THURSDAY, 29 MAY, 2014

 

ARENGA ENGLERI THE DWARF SUGAR PALM TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE This suckering pinnate palm species from Asia is desirable for several reasons.  It is a semi-dwarf species, rarely over eight to ten feet tall.  It is also a great species to "block the neighbor" from looking over the fence (privacy creating species).  It is super cold hardy for a pinnate palm, going down into the teens F.  Finally, the blossoms are very fragrant.  We just got in some nice 5g plants and are passing on the savings to you. I've included an older stock photo showing you a near-mature plant at the nursery.  Note the height.  It will thicken with more canes over time, but not get much taller. REGULAR PRICE 5G $65 TEN DAY SPECIAL $50 You must mention this Blog only price when ordering.

Older photo of a larger 25g sized plant

 

DYPSIS ONILAHENSIS DROOPY LEAF FORM TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE This popular species is from Madagascar and can be single trunk or suckering.  It has a leaf form where the leaf is flat in cross section and another form where the leaflets are very droopy, hanging down toward the ground.  The crown shafts are white as shown here or sometimes silver.  It likes coastal sun and is cold hardy into the low 20's F.  We are offering the band size on special, droopy form.  This is a Blog only offering. REGULAR PRICE BAND $35 TEN DAY SPECIAL $25 OR FOUR FOR $80 You must mention this special when ordering.
photo by BC

 

BISMARCKIA NOBILIS LARGE BLUE MADAGASCAR FAN PALM TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G SIZE As many people taken advantage of our special on this great blue palm from Madagascar, we're offering it again.  These are nice 15g plants.  It is a single trunk species, gets a trunk of about 18 inches in diameter, and will eventually in many decades get a height of approximately forty feet.  Cold tolerance is the low 10's F., and growth rate is medium.  It is a sun species. REGULAR PRICE 15G SIZE $175 TEN DAY SPECIALTHIS SIZE $95 READ ARTICLE ON BISMARCKIA

 

RED, CLUSTERING PETITE NEROGELIA AN EASY TO GROW RED BROMELIAD TEN DAY SPECIAL NICE PLANTS We've been offering these plants for years and seldom do they go on sale.  This is a smaller Nerogelia that can take some sun, even full sun along the immediate coast.  They turn from green to bright red in the sun.  They are compact and low.  In three or four years you'll get many heads and they are tightly held together.  The plants we have presently are older and have about fifteen heads.  They are a very full cluster.  They tolerate temperatures into the twenties F.  They add nice color to the garden. REGULAR PRICE THESE PLANTS $55 TEN DAY SPECIAL $40 Just mention this special at time of purchse to get the discount.

 

ENCEPHALARTOS HORRIDUS BLUE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD ONE OF THE MOST SOUGHT-AFTER CYCADS IN THE WORLD There is a saying among cycad enthusiasts that "you can never have too many horridus".  After 36 years as a nurseryman growing cycads, I can say this is definitely true.  E. horridus is always the cycad that I run out of in smaller sizes.  The Latin derivation for the word "horridus" is "pickly or bristly".  I sometimes tell people that its derivation is from the word "horrible, and that's how you'll feel if you fall into it".  This is because, of all the cycads, it is one of the most gnarly and spiny cycads of any.  With this said, this South African cycad is also one of the most beautiful and striking of all cycad species.  Its color is powdery blue.  This is dependent on the plant receiving direct sunlight and on heat.  Remember, the blue color is from a powder that the leaflets exude as a protection from desiccation.  So, in the shade or in a humid greenhouse, the plant doesn't need to produce this powder.  Consequently, blue leaves will turn green.  You can actually wipe off the blue powder (and color) with your finger. E. horridus is a smaller to medium sized plant.  A caudex that is three feet tall is considered "enormous" for this species and hardly, if ever, will get taller.  Crown width is typically three to four feet, rarely larger.  Leaves often are recurved downward or even upon themselves with a 360 degree circle.  Leaflets are prominently barbed with a backward flip to the proximal barb.  A similar species, E. trispinosus, doesn't typically have this flip to the barbs and this is a good way to tell them apart.  Growth rate is slow.  Note that, even though this species loves sun, growers in desert areas must only give part day sun or the leaves will burn.  Cold tolerance is about 22 degrees F. One last comment and a point I want to make is that, among this species as a group, there are variations in the appearance of the plants.  Just like people, plants individually do vary.  This can be seen in overall size, leaflet shape and leaf shape.  A dear friend of our nursery, now deceased, thrilled in his collection of different appearing horridus.  He had well over twenty different appearing forms of this species.  My feeling is that you should not consider all of these "varieties" or "dwarfs, giants, etc" but rather consider them as variability in the appearance of this species. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON E. HORRIDUS, CLICK HERE	A boxes specimen with nice color	Once again, note golden collar at base of leaf stem
		Emerging female cone
female cone

A VARIETY OF SABALS IN SMALLER SIZES PERFECT FOR MAIL ORDER As Sabals are typically quite cold hardy, there's a lot of interest in them.  I'm showing you today some examples of Sabals that are in an "easy to ship size".  Most of these shown are in 5 gallon sizes.  These are New World fan palms and many have husky, thick trunks.  Some get quite tall while others are dwarf palms.  Some are green, others almost blue.  Most are vigorous growers when given the right conditions.  But, almost all are pretty cold hardy with many surviving well into the teens F.  Because of these characteristics, people in colder parts of the country tend to love Sabals.  I took most of these photos at our nursery and should have most in stock.  Availability and sizes available change over time.  On some species we may have large band sizes for sale as well.  Receiving these plants right to your door is as easy as picking up the phone and calling me.  I usually ship the same day (U.S. only) with plants in their containers, not bare root.  With the species below, I'll only make a few major points.  Assume they take full sun unless noted otherwise.	Sabal mauritiformis leaf	Sabal causiarum
SABAL DOMINGUENSIS Thick trunk Blue green leaves Rounded crown with big leaves Tall species, over 40 feet
SABAL MINOR Native to Southern United States Small palm None-existent trunks to perhaps up to ten feet, depending on variety Small, well divided leaves Green to blue green color Blossoms often stand above the foliage Very cold hardy
SABAL PUMOS Mexican, high elevation species Tall species, up to fifty feet Thin trunk, typically 8 inches in diameter Trunk can end up "knobby" Green leaves
SABAL "RIVERSIDE" True habitat origin unknown Taxonomy known but can't identify to native locality Thick trunked Sabal species Green to blue green Medium sized round black seeds Large leaves Height to 25 feet Reported to tolerate down to 16 degrees f.
SABAL PALMETTO Native to SE U.S. and into the Caribbean Most domestic plants have ten to twenty feet of trunk Reports of native plants with heights over fifty feet Medium sized trunk and leaf Green color to leaves Younger plants has retained leaf bases for some time
SABAL URESANA Sabal species with blue leaves in full sun Native to high elevation northern Mexico Trunk height to fifty feet Trunk diameter 18 inches Long petioles, medium sized leaves Cold hardy to about 20 degrees F. Loves heat and sun		Leaves of 15g plant
SABAL CAUSIARUM Tall fan palm Extremely thick, gray colored trunk to two feet diameter Crown fifteen feet wide Color green to blue-green Often hard to locate plants Looks nice in groups of separated plants
SABAL XTENSENSIS Native to Southern U.S., TX Medium sized Sabal Extremely cold hardy Green colored leaves Natural hybrid in habitat
SABAL ROSEI Slender trunk Mexican species Height to 40 feet Trunk diameter 8 inches Retained leaf bases or clean trunk with knobby leaf base scars leaf color is green Fairly cold hardy, easily to 20 degrees F. (note: almost out of this species)
SABAL MAURITIFORMIS Tropical appearing Sabal Thin trunk, some retained leaf bases Leaf circular in form with many leaflets Underside of leaflets faint silver Slow growing Tolerates sun or shade in most areas Cold hardy to lower 20's F.

MONDAY, 26 MAY, 2014

DIOON SPINULOSUM EXOTIC APPEARING FILTERED LIGHT CYCAD Two days ago I offered a special price on our oversized 1 gallon Dioon spinulosusm.  So, I thought I'd take the opportunity to say more about this species. • Native to Mexico • Prefers filtered light in most domestic applications • Centuries old plants can be over 30 feet tall • Leaves four to six feet long with small spines of leaflets • Trunks typically under one foot thick • Excellent species for patios or shopping center malls • Can be grown as an interior cycad • Can hold multiple swirls of leaves making crown full and lush • Rare as a plant but not one of the most rare cycads Shown here is an assortment of nursery plants.  Note how they look lush and exotic.  An unusual red emergent plant is shown.  This species tends to be affordable for a cycad and right now is on special (see Saturday's thread)..	5g plants
15g plant	old 24 inch boxed specimen with male cone
unusual red emergent form	more typical green emergent form
1 gallon, 4 year old plant	extremely old nursery specimen

ENCEPHALARTOS PRINCEPS SOUGHT AFTER BLUE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD This morning I wanted to show you a hard to find blue South African cycad.  Encephalartos princeps is a gorgeous blue cycad that is most similar to E. lehmannii.  But, princeps leaflets orient more toward the center o the plant and sometimes sort of "stack" in their alignment.  The palnt shown here has a seven inch caudex with some vertical height.  The color is intense.  It's in a 15g pot.  It wants full sun in most areas and is cold tolerant to about 22 degrees F.  If you love blue cycads, get a princeps before all you'll be able to locate are small seedlings.

ARCHONOTPHOENIX PURUPUREA PURPLE CROWN SHAFT KING PALM TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G PLANT SIZE This sought after single trunk palm from northern Australia is smaller than the regular King Palm.  And, over time, it develops a purple color to the crown shaft.  Growth rate is good.  Cold tolerance is about 25 degrees.  Most people along the coast grow it in sun but some prefer part day sun.  I am offering our 15g plants at a very discounted one day price. REGULAR PRICE 15G $175 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $150 You must mention this Blog Only Special to get this price.  You can buy now and pick up later.

BUTIA CAPITATA BLUE ONLY A FEW 15G LEFT, THEN NOT AVAILABLE TEN DAY SPECIAL I've sold a huge number of these over the past year at full price but the well is running dry.  I perhaps have three 15g left to sell.  And, there are no more in the pipeline.  So, don't miss out.  These plants are as blue as a Brahea armata and equally as cold hardy. But, they still have a very palmy and somewhat tropical looking.  They like sun, heat and can take cold down to 15 degrees F.  This size can be shipped. REGULAR PRICE 15G THIS SPECIES $175 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $145 They'll probably be gone today.  You must mention this Blog Only special to get this price when purchasing.  Pay now and pick up later ok.

MUSA LASIOCARPA SMALL BANANA, YELLOW BLOSSOM, SUPER COLD HARDY TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE This semi-dwarf flowering Banana is cold hardy to the low 20's F. and doesn't get much over six feet tall.  It does sucker and is easy to grow.  The blossom in at the top of each stem and a yellow color and large.  We have these nice plants for sale, but only a few.  We're offering our 5g plants at a great price. REGULAR PRICE 5G SIZE $65 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $45 Just mention this special to get this price.

RAVENEA GLAUCA THIN TRUNK, MEDIUM SIZE, BEAUTIFUL CROWN OF LEAVES TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G SIZE This morning I've added a super popular single trunk Madagascar Palm to our list of plants on special.  This species gets a typical height of twenty to twenty-five feet, likes sun in most areas and is a good growing species.  People who've gotten this species love it.  Shown here are some 15g plants and a picture from habitat.  Our availability is fair at this point.  But, they could sell out.   So, get one while you can at this discounted price. REGULAR PRICE 15G $175 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $150 You must mention this price when purchasing.  OK to buy now and pick up later.

LEPIDOZAMIA PEROFFSKYANA HUGE BAND SIZE PLANTS TEN DAY SPECIAL These plants are also five year old band seedlings with a cuadex one to two inches in size.  They should be put in 5 gallon pots soon.  This species is a large, green cycad that forms substantial trunk, has glossy green leaves and NO spines!  It's very user friendly in this fashion but you must give it room to grow.  Shown here is the band size.  They are cold tolerant to the low 20's F. and, in most areas, want bright filtered light. REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $50 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $35 Band size seedlings are easy to ship right to your door.  You must mention this Blog Special when ordering to get this discounted price.

SUNDAY, 25 MAY, 2014

COPERNICIA ALBA THE CARANDAY PALM TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G SIZE   This is probably the most cold hardy of any of the Copernicia.  It is native to the South American countries of Bolivia, Paraguay and Argentina.   We just got in some very nice 15g plants, so I thought I'd present the species here.  It is a very tall palm (can get up to 100 feet) yet has an extremely thin trunk, usually less than 12 inches.  The upper trunk can hold on to old leaf bases, but on older specimens most of the trunk shows a clean gray appearance.  The leaves are about three feet wide, green above and blue-green to blue below.  The deeply divided leaves are about three feet wide..  Petioles are mildly armed.  Photos here show the leaf characteristics. Like other tall, thin palms, this species can be planted in a group of several together.  It wants full sun and is cold hardy well into the lower twenties and even the upper teens F.  It can tolerate desert climates.  We also have available smaller plants for sale.  If you compare this to the Copernicia baileyana recently discussed.  The two are totally different appearing palms within the same genus. REGULAR PRICE 15G $175 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $145 To get the discount, just mention this Blog Only Special when purchasing.

SATURDAY, 24 MAY, 2014

CERATOZAMIA SPECIES NEW RED FLUSH VERY OLD PLANT Today I wanted to show you a Ceratozamia that we've been growing for many years at the nursery.  It just threw a new set of leaves.which are a red-brown color as shown here.  At this stage these leaves are very soft and delicate.  If handled too roughly, they can snap.  But, within a few weeks they will turn green and become much more firm to touch.  One does not want to turn or rotate a cycad that is throwing new leaves.  If you do, the leaves will twirl and re-orient themselves to the sun.  This gives a twirled and assymetrical crown of leaves which is less appealing.  . This plant is so old that the label has long ago been lost.  It is similar to Ceratozamia juesteriana but looks a bit different in leaf and leaflet form.  It has coned but I don't recall the sex.  It's in a 24 inch box and has been outdoor grown.  It has seen 25 degrees F. and has been outdoor grown for the last decade.  I'd estimate it is toleraant to the low 20's F.  It is for sale.

SATURDAY, 17 MAY, 2014

ENCEPHALARTOS FRIDERICI-GUILIELMI BLUE-GREEN CYCAD WITH THIN, UNARMED LEAFLETS This South African cycad species gets trunks that are up to twelve feet tall, sometimes decumbent and that sucker from the base.  Distribution centers around the Eastern Cape Province.  It is somewhat similar in appearance to Encephalartos cycadifolius and was historically confused with this species for a while.  Leaves are upright with some curve and about three to five feet long.  They hold leaflets that are less than a half inch wide (usually 1/4 to 1/3 inch wide) and about four to five inches long.  They come to a point and do not have marginal spines.  Overall color is blue or  blue-green on new flushes, turning more green and sometimes yellow with age.  Older leaf stems often show a yellow color. The thin leaf Encephalartos tend to possess good cold hardiness but are not hardy into the teens F.  Figure Encephalartos friderici-guilielmi will take into the low 20's quite easily.  In most areas they want full sun. Shown here are several nursery plants.  We have a pretty good selection of this species.  I've found this species really responds to being in the ground.  It grows better in the ground than in a pot.
		photo by Colin Wilson, PACSOA

RHAPIS HUMILUS TALL, ELEGANT, SUCKERING FAN PALM WE HAVE THE REAL THING! Even among nurserymen and authorities, there is a real confusion about the "real" Rhapis humilus.  I am going to tell you what I know to be true about this rare and almost impossible to find true species. • It is an extremely tall species coming from China.  Native localities are not known.  It became a nursery item and was not found in habitat again. • Stems get to a height of 20 to 25 feet.  This is much taller than any other Rhapis species. • It has stems that are about an 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter and have the strength to hold their stems upright.  Occasionally they will lean out to the side. • It tolerates full sun in our coastal areas, unlike other species.  Rhapis excelsa will burn or turn yellow in full sun. • Rhapis multifida (shown yesterday) is marketed heavily and misidentified as "Rhapis humilus" by many nurseries and is NOT the true species.  It gets to eight feet tall, doesn't take full sun and has very thin canes. •There is no seed source for Rhapis humilus and it is felt that there are only male plants in existence.  Remember, this is a dioecious species and you need both sexes to set seeds.   So, if you see a small, one or five gallon "Rhapis humilus" on EBay, you know it's something else. • Every time someone offers 'seeds", they are not true Rhapis humilus • The only way to get this species is to dig an existing clump (there are very few around), divide it up and grow it from there. With these points made, shown here are several boxed or large specimens of Rhapis humilus, the real thing.  Some pictures show our staff dividing up a large clump we got in.  This species is rarely available, is always super expensive, and is usually only available as large clumps (not a little 5g) because seeds don't exist.  Cold tolerance is about 20 degrees, it lives easily in the SF Bay area, availability is slim to never and architects love to spec out this species not knowing that there's hardly any available on the market. Right now I have a few specimens available.  Leaf hallmarks are thin leaflets, pointed ends to these leaflets and a large number of leaflets (12 to 25) per leaf.  By the way, I am offered a clump (for purchase) about once every five to ten years.  So, availability is spotty and seldom.  Wikipedia, which has a bit of information about almost everything, doesn't even have a picture of the true species.
		Nursery division of large clump
	repotting divisions of a large clump

RHAPIS MULTIFIDA SIMILAR TO R. HUMILUS BUT SHORTER AN IDEAL PATIO OR INTERIOR PALM SUPERIOR TO THE COMMON LADY PALM It is actually quite surprising that this fantastic palm is so difficult to find.  I say this because it is so much prettier than the normal Lady Palm, Rhapis excelsa, and people should be clammering for it.  Compared to the R. excelsa, it has many more thin leaflets per leaf, has cleaner and more tidy stems, and consistently grows to about eight feet, an ideal height.  In contrast, the normal Lady Palm sometimes can stunt, being only three to four feet tall.  It only carries six to eight leaflets and the trunks are sort of shabby appearing with litter.  Rhais multifida carries typically about fifteen or more leaflets per leaf.  See photos here to compare the two. The nearest species to R. multifida is R. humilus (described above).  But, the multifida is shorter and has more narrow canes.  We have available nice 5 to 6 foot specimens of this species from time to time.  See photos.  if you really want one of these, we can often specialorder them for you if they are not in stock.  We import them out of Hawaii.  We've not had a customer who didn't love this species as an interior or patio plant once they got one by mail order. This species is native to Asia and China, like all Rhapis.  Ninety percent of our Rhapis multifida come from Hawaii because they grow much faster there and a nice specimen can be produced easily.  They are imported as interior quality plants suitable for bank lobbies and hotels.  They are older plants and are perfect for inside the house or a shaded patio.  Cold tolerance is the low 20's F.  It wants filtered light or limited sun.  Shown here are two six foot tall five gallon plants.  Our availability on these is extremely variable as they do need importation and supplies change over time.  In these photos, compare the two species.  I've labeled the appropriate pictures.
		Rhapis multifida.  Note pointed leaflet tips
Rhapis excelsa; note few number of leaflets	Rhapis excelsa.  Note blunt leaflet tipsi

RHAPIS: WHAT ABOUT VARIEGATED RHAPIS? WE STILL HAVE SOME NICE ONES AVAILABLE This is an exciting topic and for those of you who missed it last summer.  I did a long series on these rare Japanese variegated Rhapis excelsa.  If you go back to posts in August of last year, especially earlier in the month, you'll see lots of photos of variegated Rhapis.  We bought in a very old collection of mature variegated Rhapis excelsa.  There were about 80 plants from that group.  Presently, at least half have sold, but some are still available.  Shown here are examples of these variegated gems.  These plants are coveted around the world and almost impossible to find.

ENCEPHALARTOS ALTENSTEINII VARIETY BUSHMAN'S RIVER RARE LARGE CYCAD WITH SPINY LEAFLETS I'm writing presently about a rare variety of Encephartos about which Internet searches or references will provide with very little data.  Encephalartos altensteinii is a larger green South African cycad species.  Trunks get over fifteen feet and are over a foot thick.  Leaf length is about six feet.  The hallmark of E. altensteinii are the bare bases of the petioles.  For the first foot or so there are no spines or prickles and you could easily grab the stem at this location.  On mature plants, there are usually none or only one to three spines on the individual leaflets. That is, except for this rare form of this species from the Bushman River area.  This variety is actually quite spiny as shown here.  I've also noted that the leaflets seem to be more crowded and overlapping.  This is different from the normal altensteinii.  The plant shown here is an older massive and coning size specimen.  I don't recall the sex.  I apologize that I don't have a picture of an established garden specimen of this species in our gallery and know of no good pictures on the Net.  This specimen is for sale and wants full sun along the coast and is cold tolerant to about 22 degrees without protection.  .

CRYOSOPHILA ALBIDA THE STAR PALM The genus of Cryosophila consists of about nine species from Mexico south through Central America and into northern South America.  This is a fan palm of medium size with prominent white color to the underside of the leaves.  The trunks are thin and show some modified spines that can form aerial roots if given enough time.  This is a very attractive palm.  This species, also known as Cryosophila warscewiczi, prefers AM sun or filtered light and has potential to get to 30 feet height.  It is somewhat cold hardy, probably into the mid- twenties F.  Shown here is a 5g plant with one shot showing the intense white underside of the leaf.  Below is a photo by HJD of one showing this white color.  The last photo is a shot of an undetermined species of this genus, showing its overall size.  We usually have available one species or another of Cryosophila.

 

COLORFUL BROMELIADS ANYONE? Every week or two we get in a new batch of colorful Bromeliads of all types.  Availability is continually changing.  This includes Nerogelias, Vriesias, Achmeas and all sorts of other genera.  We try to get ones with prominent colors that make great companion plants to put on the floor of the garden.  Our selection changes week by week.  So, if you like companion plants, do drop by and check out what we have.  We also offer very cool Ti's (especially red ones), Heliconia and weird Philodendron.  About half of the photos here were taken yesterday.

POLYANDROCOCOS CAUDESCENS A SILVER BACK SOUTH AMERICAN PALM I have long been attracted to this species because of its peculiar name, the silver backside of the leaves and because of its most unusual clustering of seeds.  Native to Brazil, this species gets to a height of about thirty-five feet, although it's not uncommon to see much shorter specimens in the wild, even some with almost no trunk.  There is no crown shaft on this species.  Leaf lengths are eight to ten feet.  This is the only species in the genus Polyandrococos.  The backside of the leaves displays a shimmering silver color as shown here.  If you look at a newly emerging spear you'll see "Zebra striping" with green alternating with silver.  It's very cool and unusual looking.  The seeds get orange, like the color of orange sherbert, and are clustered together, hanging from the trunk in a cob-like fashion.  The nursery plant shown here is a 15g.  Nowadays it is quite unusual to see a nursery offering this species.  This plant will tolerate full sun along the coast and is cold hardy to below the mid to low-twenties.  I say this because I know of a specimen in Ventura, CA that withstood a 22 degree winter.  So, it's a good species for most areas of Southern California. I should also mention that some people call this species "Allagoptera caudescens" because the famous Brazilian biologist Barbosa Rodrigues described it in 1916, possibly antedating the commonly used name of "Polyandrocos".  Also, because of the variation in mature specimen appearance, I wouldn't doubt that more species will be added to this genus in the future. Be aware that our supply of this species is super limited.
by Daryl Oconnor, Palmpedia	from Wikipedia	by TS, RPS

PRITCHARDIA KAALAE A TALLER PRITCHARDIA FROM OAHU Some palm enthusiasts make a game out of trying to identify the various species of Pritchardia.  Most Pritchardia are native to Hawaii and these are the species most important to us in CA because they have better cold tolerance than the several species from the South Pacific.  There are over twenty Hawaiian species.  Don Hodel's new book on this genus should be helpful in telling all these species apart.  In any case, to identify a species requires one methodically to look at leaf color top and bottom, to look for color changes and tomentum, to look for white discoloration or fuzz on the petiole, to look at the upper stem near the growth point and to check out the flowers or seed if they are available for examination.  Summing up all this data, you try to ID the species.  Give it a try and you'll get better over time. This species comes from 2500 feet elevation in western Oahu, HI.  Trunk diameter is one foot, height is twenty-five feet, leaves are hemi-circular (as opposed to very wedge shaped or circular), leaf color green on both side, there is white tomentum on the rachis, petiole and new spear, leaves are folded along the segments, the end portion of the segments are open terminally, and there is white fuzz along the ventral leaf folds.  On mature specimens the flowers emerge out of the crown of leaves. Shown here is a 15g plant and some garden specimens.  This is a full sun coastal plant but also does well in part day sun or filtered light.  It tolerates temperatures into the mid-twenties F.  Remember, Pritchardias are the only type of palm native to Hawaii.  All other types were imported by man except for perhaps the Coconut.

WEDNESDAY,  14 MAY, 2014

BLECHNUM GIBBUM A MINIATURE TREE FERN TEN DAY SPECIAL PRICE! Also known as the Silver Lady Fern, this unique form of tree fern rarely gets trunks over three to four feet.  The leaves are soft and about two feet long.  It is native to various South Pacific islands including New Caledonia, Fiji and Hawaii.  It is very exotic appearing and has a resemblance to a cycad in its overall appearance.  It is a filtered light species and can take partial sun along the coast. It prefers high humidity.  Allowing it to dry out would not be good for this or any fern.  In pots, it likes good draining soil. Also, it is known to like acidic pH soil and doesn't like lime.  People are growing this as a patio plant quite easily and even inside the home.  For those who like tree ferns but want a miniature, this is the perfect plant for you.  Cold tolerance is into the mid to upper twenties F.  We have various sizes available and (when available) are offering  some very nice 10 inch plants that are about 30 inches tall as shown to the right.  If we have smaller sizew, we'll give you a great buy on them as well.  This species sells out very quickly.    REGULAR PRICE 10 INCH POT, $45 TEN DAY SALE PRICE THIS SIZE $35	This size on special
	by Growing on the Edge Website	by Wikipedia

ENCEPHALARTOS NATALENSIS EASY TO GROW & RARE GREEN CYCAD Encephalartos natalensis is from the Natal and Zululand regions of South Africa.  It is usually considered a medium to large cycad and can get get trunks to over fifteen feet.  Such plants would be hundreds of years old and can have multiple stems.  Leaf length is usually four to six feet long, but can be up to eight feet.  These leaves form a rounded crown.  Leaflets can have spines at their margins when mature and diminish in size toward the base of the leaf.  Cones are yellow or orange-yellow.  There are at least six different varieties of E. natalensis.  The main differences of these are the leaf and leaflet appearance.  The closest other species to natalensis is E. altensteinii, which was separated off from E. natalensis in 1951.   This species likes sun and heat, but in desert areas requires part day sun or filtered light.  Cold tolerance is down to about 22 degrees F.  With winter protection, plants can be grown in even colder areas.  Given good culture, this is a very durable and easy to grow plant.  A typical 15g plant can produced plants as shown in gardens below is about twenty years.  Also shown here are an assortment of nursery plants in various sizes.  We offer plants from seedlings to large boxed specimens.  Enthusiasts in such areas as San Francisco, Phoenix and Houston have even been able to grow this species.  I highly recommend it.

ENCEPHALARTOS FEROX RARE CYCAD WITH RED CONE TEN DAY SPECIAL ON BAND SIZE This South African cycad is perhaps best known for two things:  It can grow in shady conditions and the cones (especially the female cone) are red.  The cone color varies from fire engine red to orange.  Female cones seem to be more colorful.  The leaflets look like a holly fern.  Right along the coast, this species can take almost full sun and look good.  But, most people grow it in part day sun or filtered light.  From a seedling, it takes about ten years in the ground to get a big, coning sized plant.  Cold tolerance is into the low 20's F.  Shown in the first two pictures to the right are seedling E. ferox.  This size is what's on special for ten days.  We can ship either bare root or in the band container.  No international shipments allowed. REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE, $35 TEN DAY SPECIAL $25 OR THREE FOR $60

LIVISTONA DECIPIENS, AKA L. DECORA THE RIBBON PALM TEN DAY SPECIAL PRICE 5G PLANTS This tall, thin trunked fan palm comes from Australia and is known for its cold hardiness and for its drooping leaflets that hang downwards.  Thus, it gets its common name as the leaves appear to have ribbons hanging down toward the ground.  It is a sun palm and cold hardy into the teens F.  We are offering a special on the 5g size. REGULAR PRICE 5G $65 TEN DAY SPECIAL, $45 THIS SIZE Just mention this Blog special when you visit or order.

DIOON EDULE COLD HARDY & SMALL CYCAD LOVES HOT SUN TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G AND CIT POT SIZE We're offering a good buy on probably the most cold hardy of all cycads. Dioon edule is native to Mexico in very arid, hot and sunny habitats.  It is a semi-dwarf species and never gets over four to five feet tall.  Leaves are about three feet long.  What keeps it small is the fact that the trunk never gets over a foot or two tall in gardens.  So, overall one can almost always look over the top of the plant. This is important where there are view issues in the garden. Cold tolerance is into the upper teens.  It loves full sun and actually doesn't do well in shade.  Shown here is a citrus pot sized plant with a 3 to 4 inch caudex.  We're putting this size plant (3-4 inch caudex) on sale in 5g and cit pot size. REGULAR PRICE THIS SIZE PLANT $165 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE CAUDEX IN CIT POT & 5G $135 But, you must mention this Blog Special when ordering to get this discounted price.  Mail order?  Piece of cake.
	Large boxed Dioon edule at nursery. overhead view	Boxed specimen at nursery

CHAMAEROPS CERIFERA BLUE COLOR, NOT TOO TALL, COLD HARDY CLUMPING PALM TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G SIZE This suckering fan palm in native to Morocco in northern Africa and is often as wide as it is tall.  It doesn't get typically as tall as Chamaerops humilus and has a strong blue color when in sun.  It does sucker freely.  It loves full hot sun.  Cold tolerance is about 15 degrees F.  So, it's a great palm for folks in super cold areas.  It also grows well in the desert.  Shown here are the 15g plants I'm putting on special.  It is possible to mail order this size. REGULAR PRICE 15G PLANTS $175 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $135 Just mention this Blog Special when ordering to get this price.

CHAMAEDOREA TEPEJILOTE THE PACAYA PALM SINGLE GREEN TRUNK, LONG LEAVES TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE This single trunk species of shade loving palm is native to southern Mexico and Central America.  It has a gorgeous, thick green trunk about 2 to 3 inches thick with prominent white rings.  Leaves are four to five feet long and leaflets are green, thin substance and wide.  There is a yellow streak usually on the back side of the leaf stem.  This species is tall, sometimes to over sixteen feet.  It looks nice planted as a small colony with three to five plants, side by side. This species doesn't tolerate full sun.  It needs filtered light.  Cold tolerance is down to the mid-twenties F. or a bit less.  Shown here are nice 5g plants about four to five feet tall in their pots. REGULAR PRICE 5G SIZE $75 - $85 TEN DAY SPECIAL $60 Just mention this Blog Special when purchasing to get this discounted price.
	15g size, not on sale	Another 15g plant about 12 feet tall

COLORFUL ANTHURIUM A WHOLE ASSORTMENT OF COLORS, VARIES OVER TIME   RED TO BLACK, PASTELS TO WHITE Anthurium are a group of New World flowering plants.  There are almost a thousand different species and many hybrids.  Hybridization is done to accentuate desirable color traits.  Anthurium, as shown here, were discovered first in Columbia in the 1800's.  They are sometimes called "Flamingo Flowers" or "Boy Flowers" for obvious reasons.  Flower colors fill almost the entire rainbow with pink being the color most often seen. I particularly like the dark colored flowers. Our Anthurium come in and colors vary from week to week.  Plants shown here range from red to almost black.  The foliage is triangular and green.  This is basically a filtered light plant.  Many species prefer no frost, but in our area people have grown these with temperatures down into the twenties F.  If you like these super dark ones shown here, let me know soon.  They are in very limited supply and colorful ones seem to come and go with the wind.  As the season goes by, the colors available vary.  Today I'm showing the red and almost black red colors.  If you have a favorite, let us know and perhaps we can order it in.

SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2014

DIOON HOLMGRENII RARE MEXICAN DIOON CYCAD LARGE 15G AND 25G PLANTS TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE TWO SIZES Among cycad enthusiasts, this species is known as one of the more rare Mexican cycads to find.  But, finding good sized Dioon holmgrenii right now on the market is almost impossible.  Shown here are some plants we just got in.  They are both at least ten years old and in 15g and 25g pots.  The larger ones have caudex sizes of about nine inches.  You never see plants like this on sale. This species loves hot sun.  It has a cold tolerance down to about 20 to 22 degrees F.  It grows at a medium rate.  It is known for the fact that it has long and upright leaves.  Leaf color is blue green. REGULAR PRICE 15G $600 TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G SIZE $350 REGULAR PRICE 25G $750 TEN DAY SPECIAL 25G SIZE $450 I only have a few of these.  You must mention this special when purchasing to get these prices.  And, you'll note these prices are a bit lower than last time I got these beauties in.	25 gallon size
15 gallon size

CAVENDISH FRUITING BANANAS DWARF SPECIES, COLD HARDY TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G PLANTS I am not really a fruit tree grower and don't pretend to be an expert on this subject.  But, I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to offer on sale a very cool fruit producing banana species.  These Cavendish Bananas are a dwarf species.  They really don't get overhead.  And, they easily make ample amounts of small banana fruit.  They like sun and have a nice cold hardiness to at least 25 degrees or colder. REGULAR PRICE 5G SIZE $65 TEN DAY SPECIAL $40 Just mention this special when purchasing to get this price.

TILANDSIA SPECIES AIR PLANTS MOUNTED TO A BOARD TEN DAY SPECIAL ON CLUSTER, TWO SIZES About ten days ago we got in a batch of clustered Tilsandsia.  I do not know the specific species nor did our supplier.  I don't know for sure but suspect the supplier brought these in from Mexico.  Each cluster was four or five plants.  Joaquin decided to mount them on some flat boards as shown here.  We have done this many times before.  They are tied on with fishing line.  They'll root onto the board and be happier than clams. We have two sizes as shown.  They tolerate full sun and just want to be hit by the hose ever week or two.  They'll most likely blossom in summer.  In my experience the blossoms are either pink, red or purple.  I haven't yet seen the blossoms on these plants.  On these boards the clusters will get bigger and bigger over time.  They are fun to have.  They can be mounted on a post, tied to a palm trunk or just displayed on the patio.  They seem to tolerate pretty cold weather but I'm not sure of the minimum temperatures they'll take.  We've never had cold issues with them at the nursery.  We have limited numbers available.. TEN DAY SPECIAL TWO SIZES & PRICES: SMALL SIZE AS SHOWN $45 LARGER SIZE AS SHOWN $65 The larger clumps probably have fifteen to twenty attached plants by estimate. Just mention this special when ordering to get this price.

ZAMIA ANGUSTIFOLIA DWARF CUBAN/CARIBBEN CYCAD SPECIES TEN DAY SPECIAL VERY OLD BAND SIZED PLANTS This dwarf Zamia species is quite rare and has leaves that are typically about two feet long.  A plant in the garden is rarely over three feet tall.  Trunks get up to about 8 inches with most of the trunk being subterranean.  Leaflets are very narrow.  New leaves emerge a reddish-brown color and are very soft.  There are some spines on the petioles but not on the leaflets.  The crown is wispy and somewhat open.  The band sizes we have are at least ten years old.  Many have coned right in this small container.  Remember, this is a dwarf species.  They tolerate part day or full day coastal sun but would need bright filtered light inland.  Maybe they'd even work as a house plant. REGULAR PRICE THIS SIZE PLANT $85 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $55 Just mention this Blog special when ordering to get this discount.  Mail order: piece of cake.

CHAMAEDOREA BENZEI SINGLE TRUNK, GETS TO EIGHT FEET TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE This is a very sought after palm for multiple reasons.  It resembles a Chamaedorea radicalis but is stronger, taller, has a thicker trunk and is more vigorous.  Mature height is eight feet or a bit more.  Some trunk will form.  It also tolerates a fair amount of sun along the coast.  And, it is quite durable with thick leaflets.  It can also take filtered light.  Cold tolerance is into the low 20's F.  Shown here on sale are band size seedlings.  Some are multiples.  REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $35 TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $25 Limited numbers.  You must mention this Blog Special when ordering to get this price.
	Older 15g nursery plant	Older 15g pot, two plants in one container

CERATOZAMIA ROBUSTA TROPICAL CYCAD WITH UPRIGHT LEAVES TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE PLANTS This New World cycad is known for it's large size, long upright leaves and aggressive growing.  It prefers filtered light or part day sun.  Leaves can be six to seven feet long.  It's probably the largest species of this genus.  Leaves tend to go upwards and give a "V-shaped" crown of leaves.  New leaves can emerge a bronze color.  Older leaves may lay down when newer flushes appear.  Cold tolerance is about 22 degrees F.  In most areas, filtered light is perfect.  On sale are healthy three leaf seedlings in bands. REGULAR PRICE THIS BAND SIZE $45 TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $35 Just mention this Blog Special to get this price when ordering.
older citrus pot sized plant	Coning sized boxed nursery specimen

DYPSIS DECARYI THE TRIANGLE PALM TEN DAY SPECIAL TREE POT SIZED PLANTS This single trunk, sun loving pinnate palm from southern  Madagascar gets to a height of about twenty feet or a bit more, likes full, hot sun and is cold tolerant to about 23 degrees F.  Shown here are nice, plump tree pot plants.  I'm selling these for the same price as a band but they are twice as big. REGULAR PRICE THIS SIZE $45 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $30 Just mention this Blog Special when purchasing to get this special price.
	15g plant not on sale

CHAMAEDOREA RADICALIS MOST COLD HARDY CHAMAEDOREA TEN DAY SALE ON SHIPPABLE 5G AND BAND SIZES Enthusiasts in colder areas love this species because it'll tolerate temperatures into the upper teens F. and also can take some sun in coastal areas.  It is also a smaller, dwarf or semi-dwarf species depending on the form.  There are two forms.  There's the regular, non-trunking form that only gets to a height of about five feet.  There is also a trunking form that can get to about ten feet tall.  Both are single trunk.  The leaflets on the trunking form are more narrow than those of the dwarf.  Shown here is our band size, a 1.5 gallon for comparison and a 15g to demonstrate how they look larger.  We are presently out of the 15g size.  But, we have bands and 5g available.  Both are on special.  I got these from another grower who didn't know which form they are.  To me they seem in between what I'm used to seeing with both forms.  Limited numbers are available.  Mail order is easy. REGULAR PRICE 5g $65 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $50 REGULAR PRICE BAND $30 TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $25 Just mention this Blog special when ordering to get this price.  Both are very nice.
		non-trunking form in garden
Trunking form at nursery in 15g pot

FRIDAY, 9 MAY, 2014

SCHIZILOBIUM PARAHYBA THE FERN TREE LACY, GRACEFUL AND JUST PLAIN GORGEOUS TROPICAL TREE  I have difficulty keeping this desirable tropical tree in stock.  It is quick growing, likes full sun and has a gorgeous green, sometimes almost snakeskin like trunk.  It can get up to 30 feet or more and gives a very light shade below. This is because of its small leaflets.  It's a great light canopy producing tree.  Sometimes it goes decidious in the winter when its cold.  But, it bounces back in the spring.  It likes sun or strong part day sun and drops its leaves when weather freezes.  Absolute cold hardiness is probably in the low 20's F.    We have a very limited number of these for sale.  They'll be gone soon.  Get one before that happens.  BTW, this is totally different than a "Tree Fern" which is an actual fern.  Schizilobium  is not a fern, but called the Fern Tree because of it's fern like leaves.
	photo by unknown author	Schizilobium by biogeodb.stri.si.edu

ENCEPHALARTOS LEBOMBOENSIS MEDIUM SIZED GREEN AFRICAN CYCAD This southern African green cycad species originates in the Lebombo Mountians and extendS through Swaziland, lower Mozambique and the Transvaal area of South Africa.  Trunks get to a maximum of about fifteen feet in a few centuries.  Leaves are lime green or dark green in color and four to six feet long.  Crowns of leaves are full and there can be a wooly substance, especially at the time of coning.  Leaflets are an inch wide, six inches long and can overlap.  They have typically about four teeth on each leaflet margin when mature.  Cones (shown here) are apricot yellow in color. This is an easy cycad to grow and along the coast likes full sun.  Desert areas would require some sun protection.  overall size is a bit less than both E. natalensis and altensteinii in terms of crown width, so it's a bit easier to fit into a garden location.  Cold tolerance is to the low 20's F. Shown first here is a nice 7 inch caudex plant at the nursery.  I've also shown a citrus pot and box sized plant.  We have a nice selection available for sale.  Several mature plants and cones are also shown.	7g plant with 7 inch caudex
citrus pot sized plant		nursery box size specimen
located in northern San Diego County	probable male cones	female cone

DYPSIS DECIPIENS SUPER SILVER & DYPSIS DECIPIENS RED WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? As with many species of palms from Madagascar, it seems that they represent more of a "complex" than an exact species with a consistent appearance.  By this I mean, if you pick a species like, let's say, Dypsis baronii, you'd think they'd all look alike.  But, this is not true.  Some sucker, others don't.  Some have silver crown shafts, others are green or yellow.  Some have droopy leaves, others are upright.  Thus, we have a "complex" where we'd call it a Dypsis baronii, but recognize there are lots of variations within that species. Such is the case with Dypsis decipiens.  Some sucker, some don't.  Some have green crown shafts, others have silver.  Some have plumose leaves, others are flat.  And, some even have a blue color to the leaves.  There is one form of Dypsis decipiens that most collectors feel is most desirable.  And, it's the one with the silver crown shaft.  This variety is called "super silver" or "decipiens red".  This is what I'm showing this morning.  It has a definite red color to the newly emerging spear and sometimes the petiole and leaf (see photos here).  And, over time, the crown shaft becomes brilliantly silver as shown in the pictures. I would say all forms of D.decipiens are similar in culture and growth.  They are fairly cold hardy into the low 20's F.  They like to be reared in less than full sun when young but then exposed to full sun when larger, especially along the coast.  They do not like the combination of cold and wet; rot may develop.  For all, growth rate is very slow.  it takes 6 years for me to grow a standard 5g plant.  The last photo of a plant in the ground is a "super silver form" from the garden of Mardi Darian in Vista, CA. Regarding availability, we are quite limited on this variety but have some left.  The big 25g are all gone.  But, we may have tree pots or 5g left in stock.

CYCAS TAITUNGENSIS BY SOME KNOWN AS "THE EMPEROR CYCAD" ANOTHER VERY COLD HARDY CYCAD Cycas taitungensis is a species of cycad from China and Taiwan.  It used to be known as Cycas taiwaniana.  In fact, some reference books around still refer to it by this name.  But, Loran Whitelock points out in his book, The Cycads, that there has historically been confusion between the plants collected under the names "Cycas taiwaniana" and "Cycas taitungensis".  Regardless, as we stand today this species is formally known as Cycas taitungensis.  It is a medium to large cycad with trunk diameter of twelve to eighteen inches and height of ten feet.  It is known as the Emperor Cycad.  This name was coined by a nursery several decades ago trying to market this species.  It is similar to a Sago Palm but with some noted differences.  The leaves are longer and wider than the C. revoluta.  They also tend to be flatter.  The color is deep green.  Also, growth rate is much faster and cold hardiness is better than the Sago. It is not unusual for this species to throw two or three sets of leaves a year.  In the crown area, the tomentum is a very prominent orange color, a good clue as to the species.  I think it's a bit more tropical and lush appearing than the Sago Palm.  There are reports of this species easily tolerating mid-teen F. temperatures.  Also, it likes full sun except in desert areas. Shown here is a nice boxed specimen of this species with about two feet of trunk.   We have several of these for sale.  But, we also have seedlings, 5g and 15g plants for sale.  For someone in a cold area, this is perhaps one of the first cycads you should consider.  One last comment on the common name of "The Emperor Cycad".  Several decades ago a nursery patented this name for this species.  And, as such, this name can only be used by that nursery.  So, we don't sell the "Emperor Cycad", only Cycas taitungensis.

CHAMAEDOREA COSTARICANA A TYPE OF BAMBOO PALM I am showing you here a very nice type of what is called a "Bamboo Palm".  We are offering a special price on nicely sized 2 gallon plants of this very desirable species.  It occurs natively from southern Mexico down into Latin America.  It is one of the more robust of the Bamboo Palms.  It can get to heights of sixteen feet or more with canes about one inch in diameter.  It is a vigorously growing species that, in most areas, prefers filtered light and adequate water.  But, there are many who are successfully growing this species in coastal full sun.  Leaves are about four feet long with a prominent bare petiole.  Color is green on both sides of the leaflets.  It is very similar to Chamaedorea hooperiana but the leaves of Chamaedorea costaricana are shorter and overall the plant is less crowded and the canes are more vertical with less leaning.    We presently have available 5g and 15g plants.  We might have a few smaller plants available.  These plants are quick growing and can get overhead in a few years from a 5g size.   Cold hardiness is into the mid to lower 20's F.  It is being grown by many in northern California including the SF Bay area.  Easy to ship.		2 gallon size on sale on the left next to 15g
		larger 5g plants also available, 4 to 5 feet tall

HYOPHORBE LAGENICAULIS THE BOTTLE PALM A MOST PECULIAR APPEARING SHORT SUN PALM BUT, IN CA, FOR MOST A VERY DIFFICULT PLANT TO GROW This species is sought out by enthusiasts becauseof it's peculiarshape and form; it has a huge swollen area at the base of the trunk.  It is from the Reunion Islands and is threatened in habitat.  It is slow to put on trunk and known for having a swollen base with the swelling beginning at the ground.  Contrast this to the Spindle Palm (H. verschafeltii) where the trunk is more cigar shaped and has swelling in the mid-portion of the trunk.   This is a short species when mature and in a lifetime not much over ten feet tall.  It loves heat and full sun. But, this species does not tolerate a freeze.  If you like it and get below 32 degrees, plan on cold protection.  Or, grow it in a pot and put it in the garage on the coldest nights.  There are very few good sized specimens of this species in CA.  Othere Hyophorbe do much better.  These are sometimes brought in by the depot type stores in Southern California.  Be aware, than within 12 months, of the plants sold by these stores more than 95% are dead.  So, when we have them, we talk at length to our customers about whether this is the right species for them.  Usually, it is not. Shown here are old squatty 20g plants with a remarkable amount of trunk.  This is the size we sometimes get in.  Some have over 12 inches of woody trunk below the crown shaft and multiple rings on the trunk as shown.  This specie s has a predominance of red it the petiole and crown.  Contrast this with the yellow you see with the Spindle Palm.  If you "have to have one", please consider the cold your palm will see and decide if it's the right choice for you.

RAVANALA MADIGASCARENSIS THE TRAVELER'S PALM Ravanala madagascarensis is a monocarpic species with only one species to the genus.  It is actually not a palm tree at all but belongs to the family Strelitziaceae.  But, like so many plants, it has had the name of "Palm" attached to it.  Native to Madagascar, it is called the "Traveler Palm" because the leaf bases hold water from rain and could assist the troubled and thirsty traveler.  Leaves are paddle shape and resemble a Banana.  It eventually forms a trunk.  This species also can sucker and most gardeners remove the suckers to get a single stem. The most remarkable thing about this plant is its distichous character.  From one views (front) it fans out and you see the whole complement of leaves.  From a view 90 degrees to the side it is thin and you don't see the leaves at all.   Folklore tells growers to orient the leaves from east to west as this gives the most sun exposure. This plant prefers sun but can tolerate party day sun.  Strong winds can tear up the leaves.  It also does not tolerate a freeze.  Temperatures in the 20's will kill it.  So, remember this before you buy one. Shown here are some very nice specimens we have presently or have previously had.  We still have a few available like this.  They are about 10 feet tall and good size.  Unfortunately we have had an absence of this species for a while.  So, we are glad to once again offer them.  This is the only size we have at present.
	note how thin the stalk is when you look from the side
		photo in habitat

WEDNESDAY, 7 MAY, 2014

PTYCHOSPERMA ELEGANS THE SOLITAIRE PALM This is a single trunk, pinnate, crown shafted palm tree from Australia.  Some refer to it as the "Alexander Palm", but this is a poor choice of names because of confusion with Archontophoenix alexandrae.  It is fairly cold hardy and tolerates temperatures well below a freeze.  I recommend starting it in part day sun or strong filtered light and allowing it to work its way up through the canopy.  Growth rate is about average.  Most prominent about this palm is its elegant appearance with a thin trunk, usually about four to five inches in diameter.  Mature height in this locality is usually under thirty feet.  The crown shaft is silver.  the leaflet tips are premorse and jagged at their ends (fifth photo).  This is one of the defining characteristics of.  Shown first here are several 5g plants followed by a 15g.  Also shown are a few specimens.  Many have found this to be an ideal palm in Southern California.  Inland areas would require some sun protection whereas it'll grow in full sun along the coast.

ENCEPHALARTOS GRATUS BEAUTIFUL BOXED SPECIMEN This is a desirable, quick growing Central African cycad with green leaves.  Like the E. laurentianusus (described previously on Blog) it makes a big plant, but not as big nor does it have leaves as long.  Leaves are about five to eight feet long, trunk size one to two meters tall and diameter two feet.  It is quick growing with a deep green color when grown in part sun.  In full sun, the color is more of a lime green.  I'd recommend growing it with some sun protection if you live inland. I'd recommend growing it with some sun protection if you live inland.   Shown to the right is a box specimen that just threw some new leaves.  I wanted to show this plant because it's really pretty.  It is a coning sized plant.  We have several boxed plants for sale as well as 15g, cit pot and band sized plants.  There is something for every pocketbook on this species.  The last picture shows a larger garden plant.  Cold hardiness is into the mid to low 20's F.  If you want a fast growing species that attains good size, and does not get enormous over time, Encephalartos gratus may be the perfect plant.  It's very easy to grow and most find it a quick growing cycad.  The last photo shows a mature plant with female cones.

ARENGA ENGLERI DWARF SUGAR PALM COLD HARDY, SUCKERING, FRAGRANT FLOWERS This suckering pinnate palm from the Japanese island of Ryukyu and Taiwan is quite remarkable for many reasons.  I'll list some below. Variable heights from six to ten feet Cold tolerant to about 18 degrees F. Can tolerate full sun along the coast Has leaflets resembling a Caryota Leaflet back sides are silver Has very fragrant flowers, as nice as Gardenia Seeds contain irritant in their fruit Great plant for filtered light location Tolerates summer high humidity Makes a nice potted specimen Slow growing but easy to grow For all these reasons, this is a superb species to grow.  Shown here are several sizes. Note suckering habit below and silver on back side of the leaves.  We have multiple sizes for sale.

PRITCHARDIA KAALAE A TALLER PRITCHARDIA FROM OAHU Some palm enthusiasts make a game out of trying to identify the various species of Pritchardia.  Most Pritchardia are native to Hawaii and these are the species most important to us in CA because they have better cold tolerance than the several species from the South Pacific.  There are over twenty Hawaiian species.  Don Hodel's new book on this genus should be helpful in telling all these species apart.  In any case, to identify a species requires one methodically to look at leaf color top and bottom, to look for color changes and tomentum, to look for white discoloration or fuzz on the petiole, to look at the upper stem near the growth point and to check out the flowers or seed if they are available for examination.  Summing up all this data, you try to ID the species.  Give it a try and you'll get better over time. This species comes from 2500 feet elevation in western Oahu, HI.  Trunk diameter is one foot, height is twenty-five feet, leaves are hemi-circular (as opposed to very wedge shaped or circular), leaf color green on both side, there is white tomentum on the rachis, petiole and new spear, leaves are folded along the segments, the end portion of the segments are open terminally, and there is white fuzz along the ventral leaf folds.  On mature specimens the flowers emerge out of the crown of leaves. Shown here is a 15g plant and some garden specimens.  This is a full sun coastal plant but also does well in part day sun or filtered light.  It tolerates temperatures into the mid-twenties F.  Remember, Pritchardias are the only type of palm native to Hawaii.  All other types were imported by man except for perhaps the Coconut.

ARCHONTOPHOENIX TUCKERI VERY UNUSUAL TYPE OF KING PALM This species of King Palm is the most northern of all the species, coming from Queensland and named after the founder of the Townsville Palmetum in Australia.  It is a tall palm with trunk height of up to fifty feet.  The crown shaft, as shown, is a nice green color.  Sometimes slightly red new leaves emerge.  Enthusiasts in Southern California have found this to be not only an attractive species to grow but also very robust in its growth habit.  The underside of the leaves are silver.  Cold tolerance is into the mid-twenties F. and it can take coastal sun or part day sun inland.  We were lucky to recently get in some chunky, sun grown 5g plants as shown.  We only have a limited number.   For those who think all King Palms are alike, this is not true.  They are similar, but not the same.  Different species show different crown shaft colors, different leaf appearances and most importantly, different mature sizes.  Why these other very exciting species haven't really made it into the trade is perplexing.

GAUSSIA MAYA A VERY DIFFERENT PALM FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA In the "old days", this species was known as Opsiandra maya, a name that I really enjoyed.  It is a single trunk palm that can be grown in Southern CA.  It has the interesting habit of getting a very swollen base, especially when planted in the ground from a smaller plant. Interestingly enough, this swollen base to the trunk if quite noticeable, but abruptly disappears with age.  It's quite fascinating because one day it's there and almost the next day it's gone.  I apologize that I don't have a photo to show this swelling, although some photos here hint at this swelling.  Shown here are various specimens of this species with several box size.  We have several of these as well as smaller sizes for sale.  Along the coast it takes full sun.  Cold tolerance is into the mid-twenties F.  The plant you see immediately to the right saw temperatures outside in 2007 of 24 degrees.  The third photo is of a containerized plant in the greenhouse.  Note the swelling at the base.  I am also showing you a few pictures of larger domestic plants to give a feel for the species.  Typically this species only holds abut five or six leaves, one of its drawbacks.  The trunk diameter is about six to perhaps maximum eight inches.  I've grown it in part day sun, which it loved.  however, the trunk will often curve to seek more sun.  Some grow it in full sun with success.  The fifth picture below shows a plant with a curving trunk.  My first garden plant I grew with an eastern exposure and this is exactly what it did. I''m showing a lot of photos of this species here so you should be able to recognize it.  These larger plants have taken me well over ten years to produce.

FRIDAY, 2 MAY, 204

HOWEA FORSTERIANA HUGE ONE GALLON PLANTS GREAT HOUSEPLANT! TEN DAY SPECIAL 1G SIZE I've talked extensively about this great species that does well in Southern California but is also a wonerful interior palm.  Its growth rate is slow, but this is a desirable thing for a house plant.  Natively, it's a single trunk species but often grown as multiples.  I'm offering huge 1 gallon plants on specieal for 10 days.  This palm is also known as the Kentia Palm.      REGULAR PRICE THESE OVERSIZED 1G PLANT $45 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $35 You must mention this Blog Only Special to get this reduced price.

SABAL CAUSIARUM TALL PLANT WITH THICK WHITE TRUNK TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE This New World fan palm is one of my favorites because of the massively thick trunk which is white or very light tan in color.  Trunks look like freeway bridge pillars.  It takes full sun and is cold hardy well into the teens.  It's very hard to locate this species.  It can get up to nearly fifty feet in height.  We have nice 5g on sale for ten days.  We also have larger if you wish, but not on sale. REGULAR PRICE 5G $75 TEN DAY SPECIAL $50 You must mention this Blog only price to get this special.  Of note, we only have a few of these left.

SATAKENTIA LIUKIUENSIS COCONUT APPEARING, CROWN SHAFTED PALM TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE This exotic palm from Ryukyu Islands (Japan) is about as tropical as you can imagine for a palm that can be grown here in Southern California.  It's not an easy species to grow because it won't really take a freeze.  But, if you are in a freeze-free area, you might want to try it.  It's hard to find in nurseries.  It is King Palm is height but ten times prettier if grown well.  On Sale are healthy two year old plants in band containers.  REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $35 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $25 You must mention this Blog only price when purchasing.  These will sell out quickly because I only have a few left.

DASYLIRION WHEELERI SIMILAR TO THE MEXICAN GRASS PLANT TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS PLANT This type of grass plant is native to northern Mexico with its distribution spreading into the Sonora Desert in Arizona and New Mexico.  It never gets over about five feet of height and has a stout trunk.  The leaves are armed and flat compared to the regular Mexican Grass Plant.  It tolerates arid conditions and would be good for a xerophytic garden.  Cold tolerance is down to about a freeze.  We just have this one plant with about an eight inch trunk in a 15g pot.  This species wants full sun. REGULAR PRICE THIS PLANT $175 TEN DAY SPECIAL $140 We don't normally grow this species but have this one plant for the right collector.  You must mention this Blog only special when purchasing to get this price.

SABAL MEXICANA MEDIUM TO TALL FAN PALM TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE At one time this species was much more prevalent in Texas, but in recent times its numbers have dwindled.  Native habitat extends from Texas down through Latin America on both coastal sides of these countries.  In habitat, specimens up to fifty feet have been observed.  Trunks are straight and columnar.  Trunk diameter is typically twelve to eighteen inches.  Most domestic plants are in the twenty to thirty foot range.  Old leaf bases are retained in the upper trunk area but will fall way with age.  The crown is green with a hint of silver and full.  This species is similar to Sabal palmetto but usually bigger with a larger crown of leaves.  Like the Palmetto Palm, it is very cold hardy, perhaps even to ten degrees F. Shown here are some 5g plants which I'm putting on special.  I've also shown a 15g and some garden plants.  This is a full sun species and a great selection for someone in a colder area. REGULAR PRICE 5G $65 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $45 You must mention this special when purchasing to get this price.
		15 gallon nursery plant
underside of leaf of 15g plant		Photo c/o Wikipedia

SPATHODEA CAMPANULATA AFRICAN TULIP TREE EASY FLORID COLOR FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G TREES This is a large flowering tree that is native to arid areas in Africa.  It can get to heights over fifty feet.  It has long lasting, orange-red blossoms that last for months on the tree.  It is fast growing and cold tolerant perhaps into the mid-twenties F.  It likes full sun.  I have seen trees in full blossom with just as much color in Southern California as you see in the picture below.  We are offering nice 15g trees on sale.  They are actually still holding onto some blossoms in late November showing how the blossoms last so long.  Limited numbers available. REGULAR PRICE 15G SIZE $175 TEN DAY SPECIAL $85! Just mention this special when purchasing to get this price.	photo taken November 19, 2013
from Maui Plant Chronicles Website

ALLAGOPTERA ARENARIA THE SEASHORE PALM DWARF PLUMOSE LEAF PALM TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE This dwarf palm from Brazil is called the Seashore Palm because it lives right on beach dunes in habitat.  It is a small species, typically six feet tall, sometimes a bit taller.  It is a single trunk species and the trunks are of minimal height.  Because of the number of leaves and fulllness, it sometimes appears to be a suckering species but it is usually single trunk.  However, trunks can divide above the ground.  Sometimes plants are entirely trunk-less.  Leaves are very plumose with leaflets coming off at various angles along the rachis.  Leaflets are thin and ribbon-like.  Color is green or gray green with some silver on the underside.  This species has three remarkable characteristics: • It is probably the most salt tolerant of any pinnate palm • It is very cold hardy, probably into the upper teens F. • There are only a handful of dwarf sun palms.  This species may be the most attractive of the group It is slow growing but easy to grow.  It likes sun.  We are offering our 5g plants on special. REGULAR PRICE 5G SIZE $65 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $45 Just mention this special when purchasing.

HYOPHORBE VERSCHAFELTII THE SPINDLE PALM TEN DAY SPECIAL NICE BAND SIZE This cousin of the popular Bottle Palm is known as the Spindle Palm.  It is called this because the bulge in the trunk is in the trunk's mid-portion, not at the base.  It is a shorter palm species and takes decades to achieve a height of eight to ten feet.  It is sun loving and cold tolerant to just below a freeze.  It is native to the Mascarene Islands.  In habitat maximum height seen is a bit over twenty feet.  There is a prominent yellow in the petioles and stems of this species whereas the Bottle Palm is more of a red.  If you want to try this species, make sure you have the proper weather for it, especially regarding cold exposure.  REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE THIS SPECIES $30 TEN DAY SPECIAL  THIS SIZE $20 Just mention this special when ordering to get this price.

THURSDAY, 1 MAY, 2014

ENCEPHALARTOS PAUCIDENTATUS ANOTHER LARGE CYCAD FROM THE TRANSVAAL AREA OF SOUTH AFRICA This tall cycad comes from the Transvaal area of South Africa, close to Swaziland, where it also occurs.  In years past it was confused with Encephalartos heenani, but the latter is a more wooly cycad with a basket shape to the crown of leaves.  E. paucidentatus can get trunks over fifteen feet tall.  Leaves are four to six feet long, erect, and may have a bit of incurve in their shape.  Leaflets are under an inch in width and have rare spines on their margins.  A hallmark of this species are the raised veins on the underside of the leaflets.  This is only seen on a limited number of Encephalartos. In habitat, this species sees very cold winter temperatures and can be found at elevations up to 1500 meters. I've found culture to be fairly easy.  Along the coast it wants full sun.  It is cold hardy to at least 22 degrees F.  Shown here are several 15g plants with close up photos of the first one.  I've also shown a boxed specimen and a nice garden plant.  This is a very rare species and severely threatened in habitat.

PRITCHARDIA HILLEBRANDII DWARF BLUE A MEDIUM SIZED "BLUE" PRITCHARDIA As most of you know by now, the only native palm genus on the Hawaiian Islands is Pritchardia.  Culturally, we've found the Hawaiian species of this genus to be far superior growing in our area of Southern California compared to South Pacific species such as Pritchardia pacifica.  The latter doesn't do well here at all.  Pritchardia hillebrandii green form is felt to probably be native to Molokai. There is a rare blue variety that is being grown by enthusiast that looks like the green plant but, over time and good culture, develops a blue-green and sometimes a prominent blue color (see below).  Most people call it  "dwarf" although I suspect this is mostly because of its slow growth rate.  It actually makes more of a medium sized palm up to about twenty feet tall.  Remember, there are some Pritchardias that never get over ten feet.  The nursery plants shown here are from seeds collected from a blue variety of this species.  Shown here are very old 15g plants of Pritchardia hillebrandii dwarf blue.  They have been outdoor, sun grown and seen temperatures in the mid-twenties F.  But, you'll note they are not blue as of yet.  This is typical and it takes a developing plant years in the ground to show the color.  No one knows why, but this is the observation by growers.  The two pictures in front of the church were taken in Kauai. The next to last photo shows how dramatic this variety of Pritchardia can appear.  This photo by Mike Merritt is stunning!  I am also showing a flower and seeds below to help in identifying this species if you ever visit the Islands.  The plants in front of the church are an estimated thirty years old.  I've been following them for twenty years and collect seeds there.  The plants we have for sale are about eight years old and stand about head high in their pots.  So, you can see this species is slow growing.  I'd recommend growing these in full sun along the coast although partial sun is fine as well.  We only have a few of these left.
	Pritchardia hillebrandii dwarf blue by Mike Merritt, PACSOA	Pritchardia hillebrandii seeds by Melany Chapin PACSOA

CYCAS PANZHIHUAENSIS ONE OF THE MOST COLD HARDY CYCADS  I thought I'd mention one of the most cold hardy cycads for those who live in a colder area.  Cycas panzihuaensis is from high elevation mountainous areas of southern China.  It comes from elevations above 6000 feet and can tolerate snow.  It is quite attractive and has many advantages over the Sago Palm, Cycas revoluta.  First, it is a smaller plant with stems usually three to six feet tall.  Secondly, it has a smaller spread of the leaves, which are an interesting green with a blue sheen to them.  Also, it doesn't have quite the proclivity to make a massive clump.  Finally, the leaves are softer than the Sago and cold hardiness may be even better.  The hardest thing to remember about "Cycas panzhihuaensis" is how to spell the name.  As of yet, it has no common name.  Perhaps the "Chinese Sago" would work.  Cycas revoluta originates in Japan.    Leaf length is typically about 3 to 5 feet.  Stem diameter is about 6 to 8 inches, much thinner than the 18 - 24 inch Sago.  It is fairly rare to see in nurseries because of limited numbers of seeds being available.  It tolerates coastal full sun and can take strong filtered light or part day sun.  Cold tolerance is into the upper teens F.  It is known to survive areas of the United Kingdom.  Over time, we feel this species has the potential to replace the common Sago palm because of all of its desirable characteristics.

RHOPALOSTYLIS BAUERI NORFOLK ISLAND PALM TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE This species is a single trunk, prominently crown shafted palm tree from New Zealand.  It gets to a height of about 25 feet with a trunk diameter of typically eight to ten inches.  It is cold hardy into the low 20's F. and prefers part day sun or filtered light in most areas.  It can take full sun right along the coast.  REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $30 TEN DAY SPECIAL, BANDS $20 OR THREE FOR $50 Just mention this Blog special to get this price.

CHAMBEYRONIA MACROCARPA & HOOKERI THEIR BEAUTIFUL NEW RED LEAVES 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.  All are very beautiful and please most plant enthusiasts.  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 use to seeing.  Both Chambeyronia macrocarpa and hookeri throw new red leaves.  They'll usually display the red leaf by a 5g size, but we've seen new red leaves in plants as small as one gallon size.  Unfortunately, about one in twenty plants will never throw a new red leaf, much to the owner's disappointment.  There's no way of knowing beforehand if you have a "non-red-throwing" Chambeyronia.  Over the last year or two, if my camera is handy, I've shot photos of red leaves around the nursery.  I thought I would share them with you here.  And, Chambeyronia offers you another treat: the seeds are big and red as well.  If you like this species, we have a good assortment of sizes from seedlings to large 25g plants with trunk.    The last photo, by long time acquaintance Ian Edwards, is from PACSOA.
Photo by HJD		Chambeyronia macrocarpa new red leaf by Ian Edwards, PACSOA

ENCEPHALARTOS WHITELOCKII CENTRAL AFRICAN CYCAD WITH UPRIGHT LEAVES This species was named in honor of noted cycad authority and author, Loran Whitelock (The Cycads) from Southern California.  When I first heard of this specie's availability, it was called the "Uganda Giant" cycad.  It was also known as "Laurentianus Lake George".  Only years later did it receive its published taxonomic name. Native to Uganda, this long leaf cycad gets a trunk over ten feet tall over many decades.  It has long green leaves that can get up to fourteen feet long.  New leaves emerge in an upright position making a "V-Shape" to the new crown of leaves.  As future new leaves emerge, older leaves will hand down and give a fuller look to the crown of leaves.  Leaves are flat or slightly keeled.  Leaflets are prominently toothed and up to twelve inches long and about one inch wide.  This is a fast growing cycad that does well in Southern California.  Like other Central African species, it would prefer less than full sun in most areas.  I think this is because of our more arid conditions with less humidity in the air.  Grown in part day sun or strong filtered light, this is an impressive and quick growing species.  It likes good draining soil.  Cold hardiness appears to easily be into the mid twenties F. and probably somewhat lower.  Shown here are citrus pot, 15g and boxed nursery plants.  We also have affordable band seedlings as well.  If you look closely at the next to last photo below, you will see a cone forming on this Southern California plant.  If you like cycads, this is a definite addition to your garden!

COCCOTHRINAX MIRAGUAMA CUTE MEDIUM SIZED SUN PALM This is a rather thin trunked fan palm native to Cuba.  It attains a height of typically twenty to thirty feet, rarely taller.  Below the crown of leaves is an attractive pattern of meshed and woven fibers.  The middle and base of the trunk are usually woody.  You will note the the leaves are prominently divided into thin, long leaf segments.  These leaves are held by a prominent petiole.  The dorsal color of the leaves is typically green with a blue-green or sometimes silver color below.  This species likes sun and heat.  Cold tolerance is into the upper twenties F.  In general, all Coccothrinax are slow growing plants.  This is especially true in container grown plants.  In the ground they are quicker growing.  Shown here is a one gallon Coccothirnax miraguama var. havanensis. a variety native to a specific area of Cuba.  Also shown are C. miraguama in domestic plantings. For the garden, Coccothrinax are nice species to grow because they take sun and heat and don't take up too much room.  As you can see, the crowns of leaves are not large.  And, they are strikingly different than anything else you'd be growing.  We have various species of this genus for sale in a variety of species.

GREAT NEW PALM REFERENCE BOOK THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF CULTIVATED PALMS For those of you who may be seeking out a good palm book that is easy to read and very educational, I highly recommend this publication.  As you know I rarely recommend a particular book. In 2003, Paul Craft and Robert Lee Riffle published their first edition of this book.  It was felt by most at that time to be the best palm publication around.  But, as time went by, more palm species were discovered and Paul Craft wanted to improve on his first book.  Robert Lee Riffle unfortunately passed away, but Paul teamed up with noted botanist and author, Scott Zona, formerly of Fairchild Tropical Gardens and a few months ago published the second edition of this fine book.  It deals with about 900 species of palms and has about 1000 photographs.  It is particularly good for those of you trying to make sense of the many Dypsis species. I have been a friend of all three authors mentioned above, but have had a long term comradery with Paul Craft and his wife Patty.  Thirty-five years ago, Paul and I were the only growers in the United States that had nurseries specializing in palms.  So, we became close friends and have communicated over these many years.  I can tell you that his work on this book is superb. And, he's offering a special price (need to verify still being offered) to you of $47.95 (normally $59.95 retail price).  Maybe you can get him to send you a signed copy!  And, shipping within the U.S. is included with this price.  It's a real bargain for such a fine book.  If interested, just click here to order this great palm book.  You'll not be disappointed. Of note, I am just promoting this book because of its merits and have no fiscal relationship with this publication.

ANNOUNCING: NEW VIDEO ON JUNGLE MUSIC NURSERY PALM TREES, CYCADS AND TROPICAL PLANTS Yesterday, two of our sales persons, Rusty and Ricardo,  created and published a ten to twelve minute video that shows you our recent nursery expansion projects, our various growing areas of our 2.5 acre nursery, lots of unusual species of plants and our new educational center where we delivery lectures and films.  We think it's fun and you'll enjoy it.  The video is sort of long (for YouTube) but fast moving and we think worth your time.  Please watch it and email us feedback.  Or, like us on Facebook or Tweeter.  Thank you. TO SEE THE JUNGLE MUSIC NURSERY VIDEO, CLICK HERE

GREAT PALM TREES FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Archontophoenix cunninghamiana	Bismarckia nobiis	Brahea armata	Caryota gigas	Chambeyronia macrocarpa
Chamaedorea costaricana	Coccothrinax species	Copernicia baileyana	Cryosophila species	Cyphophoenix species'
Dypsis decaryi	Dypsis decipiens (habitat)	Dypsis leptocheilos	Dypsis onilahensis	Euterpe edulis
Hedyscepe canterburyana	Howea forsteriana	Howea belmoreana	Jubaea chilensis	Kentiopsis oliviformis
Livistona decipiens	Parajubaea torallyi	Phoenix rupicola	Pinanga coronata	Pritchardia species
Pritchardia species	Ravenea glauca	Ravenea species	Rhapis humilus	Rhopalostylis sapida
Roystonea borinquena	Sabal causiarum	Syagrus pseudococos	Veitchia arecina	Wodyetia bifurcata

On all the genera above there may be many more species within the same genus that also grow well for us here.  I apologize if I haven't
included your favorite species in this group, but this is meant to be a brief introduction and I wanted to keep it simple.  I have utilized these
species in a brief article summarizing Palms for Southern California elsewhere at this website.

PLANT CONTAINER SIZE

For growers here on the West Coast, there are black plastic containers that most of us use on our plants.  Surprisingly, there are differences between the pots used
on the West Coast and East Coast of the U.S.  Here we refer to most containers by "gallon size"  On the East Coast pots are referred to by "diameter in inches".  So,
back East you might find a plant in a "14 inch pot".  Here is might be called a "15 gallon pot".  If you visit our price and availability catalog, plants are shown by their
pot size.  I'm hoping that this Blog post this morning will help clarify what individual pots look like.

CONTAINER SIZE	PHOTO EMPTY CONTAINER	PHOTO OF PLANTS IN THIS CONTAINER
BAND SIZE CONTAINER This pot is 3 x 3 x 9 inches, square in shape.  It is used for seedling plants.  For most growers, it has replaced the one gallon pot.  It is a bit deeper and easier to place in carrying trays.  It also conserves space on benches because these can be placed close together.  You can get a pretty nice plant in a band container, sometimes up to 30 inches tall.
ONE GALLON POT This is a very common pot used, especially by flower growers and those producing small shrubs.  It's a typical first step after germinating a seedling.  We prefer using the band containers above as they conserve table and bench space more efficiently and are deeper.  Diameter of this pot is six inches but it's only about seven inches deep.
TWO GALLON POT This pot is 7 to 8 inches wide and about 8 inches deep.  It is a nice size to move a band plant into.  But, it is not particularly deep, so you have to make sure the roots fit into the container. This pot will produce an average plant that is about 2 feet tall. We grow a lot of palms in these pots.
FIVE GALLON POT This pot is 10 inches wide and about 10 inches deep.  It produces a plant that is one of the most common sized palms that we sell.  It is popular because it's not too heavy to lift and plants are typically three to five feet tall, depending on the species.
SEVEN GALLON POT We really like this container because it produces a good sized plant but isn't as heavy to carry as a 15g.  But, for some manufacturing reason, this pot costs twice as much as a 15g.  Therefore, most growers aren't buying this sized pot very much nowadays.  It is 12 inches wide, and about 12 inches deep.
FIFTEEN GALLON POT This is the most popular sized purchased by people who want a landscape or near-landscape ready size of plant.  This container typically supports a palm from four to eight feet size.  Weight of this size of container with soil and plant is usually sixty to ninety pounds.  It's size is 15 to 16 inches wide and 16 inches deep.  Note how this size pot usually has a nice carrying lip at the top of the pot.
TWENTY/TWENTY-FIVE GALLON POTS This is the next size up from a 15g.  These pots are typically about 18 to 20 inches wide and 16 to 18 inches deep.  They weight anywhere from 125 to 150 pounds with their soil.  They can produce a plant larger than the 15g, typically 8 to 10 feet. They usually have a flat lip on the top as shown. The pot shown here is actually a 25g pot.  20 g are a bit smaller.
24 INCH BOX CONTAINER This box is 24 inches wide, square in shape and about 22 to 24 inches deep.  The weight of this container depends on the mix, but is anywhere from 175 to 300 pounds (this heavier weight is if one is using a very heavy soil).  It takes two men to lift one of these.  We prefer plastic boxes as shown here, but they are much more expensive than wooden box.  They last a very long time.

ALL POT SIZES IN A ROW This pot shows all the sizes lined up in a row.  In order, left to right are: band size one gallon two gallon five gallon seven gallon fifteen gallon 25 gallon 24 inch box There are a few more pots that we use and I haven't discussed here.  These include: Citrus pots:  these are 8 x 8 x 14 inches, a tall pot for the diameter and good for cycads Deep bands:  These bands are about twice the size of a normal band Thirty gallon pots:  These are a step up from the 25 gallon size and pretty heavy Thirty inch boxes:  These are very heavy, hard to lift, so we rarely use them