGULAR PRICE BAND BLUNT TIP E. LONGIFOLIUS $95
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $70

As always, mention this Blog Special for your discount at the time of purchase.

ENCEPHALARTOS ARENARIUS
RARE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD

MEDIUM SIZE MATURE – LIKES COASTAL SUNEXAMPLE OF NICE PLANT AT THE NURSERY TEN DAY SPECIAL ANY PLANT THIS SPECIES

Encephalartos arenarius is from the coastal dunes and forest close to Alexandria in the Eastern Cape.  This species is small to medium in mature size.  Leaf length can range from one to two meters (i.e. three to six feet approximately) depending on cultivar and exposure to sun.  Like many of the Encephalartos from the Eastern Cape, this species is variable in color, size and leaf type.  E. arenarius can range in color from a dull green to a powdery white color (bearing a likeness to E. horridus). 

The plant shown below is more of a green leaf variety.  It prefers a well draining soil.  Speed of growth of this cycad is good.  You could expect to have a nice garden sized plant from these old one gallons in five to seven years.  They all have six to seven leaves or more and are four years old.  These are showing their blue color already at this stage and not in sun – so you’ll get blue.  Easy to mail order.  I’m also showing a garden plant and several larger nursery plants.

TEN DAY SPECIAL 20% OFF ANY PLANT THIS SPECIES

Remember to mention this Blog Special for your discount when you order.

BILLBERGIA SPECIES – A BROMELIAD
SUMMER BLOOMER WITH PINK BLOSSOMS

HUGE CLUSTERS IN POTS
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE OLD PLANTS

Billbergia is a type of Bromeliad that grows quite well in the ground.  They are from Mexico, Central and South America and some Caribbean locations.  Most are summer bloomers with large pendent blossoms that have colorful petals.  The representative photo below is from Wikipedia.  The plants we’re putting on special are five to ten year old cluster plants with about ten to twenty plants per pot.  When they blossom they’ll give a huge display of long-lasting color.  Usually when you buy Bromeliads, you just get one plant.  Then you wait ten years to get a cluster like these.  They take coastal full sun and can survive a freeze.

REGULAR PRICE THESE CLUSTERS $95
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE CLUSTERS $75

These can be shipped.  Just remember to mention this Blog Only Special to get this special price

JACOBINIA CARNEA (JUSTICA C.)
BRAZILIAN PLUME, FLAMINGO PLANT
PRETTY, PINK AND DWARF  

SUMMER BLOOMER
TEN DAY SPECIAL 7G/15G PLANTS

We’ve been growing this winning plant for a time.  It prefers filtered light and is a dwarf plant that puts out clusters of huge pink flowers.  This variety is pink but they also can come in red, apricot, orange, yellow and a whole assortment of other colors.  They typically get to a height of five feet or less and throw long lasting blossoms.  See how beautiful they are now – yet pictures from a month ago had no flowers.  Along the coast they can take full sun.  Cold hardiness is into the twenties F.  Plants are about as wide as they are tall and make a wonderful and colorful addition to the garden floor.  You’ll not see this plant around too much.  We sold them like crazy last year as everyone wants color for shady areas.  In a week or a bit more, I’ll be getting in about six or eight more.  I’m offering them now for people to reserve.  Then, they’ll be gone again.  Easy to ship.  BTW, they blossom in the spring.  So, if you get one now, you’ll have color soon.  One picture below shows the plant in winter, no blossoms.

REGULAR PRICE EITHER SIZE $145
TEN DAY SPECIAL $100

Just remember to mention this Blog Only Special at the time of purchase to get the discount.  The garden photo below is from Vipsad website.  Also, be aware that soon we’ll no longer be able to get these.  They are a summer bloomer

MONDAY, 14 SEPTEMBER, 2020

THIRTY DESIRABLE PALMS THAT MANY OF YOU CAN GROW!
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA STANDOUTS

MOST ARE COASTAL SUN LOVING SPECIES
MOST AVAILABLE AT OUR NURSERY

Below you will find thirty named species or genera of palms that have been successfully grown by many in Southern California.  Many of the palms below may also do well in other areas like warmer parts of Northern California, Southern Texas, some Gulf States and Central & South Florida.  I’ve selected a variety of both fan and feather palms.  Some are suckering species.  These are presented in random order showing a mature specimen so you can see what any give species will look like when large.  Most want full sun but a few would benefit from filtered light far inland.  I hope you enjoy this presentation.

WALLICHIA DISTICHA
SUPER RARE SINGLE TRUNK PALM
LEAVES IN ONE PLANE

A VERY INTERESTING AND PECULIAR PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE

This is an unusual palm that has all of its leaves in a single plane.  That is to say from the front, it is a fairly large, “Caryota-appearing” palm tree.  But, looking from the side, it is narrow and you can hardly see it.  The dictionary definition of “distichous” is:  “Arranged in two vertical rows on opposite sides of an axis: distichous leaves. ”  In this case, the trunk of the palm is the axis.  

This species is native to the Himalaya Mountains in Asia, spreading from northern India across to northern Thailand.  There it grows at altitudes of up to 4000 feet.  Because of it’s heritage and as you might guess, it does have some cold hardiness and can easily be grown in many areas of Southern California.  It tolerates temperatures down to about the mid to upper twenties F.  It prefers full sun.  Mature height is about 30 feet.  Usually this species is single trunk, but in the wild suckering specimens are found.  This is not to confuse it with another suckering species, Wallichia densiflora,  which is always a clustering species.  

Wallichia could be confused with Arenga and Caryota, both of which are also from the same part of the world.  All have leaflets that have jagged or toothed apical ends as shown here.  All also go through a flowering process that begins at the upper trunk and works its way down the trunk over time.  And, all have stems that die after suckering.  When there is only one stem (as with this species), the tree will die after it flowers.  Seeds of Wallichia disticha are very small as shown here.  The back sides of Wallichia and Arenga leaflets are silver whereas Caryotas are green on the back side.  This helps in identifying the genus.  Trunks of Wallichia disticha are also covered with dense brown fibers as shown here.   

We have very limited numbers of this rare species for sale.  For someone who likes different species, this one is for you.  But, we only have a few of the 15 gallon available.  

REGULAR PRICE 15G $250
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE $200

Remember to mention this Special to get your discount.

ARENGA MICRANTHA 
LARGE SUCKERING PINNATE PALM FROM INDIA THAT TOLERATES COLD

WE HAVE A FEW VERY LARGE 15 GALLON PLANTS
SUPER DIFFICULT TO FIND
20% OFF REGULAR PRICE FOR TEN DAYS

Today I’m showing you a hard to find suckering palm from northern India, Tibet and surrounding areas.  Quite remarkably, its native habitat is at elevations of 5000 to 7500 feet.  As you’d suspect, it tolerates temperatures way below freezing, probably into the upper teens F.  I don’t really know for sure as of yet.  But, it’s felt to be the most cold hardy of the genus Arenga.  It’s not a small Arenga.  It can get up to 20 feet with trunks about 8 inches (mature) in diameter.  Like other species of the genus, the trunks are hairy and a bit shaggy.  Leaves are large and silver colored on their underside.  It is a part day sun or filtered light species.

Shown here is a large 15 gallon nursery plant.  A habitat photo by T. Spanner is also shown.  For those of you in colder areas, this is a great palm.  We only have a few for sale.

REGULAR PRICE THIS SPECIES IN 15 GALLON $250
SALES PRICE THIS SIZE $200

VARIEGATED RHAPIS EXCELSA
EXOTIC – TEND TO BE SMALL, MINIATURE PALMS

DON’T LIKE TOO MUCH NITROGEN
LIMITED SUPPLIES AVAILABLE
TEN DAY SPECIAL ANY VARIEGATED RHAPIS WE HAVE

This is another post to remind readers that we still offer a good supply of the highly coveted variegated Rhapis excelsa.  Known as the “Gems of the Orient”, these striking plants typically have yellow or white variegation on green leaves.  Most plants at mature size are three to six feet.  There are many exotic varieties – most popular in Japan where affluent collectors compete to obtain the most striking plants.  Propagation is by divisions only.  So, one must mother plants for divisions so you’d have a plant to sell. 

The plant leaflet photos below are an assortment of our Nursery plants.  The variegation consists of very narrow bands of yellow on green.  They are sort of hard to see here.  On any given leaflets there are lots of these narrow, subtle stripes.

Contact us if you are interested in getting one.  BTW, these are never inexpensive plants.  And, they are all different.  The variegation seems to be different from leaf to leaf on all varieties.

TEN DAY SPECIAL:  15% OFF ANY VARIEGATED RHAPIS IN STOCK

BISMARCKIA NOBILIS
STUNNING BLUE MALAGASY FAN PALM

POPULAR, STATELY AND BEAUTIFUL!
TEN DAY SPECIAL NICE 15 GALLON PLANTS

All the time customers are seeking out Bismarckia, especially for mail orders to other states.  We have available some 15 gallon plants of this species that can be mail ordered.  But, we don’t have too many.  For several decades we’ve been growing this stunning blue fan palm from Madagascar.  These are the blue form.  You’ll note that there’s some purple color to the leaves and stems.  This is because they were outdoor grown and saw cold weather into the twenties F.  But, this is the blue form as only the blue ones seem to show purple with cold.  As they grow, all leaves remain blue.  Mature specimens in their native habitat reach heights of over forty feet.  Trunk diameter can reach 18 inches or a bit more.  Leaf width can be up to eight feet.  
This is a very attractive palm and should be given room in the garden to show it off.  It prefers full, hot sun.  Many people in desert locations have found they can grow it.  Cold tolerance is about 22 degrees, although plants seeing colder have come back from injury.  Shown are the 15 gallon plants on special. 

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $195
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $175

Remember:  Mention this Special for this price. 

ARCHONTOPHOENIX PURPUREA
THE PURPLE CROWN SHAFT KING PALM

VERY BEAUTIFUL – GOOD GROWER
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE

The native home of Archontophoenix purpurea is the Mt. Lewis mountain range in Queensland, Australia.  This species is known for the purple color to the crown shaft.  It is found at an elevation up to 4000 feet.  Mature height is quoted to be over fifty feet, but in habitat and culture I didn’t see one this tall.  For types of King Palms, this species is stated to have the thickest trunk.  I don’t think I agree with this and feel A. maxima is thicker.  Most I’ve seen have a trunk diameter of twelve inches or somewhat more. 

Cold hardiness is about 25 degrees F.  It takes full coastal sun.  The degree of purple in the crown shaft is variable but never “lollipop” purple.  The underside of the leaves is silver and there is ramenta hairs only on this side.  On younger plants the leaf bases and leaf stem tend to have a yellow color.  I’m showing our 15g size which we’re putting on a Ten Day Special.  This size is shown in the first two rows of photos.  You’ll note that the crown shaft is beginning to pick up the purple color.  We also have other sizes of this species for sale. 

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $195
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON $165

Remember to mention this Blog Only Special when you purchase to get this discount.

BECCARIOPHOENIX FENESTRALIS
AKA “BECCARIOPHOENIX WINDOWS““

LARGER PINNATE PALM FROM MADAGASCAR
TEN DAY SPECIAL RARELY SEEN 15G SIZE

It was not too long ago when Beccariophoenix was felt to be a monotypic genus with only one species.  Now it is recognized that there are three different species:

Beccariophoenix species “windows”, presently called Beccariophoenix fenestralis. 
Beccriophoenix madagascarensis, previously known as “Beccariophoenix no windows“
Beccariophoenix alfredii, a more recently named species.

All three are single trunk, medium to large plants from Madagascar.  Along the coast, all can take full sun.  Estimated cold hardiness is into the mid and perhaps lower 20’s F.  The species we’re putting on special is the 5g size of the “windows” variety, B. fenestralis.  You’ll not see these around hardly at all in Southern California.  This “windows” form has leaf openings, similar to small window panes, in the leaf – between the leaflets.  With time these disappear and it becomes a pinnate palm. The 5 gallon on special are very nicely sized but repotted this summer, so keep them in their pots for a while.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON THIS RARE PALM $100
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE $75

Remember:  Mention this Special to get your discount when you buy.  The garden photos are co TS at RPS and Ray Baker, HI.  We only have a few left of this species

KENTIOPSIS PIERSONIORUM
PIERSON’S PALM
ONE OF THE MOST SOUGHT AFTER PALMS

THIN TRUNK – WHITE AND PURPLE CROWN SHAFT
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE

This spectacular and gorgeous palm is native to high elevation in the mountains of New Caledonia where there is just one small colony of plants.  It is one of the most sought after palms in the world.  At it’s high elevation of 1000 to 3000 feet in habitat, it gets to a height of forty feet.  It is a single trunk, pinnate and crown shafted palm.  The trunk is thin and has a purple and frost white colored crown shaft as shown below.  Leaves are green, strongly keeled and curved toward the ground.  It is also known to be a very slow growing palm.  I would recommend starting it (after acclimation) is filtered light and let it grow it’s way into the sun.  It is being grown by  a few avid collectors in this area.  We just got in four 5 inch band container plants that I’m putting on Special.  I can’t over-emphasize how difficult it is to get one of this species.  It’ll probably be years before I can offer them again.

TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $75

CARPOXYLON MACROSPERMUM
DROP-DEAD GORGEOUS CROWN SHAFTED PALM

NATIVE TO VANUATU
EXTREMELY HARD TO FIND
NOT VERY COLD TOLERANT
SALE ON ONE GALLON PLANTS

This extremely gorgeous crown shafted palm was introduced into the cultivation market perhaps 25 years ago.  At that time and since, availability of seeds has very limited and seed prices high – as much as several dollars per seed.  This is a single trunk palm with very arching green leaves and a lime green colored crown shaft.  The trunk is medium sized and about 10 inches thick.  Overall height is 15 to 20 feet. Leaves are keeled and leaflets continue nearly all the way to the base of the petiole.  The base of the trunk is slightly swollen.  The difficulty in growing this species is the lack of its ability to tolerate a freeze.  Tolerated low temperatures are 33 to 34 degrees.  With this said, some people in warmer microclimates have had success in growing this beautiful palm.  It wants acclimation into full sun.  The mature photos are c/o a friend in Vanuatu and are from a private garden.  This is an extremely difficult species to find for sale.

REGULAR PRICE 1 GALLON $75

SALE PRICE THIS SIZE $65

CYCAS PECTINATA
TALL GREEN ASIAN CYCAD

SOME COLD HARDINESS
TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT SIZE

This is the tallest species of the genus Cycas with reports from habitat of plants over forty feet tall.   It has a wide distribution spreading from India throughout southeast Asia and into China.  Trunks are medium diameter with swelling at the base.  Leaves are green, 4 to 6 feet long with small armor on the leaf stems.  The appearance of a well grown plant is a lush tropical cycad.  It’ll take coastal sun or part day interior sun.  Cold hardiness is into the mid-twenties F. or a bit lower.  It is one of the more cold tolerant plants of the genus.  We’re offering citrus pot size plants on a Ten Day Special.  Caudex sizes are 4 to 5 inches.

TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POTS THIS SIZE $250
 
Note the last 2 photos are of a nursery plant.

CYCAS GUIZHOUENSIS
RARE SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED CHINESE CYCAD

GREEN UPRIGHT LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL LARGE ONE GALLON PLANTS

This small to medium sized exotic cycad is from southwestern China.  Only in the past 20 years has this species been available in the U.S.  It has green upright leaves and can develop a trunk about three feet tall.  Leaves are green and leaflets narrow and shiny.  Sometimes you’ll see the leaflets twisted on their axis.  It comes from elevations of 1000 to 1500 feet or more and has potential to have reasonable cold hardiness, at least into the mid and possibly low 20’s F.  The crown width is about eight feet across with leaf lengths of three to five feet.  At the nursery it seems to grow quite well.  We’re putting nice one gallon plants on special.  The 7^th photo, by George Yao at PACSOA, shows a plant in full sun although growers may get away with part day sun as well.

REGULAR PRICE THESE ONE GALLON PLANTS $85
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE ONE GALLON $70

Remember to mention this Blog Special at the time of purchase.

CYCAS PANZHIHUAENSIX X DEBAOENSIS
CYCAD HYBRID OF TWO RARE SPECIES

NEVER AVAILABLE BEFORE
CAN’T EXACTLY PREDICT MATURE APPEARANCE
TEN DAY SPECIAL OVERSIZED ONE GALLON

We’re offering on special a very rare hybrid of the genus Cycas.  Both parents are native to China.  The C. panzhiuaensis is known for it’s medium size, blue-green foliage in sun and cold tolerance.  Cycas debaoensis is known for it’s mutlipinnate leaves and fluffy leaf appearance.  I’ve not had this cross before and there are no pictures of mature plants available.  It should make a small to medium sized adult plant and take at least part day with a cold hardiness into the low 20’s F.  The plants on special are super large one gallons with about 2 inch thick caudexes.  They need to be repotted or planted.

REGULAR PRICE THESE 1 GALLON $100TEN DAY SPECAIL THESE PLANTS $80

Remember to mention this Blog Special when you purchase to get this price.  The first two garden photos are the panzhihuaensis and the next two are the debaoensis.

DIOON ARGENTEUM
A SUPER RARE SILVER-GREEN DIOON FROM MEXICO

FINE WHITE HAIRS GIVE WHITE FUZZ TO THE LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZED SEEDLINGS

In about the year 2003, this new species was discovered and described by cycad taxonomists.  Since then, it has been the dream of collectors to obtain it.  Native to Oaxaca, Mexico, it grows in a dry scrub forest among pine trees at 2500 to 5000 foot elevations.  It is most known for its silver color to the leaves.  This is because leaflets and leaf stems have a plentiful amount of white hairs.  One can mistake these for a mealy bug infestation, but they are from these hairs.  I don’t know if it shows, but one photo below tries to show a leaflet closeup to see the hairs.  Mature specimens have about a foot wide caudex and can get up to 15 feet.  Along the coast it’d take full sun and should be cold hardy to the low 20’s F.  The plants one sale are one leaf seedlings and we’re offering them at a reduced price.  Many of you are probably unfamiliar with this species.

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE THIS RARE SPECIES $100
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS BAND SIZE $80

Easy to mail order.  Just remember to mention this Blog Only Special when purchasing

SPATHODEA CAMPANULATA
THE AFRICAN TULIP TREE
SUMMER BLOOMER – LARGE ORANGE-RED BLOSSOMS

RARE YELLOW FORM SOMTIMES AVAILABLE
FULL SUN – SOME COLD HARDINESS
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE

We are fortunate here in Southern California because there are quite a few striking, beautiful flowering tropical trees that we can grow.  Included in this group is the African Tulip Tree with its clusters of large blossoms.  They typically have clusters of large orange to red blossoms.  There is a more rare yellow form that sometimes we offer.  This species blooms in summer but sometimes longer.  Flowers are long lasting.  The mature plants below are a few blocks from the nursery and have been in bloom for over two months.  It wants full sun.  Cold hardiness is estimated to be in the mid-twenties F.  Growth rate is medium.  The plants on special are between 3 and 5 feet tall in their pots.

REGULAR PRICE 5G ORANGE AFRICAN TULIP TREE $65
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS ORANGE 5G SIZE $55

Remember:  10 days at this price – Mention this Special at the time of purchase to get this price.  The 5 gallon size on special is shown in the first four photos below.

TRADESCANTIA PALLIDA
THE PURPLE HEART PLANT

GREAT GROUND COVER – PURPLE COLOR
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON SIZE

I’m often asked about tropical ground cover plants.  Customers want something different.  I might suggest the Purple Heart plant as shown here.  It fairly quickly covers ground and can take full or part day coastal sun.  The flowers are pink.  It grows like a Wandering Jew plant.  We’re putting one day size on special

REGULAR PRICE ONE GALLON $25
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $17.50

Remember:  Mention this Special.

ENSETE MAURELII
RED BANANA

MEDIUM SIZE MATURE WITH RED LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

The Red Banana is an ideal landscape item for color and beauty.  They have a definite and prominent red color to the leaf stems, trunk and backs of the leaves.  The dorsal leaf also shows a flush of red.  Mature size is about twelve feet or a bit more or less.  Basal diameter at maturity is 12 to 16 inches.  Be aware they are fast growing but only last five or six years before flowering and dying.  But, if you replace the plant, they quckly replace the last one.  They do not bear fruit, like full sun and are cold tolerant down to about a freeze.  If you want bananas, get an edible fruiting Banana which we also carry.  The last photo is by Linda Cochran.

TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE $55

CAVENDISH BANANA
DWARF CULTIVAR

QUITE COLD HARDY AND SEMI-DWARF
WILL PRODUCE EDIBLE FRUIT
AND, CAN BE GROWN AS A HOUSEPLANT
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON PLANTS

We are a tropical fruit nursery but, we appreciate how popular growing bananas is.  So, we’re offering a banana cultivar that offers three two nice qualities:  Short stature, pretty good cold hardiness and it makes edible bananas!  The Cavendish Dwarf cultivar hardly ever gets above six feet tall.  We recently got in some huge and very nice 15 gallon plants that had been grown outdoors.  Expect a mature height of six or seven feet.  This banana wants full sun in most areas.  Cold hardiness is at least to the low 20’s F.  If cold does kill the growth above the ground, it typically comes back when weather warms.  And, yes it does produce edible bananas.  In fact, this variety of banana is often sold in organic farmer’s markets. 

REGULAR PRICE 15G $155
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G $135 Mention this Special for your discount!  The last picture is c/o Wikipedia

FRIDAY, 11 SEPTEMBER, 2020

ENCEPHALARTOS LEHMANNII
TWO LARGE MALE PLANTS IN CONE

BLUE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD
OFFERING PLANTS – SMALL TO VERY LARGE

I thought I’d show you the male cones on two old specimen E. lehmannii.  This is  smaller type of blue South African cycad.  Mature plants are rarely taller than eight feet with caudexes that peak out at four to five feet height.  Leaflets are unarmed except for the terminal portion of the leaflet.  It wants sun in coastal areas and limited sun in the desert.  Cold hardiness is about 22 degrees F.  The male cones are a dark burnt orange to maroon color.  Female cones are different and both plants below are males.  The plants shown here have caudexes of 16 and 21 inch heights.  We have an assortment of sizes of this species available, many of which can be mail ordered.  Larger plants require delivery – too big for UPS or Federal Express.

CHAMAEDOREA CATARACTARUM
THE CAT PALM

A SEMI-DWARF CLUSTERING PALM
HEIGHT TO ABOUT TO SIX FEET
TEN DAY SPECIAL HUGE 15G POT SIZE

This species of palm has been sold under the name “Cat Palm”, which is an abbreviation for “cataractarum“.   For Chamaedoreas and in the past, it was fairly easy to find.  Nowadays it’s very difficult to find, especially with mature size as shown here.  It is a clustering palm that gets six feet tall.  It really doesn’t form any trunk.  It likes water as it has a native habitat near river beds.  It is cold hardy into the mid 20’s F. And I’d recommend, at most, a few hours of sun or filtered light.  It is native to the southern areas of Mexico and possibly into areas of Central America.  With less than adequate water it tends to look scrappy.  At the nursery, we offer have a handful of large plants in 15 gallon size.  They typically are suckering with a near mature height.  They are about 15 to 20 years old and very full as shown here and have been at our nursery all this time.

REGULAR PRICE THIS SIZE $225 TEN DAY SPECIAL $185

Remember to mention this Blog Special for your discount.

BRAHEA ARMATA
THE MEXICAN BLUE FAN PALM
BLUE HESPER PALM

VERY BLUE COLORED LEAVES – SLOW GROWING
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE PLANTS

This species of blue fan palm is not only known for its intense blue color but also for the fact that it is extremely cold hardy.  It goes down to about 16 degrees.  It is native to Mexico, specifically to Baja Mexico.  It prefers dry heat and is a challenge to grow in humid areas.  Mature plants take 30 years or more to reach a height of 20 to 25 feet.  The trunks are stout but clean.   These 25g plants have nice color and are sun acclimated.  They are begging to be planted into someone’s garden.  This species is also very drought tolerant.  The plants we’re putting on special are intensely blue 15g plants, large for their containers.  The plants on special are shown in the first four photos.  I’m also showing a 25 gallon and a larger boxed plant.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $185
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON $150

Just mention this Blog Special to get this nice discount.  On the mature trees below, note the prominent blue color of the leaves.  This is the hallmark of this species.  The 15g size can be mail ordered although it takes a very large box.

TRACHYCARPUS TAKAGHI
NATURAL WINDMILL HYBRID

SEEDS FROM WILD
FIVE GALLON PLANTS – TEN DAY SPECIAL

About fifteen years ago I received seeds from Tobias Spanner that he told me were a natural hybrid between T. fortunei and T. takil.  The seeds were wild collected.  Tobias told me that these were named Trachycarus takaghi.  I germinated the seeds and now, many years later, am offering very old 5 gallon plants.  They have proven to be extremely slow growing. The hopes would be they’d be something different and pick up the super cold hardiness of the takil.  You can see that these plants are crawling the pot horizontally as opposed to trunking.  Perhaps they will prove to be a dwarf species.  I have no habitat photos but am showing a plant from a customer in Texas (TM) that was planted about ten years ago in his garden.  You can see, in that time, it certainly has not produced much trunk.  I’m putting this hybrid on special but only have a few for sale.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $100TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $80

Remember:  Mention this Blog Only Special when you purchase.

CHAMAEDOREA KLOTZSCHIANA
RARE UNDERSTORY PALM – GROUPED LEAFLETS

SINGLE TRUNK – MEDIUM SIZED
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE

This is a single trunk species from Mexico that is most known for having grouped leaflets along the rachis.  It has a thin trunk about an inch in diameter and a somewhat open crown.  The leaflets are attached to the rachis at irregular angles so that the leaflets look as if they were a group of bow ties attached to the leaf stem.  Cold hardiness is into the mid-twenties F.  It likes filtered light or perhaps a little bit of sun.  I think this is a species that would look better planted as a small colony with multiple plants. Mature height is from ten to fifteen feet.  I’ve shown two close-ups of the leaflets as this is the most charming characteristic of this species.  This size is easy to mail order and may be of interest to folks in cooler but not super cold areas.

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $50

TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $40

CARPENTERIA ACUMINATA
TALL, VERY THIN TRUNK
NATIVE TO NORTHERN AUSTRALIA

TEN DAY SPECIAL 1 GALLON SIZE

This is a tall, slender, single trunk pinnate palm from the Northern Territory in Australia.  It can get to 40 feet tall and has attractive small red fruits.  Leaves are gently arching and leaf color is green.  It is crown shafted and trunk diameters are well under a foot.  For Southern CA growers, it can be grown but is not the easiest palm to try.  I think it’s because, at best, this palm is hardy down to a freeze.  We do have people who seek it out so we carry a small number of plants.  I’d start it in part day sun and then let it grow into the sun.  

REGULAR PRICE 1 GALLON $50
TEN DAY SPECIAL 1 GALLON $40

Remember:  Mention this Special!

CHAMAEDOREA TENELLA
DWARF SINGLE TRUNK

UNDERSTORY SUPER RARE MINIATURE PALM
SIMPLE LEAVES – NEVER OVER A FEW FEET TALL
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE

This dwarf understory palm species has entire, small leaves, a very thin trunk the size of a pencil and a mature height never over two to three feet.  It comes from high elevation mountainous areas of Mexico.  It’s extremely rare and hard to find.  The seedlings we’re offering this year came from domestic plants in San Diego County.  They are about a year old.  We got these in last year and about ten sold out quickly.  I rarely have them for sale.  They need a filtered light environment and should be cold hardy at least into the mid-twenties F.  I can mail order these.  Limited numbers available!

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $65
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $50

Remember:  Mention this Blog Only Special when you purchase.  These can be mail ordered – weather permitting.

LEPIDOZAMIA PEROFFSKYANA
USER FRIENDLY CYCAD – SPINELESS!

LARGE GREEN CYCAD FOR FILTERED LIGHT OR COASTAL SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT SIZE 

I enjoy talking about this Australian cycad species because it is one of my favorites.  It is a large cycad over time with a crown width of eight to ten feet.  I say “user friendly” above because this is one of the few cycad species that has absolutely no spines – none of the leaflets, none one the stems.  This is a large species with trunks slowly getting to over ten feet and leaf length typically six to eight feet or a bit more.  Trunk diameter is usually about 18 inches.  Leaves are green with a smooth petiole with no spines.  Leaflets are glossy green.  It prefers filtered light or full sun along the coast.  It is easy to grow and has a cold hardiness into the low 20’s F.  We’re putting our citrus pot on sale.  These have caudexes of four to five inches.

TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT THIS SIZE $275

LEPIDOZAMIA HOPEI
LEPIDOZAMIA SPECIES WITH WIDER LEAFLETS

MAKES A TALL TREE OVER A CENTURY
FAIRLY RARE AND HARD TO FIND
TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT SIZE

This species of cycad gets enormous!  I mean really tall.  There are specimens with heights to almost 60 feet.  Leaves are six to ten feet long.  Leaflets are soft and without spines or armor.
For this reason, it is felt to be a very user friendly cycad.  But, you must give it adequate room to grow.  Compared to the Lepidozamia peroffskyana, the hopei leaflets are wider.  It’s quite noticable when you compare the two side by side. This is the best way to tell them apart when they are young.  Culturally, it is quite similar to L. peroffskyana, preferring some sun but not full sun in most areas.  Far inland it may do better with filtered light. In terms of rarity, you don’t see this species for sale that often.  Cold hardiness is into the mid to lower 20’s F.  We’re putting citrus pot size on sale with caudexes of 4 to 5 inches.  These can be mail ordered.

TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT THIS SIZE $325

Regular price is $90 per inch.  These can be mail ordered.

ZAMIA AMBLYPHYLLIDIA
DWARF GREEN CYCAD

GOOD LOW PROFILE CYCAD
TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT SIZE PLANTS

This dwarf species of Zamia is from Puerto Rico and surrounding Caribbean areas.  It is a small cycad with a caudex of six inches.  It suckers, forming clumps.  Its leaves are about 3 feet long, arching downwards and the leaflets are small.  The petioles are unarmed.  It likes filtered light and tolerates temperatures into the upper twenties F.  It prefers partial sun or strong filtered light.  But, it can be grown in sun along our coastal areas here. It is an ideal cycad species where one wants plants to stay small.  It’s perfect for planting next to a walkway.  We’re putting our citrus pot plant on Special.  Caudex sizes are 3 to 5 inches.  Most are clustering plants with cones. 

TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT HIS SIZE $195

Remember to mention this Special when you purchase.  These are easy to mail order.  The first six photos show the size on sale

ENCEPHALARTOS MSINGANUS
NEARLY EXTINCT IN THE WILD

GREEN SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE SEEDLINGS

This species is endemic to Msinga district in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa.   E. msinganus is on the verge of extinction, where ever shrinking populations are small and scattered.  This is a small to medium sized plant.  Leaves get about about five feet in length.  Stems can reach up to three meters over the centuries, but it is rare to see anything close to that size.  This species was originally called Encephalartos msinga (after its locality) but was later formally described as Encephalartos msinganus.  The leaves on this species are relatively short, are green and generally are heavily armed on the leaflets and petioles.  It is quite rare to see this plant in cultivation and some make the argument that it is equally rare to some of the (very rare) Transvaal species.  In coastal and inland areas, this species wants to be in sun.  For desert areas, this species should be grown in partial sun or filtered light.  It requires a soil that drains well.  The plants on sale are 4 years old, bigger and older than shown here and with about four to five leaves.

REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $95
TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $65

Remember to mention this Blog Special for this discount at the time of purchase

PINK JASMINE
JASMINUM POLYANTHUS
FLORID FRAGRANT BLOSSOMS EARLY SUMMER

5G PLANTS
TEN DAY SPECIAL  

At the nursery we grow and sell three different species of Jasmine.  The one shown today is the earliest bloomer and comes into blossom in about the month of May.  They are absolutely loaded with these faint pink and super fragrant blossoms. If you look carefully, you’ll notice unopened blossoms are pink and the opened ones are a white with a faint pink color.  And, wow!  Do they have a pleasant fragrance.  You can easily smell them over twenty feet away.  This plant like sun and is cold hardy to about 20 degrees F.  Limited supply. 

REGULAR PRICE 5G $65
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G $50

Just remember to mention this Blog Only Special when you purchase.

DUDLEYA BRITTONIA BLUE TO CHALK WHITE MINIATURE MATURE SIZE

LOVES SUN

TAKES HARDLY ANY WATER

TEN DAY SPECIAL SQUAT 5 GALLON PLANTS
For the past few years we’ve occasionally offered this strikingly “white” succulent that is native to North America.  It has a very small mature size, rarely over 12 to 16 inches wide.  Leaf color is white to blue.  If it gets more water in the summer it gets more of a blue color.  Spring to summer blossoms are a pink color.  Culturally, one should not over water it.  This can cause rot.  I met a friend who had an old one.  I asked him “How often do you water it?”.  He said “never”.  “Only rain water”.  That says it all. 

The squat 5 gallon plants on special today are very attractive and will be instantly pretty in the garden.  Note the intensely white color.  They want full sun and are cold hardy into the teens F.

REGULAR PRICE THESE 5 GALLON $85

TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $60

HELICONIA SCHIEDIANA
BANANA-LIKE SUCKERING TROPICAL PLANT

ORANGE OR RED/YELLOW UPRIGHT BLOSSOMS
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

All of our Heliconia are grown from rhizomes from existing and flowering plants in Southern California.  This results in large, very strong growing plants as shown here.  Heliconia schiediana can take sun or part sun, gets to a height of sever to eight feet, and flowers freely in the summer.  It is very cold hardy.  Even if a hard freeze knocks down the leaves, plants usually come back vigorously in the spring.  Flowers are red/yellow or orange/yellow.  We’re putting the 5 gallon size on special.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $85
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $65

Just mention this blog posting when purchasing to get the discount.  The seventh photo is of a 15 gallon nursery plant.  The blossom photo below is by TS at RPS.  The last photo shows Heliconia plants in a garden.

WEDNESDAY, 9 SEPTEMBER, 2020

PRITCHARDIA MINOR IN SAN DIEGO
MATURE AND FRUITING FOR YEARS

THIN TRUNK, MEDIUM HEIGHT
ENABLES US TO OFFER YOU NURSERY PLANTS

I wanted to show you photographs of a mature Pritchardia minor that’s thriving in central San Diego, CA.  For many years our nursery has been selling young plants that come from the seeds of this mother tree.  It is a magnificent specimen.  I’d estimate its height to be fifteen feet with a trunk diameter of eight inches.  Native to the Island of Kaui in HI, this tree is quite rare and grows at high elevation in locality.  It tolerates full sun here if you are not too far inland.  I’ve seen this species in habitat and the one shown in the first three rows of photos (San Diego) is taller than ones I’ve seen in the wild.  I figure its culture that made it this large.  The last row shows some photos of plants we have for sale and a specimen of this species in HI.  Although availability changes over time, we hope that we can continue to offer this unique species in the future.

CRYOSOPHILA STAURACANTHA
THE STAR PALM

MEDIUM SIZE, WHITE UNDERSIDE TO LEAVES
A VERY COOL PALM – PRETTY COLD HARDY

This single trunk fan palm is native to regions stretching from Mexico through Central America.  In the genus, there are multiple species.  All have prominent white powder on the underside of the leaflets as shown here.  Trunks are narrow.  Often you’ll see what look like “spines” on the trunk.  But, these are a different structure – they are modified root spines.  They are quite interesting looking.  Right on the coast, this species can take full or part day sun.  Most would grow it in bright filtered light.  Expect heights ranging from ten feet to well over twenty feet.  Cold hardiness is into the upper twenties F.  Shown here are photos of the 15g size at the nursery.  Notice the white backs to the leaflets.  Also shown are photographs of a Cryosophila unknown species to show the typical appearance and trunk covered with “spines”.  We usually have an assortment of sizes available.

BECCARIOPHOENIX ALFREDII
THE MADAGASCAR PLATEAU COCONUT PALM

MEDIUM SIZES SINGLE TRUNK PALM
HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER

TEN DAY SPECIAL ON 15G SIZED PLANTS

This species of exotic palm is from the island of Madagascar.  It is the third of three Beccariophoenix species described from this palm-loaded country.  It is so sought after because some feel that it’s the prettiest species of the three.  And, because it may possess the best cold hardiness.  I’ve documented other Beccariophoenix species tolerating temperatures below 25 degrees at our nursery.  So, this species may survive in areas like San Francisco, Phoenix and Houston.  It grows to a height of about thirty feet and does not have a crown shaft.  Leaves are long and minimally curved.  The crown of leaves are densely placed.  Growth rate is medium in most areas and along the coast it likes sun.  This species is hard to find.  We’re putting our limited supplies of 15g plants on ten day special.  As you can see from the photos, they are good sized.  For mail order, we should also have smaller sizes available.

REGULAR PRICE 15G THIS SPECIES $225
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $195

You must mention this Internet-only special when purchasing to get this price.  Limited supplies available.  CREDITS:  My thanks to TS at RPS for the habitat photos.

SYAGRUS CORONATA
THE LICURY PALM

MEDIUM SIZE MATURE – BLUE-GREEN LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL HARD TO FIND 15G SIZE

This single trunk Syagrus is native to Brazil.  It gets to an average height of 15 feet.  The trunk is a bit stout for a Syagrus and often has retained old leaf bases at the top of the bare trunk.  Leaves are gray-green in color and somewhat plumose.  Growth rate is medium.  It wants full sun and is cold hardy perhaps into the mid twenties F. or possibly a bit lower.  Many feel that, apart from the common Queen Palm, this is one of the more cold hardy of the genus.  But, it’s difficult to find, especially with any size.  We have a limited number of 15g we’re putting on sale.  These are too big for mail order.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $225TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE $195.

Remember to mention this Blog Only Special at the time of purchase to get this special price.

CHAMAEDOREA PLUMOSA
THE BABY QUEEN PALM

SEVERAL PLANTS PER POT
LOOK BEST IN GROUPS
TEN DAY SPECIAL ON THREE SIZES

For anyone who’s looked for this species lately, you realize it’s in very short supply.  This is because of a several year shortage of seeds the past few years.  We are pleased to presently three different sizes, all on sale.  All are multiples with at least 3 plants per pot.  This species gets up to about 14 feet height with a green, ringed trunk about 1.5 inches in diameter.  The leaves are plumose or fluffy.  They are quick growing and perfect for narrow planter areas.  It will take full coastal sun.  Cold hardiness is into the mid-twenties F.  It can also be used as a houseplant in a bright area.  We’re putting on sale popular sizes of 1, 5 and 15g plants.  .

REGULAR PRICE 1GALLON $55
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $45 (FIRST ROW OF PHOTOS)

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $95
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $80 (SECOND ROW OF PHOTOS)

REGULAR PRICE 15G $195
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G $175 (THIRD ROW OF PHOTOS)

Mention this Blog Special for your discount at the time of purchase.  NOTE:  The last two photos are c/o TS at RPS and Palmpedia.  Also, be aware, we have limited numbers on some sizes.

BUTIA CAPITATA BLUEEASY TO GROW, NOT TOO TALLSUPER BLUE COLOR  – COLD HARDY

TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE

For about a decade we’ve been offering this very desirable and sought after variety of Butia that has a nice blue color.  Otherwise, it’s quite similar to the regular gray-green Pindo Palm.  The problem is we always run out of them.  To satisfy our customer demand, we recently got in some more of the 15g size.  But, there are very limited numbers.  We are offering them at one of the best prices we’ve ever offered.  This palm loves full hot sun and can take down to 15 degrees F.  So, almost all of you can grow this palm.  The row of three palms in the last row are being grown in San Diego, CA, about a half mile from the Bay.  These are cold hardy to about 15 degrees and demand full, hot sun.

REGULAR PRICE 15G $185
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $150

Just remember:  Mention this Blog Special for your discount.  We can easily mail order this size.

BASSELINIA PANCHERI
COLORFUL SINGLE TRUNK NEW CALEDONIA PALM

UNDERSTORY PALM UNDER TEN FEET TALL
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

This single trunk understory palm is native to New Caledonia and quite rare to find available.  It gets to a height of about 8 feet, has very wide leaflets with leaves that point upwards.  The crown shaft is colorful, dark and sometimes purple in color.  It can have striations.  Trunk width is 3 to 4 inches.  It wants filtered light and is cold hardy down to about a freeze.  It is slow growing.  Most of the mature photos below are from habitat.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $125TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $95

Remember to mention this Special.

BRAHEA SPECIES “SUPER SILVER”
NICE 5 GALLON PLANTS

BLUE WITH THINNER TRUNK THAT B. ARMATA
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON PLANTS

Shown here is a 5 gallon plant of a Brahea species from Mexico that is presently known as “Brahea species Super Silver”.   Undoubtedly someone will describe it in the near future.  Seeds have been available only twice.  These plants are from the first batch that came along.  It is a blue plant but doesn’t show the blue until older.  It wants full hot sun and would be perfect for the desert.  I suspect the cold tolerance is similar to Brahea armata, about 15 degrees F.  But, compared to the later, this species trunk is much thinner and it is faster growing.  But, the blue color is just as intense.  Shown here is the 5g size.  Limited numbers.  Mature plant photo below c/o RPS.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $95
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE $75

Remember:  Mention this Special to get your Blog Only discount.

ARCHONTOPHOENIX PURPUREA
THE PURPLE CROWN SHAFT KING

VERY BEAUTIFUL – GOOD GROWER
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON SIZE

The native home of Archontophoenix purpurea is the Mt. Lewis mountain range in Queensland, Australia.  This species is known for the purple color to the crown shaft.  It is found at an elevation up to 4000 feet.  Mature height is quoted to be over fifty feet, but in habitat and culture I didn’t see one this tall.  Cold hardiness is about 25 degrees F.  It takes full coastal sun.  The degree of purple in the crown shaft is variable but never “lollipop” purple.  The underside of the leaves is silver and there is ramenta hairs only on this side.  On younger plants the leaf bases and leaf stem tend to have a yellow color. 

I’m showing our 1g size (first 5 photos below) which we’re putting on a Ten Day Special.  These are very large plants for their pots and either single or multiple (more than one per pot).  Also available are large 5 and 15g sizes. 

REGULAR PRICE 1 GALLON $55
TEN DAY SPECIAL 1 GALLON $45

Remember to mention this Blog Only Special when you purchase to get this discount.

ARCHONTOPHOENIX PURPUREA
THE PURPLE CROWN SHAFT KING

VERY BEAUTIFUL – GOOD GROWER
TEN DAY SPECIAL FIVE GALLON SIZE
SEE SPECIES DESCRIPTION ABOVE

This post is for our 5g size.  We also have nice 15g’s as well.  These 5g are about 2 years older than the one gallons.  They can be mail ordered.

REGULAR PRICE 5G $95TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $75

ARCHONTOPHOENIX “TERACARPA”
THE BEST KING PALM EVER!

SO, WHAT IS IT?
ARE THEY EVER ON SALE?
YES, 10 DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE

Archontophoenix teracarpa is a fictitious name given to an unknown species/type of King Palm that I have in my garden and no one can identify.  I’ve been collecting seeds from it for quite a few years and offering it for sale.  Everyone who gets one agrees – “It’s the best King Palm ever!”  It got the name from the Latin “Large body”, which it has.  After trying to identify the species over many years and with no success, we coined the name “Archontophoenix teracarpa”.  The closest species to it would be A. maxima but it’s not the same.  So, what are the differences that makes teracarpa more ideal?

It is faster growing
It gets taller than the regular King Palm
It tolerates full sun better
It doesn’t brown tip in full sun
It has a blue crown shaft
It has a super thick trunk

REGULAR PRICE 5G $85
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G $70

Remember:  mention this Special to get your discount when you purchase!

KENTIOPSIS OLIVIFORMIS
A GREAT CROWN SHAFTED PALM
 

IDEAL FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
MEDIUM MATURE HEIGHT
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

I’ve discussed this great New Caledonian species before because it is such a good species for those of us in Southern California.  It comes from high elevation in its native New Caledonia habitat, is a good growing palm and can tolerate full sun easily along the coastal strip.  Its cold hardiness is down to about 23 degrees, better than the King Palm or Kentia Palm.  It has an average trunk diameter of eight to ten inches and a mature height of usually about thirty feet.  It can also be grown in part day sun or strong filtered light.  Shown here is the 5 gallon size we’re putting on special  Growth rate on this species is good.  This species is highly recommended. 

REGULAR PRICE 5G $100
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $80

The 5 gallon size is shown in the first 5 photos.  The garden trees are growing in San Diego County.

CYCAD HYBRID – CYCAS REVOLUTA X DEBAOENSIS
INTERESTING AND FAIRLY COLD HARDY HYBRID

TAKES PART DAY SUN
NEVER TOO TALL – VERY RARE CROSS
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON SIZE PLANTS

With the introduction of the very rare Cycas debaoensis, it was just a matter of time before this cross was done.  It’s between the Sago Palm (seed bearer with this cross) and the aforementioned debaoensis.  It is an interesting hybrid with bifurcation of the leaflets or leaf stems.  See photos below.  I’d recommend growing it in part day sun.  Cold tolerance should be into the upper teens F.

I anticipate it’ll be a small to medium sized mature plants.  It’s a great alternative to using the common Cycas revoluta.  Leaf color will be green and there will be some spines of the leaf stems.  Sorry, but there are no reputable photos of this hybrid in a mature size available at this time.  I’m putting our nicely sized one gallon on special.  Caudex size is about an inch or more.  I can’t show a mature plant for you as I know of none around.

REGULAR PRICE ONE GALLON SIZE $95
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS BAND SIZE $75

These would be easy to mail order.  You must mention this special when you purchase to get this price. 

MELIANTHUS MAJOR
THE HONEY BUSH

COLD HARDY – MAROON UPRIGHT FLOWERS
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON PLANTS

The Honey Bush plant has green to blue-green leaves.  It is native to South Africa.  It mixes nicely with a cycad garden.  They want full sun and get anywhere from six to fifteen feet tall with a similar width.  Flowers are upright, about 18 inches long and maroon in color.  Cold hardiness is into the teens F.  They are a water conserving type of plant.  They are also quite easy to grow.  The variety we offer ten to be more blue colored leaves.

TEN DAY SPECIAL 1 GALLON SIZE $30

These should be easy to mail order.  The last blossom photo is c/o Wikipedia.

TWO VARIEGATED HIBISCUS
ONE WITH RED FLOWERS, ONE WITH YELLOW

FORM SMALL BUSHES OR TREES
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON PLANTS

Below I am showing you two different variegated Hibiscus. 

1.  Variegated Hibiscus cooperi – first four photos
2.  Variegated Hibiscus tileaceus hamoe – photos 6 through 10

All of our Hibiscus have been propagated from cuttings off a mother tree.  Some have several plants per pot.  As most of you know, Hibiscus make a bush or small tree.  Plants are being grown from temperate to tropical localities.  Leaves are typically green with finely serrated edges.  The two plants on sale are more rare variegated forms but still have the colorful blossoms.  All need adequate sunlight.  They do not like severe cold weather.  Cold makes the flower buds drop off.  Keep them damp but not soggy.

TEN DAY SPECIAL EITHER TYPE BELOW $25

These can be mail ordered but are sort of fragile for traveling and no guarantees can be made at this time.   Blossom photos are c/o Wikipedia.

CORDYLINE AUSTRALIS
RED HYBRID FORM

FULL SUN – TEN FEET HEIGHT
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON SIZE

The plants shown here are a purple hybrid form of Cordyline australis.  There are many different hybrids of this species.  The most common is called “Red Star”.  They typically get to a height of ten feet, tolerate full sun and are cold hardy into the mid-teens F.   We’re putting our purple 15g on special.  These are old plants with nice trunk.  The garden plant is c/o Wikipedia.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $195
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $165

Just mention this Blog Special to get your discount

MONDAY, 7 SEPTEMBER, 2020

ROYSTONEA REGIA
THE CUBAN ROYAL PALM

LARGE SPECIMEN SIZED PLANTS AVAILABLE
SPECIMENS WITH FIFTEEN TO TWENTY-FIVE FEET OF TRUNK 

This pinnate New World species is another favorite of many enthusiasts.  It is native to Florida, Cuba and some surrounding areas.  It is now well known that this palm can be grown in many areas of Southern California.  If you can grow a King Palm, there’s a good chance you can grow a Royal Palm.  There are multiple species of Roystonea.  The most common and sought after species is the Cuban Royal, Roystonea regia.  Royal Palms love heat and sun.  Cold tolerance is about 25 degrees F.  They are fast growers. 

I have an associate who’s company is offering very large Royal Palms with trunk heights of 15 to 25 feet.  These are field grown in desert type areas of Southern California.  These growers have become experts on digging and establishing their plants.  They are sold in an assortment of trunk sizes and are all single trunk specimens.  They are sold either bagged with a large root ball or in large boxes.  They have been successfully dug and planted in many enthusiasts yards or on commercial sites. 

If you are interested in learning more about availability and prices, email me directly at my email address on this webpage.  The two garden photos are of Royal Palms thriving in the San Diego County area

BLECHNUM GIBBUM
THE SILVER LADY FERN

THE MINIATURE TREE FERN
YES, IT IS A MINIATURE AND STAYS SMALL!

I am really fond of this cute and dwarf type of Tree Fern native to an assortment of Pacific Islands stretching from Hawaii to the Asian Pacific.  The reason I like it is because it stays small over time.  To make this point, I am going to first shown you a 15g plant that we got from a private collection.  You’ll see this plant in the first two rows of photos.  The third row shows a standard 5 gallon nursery plant.  You’ll note that, in twenty years, three inches of trunk turns into two feet of trunk.  Now, that’s either from super slow growth or genetics.  I think it’s the latter.  The tallest specimen I’ve seen in a garden is about five feet tall overall.  Trunk diameter is four inches or less.  It likes filtered light and can take cold weather into the mid-twenties F or maybe a bit less.  We have 1 gallon size and often 5 gallon for sale.  These are easy to mail order.

CHECK BELOW TODAY’S POST – ONE GALLON ON SALE

BIRDS NEST ANTHURIUM
A PERFECT UNDERSTORY COMPANION PLANT

NEVER OVER ABOUT SIX FEET TALL
LEATHERY, DARK GREEN LEAVES

Enthusiast are always looking for attractive companion plants that don’t get too big.  Shown here is what’s called the “Birds Nest” Anthurium.  Most of these plants are felt to either be the species Anthurium hookeri or a hybrid of it.  They are good for filtered light situations and rarely get over six feet tall.  The leaves are long, wide and very thick to the touch.  Their leaf surface is wavy.  The first plants shown are very old 20g.  You can see they’ve formed trunk with some aerial roots.  Next I’m showing our 5g.  This is the size most people buy.  Cold hardiness is into the mid-twenties F.  Flowers are red, as are the tiny seeds.   These plants are real winners.

CHECK BELOW TODAY’S POST – 5 GALLON SIZE ON SALE!

DYPSIS DECARYI
THE TRIANGLE PALM

MEDIUM MATURE HEIGHT
THREE SIDED CROWN SHAFT WITH COLOR
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G AND 25G SIZES

This Madagascar palm is known as the “Triangle Palm” because the crown shaft has three flat sides.  This crown shaft has multiple colors including purple, silver and black.  It gets to a mature height of about 22 feet in 3 decades.  It loves heat and sun.  Leaves are a gray-green color and there is prominent speckling in the inner crown with dark colors.  It is slow growing.  It has a cold tolerance of about 24 degrees F.  The palms on Special are sun and landscape ready.  Plant them tomorrow!  These are way too big for mail order. 

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $225
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15 GALLON $185

REGULAR PRICE 25 GALLON $450
TEN DAY SPECIAL 225 GALLON $385

Remember to mention this Blog Special at the time of purchase.  The 15g size is shown in the first row of photos and the 25g in the second row.

CHAMAEDOREA TEPEJILOTE
SINGLE TRUNK, TALL 
SHADE-LOVING PINNATE PALM

DARK GREEN RINGED TRUNK
OFTEN GROWN AS A “MULTIPLE”
TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G SIZE

This single trunk pinnate palm is native to areas extending from southern Mexico down to Columbia.  They are often grown for food as the male blossoms are cooked and eaten as a delicacy.  This species doesn’t take sun here – it’ll burn.  But, in shade it thrives in temperatures down to the mid-twenties F.  It is quick growing and has a rather thick, prominently ringed dark green trunk.  Flowers are quite prominent and, if you have several plants closely situated, the chances are you’ll obtain fruit without even trying.  One photo shows a flower with green fruit. 

This species can also be grown inside the home as long as the air is not too hot and dry.  I personally like the looks of a collection of several plants grown together.  Over time, as they age and get overhead, there will be some “stair-stepping” of the crowns and this is quite attractive.  Cold tolerance outside is into the mid-twenties F.  It needs filtered light, even when tall.  We have singles and some multiples in our 15 gallon size which we are putting on sale.  They are very nice and really too big for mail order.  For the latter folks, get our 5 gallon size.

REGULAR PRICE 15G $225
TEN DAY SPECIAL $185

Just mention this Special for your discount.

RHOPALOSTYLIS SAPIDA
GREAT BARRIER ISLAND FORM

ROBUST GROWER – HUGE CROWN SHAFT
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE

There is very little published on this rare form of Rhopalostylis sapida.  It is native to only a small island off the coast of North Island, New Zealand.  It is rarely available.  It is said to have a huge, thick crown shaft when mature, long leaves, wide leaflets and to be one of the most vigorous growing Rhopalostylis.  I am showing one photo c/o RPS below of a mature tree.  These can be mail ordered and would prefer part day sun in most areas.  If you are inland, do not put in full sun.

REGULAR PRICE 5G $95
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G $80

Remember:  Mention this Special when purchasing.

LICUALA PELTATA VARIETY PELTATA
LARGE DIVIDED AND FLAT TROPICAL LEAF

THIN TRUNK, EXOTIC APPEARANCE
SOME DEGREE OF COLD HARDINESS
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON PLANTS

This is a tall, thin trunked tropical fan palm that is native to regions from northeastern India down through the Malay Peninsula.  It is known for its green divided flat leaves that can be almost six feet in width and have deeply divided segments that go all the way to the leaf stem.  Thus, from below, you see a full flat leaf that is divided into segments.  Tree height can be up to 30 feet.  The trunk is thin, about 4 inches in diameter.  It is a filtered light plant that could works its way into more sun.  Cold tolerance is about 30 degrees F. or a bit lower. 

We recently acquired some huge one gallon plants that needed a late winter repotting into 5 gallon containers.  We’re putting these on special.  My thanks to Paul Craft for the 7th and 9th photos below.

TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON PLANTS $80

These could sell out quickly.  Remember to mention this Special at the time of purchase

BRAHEA NITIDA
FLAT GREEN LEAF – NATIVE TO MEXICO

CAN TOLERATE LESS THAN FULL SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G PLANTS

This interesting fan palm is native to Mexico, where it lives in the western portion of the country in mountainous areas.  Its distribution extends down into Guatemala.  It attains a height of thirty feet with a stout trunk of one foot diameter.  The most attractive thing about this palm are its circular leaves, with only partial division of the segments.  This is particularly apparent when it is grown in filtered light.   In sun, the leaves are less flat and more divided.  When grown in shade, sometimes this species reminds me of a “Licuala-looking” palm in its leaf appearance.  

Cold hardiness is at least into the mid-twenties F.  It may in fact be more cold hardy.  The leaves are a shiny green with a white discoloration on the underside of the leaves.  The petioles are essentially un-armed.  From time to time we have this species available.  Shown here are nice 5g which I’m putting on sale.   The close up of the petioles shows the lack of armor.  Note the minimal division of the leaflets.  The plant in the garden below shows more circular, flat near entire leaves.  Compare this to the habitat photo, which was taken by a friend of mine, Justen Dobbs, in habitat and in full sun.  The leaves in full sun are more divided and not as tropical appearing.

REGULAR PRICE 5G $95
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G $75

Remember, mention this Blog Only Special for price at the time of purchase.  Limited numbers available.  The photo from habitat is by Justen Dobbs

CHAMBEYRONIA MACROCARPA
THE FLAME THROWER PALM
NEW RED EMERGING LEAF

DARK GREEN CROWN SHAFT
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

What good fortune is it that New Caledonia can claim to be the home of all Chambeyronia.  Included is this species, C. macrocarpa.  It is a slow growing, pinnate, crown shafted palm that gets to a height of about 30 feet.  It has a dark green to green-black crown shaft.  Compare this to C. hookeri above with it’s yellow crown shaft.  Leaves are wide, thick and leathery to the touch.  With good culture, maybe you can get three new leaves a year.  About one in twenty plants fail to throw a new red leaf – rather, it remains green.  This is just bad luck and there’s no way to predict which will do this.  Shown here are 5 gallon plants we’re putting on sale.  We do have larger and smaller sizes available.  Coastal sun is tolerated although strong filtered light is ok for most areas.  This is a great garden palm.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $100
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON $80

Just mention this special when you buy.  I thank TS at RPS for usage of his photo below.

CHAMBEYRONIA MACROCARPA
THE FLAME THROWER PALM
NEW RED EMERGING LEAF

DARK GREEN CROWN SHAFT
TEN DAY SPECIAL 7 & 15 GALLON SIZESEE SPECIES DESCRIPTION ABOVE

We have a limited number of 7 and 15 gallon plants that we’re also putting on special.  These two sizes are comparably sized.

REGULAR PRICE 7 & 15 GALLON $225
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE SIZES $195

CHAMAEROPS CERIFERA
NATIVE TO MOROCCO
THE SEMI-DWARF “BLUE MED FAN”

FULL HOT SUN – EXTREMELY COLD HARDY 
SUPER OLD 5G PLANTS
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G PLANTS

This interesting palm is a suckering blue fan palm is native to Morocco.  It’s actually quite amazing that it took a long time for taxonomists to realize that it was a species and had it’s own unique characteristics.  It’s definitely a deep blue color but also it never gets as large as Chamaereops humilus.  The problem was that there were also native short clones of the later.  Chamaerops cerifera is one of the most cold hardy species for those of you in super cold areas.  I’ve had reports of it going down to 13 degrees F.  Mature height is about six feet or so.  Color is blue in hot sun.  This species does sucker.  The plants on special here are nice 5g plants and quite easy to ship.  As seen, they are already suckering out with a nice sized primary trunk.  We do sell larger plants if needed. 
 
REGULAR PRICE 5G $95
TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE LARGE 5G $75

Remember: Mention this Special for your discount.  Can be shipped or delivered.   The last photo is by TS at RPS

RHAPIDOPHYLLUM HYSTRIX
THE NEEDLE PALM

WORLD’S MOST COLD HARDY PALM
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON SIZE

There is no doubt in my mind that this species is the most cold tolerant of any palm species.  It is native to the southeastern United States with native habitats stretching from South Carolina down to northern Florida and into Alabama and Mississippi.  There are reports of this species tolerating below zero degrees F.  Now, this doesn’t mean that you can grow it in Michigan.  But, in areas that see significant cold such as North Carolina, central Texas or even New Mexico, this species might work for you.It is a suckering fan palm and known as the “Needle Palm” because it forms dark colored, protuberant needles on the trunk.  The fourth picture below shows small needles forming on the trunk.  The first five photos show the 5g on sale followed by a few 15g plants.  All are in limited supply.  In sun the color is a silver green with more silver underneath.  In shade the color gets dark green, reminiscent of a  Rhapis Palm.  Trunks are usually under three feet tall and four to six inches thick.  But, because the leaves come upwards, the overall height of the plant can be six to seven feet or taller.  They can get a bit bushy.  This is a very slow growing species.  The one gallon plants are being put on sale.    REGULAR PRICE 1G $55
TEN DAY SPECIAL 1G $45

I only have a few of these.  You must mention this Blog Only Special to get this price.

HEDYSCEPE CANTERBURYANA
FROM LORD HOWE ISLAND

SILVER CROWN SHAFT – SILVER TRUNK
UMBRELLA SHAPED CROWN OF LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

We have available some nice 1g plants of Hedyscepe canterburyana.  This single trunk palm has a silver crown shaft, silver trunk (in shade) with prominent rings.  It is native to medium elevations in the mountains of Lord Howea Island (home of the Kentia Palm).  It is single trunk.  Mature height is about 20 feet.  They fruit here and seeds are large and red in color.  Along our coast here it takes full sun but also does well in part day sun or strong filtered light.  Trunks are beefier in sun.  Cold tolerance is about 23 – 25 degrees.  When folks see this plant in person, most agree it is one of the most desirable palms around.  We are putting our 5g size on special – first row of photos.   I’m also showing large and very old 15g in the second row of photos – about 12 years old.  Yes, they are slow growing!  

REGULAR PRICE 5G $100
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 G $80

Remember: Mention this Special for this discount.

HEDYSCEPE CANTERBURYANA
FROM LORD HOWE ISLAND

SILVER CROWN SHAFT – SILVER TRUNK
UMBRELLA SHAPED CROWN OF LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL VERY OLD 15 GALLON SIZE SEE SPECIES DESCRIPTION ABOVE

Our 15g plants on special are super old – estimate about 12 years old.  You won’t find this size any larger or chunkier in a 15g than these plants.  See post above for more photos of the 15g size.

REGULAR PRICE 15 GALLON $400
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $325

RAVENEA SAMBIRANENSIS
RARE SINGLE TRUNK PALM FROM MADAGASCAR

WHEN MATURE, LANDSCAPE SIZED SPECIMEN
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON PLANTS
This species of Ravenea is from both the west and eastern sides of the Island of Madagascar.  It was named after a river on the island.  It is a large and elegant pinnate palm with heights reportedly up to one hundred feet.  Trunk diameter is one foot.  It grows at elevations from sea level to six thousand feet in both dry and moist native habitats.  When younger, this species has flat erect leaves that go straight upwards.  However, with age, this species produces leaves that are keeled and curve downwards at the ends.  When mature the overall crown is hemispherical with the leaves in the upper portion of the circle.  Because of its large size, this plant should be considered a major landscape item and not a companion plant.  Photos below show how large this palm is when mature.

I have a limited number of one gallon plants on sale.  They should be grown in an area where they can work their way from strong filtered light into full sun.  Cold hardiness is into the mid-twenties F.  They like moisture but need good draining soil.  My thanks to TS at RPS for two photos below.

REGULAR PRICE ONE GALLON $60
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON $47.50

Our one gallon size is shown in the first 5 photos below.

CHAMAEDOREA SARTORIISINGLE TRUNK UNDERSTORY PALM

WANTS FILTERED LIGHT
HARD TO FIND
TEN DAY SPECIAL ONE GALLON SIZE.

This thin trunked understory palm is native to Mexico and several Central American countries.  It has a thin trunk a half inch thick and green leaves with variability in the width of the leaflets.  The terminal leaflets are often fused to give a large fishtail type of leaflet.  It gets to about ten feet tall.  It’s a bit difficult to find.  This size can be mail ordered.

REGULAR PRICE ONE GALLON $55
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $45

Remember to mention this Special at the time of purchase

CERATOZAMIA LATIFOLLIATHE CHAMELEON OF CYCADS

HOW ABOUT ORANGE, RED OR GOLD NEW LEAVESTEN DAY SPECIAL ANY PLANT THIS SPECIES

Ceratozamia latifolia is a smaller, filtered light loving cycad from Mexico.  It is native to the regions of San Luis Potosi and Hidalgo.  Leaf length averages four, perhaps five feet maximum.  Leaves lay in a more horizontal position.  Caudex size is less than ten inches.  So, you can see that overall leaf crown width is under six feet or so.  The striking trait of this species is the very colorful newly emergent leaves as shown here.  But, you can’t always predict what color each plant will produce.  The leaflets are wide and un-armed.  We recommend filtered light for this species.  Cold hardiness is certainly the lower 20’s F. or lower.

The photos here show three different plants with three different colors of emerging new leaves – orange, red and gold.  Of course, sometimes they may be green.  These colors always fade over two to three weeks to their green color.  But, any given plant will typically throw the same color with the next batch of new leaves.

TEN DAY SPECIAL:  20% OFF ANY PLANT THIS SPECIES.

We usually have an assortment of sizes from citrus pot to 15 gallon or larger.

DIOON EDULE
SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED MEXICAN CYCAD

FOR A CYCAD, VERY COLD HARDY
TOLERATES DESERT SUN – ONE OF BEST FOR THIS
TEN DAY SPECIAL BIG 15 GALLON PLANTS

Dioon edule is a typically small to medium sized sun-loving cycad from Mexico.  There are known to be about six different varieties of this species – all from different localities.  Leaves are typically green to blue-green.  Leaflets at pointed at the end and otherwise un-armed.  Dioon edule is one of the few cycads that tolerates hot direct desert sun.  The Sago Palm can’t claim this ability.  Cold tolerance is excellent, being able to take cold weather into the teens F.  We recently got in a handful of great 15 gallon plants with caudexes of about 6 inches.  They are gorgeous.

REGULAR PRICE THESE 15 GALLON PLANTS $400
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS GROUP OF CYCADS $250

This is a great buy.  But, remember to mention this Special for your discount when you purchase.  Mail order possible.

CERATOZAMIA KUESTERIANA
SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED CYCAD

 
COLORFUL EMERGING NEW LEAVES
INLAND FILTERED LIGHT OR COASTAL SUN
TEN DAY SPECIAL CITRUS POT SIZE AS SHOWN

This attractive cycad comes from the Sierra Mountain Range in Mexico near Tamaulipas.  There is grows among overhead oak trees.  It is a small to medium sized plant, perhaps at most getting a four foot tall caudex.  Leaf length is four to five feet.  Leaflets are long and narrow, coming to a point.  Leaflet color is green.  But, newly emerging leaves are a brown-red as shown below.  With the 8th photo by Ian Edwards below, you can see how attractive a new swirl of leaves can be.  Petioles can be smooth or armed with small spines.

This is an easy to grow species.  It can take coastal full sun but inland demands filtered light.  Cold tolerance is to the low 20’s F.  This species is being grown in northern CA and in some other states where they see cooler weather.  I’m showing you two plants in citrus pots with new reddish-brown emerging leaves.  Caudex sizes are 3 to 3.5 inches.  Soil should be well draining in the garden.  This species also makes an attractive containerized patio plant. 

REGULAR PRICE THIS SIZE CITRUS POT $350
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SPECIES THIS SIZE $275.

Remember to mention this Special at the time of purchase to get this discounted price.

BIRDS NEST ANTHURIUMANTHURIUM HOOKERI

THE PERFECT COMPANION PLANT

NEVER OVER ABOUT SIX FEET TALL
LEATHERY, DARK GREEN LEAVES
TEN DAY SPECIAL NICE 5 GALLON PLANTS

Enthusiast are always looking for attractive companion plants that don’t get too big.  Shown here is what’s called the “Birds Nest” Anthurium.  Most of these plants are felt to either be the species Anthurium hookeri or a hybrid of it.  They are good for filtered light situations and rarely get over six feet tall.  The leaves are long, wide and very thick to the touch.  Their leaf surface is wavy.  We’re offering our 5 gallon size on a Ten Day Special.  This is the size most people buy.  Cold hardiness is into the mid-twenties F.  Flowers are red, as are the tiny seeds.   These plants are real winners. These can be mail ordered.

REGULAR PRICE 5G THIS SPECIES $85
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $67.50

Remember:  Mention this Blog Only Special to get this price when you buy!  The last photo is c/o Wikipedia

RABITTS FOOT FERN
DAVALIA FEJEENSIS

DWARF FERN – ABOUT 18 INCHES TALL
CREEPS ON GROUND WITH FURRY FEET
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

This popular fern is known for its furry rhizomes which make new plants and can form near sphere of leaves when grown in a basket.  Or, you can grow it in the garden where it’ll crawl the garden floor.  It is native to Fiji.  Leaves come off the rhizomes and are about 12 to 16 inches long.  Their color is green.  They are easy to propagate by cutting and rooting one of the rhizomes with a few leaves.  They prefer filtered light and are cold hardy into the twenties F.  Many people grow this fern indoors.  We’re offering full 5 gallons on special.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $55TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $45

Remember to mention this Blog Only Special at the time of purchase.

SILVER BRAKE FERN
PTERIS CRETICA

TWO COLORED LEAVES
LIKES FILTERED LIGHT – NOT TOO TALL
TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

The hallmark of this fern are the green and white leaflets.  There are various varieties of this species.  On some the lighter color is a white, others sort of yellow and also some with silver inner portions of the leaflets.  Leaves come from crawling rhizomes and are about 12 to 18 inches long.  This species like ample moisture, filtered light and is cold tolerance to a bit below a freeze.  We are offering 5 gallons on sale.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON $55
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $45

We might also have some one gallons available.

BLECHNUM GIBBUM FERN
“MINIATURE TREE FERN”

NEVER OVER 5 TO 6 FEET TALL
FILTERED LIGHT FERN
TEN DAY SPECIAL 1G PLANTS

This species never makes a large plant.  But, it does resemble the classic “Tree Fern”.  It has a short, small trunk 3 to 4 inches in diameter, an overall height typically of under six feet and crown width of four feet.  It prefers filtered light and will tolerate temperatures into the 20’s F.  People in the San Francisco area are growing this species.  Be aware that this species, like all ferns, needs water.  The plants on special are in the one gallon size.  We do offer other sizes when available.

REGULAR PRICE 1 GALLON $40
TEN DAY SPECIAL 1G $30

Just mention this blog only special when purchasing to get this price.  Note that the l6th photo is a 15 gallon plant from the nursery.

TASMANIAN TREE FERNDICKSONIA ANTARCTICA

SLOW GROWING TREE FERNWILL GET TO A MEDIUM HEIGHTTEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE

This species of Tree Fern is native to various localities in Eastern Australia.  It doesn’t get as tall as the Australian Tree Fern above and is much slower growing.  Trunk diameter is a bit smaller as well.  Mature height domestically is usually 10 to 15 feet although specimens in the wild are much taller.  Leaves are green, four to six feet long and the trunk has old attached and furry leaf bases that gradually fall off.  This species like strong filtered light of part day sun.  It enjoys ample water and is cold hardy into the 20’s F.  We’re putting nice 5 gallon plants on sale.

REGULAR PRICE 5 GALLON SIZE $55
SALES PRICE THIS SIZE $45

Remember to mention this Blog Special to get this price when you purchase.

RARE RHAPIS HYBRID
(RHAPIS MULTIFIDA X HUMILIS) X RHAPIS HUMILIS

SHOULD BE MEDIUM SIZED MATURE PALM
SUCKERING WITH THIN LEAFLETS
TEN DAY SPECIAL 2 GALLON SIZE

As many of you know, Luis Hooper was one of the all-time greats when it came to hybridizing Rhapis palms.  The plants on special here are from a cross that he did.  He crossed male Rhapis humilis pollen to an existing hybrid of Rhapis multifida x humilis.  Plants will have thin trunks, leaflets will be green and narrow.  Leaflet tips will be pointed.  It’ll be a filtered light plant that is cold hardy well into the mid-twenties, probably colder.  Expect a mature height over ten feet.  This is a very rare palm to see offered.  We only have a couple.  The photos in the last row are the seed bearing mother cross.

REGULAR PRICE THIS CROSS IN 2G SIZE $75
TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $60

END OF CURRENT POSTS FOR SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER, 2020