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ANNOUNCING NEW ARTICLE! BEST CYCAD SPECIES FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ALSO SPECIES GOOD FOR OTHER STATES/AREAS EASY TO READ LOTS OF PICTURES COVERS MOST OF THE SOUGHT-AFTER SPECIES CULTURAL INFORMATION INCLUDED Click on banner/link to right to read I think you'll like this article

READ CYCADS FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

    

  

Arrived 15 September, 2016
About thirty cycads, some quite rare
Collection from Laguna Hills, CA

Click to see this NEW COLLECTION

 

FRIDAY, 30 SEPTEMBER, 2016

 

CHAMAEDOREA RADICALIS DWARF SPECIES - RARELY OVER FIVE FEET FILTERED LIGHT OR COASTAL SUN TEN DAY SPECIAL OLD 7G PLANTS This is an interesting species that has two forms: a trunk-less form and one with a small to medium sized trunk.  It is from Mexico.  All forms are single trunk.  The trunk-less form has leaves three feet or less and never gets tall.  This is the form I'm offering on special here.  When this form blossoms, the flowers shoot up from he base of the plant and are typically taller than the leaves.  If you have a female, very pretty red seeds form if pollinated.   On the coast, some have grown this variety in a far amount of sun.  Of course, it thrives in filtered light.  Cold hardiness is into the upper teens F.  The unique thing about these 7g plants is their size. All are multiple about three feet tall.  They are ready for the garden and can be shipped. REGULAR PRICE 7G $125 TEN DAY SPECIAL 7G $89 Mention this Special for your discount when you purchase.

PACHIRA AQUATICA THE MALABAR CHESTNUT ATTRACTIVE TROPICAL TREE TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE This good sized tropical tree is native to Mexico, Central and South America and tolerates full sun.  It can get to heights of twenty and sometimes thirty feet.  It is closely related to the popular "Money Tree" which is sold as a houseplant and often has braided stems.  The leaflets are large and wide.   The crown is full.  Fruits are tan colored, large and globular.  The trunk can get thick.  It enjoys water and is cold hardy to about a freeze.  The 5g shown here has seen temperatures below a freeze.  This is the first time we've offered this plant.  Most don't recognize it as it looks totally different than the "Monday Tree". REGULAR PRICE 5G $55 TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G $40 Mention this Special for your discount.
Photo c/o Flikr, unknown author

 

JUBAEA CHILENSIS THE CHILEAN WINE PALM FAT TRUNK - VERY COLD HARDY TEN DAY SPECIAL BATCH OF 15G PLANTS It's interesting that, despite our inventory of a quarter million plants, we do run out of species or sought after sizes of certain species.  Such is often the case with the popular 15 gallon size of the Chilean Wine Palm.  I know private and back yard growers who sometimes have things we need.  So, I make some phone calls to locate what we need for customers.  This led to the acquisition of the 15 gallon Jubaeas shown here.  They are not huge.  Basal diameters are about 4 inches.  But, they are nicely sized and the price is right.  This species gets the fattest trunk of all palms (up to 4 feet wide), gets to a typical mature height of over 30 feet, wants full sun and is slow growing.  Cold tolerance is about 16 degrees F.  The 15g shown here are 8 years old.  I'm offering them at the lowest price I've ever given to customers on this size.  This price applies to this particular batch of Jubaeas only.  I am passing this good pricing on to you as we got them at a very good price.  If you want honkers, bigger ones - we do have them.  But, this size (as shown) is affordable and can be shipped to anywhere in the U.S. REGULAR PRICE 15G $250 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS BATCH $195 But, mention this Blog Special for this discount.

 

TILLANDSIA CYANEA THE PINK QUILL BROMELIAD SLOW GROWING - PINK BLOSSOMS TEN DAY SPECIAL 6 INCH PLANTS This attractive smaller Bromeliad is epiphytic, native to Ecuador, and lives on branches in trees.  It is never much bigger than shown here but will multiple forming small clumps.  It prefers filtered but bright light and is not for full, hot sun.  It has flat pink blossoms.  Each plant may put out several flowers as shown here.  These plants are five years old and just coming into blossom.  The main portion of the flower is pink.  From this emerge small violet-blue smaller flowers.  It hasn't done this yet.  These are super desirable and attractive.  If pot grown, it needs a quick growing soil. REGULAR PRICE THESE PLANTS $30 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $18.50 Remember: Mention this Special.   These are easy to mail order and can be grown inside the house.

 

RHIPSALIS SPECIES HANGING BASKET BLOSSOMS IN SPRING TEN DAY SPECIAL I have had Rhipsalis in the past at the nursery but am not an expert on this genus.  This is a different one.  It appears to be similar to the "Mistletoe" Rhipsalis although I am not sure.  These are large plants in baskets. They hang down a foot or two.  They will have cream colored blossoms in the spring. Leaves have tubular type of leaf sections that divide, giving a fullness to the plant.  I only have a few of these for hanging outdoors in filtered light or a little sun. REGULAR PRICE $45 TEN DAY SPECIAL $30 Mention this Special for your discount.

 

BLACK MONDO GRASS ALSO SILVER AND GREEEN GREAT GROUND COVER TYPES OF OPHIOPOGON TEN DAY SPECIAL 1G PLANTS I have customers in all the time who are looking for an attractive yet small type of ground cover other than Ice Plant.  We carry several types of plants that would fit this bill.  But, one of the "Cadillacs" of ground covers is the Mondo Grass.  I am featuring here the Black Mondo Grass although we also have silver and the more commonly seen green form.  The Black Mondo Grass only gets about twelve inches tall and does not run.  It forms a well defined and small clump.  It's perfect along a walkway.  It wants to get some sun and is fairly cold hardy.  Full sun along the coast is ideal.  A mature clump will only get about 18 inches wide.  Note that these put out small purple flowers.  The specials are for the 1 gallon sizes. REGULAR PRICE BLACK AND SILVER MONDO $25 TEN DAY SPECIAL $17.50 REGULAR PRICE GREEN MONDO GRASS $20 TEN DAY SPECIAL GREEN MONDO $15 Remember: Mention this Special for your discount.

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.  REGULAR PRICE 5G $45 TEN DAY SPECIAL $35 Remember:  Mention this Special for your discount.
	Asparagrus Fern sprengeri - Don't use this one! Photo c/o Mo Botanical Garden	Asparagus myeri photo by Karl Gercens III - This is the one to get!

 

LIVISTONA NITIDA TALL PALM WITH THINNER TRUNK NATIVE TO QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA FAIRLY QUICK GROWING TEN DAY SPECIAL 5 GALLON SIZE This palm species is a fan palm that is native to Queensland.  We've found it to be quick growing.  It'll attain a mature height of 60 feet or more.  Trunk diameter is about 12 to 18 inches.  Its leaf stems are armed as shown here.  It prefers full sun, even in desert areas.  I've read reports of it tolerating snow in Georgia.  I'd estimate cold tolerance to be at least 20 degrees F.  The 5g on Special are nice size and ready for repot or planting in the garden.  When mature, the leaflets droop downwards.  This species was previously known as "Carnavon Gorge". REGULAR PRICE 5G $65 TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE $50 Just mention this Blog Special at time of purchase for your blog only discount.  These would be easy to ship.
	15 gallon size at the nursery, not on sale right now	Photo by Mike Crisp c/o PACSOA

PHOENIX DACTYLIFERA MEDJOOL VARIETY THE TRUE DATE PALM TEN DAY SALE 5 GALLON PLANTS This is a great cold hardy plant, being able to tolerate temperatures down into the mid-teens F.  It is hard to find this cultivar of the True Date Palm.  This is the one that gets blue and makes the best tasting dates.  The plants I'm offering on special were grown in a greenhouse so they are not showing that blue color yet.  But, they will when given direct sun and heat.  Remember, you need a male and female to get dates and the female bears the fruit.  These are nice 5g plants about three to four feet tall.  They demand full sun, can get up to 40 feet tall and inherently can sucker.  One would remove the suckers if he wants a single trunk. REGULAR PRICE 5G THIS SPECIES $65 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $45 These are easy to ship.  Just remember to mention this Special so you get the discount. The fifth and six figures are stock photos to demonstrate the color.  They are not the plants on special today.  Of note, we only have limited numbers of these 5g plants available.  Don't dally.
		Stock photo showing blue color of the medjool
Stock photo showing what these plants will look like, grown in sun and heat

SABAL CAUSIARUM PUERTO RICAN HAT PALM MASSIVE GRAY TRUNK TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE This easy to grow species of large fan palm is native to Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Haiti and some surrounding islands.  It is most known for its very thick and smooth trunk.  Trunk diameters can get over three feet and the trunk is a light gray color.  Heights can exceed forty feet.  Leaves are blue-green.  It is super cold hardy to the mid-teens F. and is a good grower in full sun. REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $30 TEN DAY SPECIAL BANDS $22.50 OR FOUR FOR $80 Remember: mention this Special for your discount.
	5 gallon size at nursery	15 gallon at nursery

 

 

WEDNESDAY, 28 SEPTEMBER, 2016

 

CHAMAEDOREA GLAUCIFOLIA SUPER SIMILAR TO C. PLUMOSA TAKES A FAIR AMOUNT OF SUN TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE It's been quite a while since I've offered this Chamaedorea.  It is very similar to Chamaedorea plumosa - except:  The plumosa has a more plumose leaf and takes a little more sun.  The glaucifolia has the silver powder on the leaf stems and crown shaft as shown here.  Otherwise, you would mistake the two.  These 5g and multiples. This is a single trunk species.  Mature height is about 14 feet.  It takes almost full sun on the coast and is quick growing. Cold hardiness is about 25 degrees F. REGULAR PRICE 5G $65 TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G $50 Mention this Special for your discount when you purchase.

 

VARIEGATED FURCREA VERY UNUSUAL - RARE AND DIFFICULT TO FIND NEVER GETS VERY TALL TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE This smaller but super attractive succulent is known by the species name of Furcrea foitida.  It never gets over five feet tall and has very prominent green and yellow/white variegation.  It is often as wide as it is tall.  It is very slow growing and likes our coastal sun.  These are hard to find and nice for a sunny spot where a smaller plant is needed.  It can also take part day sun and is cold hardy to 25 degrees F. REGULAR PRICE 5G $85 TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G $65 Remember to mention this Blog Only Special
		photo by gardencreationsbytoni website

 

CHAMAEDOREA TEPEJILOTE SINGLE TRUNK, TALL  AND SHADE-LOVING PINNATE PALM DARK GREEN RINGED TRUNK TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G MULTI'S 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.  They can also be grown inside the home.  Trunks are about 1.5 to perhaps 2 inches and prominently ringed.  They look best with several plants grown together.  The 5g on sale are a mixture of singles and multiples. REGULAR PRICE 5G $75 TEN DAY SPECIAL $55 Just mention this Special for your discount.	This and next 4 photos of 5g size on sale
This and next photo of 15g size at nursery

 

COLORFUL BROMELIADS NEROGELIA TYPES REDS, PINKS, MOTTLED LOTS OF NEW PLANTS JUST IN In the past few days we got a good load of colorful Bromeliads of the Nerogelia genus.  All are colorful, especially with red colors.  Shown here are three different species that are quite cool.  The last two pictures show actual Bromeliads being used in the landscape.  These Bromeliads require little care - just on occasional spray of water.  Most like part sun or strong filtered light although we have some for full sun along the coast.

 

THE GENUS BECCARIOPHOENIX THREE DIFFERENT SPECIES 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.  Cold tolerance is certainly into the mid-twenties F.  Of the three, Beccariophoenix madagascarensis is probably the easiest to grow.  It is very slow growing.  But, some feel that B. alfredii is equally easy and may have more cold hardiness.  "Windows" is exciting because of the leaf openings, thus the name.  But, over time, these windows are lost and it becomes a pinnate palm.  Shown here are pictures of all three.  We have various sizes for sale from small to large.	Beccariophoenix madagascarensis	Beccariophoenix madagascarensis
Beccariophoenix "windows"	Beccariophoenix alfredii	Beccariophoenix probably "windows"
Beccariophoenix "windows"	Beccariophoenix probably '"windows"	Beccariophoenix alfredii by TS at RPS
Beccariophoenix alfredii by TS at RPS	Beccariophoenix madagascarensis	Beccariophoenix madagascarensis

 

LIVISTONA DECIPIENS TALL PALM WITH DROOPY ENDS TO LEAFLETS COLD HARDYAND LOVES SUN TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G SIZE This tall Australian fan palm has a trunk about 12 inches in diameter and in many years can get over forty feet tall.  It is armed on the petioles.  Leaflets ends droop downwards giving it the name of Ribbon Palm.  It is an easy grow, likes sun and is cold tolerant into the upper teens F. REGULAR PRICE 15G $175 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $150 You must mention this Website Only special to get this price when you purchase.

DIOON MEROLAE THREE FEET OF TRUNK IN FIFTY YEARS This is a slow growing New World cycad species that comes from Mexico.  It is very attractive.  One of the things that is particularly nice about this species is that the crown size is compact and not that large.  For this reason, it fits into a small sunny location in the garden where no other plant would work.  Its leaves are a silver-green in color and it holds many  leaves.  An extremely old plant might have a foot or two of trunk.  In the wild there are specimens that are possibly a thousand years old with many meters of trunk, often leaning over toward the ground.  But, from a practical point of view, it is a small plant.  If you grow this species, you'll probably find that it will take fifty years or more to get three feet of trunk.    Cold hardiness is into the low 20's F. and it prefers full sun except for harsh desert climates.  We offer many sizes of this species from seedlings up to trunked plants that are many decades old.  For mail orders, this is a perfect size to ship.  We can easily ship plants up to the 15g size and even boxed specimens if needed.   Some of the nursery plants you see here are extremely old specimens.  The last pictures shows how new leaves are very upright.  If one cuts off older leaves, this species has very little lateral spread and can fit into rather small areas.  I hope that you like this cycad; it's one of my favorites. For upscale landscaping, nothing beats it. By the way, we have an excellent supply of this species in all sizes. All are shippable right to your door.

	an interesting clustering specimen

 

MACROZAMIA MIQUELII MEDIUM SIZED CYCAD TOLERATES SUN OR SHADE NEW ARRIVAL BOXED SPECIMENS SEVERAL IN CONE Native to Australia in the New South Whales and southern Queensland areas, this medium sized cycad has flat green leaves with leaflets that droop down somewhat.  The inner portion of the leaflets has a yellow to white area next to the leaf stem.  Overall size is not that large.  Trunks can get to about a foot tall with leaves about four feet long.  The plants we just got in are about 15 years old and we received two plants with male cones (see photo).  Culturally, this is an easy species to grow.  It tolerates full sun on the coast but also does great in part day sun or strong filtered light.  Cold tolerance is well into the lower 20's F. or colder.  The plants offered here have been outdoor grown in the northern San Diego County area and are in 24 inch plastic boxes.  Limited numbers are available.  Macrozamia miquelii is not easy to find and near impossible to find in the size I'm offering here.  As this is a slow growing species, this is a great size to guarantee success in the garden.
	photo in habitat, Chris Gray, PACSOA

 

COCCOTHRINAX ARGNETATA MEDIUM SIZED FAN PALM SMALL TRUNK - SILVER BACK T LEAVES TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE This smaller and very cute fan palm is native to areas of Florida, Mexico and into the Caribbean.  It has a blue green leaf color with more prominent silver on the underside of the leaf.  Mature height is rarely to twenty feet.  Leaves are about three to four feet across and prominently divided into segments.  It likes heat and sun.  It might also do well in desert areas.  Cold hardiness is into the mid-twenties F.  We have available 5g and some 15g plants.  It is ideal for people who want shorter but attractive sun tolerant palms.  But, particularly in pots, it is slow growing.  We're putting bands on sale today but do have 5 and 15 gallon available. REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $35 TEN DAY SPECIAL BANDS $25 Just mention this Blog Special when you purchase for your discount.
	15 gallon size at nursery
back of leaf of nursery plant showing silver

 

BRAHEA SPECIES "SUPER SILVER" BLUE FAN PALM FROM MEXICO THINNER TRUNK THAN BRAHEA ARMATA AND, FASTER GROWING TEN DAY SPECIAL 1 GALLON PLANTS About two years ago we ran out of this un-named but super desirable blue Brahea.  It resembles a Brahea armata but is faster growing, gets taller and has a much thinner trunk.  It is native to Mexico.  Seeds have only been available twice.  The last batch came out an estimated seven years ago.  I had about 50 plants and they flew out of the nursery, particularly to people who see cold weather.  I thought I was out of them, but recently acquired six one gallon plants.  I germinated and have some bands as well, but these are much further along.  If you are in a cold area or love blue palms, you have to try one of these.  And, they are on sale!  Color will be blue when outdoors.  Cold hardiness is into the teens F.  I wants heat and full sun.  Did you get that these are super rare and hard to find? REGULAR PRICE 1 GALLON $45 TEN DAY SPECIAL 1 GALLON $35 Just mention this Blog Only Special when you purchase for this discount.
		Band size, not on sale presently
photo by TS, RPS, habitat

 

CHAMAEDOREA WOODSONIANA SINGLE TRUNK FILTERED LIGHT PALM THICK TRUNK - PROMINENT WIDE RINGS TEN DAY SPECIAL 1 GALLON PLANTS This species, along with Chamaedorea lineares, is one of the most sought after of the Chamaedorea family.  It is quick growing, gets to about 15 feet tall or more, and gets up to a 2 inch thick green trunk.  It has prominent white rings on the trunk with wide, green leaflets.  Well grown, this palm is a show stopper.  It is also super hard to find.  We've been out of them for at least six months - people always ask for them.  I just got in a limited supply of nice one gallon plants (shown) that are 18 to 24 inches tall in their pots.  This is a filtered light palm that will tolerate a freeze. REGULAR PRICE 1 GALLON $45 TEN DAY SPECIAL 1 GAL $35 Remember:  Limited numbers.  Mention this Special for your discount.
	15 gallon nursery plant, not available at this time
Trunk of 15g plant	Close up picture show trunk with rings - note flower stalk forming

 

TRITHRINAX CAMPESTRIS BLUE, SUCKERING FAN PALM VERY COLD HARDY 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 $75 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $50 But, remember to mention this special when purchasing to get this price.	This and next 4 pictures of 5g size on sale
15g size, not on sale right now	15 gallon size

 

JACOBINIA CARNEA (JUSTICA C.) BRZILIAN PLUME, FLAMINGO PLANT PRETTY, PINK AND DWARF TEN DAY SPECIAL 7G/15G PLANTS Recently new to our nursery, this exotic filtered light dwarf plant puts out clusters of huge 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.  REGULAR PRICE EITHER SIZE $150 TEN DAY SPECIAL $110 Just remember to mention this Blog Only Special at the time of purchase to get the discount.
		same plants one month ago
c/o Vipsad Website	photo from igarden website, Australia

 

LIVISTONA AUSTRALIS TALL, THIN TRUNKED AUSTRALIAN FAN PALM TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G This is a rather fast growing fan palm from Australia.  Unlike other species of Livistona, this one has a rather thin trunk of about 12 inches.  The most prominent characteristics to me are: 1.  A near circular swirl of thin leaflets as shown below 2.  A tall and thin trunk 3.  Droopy leaflets hanging down similar to L. decipiens 4.  Pretty good cold tolerance, probably into the upper teens F. 5.  An easy to grow species that likes full sun REGULAR PRICE 15G PLANTS $175 TEN DAY SPECIAL $140 We can ship this size.  To get this special price you must mention this Bog Only Special

 

DYPSIS ONILAHENSIS TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE This species is a suckering palm from Madagascar but can also be found as a single trunk specimen.  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 shown here appear to be the droopy leaflet form, although I can't be positive. REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $30 TEN DAY SPECIAL $25 You must mention this Blog only special when purchasing.

 

CAVENDISH DWARF BANANA CULTIVAR OF MUSA ACUMINATA MAKES EDIBLE BANANAS IN SO CAL 5G AND 15G AVAILABLE The dwarf bananas that I'm offering here are a small form of Musa acuminata.  There are many cultivars.  This one gets to a height of about six feet and will make yellow, near normally sized and edible bananas.  The 15g size are suckering and up to your chest.  They tolerate temperatures down to about a freeze.  If, during winter, the leaves suffer cold burn, the plants usually come back in spring.  Our supply ran out a few months ago, but now they are back in stock.  The 5g size would be easy to mail order.	This and next four photos 15g size
This and next photo 5g size

 

OUR CYCAD SOIL JUST GOT IN A NEW BATCH WE DO SELL IT BY THE 15 GALLON BAG From time to time, I do work on making our cycad soil formulae better.  Our basic ingredients are pumice, coarse sand (#12), fir wood chips, fir shavings, peat moss, perlite, and a touch of high grade topsoil.  We also add dolomite and a slow release Osmocote fertilizer.  Be aware, there is no "perfect" single mix or formulae that you have to use.  At this website I do give a specific component ratios for a cycad mix.  (link below)  This soil shown will support most cycads and is quick draining.  One ideally might alter it for tropical species like lush Zamia.  We sell this cycad mix by the bag for those who don't have the capacity to make their own.  But, it's way to heavy and expensive to ship by mail order because of the weight. LINK TO CYCAD SOIL MIX

 

CANNA LILY NICE 5G NOW AVAILABLE DARK PURPLE LEAVES ORANGE BLOSSOM TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE Canna Lilies are a tropical or semi-tropical perennial plant.  They are not a true Lily but called a Lily.  This type of thing happens all the time, especially with "palms".  They are probably most closely related to Gingers.  I've found the foliage is a bit less appealing in winter.  Then, in summer when it's warm, they do their thing with rapid growth of pretty foliage as shown here and a prolonged display of colorful blossoms.  They can take our coastal sun or part sun.  I have several types/varieties available.  I'm showing one with very pretty dark foliage today.  It has bold orange flowers.   Limited supplies are available. REGULAR PRICE THESE 5G $55 TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G $40 Remember:  Mention this Blog Special for your discount.

VRIESIA SPLENDENS EXOTIC BROMELIAD ORANGE AND YELLOW FLOWER UNIQUELY STRIPED FOLIAGE TEN DAY SPECIAL This exotic Bromeliad is the favorite of many people.  It has zebra-striped foliage with black on green leaves.  The blossom shoots up 18 inches and is Halloween orange.  It likes filtered light.  Container size 6 inch or 1g. REGULAR PRICE THIS SIZE $30 TEN DAY SPECIAL $22.50 Remember:  Mention this Blog Only Special for your discount.

 

CHAMBEYRONIA MACROCARPA THE FLAME THROWER PALM NEWLY EMERGENT RED LEAF SINGLE TRUNK - GORGOUS! TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE This is a super popular single trunk, pinnate palm from New Caledonia.  It is known as the Flame Thrower Palm because of its newly emerging red leaf.  This color lasts for two to three weeks and ranges in color from a dark burgundy to a pinkish-red.  Mature height is about 25 to 30 feet with a thin to medium girth trunk that has a long green crown shaft. Sometimes you'll see marbling of the trunk - known as the watermelon trait.  There is also a blond crown shaft form called Chamberyonia hookeri.  Growth rate is slow with most plants making two leaves a year.  It tolerates full sun right on the coast.  Far inland, people give it filtered light or morning sun.  Cold hardiness is about 23 degrees F. REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $35 TEN DAY SPECIAL BANDS $27.50 Remember:  Mention this Blog Special for this price.  These are easy to mail order.
New red leaf on nursery plant

 

SUNDAY, 25 SEPTEMBER, 2016

 

ENCEPHALARTOS TEGULANEUS RARE CYCAD FROM KENYA UPRIGHT LEAVES TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE  This is a large Central African cycad with an erect trunk up to thirty feet that is native to Mt. Lolokwe in the center of Kenya.  It is a fairly high elevation plant, up to 2000 feet natively.  As shown in the photos, leaves are four to six feet long and go upwards at about a 60 degree angle.  Color is a gray-green, definitely not a lime color.  The leaves are basically flat in cross section.  Leaflets are thin, crowded and perhaps slightly cupper - and are spiny along the margins.    Like most cycads, this species likes good draining soil.  I'd recommend less than full sun.  Perhaps, along the coast, part day sun.  Inland areas would require bright filtered light. At our nursery, this species tolerated 25 degrees F. with no problem.  I suspect the coldest it will take is a few degrees below this.  Although this species is getting near impossible to find, we do have an assortment of sizes available including a large, near coning boxed plant. We are presently offering new seedlings on Special.  These are the first seedlings we've offered in many years.  REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE SEEDLINGS $75 TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SEEDLINGS $60 Remember: Mention this Special for your discount.  These are easy to ship.
		15g size, 10 inch caudex
Box specimen at nursery

 

TILLNDSIA CLUSTERS MANY AIRPLANTS IN ONE BUNCH SOME MOUNTED - SOME NOT AND READY FOR TREE TRUNKS TEN DAY SPECIAL! These New World epiphytic plants are great fun.  They are one of the many genera of Bromeliads.  Native to regions stretching from the Southern US down to South America, these plants attach to tree trunks, branches, posts, fences or anything they can find.  Most do not live in the ground.  They live off of natural rainfall or humidity and are not harmful to the hosting plant/tree.  Most are flowering and some of these flowers are large for such small plants.  We have perhaps eight varieties.  Most growers divide plants into single plants and sell them one at a time.  We are offering bunches of many plants together.  Some bunches are a decade old.  You can put them on a piece of bark, wood or whatever you want.  They are easy to care for outside.  Of note, they are not super expensive.  Prices for bunches vary with size but average $35 to $65. TEN DAY SPECIAL:  15% OFF ANY TILLANDSIA CLUSTER
		Cluster in flower last spring

 

ZAMIA LODDIGESII SMALLER GREEN CYCAD NO THREATENING SPINES TEN DAY SPECIAL SEEDLINGS This is a Mexican Zamia that is quite variable in appearance, both in leaf appearance and the shape of the leaflets.  There are also variations from habitat to habitat.  Caudexes are small, typically two to four inches in diameter with heights under one foot.  Stems are often subterranean.  Leaves are green, two to three feet long.  Stems typically sucker, giving multiple heads of leaves.  It is a cute and small type of green cycad.  Leaflets are essentially un-armed.  It can survive temperatures down to freezing with minimal leaf damage.  Buried caudexes are spared damage if subterranean.  It prefers filtered light or possibly full sun in the coastal zone.  Good draining soil is best.  We are offering new seedlings on Special in 1g pots that have two, perhaps three leaves.  REGULAR PRICE SEEDLINGS $45 TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE SEEDLINGS $30 Just mention this Special for your discount.
	Older coning plant at nursery/span>	Leaf previous plant

 

CYCAS RUMPHII THE QUEEN SAGO GREEN, ATTRACTIVE CYCAD MINIMAL ARMOR ASSORTMENT OF SIZES AVAILABLE One would think availability of this green Cycas species would be more plentiful.  But, it's not and they are hard to find.  Cycas rumphi is native to far eastern countries including Papa New Guinea, Indonesia and Christmas Island.  It is a good sized species with overall height to 25 or 30 feet, a trunk diameter of 12 to 16 inches and leaves that green and 5 to 8 feet long.  Leaflets are soft and there is minimal armor only on the leaf stems.  Along the coast they do fine with full or part sun.  If you are far inland, give it strong filtered light.  Cold hardiness is into the mid twenties F. or a bit colder. Shown here is an assortment of nursery plants.  The first one is 7g followed by a citrus pot.  I then show an older plant with 20 inches of trunk.  And, finally a huge boxed specimen with over six feet of trunk.  The last row are medium sized garden plants.  Most of these plants are shippable.

 

ENCEPHALARTOS HORRIDUS SUPER BLUE SO AFRICAN CYCAD VARIOUS SIZES AVAILABLE LOVES SUN ALONG THE COAST By far, the most popular rare cycad we sell is Encephalartos horridus.  I don't know if it's the gnarly, spiny leaflets that thrills people.  Or, the smaller size.  Or, the intense blue color.  But, somehow people love this plant and we can hardly keep them in stock.  It is slow growing, has prominent barbs on the edge of the leaflets and has a small crown width - usually five feet or less.  A two foot trunk would be about it's maximum caudex height.  It can sucker.  Along the coast it likes full sun - in the desert, a few hours.  Cold hardiness is about 22 degrees F.  Shown here are a 5g, 25g and some band sized seedling.	This and next 3 photos of 5g 2 inch caudex
		This and next 2 pictures 15g 8 x 8 inch caudex
		This and next photo band sized seedlings

HYOPHORBE VERSCHAFELTII THE SPINDLE PALM JUST AS COOL BUT -- BETTER THAN THE BOTTLE PALM! (WHICH DOESN'T SURVIVE WELL HERE) TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE We are always telling customers that the commonly imported Bottle Palm (Hyophorobe lagenicaulis) doesn't do well here in So Cal and probably will die.  Even so, the Depot stores sell Bottles by the thousands, only to see most of them perish with our winter's cold.  The Spindle Palm has its swelling in the center, mid-portion of the trunk rather than at the base.  It likes full sun, get's to a height of about 20 feet in decades and will take a freeze.  Also, they are faster growing than the Bottle Palm.  We have a nice selection of Hyophorbe verschafeltii including big 5g.  And, for 10 days they are on sale. REGULAR PRICE 5G $75 TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G $60 Just mention this Blog Only Special for your discount.
15 gallon size

 

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.  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 $75 TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G $55 Remember:  mention this Special!
		Note super thick trunk for a King Palm

 

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 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. REGULAR PRICE 5G $55 TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G $40 Mention this Special for your discount
		Intense red on back of leaves

 

BECCARIOPHOENIX ALFREDII NEW MADAGASCAR PALM SPECIES MAYBE THE MOST COLD HARDY BECCARIOPHOENIX TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE We are offering our really nice 5g size of this species on special.  This is the third type of Beccariophoenix and was described only in the past decade.  It will take coastal sun and is fairly cold hardy - at least into the mid to perhaps lower 20's F.  Folks are growing it in the SF Bay area.  It is a pinnate palm with a medium trunk and a shuttlecock arrangement of the crown.  It has become super popular. REGULAR PRICE 5G $75 TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G $55 Just mention this Special for your discount.
	photo c/o TS at RPS	photo c/o TS at RPS

 

DYPSIS LEPTOCHEILOS THE TEDDY BEAR PALM EVERYONE LOVES THIS PALM ONE OF THE BEST MADAGASCAR PALMS TEN DAY SPECIAL 2G SIZE The Teddy Bear Palm has become super popular because it grows well in Southern California, has a rusty colored, fuzzy crown shaft, has a silver, ringed trunk and doesn't get too tall.  For most enthusiasts, it's among the "top ten" Madagascar palms.  Mature height is about 25 feet.  Right on the coast it does well with full sun.  Cold hardiness is about 25 degrees F.  Growth rate is medium.  One can grow it in part day sun as well. REGULAR PRICE 2G SIZE $45 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $37.50 Mention this Special for your discount.
15 gallon nursery plant

 

FRIDAY, 23 SEPTEMBER, 2016

 

CHAMAEDOREA ERNESTI-AUGUSTI VERY ATTRACTIVE DWARF SHADE PALM TYPICALLY NOT OVER 3 FEET TALL TEN DAY SPECIAL 1 GALLON SIZE Over our 40 year existence, I'd estimate that the nursery has sold several thousand of this very popular dwarf palm.  Typically we recommend putting in a small colony of them.  They look great like this and will get staggered heights.  Most garden plants are not over 3 to 4 feet tall.  But, the last picture shows a few that we've grown for decades and are head height.  Because leaves are at the top, such older plants look best with newer, smaller plants growing from the bottom.  If you have an older plant, put a few small ones at the base.  This species likes shade and has simple, non-divided leaves as shown.  Cold tolerance is about 25 degrees F. REGULAR PRICE 1G $40 TEN DAY SPECIAL 1G $32.50 These are easy to ship and four in one box is no problem.  Just remember to mention this Special for the reduced price when you purchase.
5 gallon size, not on sale right now	plant in garden	25 year old plants at nursery

 

BUTIA CAPITATA BLUE EASY TO GROW, NOT TOO TALL SUPER BLUE COLOR SUPER COLD HARDY SUPER NICE! TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G PLANTS 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.  Well, we just got in a small batch of them and am 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. REGULAR PRICE 15G $175 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $135 Just remember:  Mention this Blog Special for your discount.  We can easily mail order this size.
Photo by Paul Craft

 

DYPSIS DECARYI THE TRIANGLE PALM IN SHORT SUPPLY RIGHT NOW REALLY BEEFY SUN PLANTS TEN DAY SPECIAL BEEFY 15G This interesting Madagascar palm is known for loving full, hot sun and a not overly tall height.  They typically get to about 22 feet tall in a lifetime. And, it's known for the multicolored, three-sided crown shaft as shown below.  It can be stunning.  It tolerates temperatures to about 23 or 24 degrees and can even take desert sun in many areas.  We have available some beefy 15g plants that are being grown in full sun.  Some are an estimate six to eight inches thick at the base.  They are ready for your landscape.  We only have about a dozen, so don't wait on these guys.  They'll not last long. REGULAR PRICE THESE 15G $195 TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE PLANTS $159 Just mention this Blog Special at the time of purchase to get the discount.

DURANTA "SAPPHIRE SHOWERS" FRAGRANT PURPLE FLOWERS TOLERATES SUN OR PART SUN UNUSUAL VARIEGATED LEAF FORM TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE This attractive shrub is from Mexico down to South America and has typically green leaves.  The plants were offering today in 5g and 15g size have variegation. They will produce weeping purple flower clusters.  The flowers have white edges and are very fragrant.  These flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies.  This tree can be shaped and trained.  Left alone, it can get to about ten feet tall.  It prefers sun but does well in part day sun.  Like the Euphorbia above, it adds full sun color to the garden.  Cold hardiness is well into the 20's F. We are offering 5g and 15g for sale, with the 5g on special REGULAR PRICE 5G $55 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $40 Just mention this Blog Special when purchasing for your discount.
	photo c/o bcliving.ca	photo by gardenerdirect.com

ALOCASIA DWARF CAL - ODORA NEVER OVER FOUR FEET TALL EASY TO GROW, GOOD COMPAION PLANT 5G AND 15G - TEN DAY SPECIAL! Those who have been following this Blog have seen this great and easy to use companion plant in previous threads.  Customers love this plant because it stays small and is so easy to put in shady areas of the garden.  Yet, it looks so tropical and lush.  It can take coastal full sun but looks its best in half day sun or strong filtered light.  It's cold hardy into the 20's F.  But, it does like water.  We're putting two sizes on sale.  These can be mail ordered. REGULAR PRICE 5G $55 TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G $40 REGULAR PRICE 15G $150 TEN DAY SPECIAL $125 Just mention this Blog Special for this price and discount when you purchase.	This and next 4 pictures 15g size
This is the 5g size

 

RHOPALOSTYLIS CHEESEMANII MEDIUM SIZED, VERY GRACEFUL GORGOUS 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 $35 TEN DAY SPECIAL $25 FOR A BAND Just mention this Blog special for this discount.
	5g size not on this special	5g size
juvenile red color stems on 5g size

BIRDSNEST ANTHURIUM ANTHURIUM HOOKERI-TYPE FILTERED LIGHT COMPANION PLANT NEVER GET TOO BIG TEN DAY SPECIAL 12 INCH POTS We just got in a good supply of this fabulous understory companion plant that rarely gets over six feet tall.  Leaves get to five feet long, are thick and leathery, slightly undulation with rounded edges.  Leaf color is dark green, especially in shade.  Flowers display red seeds.  This is a great plant on the garden floor in filtered light.  They are easy to grow.  And, they look super exotic.  Cold tolerance is into the mid-twenties.  The plants on sale have been outdoor grown.  The pots size on these plants is about a 7 gallon and can be mail ordered. REGULAR PRICE THIS SIZE $125 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $65 Just mention this Special to get your discount.	This and next 4 pics of the sale size plants
		photo c/o Wikipedia

 

EPIDENDRON ORCHID ORANGE BLOSSOM REEDSTEM TYPE TERESTRIAL ORCHID TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G POT The family of Epidendron Orchids are loaded with species/varieties of lots of different colors.  These include pink, red, white and yellow.  But, one of the most vibrant is the orange.  It is also one of the best growing types.  We're putting old 5g plants of this orange type on sale.  These plants have tons of reed-like stems, most of which will blossom this summer, and are quite old.  Leaves are thick and small and plants can be divided in the future to easily add to other areas of the garden.  They'll take coastal full sun or strong filtered light.  Some sun is needed for flowering.  You can plant these right in the soil.  They are cold tolerant into the mid-twenties F.  REGULAR PRICE THESE 5G $65 TEN DAY SPCIES THIS SIZE $40 Just mention this Special at the time of purchase for this discounted price.

 

GASTERIA SUCCULENT OX TONGUE PLANT BIG ORANGE BRANCHING FLOWERS IN SHADE TEN DAY SPECIAL 8 INCH POTS Although I am not a succulent expert by any means, I did hear about some plants that interested me.  So, we brought some into the nursery.  I wanted them because they can produce large, branching flowers in shade.  The blossoms are a red-orange in color.  This is a type of Gasteria known as Ox Tongue.  We're putting our 8 inch pots on special.  They are in flower now.  The flowers go up two feet above the plants and branch.  The leaves are thick and have striped silver on green variegation as shown.  They can take some sun if needed. REGULAR PRICE THESE PLANTS $35 TEN DAY SPECIAL $22.50 Just remember to mention this "special".

 

CHAMAEDOREA SEIFRIZII THE CLASSIC BAMBOO PALM TEN DAY SPECIAL BIG 5G This New World suckering shade palm has pinnate leaves and never gets much above 8 to 9 feet.  This is the reason it's so popular.  It's not my favorite suckering Chamaedorea, but it does fit inside the home of the average house without hitting the ceiling.  Outdoors, it wants filtered light and is cold hard into the mid, perhaps lower 20's F.  The 5g on sale here are oversize, about head height or more. REGULAR PRICE THESE 5G $75 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $55 Just mention this Special at the time of purchase for your discount.  Although a tall box is needed, these can be shipped anywhere within the U.S.

 

GREEN SHELL GINGER ALPINIA ZERUMBER MEDIUM HEIGHT WHITE FLOWERS, YELLOW FLUSH TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE Shell Ginger is quite popular and gets typically to a medium height of six to eight feet.  It can tolerate a freeze and does best in part day sun or strong filtered light.  Right on the coast it can take full sun.  There are green and variegated forms of this Ginger.  We offer both for sale.  This species puts out basal suckers and will expand its garden footprint over time.  But, it's easy to control with a shovel.  Blossoms are pendant, handing downwards, with a predominant white color containing yellows/pinks inside.  They are not fragrant.  Our 5g is on sale presently.   We also have variegated forms for sale. REGULAR PRICE 5G $65 TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G $45 Just this Blog Special for your discount at the time of purchase.
		We also have 15g size available as well
	Blossoms of variegated form same species

 

PINSTRIPE GINGER ALPINIA FORMOSANA DWARF GINGER COOL STRIPED LEAVES TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G SIZE This ginger is under half the height of the above mention green Shell Ginger.  Pinstripe Ginger is known for the thin white stripes that are on the green background leaves.  It never gets over four feet tall and is often just three feet above the ground.  It's more known for its foliage than non-fragrant blossoms.  The latter are white and yellow and project upwards.  It does best in filtered light and tolerates a freeze.  We are putting our 15g size on special. REGULAR PRICE 15G SIZE $165 TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G $135 Just mention this Blog Special for your discount when you purchase.

 

KAHILI GINGER HAWAIAAN HEDYCHIUM GINGER SUPER FRAGRANT/LARGE BLOSSOMS MATURE HEIGHT ABOUT SIX FEET TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G SIZE The Kahili Ginger is one of the most popular of all Gingers.  This is because the blossoms are huge and super fragrant.  But, they are short lived.  Blossoms are typically yellow with red interiors.  They are upright, opposed to the hanging and non-fragrant Shell Ginger.  Plants get to a height of about six feet.  Leaves are green.  It prefers filtered light and is frost tolerant.  We have 5g and 15g available and are putting our older 15g on sale.  Everyone loves this species. REGULAR PRICE 15G $165 TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G $135 Mention this Special for your discount when you purchase (not later).
Photo c/o Queensland Government website

 

TRACHYCARPUS LATISECTUS WINDMILL PALM FROM INDIA MEDIUM ADULT HEIGHT RARE SPECIES TEN DAY SPECIAL 1 G SIZE This species from high elevation areas in India is most known for the fact that it's leaf segments are wider than other species.  There are two varieties.  It is a tall species, up to forty feet, with a narrow trunk of six to eight inches.  Its leaves are green with a bit of glaucous color beneath.  For this genus, the leaves are wide, sometimes up to five feet with wide segments that are divided about half way into the leaf.  The petioles are about three feet long and the leaf shape is semicircular or near totally circular.  There is a hope that this species tolerates more heat.  Cold tolerance is yet to be determined.  We're suspicious it is not as cold tolerant as other species.  It is extremely rare in cultivation with few photos available of the native population. Both photographs below are of domestic plants, the first showing Martin Gibbons in the U.K. REGULAR PRICE 1G $40 TEN DAY SPECIAL 1G $30 Remember to mention this Blog Special for you discount.
Martin Gibbons/photo by MR and TS	Photo by TS and MG

 

CHAMAEROPS HUMILUS THE MEDITERRANEAN FAN PALM TEN DAY SPECIAL HUGE 15G PLANTS This species is native to the Mediterranean coast of Europe and the genus extends down into Morocco where plants become more blue in color and are known as C. cerifera.  Regular Med Fans are green to blue-green in color and one of the most cold hardy palms around.  They like sun and tolerate temperatures perhaps below 15 degrees F.  Color of the leaves and height of the stems is quite variable.  There are dwarf and very tall clones found.  Leaf stems are armed and the underside of the leaves is often silver.  We are offering huge 15g plants on special.  They can be mail ordered although it's a bit expensive because of the height and weight of these plants. REGULAR PRICE 15G $175 TEN DAY SPECIAL $135 Blog only special.  You must mention it when purchasing.

 

DIOON RZEDOWSKII RARE MEXICAN DIOON SPECIES TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G SIZE This is a rare cycad species from various mountainous regions in Mexico.  You hardly ever see them for sale, especially with any size.  These seed grown plants are over ten years old, have been outdoor grown for over five years and have seen part or near full day sun.  Mature plants have leaves about five to six feet long, narrow trunks that get up to 15 feet and minimal armor on the leaflets.  The plants on special are in 15g pots and have caudex size of six to seven inches.  They can take full sun right on the coast.  Otherwise, consider them a part day sun species.  Cold tolerance is down to the low 20's F.  The last two photos are from plants in the wild c/o J.O. REGULAR PRICE 15G THIS SIZE $650 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $450 You must mention this Blog Only Special to get this price when you purchase.  We have several for sale at this price.
	habitat photo by JO	habitat photo by JO

TUESDAY, 20 SEPTEMBER, 2015

 

PAVONIA MULTIFLORA RED BLOSSOMS IN SHADE! AND, BLOSSOMS ALL YEAR LONG! TEN DAY SPECIAL 20G SIZE In the past I introduced you to this interesting and super rare plant from Brazil.  This species in unique because it grows in the shade, never gets over about eight feet tall, blossoms in the shade and never stops blossoming.  Yes, in the dead of winter you'll see red blossoms.  And, these trees are prolific.  The 20g size I'm showing here have twenty to thirty blossoms.  I just got them in.  I've never had plants of this size for sale. This species is an open appearing plant with foliage and blossoms at the ends of its small trunks.  Blossom size is two to three inches in length.  Pictures here show them quite well.  This species is also very difficult to find, especially with any size.  I'm putting these large 20g plants on special for ten days. REGULAR PRICE 20G SIZE $325 TEN DAY SPECIAL 20G $249 Just mention this Blog Only Special for your discount when you purchase.  Limited supplies only.  BTW, our 15g are $185.  So, it's not that much more to get a taller and fuller tree.

 

CARYOTA MITIS HUGE PLANTS IN 25G CONTAINERS INTERIOR QUALITY AVAILABLE ON REQUEST For those of you who are designers, interior decorators, have super high ceilings or just like plants with size, we are offering interior quality Caryota mitis for sale.  These plants are up to 14 feet tall!  They are imported out of HI.  This is a special order item but can usually be obtained within a week.  C. mitis is native to Asia.  It reaches heights of 20 feet in the garden, but in containers one usually doesn't get much more height than shown here.  They tolerate bright interior conditions and don't need or want direct hot sun.  Just give us a warning if you are needing some of these huge plants.

 

PLATYCERIUM BIFURCATUM THE STAGHORN FERN EPIPHYTIC FERN FOR GROWING ON A TREE, A WALL OR ON A POST EASY CARE TEN DAY SPECIAL OLD SPECIMENS! The unique thing about this offering is the age of the specimens on Special.  These plants are ten to fifteen years old and mounted on wood.  They have a hook on the back for hanging.  Or, they can be attached to a tree trunk or branch as shown below.  All they need is an occasional spray of water (about once a week) and to give them some soluble fertilizer from time to time. I've even heard they like old bananas.  The two plants shown here are 3 feet wide and tall.  They are impressive.  Rarely do you see such plants available.  They'd be hard to ship.  This species likes filtered light or a little sun.  It's cold hardy probably into the upper twenties F.  TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE PLANTS $150 Just mention this Blog Special for this price when purchasing.  I only have two available right now.

 

CERATOZAMIA MEXICANA MATURE SPECIMEN AT THE NURSERY LIKES FILTERED LIGHT COLD HARDY TO LOW 20'S F. SUPER EXOTIC APPEARING I'm showing you here a great and rather old specimen of Ceratozamia mexicana.  It has a large, approximate 12 inch main trunk with multiple suckers.  I do not recall the sex.  Note the long arching and green leaves with wide leaflets.  New throws of leaves are green.  This plant threw new leaves at the nursery and everyone commented on how beautiful and tropical it looks.  This species likes filtered light in most areas.  Growth rate is slow.  This is about a 20 year old specimen.  We have plants of this species available in various sizes and containers.  We can ship them within the U.S.

 

EUPHORBIA TIRUCALLI STICKS ON FIRE AT TIMES - SUPER RED TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G PLANTS This succulent is interesting in that it is more red in winter and when it's colder.  In summer it fades and gets sort or yellow.  Some varieties can put on good size but this can be maintained with pruning.  It has narrow, tubular leaves that fork.  It is water conserving and wants full sun.  It is reasonably cold hardy.  The 5g on special today are very large for their pots.  BTW, recently I put some 5g on Special but these are twice as big. So, I've replaced the plants with this offering. Sticks of Fire is a type of Euphorbia native to Africa and perhaps parts of the Middle East.  In bright sun, leaves can take on a very red color.  It survives in harsh climates and is drought resistant. It does exude a white, toxic sap that should not make contact with the eyes.  Leaves are tubular and narrow.  Color can be impressive REGULAR PRICE 5G $55 TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G $35 You know - Mention this Special for your discount.
Sticks of Fire by Gopixpic.com website

 

SUNDAY, 18 SEPTEMBER, 2016

 

DIOON MEROLAE NOT OVERLY LARGE SUN CYCAD PLANTS HERE A HUNDRED YEARS OLD UPRIGHT LEAVES - SMALLER CROWN Shown here today are four different, mature, coning sized Dioon merolae.  All are about a hundred years old or more.  These are pre-CITES plants that were brought into the U.S. in the 1960's.  I acquired them about 35 years ago from a now decest collector.  I have counted old leaf stem scales on the trunk and divided the number by an average throw of leaves.  So, my hunch at the age is verified by a semi-scientific approach.  This Mexican cycad is known, on specimens many centuries old in habitat, to get trunks way overhead.  But, in domestic gardens, one never sees this in a lifetime.  It wants sun in coastal areas and is cold hardy well into the low teens.  Leaf color is green to gray-green.  Leaves are three to four feet long.  Leaflets arch downwards when viewed on an axial plane from the end of the leaf.  These cycads are very beautiful.  We also have seedlings, 5g and 15g available.  BTW, the trunk on the first plant (first 3 rows pictures) is over two feet tall.
Plant tipped toward you
This and next 2 pictures show other boxed specimens of Dioon merolae

 

ENCEPHALARTOS ALTENSTEINII HUGE SPECIMEN AVAILABLE THREE FEET OF TRUNK SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD GIVE IT ROOM TO GROW! Shown in the first 3 rows of pictures is a huge Encephalartos altensteinii.  This forty year old specimen was dug from a private collection about 14 months ago.  It has thrown a set of leaves since the dig.  It has three feet of vertical trunk and the stem is about 22 inches thick.  It's in a 45 gallon container and the plant weighs about three to four hundred pounds.  It's a massive specimen.  This species is from South Africa and likes sun and heat.  Cold hardiness is about 22 degrees F.  It needs room to grow as the crown of leaves can be eight to ten feet wide.  Leaves are green.  I'm showing other specimens of this species.  We also have seedlings, 5g and 15g for sale.
This and next 2 pictures shown other coning sized specimens at nursery

 

 

PHOENIX THEOPHRASTII PERHAPS THE MOST COLD HARDY PHOENIX TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G SIZE I have previously discussed this extremely cold hardy species of Phoenix.  This species is suckering (typically) and is from the island of Crete.  It is a bristly palm with lots of spines.  It has a pronounced yellow color in its petioles.  But, most important to people in cold areas, it is possibly the most cold hardy of all the Phoenix, even better than the Canary Palm.  It is somewhat smaller than Phoenix dactylifera and the leaves are green in color.  Shown here are views of 15g plants.  We presently have 5g and 7g for sale.  It likes sun and cold tolerance should be about 15 degrees F.  The last photo shows a single trunk plant (RPS website), perhaps pruned this way or perhaps naturally single trunk.  You can see that it is a medium sized palm species.  These plants are easy to ship by mail order. REGULAR PRICE 15G SIZE $175 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $140 Just mention this Special at our Blog to get your discount at the time of purchase. .
		Single trunk plant by TS at RPS website

 

DYPSIS BARONII TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE This species is also a popular suckering palm species from Madagascar.  Rarely you'll see single trunk plants.  Like so many things from Madagascar, as a group this species is quite variable and you may consider plants as belonging to the "Dypsis baronii complex".  Typically plants get up to about 20 feet tall.  They prefer part day sun or filtered light and tolerate mid-twenties temperatures.  Shown here are the band size we have for sale and a mature specimen from the wild.   REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $30 TEN DAY SPECIAL $25 OR, THREE FOR $60 You must mention this Blog only special when purchasing.

habitat photo by JS

 

PANDOREA JASMINOIDES "ROSEA" CLIMBING VINE, COLD HARDY, EVERGREEN, LARGE FLOWERS LARGE 5G PLANTS ON TEN DAY SPECIAL This climbing vine is native to Australia and will trellis up a fence or pole or climb up the trunk of a tree.  This variety is hard to find and has large, white, trumpet shaped flowers that have a deep red throat.  There are other color varieties including pure white which we also can offer.  It grows in the shade or sun but flowers better with sun.  It is very cold hardy with reports of it surviving temperatures into the teens F.  These 5g plants are huge for there pot and ready to be planted or moved into 15g pots. REGULAR PRICE 5G $65 TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G $45 Just mention this Blog Special to get this discount at the time of purchase.

 

JASMINE SPECIES WHITE BLOSSOMS IN CLUSTERS SUPER FRAGRANT TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE We just got in some very fragrant white Jasmine plants in 5g pots.  These are not the same as the more common  Trachelospermum jasminoide that you will see in most nurseries.  The blossoms are bigger, are super fragrant and have bigger petals.  This is the first time we've offered these plants.  They are a vining plant, so use a trellis or let them climb on a fence. REGULAR PRICE 5G $65 TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G $45

TODAY, WE'RE GOING TO TALK ABOUT FERNS! AND, EVERY FERN BELOW HERE IS ON SALE FOR TEN DAYS! Note:  Some limited supply and could sell out I thought I'd show you a whole group of different and cool ferns that we just got in yesterday.  Sizes are in the one to five gallon range.  All are beautiful and make great companion plants for the floor of the garden.  Everything below is presently available and I'm offering discounted prices on them all!  These are Blog Specials - Just mention these specials when you purchase.  I'll not be showing mature specimens on these plants below because of time limitations.

BLECHNUM GIBBUM MINIATURE TREE FERN THE SILVER FERN GETS FOUR FEET TALL 5 GALLON SIZE TEN DAY SPECIAL This species of fern never gets over four to five feet tall.  It likes filtered light and plenty of water.  But, it's super cute appearing and very popular.  Some may know of it as a "Silver Fern".  Trunk diameter is about 3 inches.  Leaves are 2 to 2.5 feet long.  We have both 5g and 1g plants.  REGULAR PRICE 5G $65 TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G $40
VARIEGATED BRAKE FERN PTERIS FERN WHITE ON GREEN NEVER TALL TEN DAY SPECIAL 1 GALLON The term "Brake" in Middle English refers to "Fern'.  This genus has a worldwide presence and doesn't get tall.  It likes filtered light.  We're offering a more rare variegated form.  These are quite attractive. REGULAR PRICE 1G $20 TEN DAY SPECIAL $15
BLUE STAR FERN PHLEBODIUM AUREUM LEAVES WITH A DEFINITE BLUE COLOR TEN DAY SPECIAL 1G SIZE This is the first time we've offered this fern.  The leaves have wide segments with soft, curved edges.  I've read that is somewhat drought tolerant.  It likes filtered light.  Height is under 18 inches. REGULAR PRICE 1G $20 TEN DAY SPECIAL $15
BIRDS NEST FERN ASPLENIUM NIDUS MEDIUM SIZED - GETS TO FOUR FEET KEEP THE SNAILS AWAY TEN DAY SPECIAL 1G SIZE This super popular fern is great for filtered light and can get 3 to 4 foot leaves.  The leaves are a bit firm and hold an upright position.  It likes filtered light.  And snails like this plant.  Give it adequate water and, over time, they are breathtaking.  We have two sizes on sale today. REGULAR SIZE NICE 1G $25 TEN DAY SPECIAL 1G $15
SQUIRREL'S FOOT FERN DAVALLIA MARIESII FURRY RHIZOMES CRAWLS ON GROUND TEN DAY SPECIAL 1G PLANT This is a low profile fern that is quite durable.  It likes filtered light.  It produces furry little crawling rhizomes that slowly spread.  For this reason, it can be used as a ground cover.  Height is under 16 inches typically.  It is a bit drought tolerant. REGULAR PRICE 1G $20 TEN DAY SPECIAL 1G $12.50
TASSEL FERN POLYSTICHUM POLYBLEPHARUM HEIGHT TO TWO FEET SHINY LEAVES TEN DAY SPECIAL 1G SIZE This attractive fern gets to a height of two feet and likes filtered light and water.  New leaves emerge upward and are very shiny.  It can be used as a ground cover or below other trees. REGULAR PRICE 1G $20 TEN DAY SPECIAL $15
AUSTRALIAN TREE FERN CYATHEA COOPERI LARGER, OVERHEAD TREE FERN LONG LEAVES, FORMS NICE TRUNK TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE This durable Tree Fern is one of the most popular.  It is quick growing and gets to heights of 20 feet or more.  It does respond to adequate water.  Leaves can be six to eight feet long.  Trunk diameter is typically 8 inches REGULAR PRICE 5G $55 TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G $45
LEATHER FERN SUPER DURABLE TAKES COASTAL SUN TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE This is a tough fern.  We planted one in full sun by the street and it's thriving.  It gets to 18 inch height and is somewhat drought tolerant. REGULAR PRICE 5G $55 TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G $35
MAIDENHAIR FERN GENUS ADIANTUM NICE, FULL 1G PLANTS WATER LOVING SHADE FERN TEN DAY SPECIAL FULL 1G PLANTS The genus Adiantum or Maiden Hair Fern contains many species and cultivars.  If you Google the genus, you'll see all sorts of different looking plants.  What I'm showing here is the plant on the West Coast that we consider to be the "classic Maidenhair Fern".  They are full 1g.  They never get over two feet tall, like water and are best grown in filtered light.  REGULAR PRICE 1G $25 TEN DAY SPECIAL $15
TASMANIAN TREE FERN DICKSONIA ANTARCTICA SHORTER BUT OVERHEAD TREE FERN TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE This popular Tree Fern is liked by some because it doesn't get as tall - typically ten to fifteen feet.  It likes filtered light and responds well to water.  Leaves are six feet long. REGULAR PRICE 5G $55 TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G $40

EAST INDIAN HOLLY FERN ARACHNIODES SIMPLICIOR "VARIEGATA" GREEN AND GOLD LEAVES 18 INCH MATURE HEIGHT TEN DAY SPECIAL 1G SIZE This unusual species of fern is known for the gold stripes on bright green leaves.  It gets to about 18 inches of height and likes filtered light.  It is quite attractive.  Also, don't let it go dry. REGULAR PRICE 1G $20 TEN DAY SPECIAL $15
LACE FERN MICROLEPIA STRIGOSA SOFT FERN, BULL LOOK TWO TO THREE FEET TALL TEN DAY SPECIAL 1G SIZE This is a super attractive fern that gets about as wide as it does tall.  The leaves are soft and very touchable.  It likes filtered light and water.  It doesn't do well if you let it go dry.    REGULAR PRICE 1G $20 TEN DAY SPECIAL 1G $15
STAGHORN FERN PLATYCEREUM FERN MOUNTED ON WOOD OR, ATTACH TO TREE TRUNK TEN DAY SPECIAL NICE PLANTS I do like the Staghorn Ferns but for some reason historically we've not grown many of them.  There are about 18 types in the genus.  But, we've got about a dozen coming along, all attached to a piece of flat board.  They are about 18 to 24 inches wide or perhaps a bit bigger.  You can hang them anywhere.  If you remove them from the board they can be attached to a tree trunk that doesn't shed its bark.  They'll take part sun along the coast and just need an occasional spray of water. REGULAR PRICE THESE STAGHORNS $65 TEN DAY SPECIAL $45

 

DYPSIS SPECIES UNKNOWN IDENTITY TAKE A CHANCE TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE PLANTS We have a limited selection of unknown seed grown Dypsis from Madagascar that have turned out to be something different than what the seeds were supposed to be.  So, getting one is sort of a gamble.  But, these "unknowns" often turn out to be one of collectors' favorite palms and often no one really ever knows what they are for sure.  Seedsmen, as a rule, want to give a species name to any seeds collected.  But, they can be wrong.  This is probably one of such a case.  I can't quote cultural needs as I really don't know what these are going to turn out to be.  And, it's probably prudent to not "guess" at this point. TEN DAY SPECIAL $32.50 THIS GROUP

CERATOZAMIA KUESTERIANA MEXICAN CYCAD WITH THIN LEAFLETS SMALL TO MEDIUM MATURE SIZE TEN DAY SPECIAL 1G PLANTS This hard to find Mexican cycad is known for several things.  Most importantly are the fairly long and narrow leaflets.  They have no armor on the leaflets but the petioles are spiny.  It's also known for throwing a red-brown new leaf or sets of leaves.  These can be stunning.  Also, it is not overly large.  A very old plant would have a caudex size of two feet.  They do cluster.  As an example of mature plants I have chosen to show you nursery specimens in the last two pictures.  Expect an overall height of five to seven feet.  It will take a fair amount of coastal sun and has a cold tolerance of about 22 degrees F. REGULAR PRICE 1G $75 TEN DAY SPECIAL $55 Remember:  Mention this Website Special
	Older coning sized boxed plant at nursery	Another coning size nursery plant

 

ENCEPHALARTOS FEROX AFRICAN CYCAD WITH HOLLY FERN-LIKE LEAFLETS TEN DAY SPECIAL CIT POT SIZE This is a South African cycad species that prefers part day sun or strong filtered light.  It's easy to grow. Leaflets are shaped like the popular Holly Fern.  Also, cones are fire engine red, especially the females.  Sometimes they are bright orange.  Leaves get to about six feet and trunks are rarely over 2 feet. REGULAR PRICE CIT POT SIZE THIS SPECIES $150 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $110 To get this price you must mention this Blog special when purchasing.

Sale size, citrus pot

larger mature nursery specimen to show what it will become

THURSDAY, 15 SEPTEMBER, 2016

 

CYCAS THOUARSII X CIRCINALIS AN UNUSUAL CYCAD HYBRID WILL END UP BEING GOOD SIZED 1 GALLON SEEDLINGS AVAILABLE At time of this writing, I don't recall where I got the seeds for this Cycas cross.   But, undoubtedly, they came from a cycad enthusiast.  Hybrids like this usually result from a collector having a receptive female cone and then frantically trying to find the same pollen or pollen from a similar species.  This resulting cross should look somewhere between the two parents shown far below.  The thouarsii has more of a light green or sometimes gray green leaf.  The C. circinalis is usually dark green and the plants tend to be larger.  So, this hybrid should be a larger Cycas with long, green leaves.  And, it should be quick growing and tolerate a freeze.  I suspect it'll take coastal sun quite well.  I only have the ten plants shown here.  Mail order should be no problem.
Cycas thouarsii	Cycas circinalis

 

PINK FLOWERING "PAPAYA" AN UNUSUAL FLOWERING TREE A FEW AVAILABLE The plants shown here are from an exotic plant collector.  He brought them to the nursery and said they were "Pink Flowering Papaya".  I asked if they were similar to the Papaya that bear fruit and was told "no".  But, he had no botanical or scientific name for these plants.  I searched on the Internet and came up empty.  If anyone knows what these are, let me know.  The last photo is a reproduced photo of his mother tree blossoming.  These plants came from cuttings.  These apparently mature into an overhead tree with tons of pink flowers.

 

CERATOZAMIA KUESTERIANA MEDIUM SIZED EXOTIC CYCAD THIN LEAFLETS NEW RED-BROWN EMERGING LEAVES Shown here are several nursery examples of Ceratozamia kuesteriana.  This is a very thin leaflet cycad native to Mexico.  In habitat, it lives in filtered light under overhead oak trees.  Plants are medium sized with a six foot span of the leaf crown.  And old plant will have 12 to 18 inches of trunk.  New leaves emerge a pink/red to brown color.  Leaf stems have minimal armor if at all.  They prefer filtered light or minimal sun and are super cold hardy to the low 20's or lower.
	Female plant in cone	Multi-headed specimen at nursery
Old boxed specimen at nursery		Photo by RainForestRobert at Palm Talk

 

RAVENEA HILDEBRANTII DWARF PINNATE PALM NATIVE TO MADAGASCAR NICE NURSERY PLANTS SHOWN HERE I call this a dwarf species because most Ravenea are large palms.  And, a very old specimen of this species may be only eight feet tall.  The picture from Fairchild Tropical Garden below shows how thin the trunk is and the short overall stature of this species.  It's an understory palm native to Madagascar.  It prefers filtered light.  It's tolerant of cold into the upper twenties F. although the exact cold limit is unknown.  I have limited supplies of 5g, 15g and perhaps a few larger plants.	This and next 4 pictures are 15g size
Mature tree at Fairchild Garden	25 gallon size at nursery	Medium size tree in Encinitas, CA

 

SPANISH MOSS TILLANDSIA USNEOIDES HANGS FROM TREES, FENCES & POLES TAKES LITTLE WATER TEN DAY SPECIAL Spanish Moss is actually a small, wispy type of Bromeliad - a flowering type of plant.  The natural habitat for this plant ranges from the southern U.S. down through Mexico into Central and South America.  It is even found in Australia.  It is an epiphytic plant that hangs onto almost anything it can find.  It loves to hang from tree branches or trunks.  It requires very little water and will grow without any applied fertilizer.  We are selling small clumps we've attached to wood.  Or, we can ship them without the wood.  You  can hang them anywhere you want.  Just spray them once in a while with water.  These clumps are easy to ship. REGULAR PRICE $35 TEN DAY SPECIAL $22.50 Mention this special for your Discount.

 

THE KING PALM ARCHONOTOPHOENIX CUNNINGHAMIANA POPULAR "TRIPLES" THREE IN A POT TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G SIZE On special are doubles and triples of the ever-popular "King Palm".  This species is native to Australia and typically gets to a mature height of thirty-five to forty feet.  It tolerates coastal sun quite well and has a cold tolerance down to about 25 degrees F.  It is very fast growing and responds to good culture and water.  The 15g on sale have been outdoor grown under shade clothe.  They are about six feet tall in their pots.  REGULAR PRICE 15G $150 TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G $99 Remember to mention this Blog Only Special at the time of purchase to get this great price.

 

CHAMAEDOREA METALLICA ANOTHER MINIATURE PALM RARELY OVER SIX FEET TALL SIMPLE LEAF - METALLIC SHEEN TEN DAY SPECIAL This species is also native to Mexico where it lives in humid rainforest areas.  It rarely gets over six feet tall and is known for it's gun-metal, silver-green simple leaves with a bifed notch at the end.  Leaves are prominently veined as shown below and leaves are rarely larger than one foot long.  Stems are narrow and ringed.  This is a filtered light species.  Right now we're pretty good on the 1g size but also have some older/larger plants. TEN DAY SPECIAL: 20% OFF ANY SIZE THIS SPECIES. Remember to ask for your discount at time of purchase.  Simple mail order species.

 

SABAL MARITIMA RARE AND TALL FAN PALM HUSKY TRUNK TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE For those folks that enjoy cold hardy fan palms, you might consider this hard to find species.  Native to Cuba and Jamaica, it gets to a height of about fifty feet, is cold hardy into the mid-teens F., and loves full hot sun.  The plants we have on special are 2 year old bands.  This species is a good grower and have a thick trunk and large green leaves. REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $35 TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $25 Remember, mention this Special.  Easy to mail order.
photo in habitat, Cuba, by Jason Schoneman Palmpedia

 

CYPHOPHOENIX NUCELE RARE, ELEGANT, THIN TRUNK FROM NEW CALEDONIA TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G PLANT For ten days I'm offering this super rare New Caledonian palm at a good discount.  We hardly ever put such rare species on special.  This species is from Lifou Island, gets to a height of twenty-five to thirty feet and takes strong filtered light or part day sun in most coastal areas.  It has a thin trunk with lots of silver color.  Leaves tend to but upright as opposed to C. elegans where the leaves are more arched.  The last three pictures are from Mardi Darian's garden in Vista, CA.  You'll notice how healthy it looks in strong filtered light.  We also have 5g plants but right now they are not on special.  Very limited numbers available.  This 15g size can be shipped or delivered if needed. REGULAR PRICE 15G OF THIS SIZE $225 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $175 Just mention this special to get your Blog Only discount.  BTW, these plants are locally grown from seed by us, about 7 years old.
This and next 2 photos taken in Vista, CA

 

COPERNICIA ALBA THE CARANDAY PALM FAIRLY TALL WITH THIN TRUNK MOST COLD HARDY COPERNICIA TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE This tall fan palm has a thin trunk and can get to heights of 70 feet in habitat.  It is the most cold hardy of any Copernicia.  It likes full sun and can be grown in the desert.  It has a cold hardiness into the upper teens F.  Leaf color is gray-green.  It is a good growing species.  Over time the trunk becomes clean of old leaf bases and debris.  We are putting our 5 gallon size on special.  Easy to ship. REGULAR PRICE 5G $75 TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G $50 Just mention this Special for your discount.

 

PTYCHOSPERMA SCHEFFERI SOLITARY TRUNK OR CAN SUCKER MEDIUM SIZED TEN DAY SPECIAL 1 GALLON SIZE This palm species is native to New Guinea like many Ptychosperma.  It can be single trunk or a suckering palm - there are two forms.  I am not sure which this one will do.  Trunks are thin and mature height is 20 feet or less.  Leaves are pinnate but leaflets are close set giving the appearance of a solid leaf.  But, as shown here, juvenile foliage can be simple.  I'd recommend filtered light or a bit of sun.  Cold tolerance is into the upper 20's F. REGULAR PRICE 1G SIZE $40 TEN DAY SPECIAL 1G $30 Just mention this Blog Special at the time of purchase for this price.

 

TRACHYCARPUS TAKIL POSSIBLY THE MOST COLD HARDY WINDMILL TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE People from colder areas often call me seeking out this hard to find species.  It was described by Martin Gibbons and Tobias spanner ten to twenty years ago and is native to China.  It is felt to me a natural hybrid many eons ago but has been given its own species status.  It gets to about twenty feet height as shown in the photo below.  Cold tolerance could be below 10 degrees F. (not documented scientifically) and people often refer to it as the most cold hardy species of the genus.  We are offering our band size on special although we do have other sizes available.    REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $30 TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE $25 Note that our band size are pretty nice for their container.  These are shown in the second row of photos.  In the first row I have 1g for comparison.  Both of these are very large for their containers.  Just mention this Blog special when purchasing to get this discount.	one gallon size - not on sale
band size - on sale	band size	photo by MG and TS at RPS

 

THRINAX MORRISII AKA LEUCOTHRINAX MORRISII THE KEY THATCH PALM ENDANGERED SPECIES TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE This single trunk fan palm is native to areas stretching from the Florida Keys into a variety of Caribbean Islands.  Mature plant height is quite variable, ranging from five feet to over 30 feet.  Trunk diameters are usually six to eight inches.  Leaves are green to silver-green with a white color on the underside.   Trunks do get smooth quite quickly.  This species likes full sun and is cold hardy into the mid-twenties F.  We can mail order these plants. REGULAR PRICE 5G $65 TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G $50 Remember, mention this Special
		Thrinax radiata, a similar species

 

SABAL DOMINGUENSIS TALL, POWERFUL FAN PALM SMOOTH TRUNK CAN GET OVER 50 FEET TALL TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G SIZE This tall and smooth trunked fan palm is native to Cuba and Hispaniola.  Leaf bases will remain for a while but eventually fall off giving a clean trunk.  Trunk diameter can get up to two feet.  Trunk color is gray to light brown.  Leaves are green.  It likes full, hot sun and does well in arid areas.  Cold tolerance is into the teens F. REGULAR PRICE 5G $65 TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G $50 Remember: Mention this Special for hits price.

 

TUESDAY, 13 SEPTEMBER, 2016 (Note: New Sale Items below)

 

PALM TRUNKS MANY DIFFERENT APPEARANCES THICK OR THIN SMOOTH OR SPINEY SWOLLEN OR TUBULAR CROWN SHAFT OR NOT SHAGGY OR CLEAN SINGLE OR MULTIPLE COLORFUL OR DULL WHITE RINGS OR CHECKERED ALMOST ANYTHING YOU CAN IMAGINE! Palm trees are unique in that there are over 3500 species and they all look rather different.  And, these differences apply to the trunks as well.  There is such a vast array of trunk appearances that it's mind boggling.  Differences involve size, numbers of trunks (sucker or not), the presence or absence of a crown shaft, trunk color, trunk texture, the presence of rings or spines and so many other things.  This photographic tour is rather self-explaining.  I just wanted to illustrate what you'll see as you study the world of palms.  Shown here are about a hundred species, all demonstrating different sizes/shapes/characteristics and appearance.  They are given in random order. LINK AT BOTTOM FOR FULL VERSION ATICLE	Roystonea regia	Roystonea regia
Dypsis hybrid	Aiphanes species	Jubaea chilensis
Jubaea chilensis	Watermelon Chambeyronia macrocarpa	Acrocomia totai
Trithirnax acanthicoma	Hyophorbe verschafeltii	Hyophorbe lagenicaulis
Chamaedorea linearis	Washingtonia robusta	Roystonea regia
Acoelorrhaphe wrightii	Rhopalostylis cheesemanii	Coccothrinax crinita
Dypsis decipiens	Roystonea regia	Copernicia baileyana
Dypsis plumosa	Dypsis lanceolata	Cyrtostachys renda
Cyrtostachys renda (laaka)	Cyrtostachys renda	Areca vestiaria
Dypsis saintlucei	Burretiokentia koghiensis	Burretiokentia vieillardii
Phoenix dactylifera	Areca vestiaria	Phoenix reclinata
Phoenix canariensis	Dypsis lutescens	Dypsis decaryi
Coccothrinax spissa	Rhapidophyllum hystrix	Raphia hookeri
Areca ipot	Areca alicea	Archontophoenix myolensis
Wodyetia bifurcata juvenile	Deckenia species	Chamaedorea linearis
Spindle Palm	Bottle Palm	Phoenix sylvestris
Rhopalostylis cheesemanii	Wallichia disticha	Coccothrinax crinita
Coccothrinax crinita	Zombia antillarum	Copernicia berteroana
Cryosphila species	Dypsis leptocheilos	Sabal mexicana
Cocos nucifera	Roystonea oleracea	Zombia antillarum
Chamaedorea plumosa	Rhopalostylis sapida	Washintonia robusta, trunks cleaned
Washintonia robusta trunks not cleaned Have petticoats	Pelagodoxa henryana	Cyphophoenix nucele
Sabal palmetto	Sabal riverside	Sabal palmetto
Ravenea hildebrandtii	Chamaedorea stolinifera	Dypsis lutescens
Corypha utan	Corypha utan	Coccothrinax barbadensis
Arenga pinnata	Archontophoenix alexandrae	Brahea edulis
Campecarpus fulcitas	Basselinia gracilis	Copernicia tectorum
Bismarckia nobilis	Coccothrinax barbadensis	Copernicia alba
Dypsis species	Kentiopsis oliviformis	Pseudophoenix sargentii
Veitchia joannis	Wodyetia bifurcata	Wodyetia bifurcata
Foxy Lady - Wodyetia x Veitchia	Sabal causiarum	Orbignya cohune
Pseudophoenix vinifiera	Ptychosperma elegans	Sabal Yapa
Cocos nucifera	Dypsis cabadae	Syagrus schizophila
Wodyetia bifurcata	Phoenix roebellenii	Base of Roystonea regia
Queen Palm triple	King Palm triple	Queen Palm
Washingtonia robusta left, filifera right	Copernicia macroglossa	Thrinax radiata
Rhopalostylis sapida	Chambeyronia macrocarpa	Aiphanes aculeata
Chamaedorea tepejilote	Clinostigma species	Areca catechu

 

TO SEE THE FULL VERSION ARTICLE ON PALM TREE TRUNKS, CLICK HERE!

 

LIVISTONA SARIBUS LARGE, DARK & HOOKED SPINES MEDIUM TO TALL FAN PALM TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G 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 on sale is good sized. REGULAR PRICE 15G $175 TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G $150 Just mention this Blog Special for this price when you purchase.
Note prominent spines - with maturity, they get a lot bigger and more ferocious.	Note:  Seed color is blue

 

PHOENIX DACTYLIFERA MEDJOOL VARIETY THE TRUE DATE PALM BEST DATE FRUIT VARIETY TEN DAY SALE 5 GALLON PLANTS This is a great cold hardy plant, being able to tolerate temperatures down into the mid-teens F.  It is hard to find this cultivar of the True Date Palm.  This is the one that gets blue and makes the best tasting dates.  The plants I'm offering on special were grown in a greenhouse so they are not showing that blue color yet.  But, they will when given direct sun and heat.  Remember, you need a male and female to get dates and the female bears the fruit.  These are nice 5g plants about three to four feet tall.  They demand full sun, can get up to 40 feet tall and inherently can sucker.  One would remove the suckers if he wants a single trunk. REGULAR PRICE 5G THIS SPECIES $65 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $45 These are easy to ship.  Just remember to mention this Special so you get the discount. The fifth and six figures are stock photos to demonstrate the color.  They are not the plants on special today.  Of note, we only have limited numbers of these 5g plants available.  Don't dally.
		Stock photo showing blue color of the medjool
Stock photo showing what these plants will look like, grown in sun and heat

LEPIDOZAMIA PEROFFSKYANA USER FRIENDLY CYCAD NO SPINES WHATSOEVER! TEN DAY SPECIAL CIT POT/5G SIZE I enjoy talking about this species because it is one of my favorites.  It is a large species over time.  I say 'user friendly" because this is one of the few species that has absolutely no spines; none of the leaflets, none one the stems.  A leaf brushing across your face feels no more intense than brushing past a Maiden Hair Fern. We have a huge selection of this species.  I am going to show you an assortment of plants.  Below are a few of the main characteristics of this species: *Large species with trunks slowly getting to over ten feet *Leaf length typically six to eight feet, sometimes bigger. *Trunk diameter to 18 inches *Smooth petiole with no spines *Great for strong filtered light or full sun along the coast *Large interesting cones *Leaflets soft and glossy green in color *New leaves emerge upward, older leaves lay more horizontal *Easy to grow I've found that even customers who say "I only like palms, not cycads" tend to love this species. Please see description at today's blog.  Very desirable cycad. REGULAR PRICE THIS SIZE $175 - $200 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $145 You must mention this special at time of ordering to get this price.
	20 gallon size at nursery

    

ADENIUM OBESUM RED FLOWERING PLANT CALLED "THE DESERT ROSE" MINIATURE PLANT, USED FOR BONSAI TEN DAY SPECIAL 4 INCH PLANTS As I have mentioned previously in this Blog, I am not an expert on succulents nor bonsai plants.  But, I know what I like and this is a great species to grow.  I specifically ordered in some smaller young Adenium that will have red blossoms as shown below.  This size and species are hard to find.  This species is native to Africa and blossoms are found that are yellow, white or red.  Of interest, it gets a bizarre trunk and mature is never too large.  In the ground and in habitat, plants get up to ten feet or more.  The trunk expands into a fat, contorted globular shape as seen below.  This occurs in pots or in the ground.  The flowers of our plants will be red and, when in full bloom, quite stunning.  It is water conserving and never gets large in a pot.  Cold tolerance is a bit below 30 degrees by estimate.  I'd recommend protecting it from cold.  Filtered light or some sun is ideal. REGULAR PRICE 4 INCH THIS SPECIES $20 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $15 These are easy to ship, weather permitting.  Mention this Special for your discount.	This and next 3 pictures 4 inch pot size
		This and next 2 pictures bonsai mature blooming plant

 

DUDLEYA BRITTONIA BLUE TO CHALK WHITE MINIATURE SIZE LOVES SUN TAKES HARDLY ANY WATER TEN DAY SPECIAL 4 INCH POTS For the past few years we've been offering 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 4 inch pots on special and shown here are very attractive.  They want full sun and are cold hardy into the teens F. REGULAR PRICE THIS SIZE $20 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $15 Mention this Blog Special when you buy.  Easy to mail order!	This and next 2 pictures of plants on special
	This and next picture of larger plants at nursery

 

TRACHYCARPUS FORTUNEI THE WINDMILL PALM CHUNKY 15G ON SALE TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE Most of you know this species.  It's not that rare but for folks in colder areas, it's hard to find.  I'm offering a good price on nice 15g with some trunk.  See photos.  Cold hardiness into single digits F.  Sun or part sun.  For mail orders, anticipate the shipping will be just as much as the plant.  We only ship plants in their containers with soil.  No immediate losses or one year setbacks this way. REGULAR PRICE 15G $175 TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G $140 Mention this Special at time of purchase for your discount.

 

FLOWERING ANTHURIUM BRILLIANT RED FLOWERS TEN DAY SPECIAL Customers particularly love this deep red flowering Anthurium.  I've been selling them like crazy recently.  We also have white and orange and occasionally get in other colors.  The plants on special each have five or six blossoms.  Blossoms last for a month or more.  This is a filtered light plant that should be protected from frost. REGULAR PRICE THIS SIZE $25 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $20 Just remember to mention this Blog Only Special at the time of purchase to get the discount.

 

BRAHEA ARMATA THE MEXICAN BLUE FAN PALM TEN DAY SPECIAL 25G 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 prefers dry heat and is a challenge to grow in humid areas.  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. REGULAR PRICE 25G $350 TEN DAY SALES PRICE $225 Just mention this Blog Special to get this nice discount.  On the mature trees below, the first one is very close to our nursery, coastal Encinitas, CA.  The second is in El Cajon, CA.

 

LIVISTONA CHINENSIS CHINISE FAN PALM BIG FLAT GREEN LEAVES TEN DAY SPECIAL LARGE 1G This Asian palm is quite attractive with its large and flat green leaves.  It is slow growing.  The 1g on special here are 3 years old and very nice.  This plant takes full or part day sun and is cold hardy into the teens F.  Many have grown this species as a houseplant.  Easy to ship.  BTW, this price is the same as a band yet these 1g are three times larger. REGULAR PRICE 1G $40 TEN DAY SPECIAL 1G $30 Mention this Special for your discount.

 

RAVENEA GLAUCA MADAGASCAR PALM, THIN TRUNK EASY TO GROW, FULL SUN MANY AREAS TEN DAY SPECIAL NICE BAND SIZE This palm has proven to be such a great palm species for Southern CA.  I say this because it's easy to grow, takes coastal sun, has a thin trunk and doesn't get overly tall.  Mature, the trunk is under ten inches.  Height in most areas is 25 feet or less.  Some say it resembles a miniature Majesty Palm.  Well, it is a Ravenea and they share a certain look.  But, this species is a winner.  It doesn't have all the cultural problems you often see with the Majesty.  The photo from the wild below (unknown photographer) has to be one of my favorite palm photographs. Along the coast I'd give it full sun.  Inland, part day sun should work.  Cold hardiness is into the mid-twenties or a bit lower.  The band size on sale are 3 years old and tall for a band. REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $30 TEN DAY SPECIAL BANDS $25 Mention this Special to get your discount.  Super easy to mail order.  These should do great in warmer parts of Texas and maybe can be grown in cooler CA areas.
15 size at website	c/o Arkive Website	25g at website
by unknown author Palmpedia	in garden, Encinitas, CA	in garden, El Cajon, CA

SUNDAY, 11 SEPTEMBER, 2016

 

CHAMBEYRONIA HOOKERI YELLOW CROWN SHAFT YES, IT DOES THROW A NEW RED LEAF! LIMITED NUMBERS AVAILABLE! This is the blond version of the popular "Flame Thrower Palm", Chambeyronia.  This variety is called Chambeyronia hookeri.  Compare this to the dark green crown shafted version, Chambeyronia macrocarpa, below.  Taxonomists argue that they are both the same.  But, once you've seen this yellow version, you'll attest to it being a different plant.  Shown here are two squat 15g hookeri.  Note that the plant on the left is throwing a purple-red new leaf.  This should dissuade the incorrect notion that C. hookeri doesn't throw a new red leaf.  I've shown two garden plants below that have the red emergent leaf.  This squat 15g size shown here can be shipped.  This species will take coastal sun - filtered light far inland - and is cold hardy to about 22 to 23 degrees F.  For info on C. macrocarpa, read below.
	New red leaf from garden plant	Older plant showing yellow crown shaft
	Photo by TS at RPS

 

CHAMBEYRONIA MACROCARPA THE FLAME THROWER PALM NEW RED EMERGING LEAF DARK GREEN CROWN SHAFT A DEFINITE WINNER! 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 squat 15g plants which can be shipped.  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.
Note green crown shaft - compare to Chambeyronia hookeri above	Photo by TS at RPS

DYPSIS LEPTOCHEILOS THE TEDDY BEAT PALM MEDIUM SIZED WITH RUSTY CROWN SHAFT TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE Native to Madagascar, the Teddy Bear Palm is most known for it's fuzzy, red-brown crown shaft and for its silver trunk with prominent rings.  Of all the species from Madagascar, this palm is definitely in the top ten.  Trunk diameter averages about six inches and mature height is usually about 25 feet.  Along the coast it takes full sun.  It is cold hardy at least into the mid-twenties F.  The band size on special are about 2.5 years old.  We do have other sizes for sale. REGULAR PRICE BANDS $35 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $25 It's a piece3 of cake to mail order these.  But, remember to mention this Blog Only Special.

DYPSIS PLUMOSA THIN TRUNK  & LEAFLETS SILVER CROWN SHAFT TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE This species of Dypsis is felt to probably be from Madagascar although an exact native habitat locality is unknown.  It has been known by various names over the years including "Dypsis ambositrae".  But, the latter name was incorrect and not the true name and this palm.  Because of the plumose leaves it later received the name "Dypsis plumosa".  In cultivation in our locality it likes full sun.  Trunk diameter is four to six inches.  Mature height is about 20 feet or a bit more.  It also has a very narrow caliper of trunk until it ages.  So, you have to be patient.  Cold tolerance is probably into the lower 20's F. REGULAR BAN PRICE $35 TEN DAY SPECIAL BANDS $25 Remember:  Mention this Special

 

DYPSIS PLUMOSA A DIFFERENT SIZE TEN DAY SPECIAL TRIPLE 5G SIZE Please see above.  This size is also on special - 5 gallon with several plants in the same pot. REGULAR PRICE3 5G $75 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $50 You know the drill - Mention this Special at time of purchase for your discount.  These ten day specials are sort of like using a paperless "coupon".
	photo by TS, RPS

 

BURRETIOKENTIA KOGHIENSIS RARE NEW CALEDONIAN PALM WHITE CROWN SHAFT TEN DAY SPECIAL NICE 25G PLANTS Back in the year 2000, I was the President of the International Palm Society.  One of my goals at the time was to break the monotony of Biennial meetings always being held in the United States.  I found them to be repetitious and sort of boring.  Certainly, no one at the time would have called them exciting meetings.   With this in mind, I set up the 1998 Biennial in Thailand at Nong Nook Gardens.  That was a first.  And, to outdo that meeting, I arranged with the Palm Society of New Caledonia to have to 2000 Biennial in their country.  The palms of New Caledonia are some of the most exciting and pretties palms of the world. This gave Jesse and I a great opportunity to see the New Caledonian palms in the wild.  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).  Shown here is a plant we germinated 10 years ago.  It went from a band to a 5g, then to a 15g and now, after some time in a 25g pot, it is quite nice as you see.  You'll not see locally grown plants of this species around at all.  And, never on sale. REGULAR PRICE 25G $450 TEN DAY SPECIAL 25G $360 We only have a few of these, so don't dally.  It's a fabulous addition to any garden.  Mention this Special.

CHAMAEDOREA SEIFRIZII THE CLASSIC BAMBOO PALM TEN DAY SPECIAL BIG 5G This New World suckering shade palm has pinnate leaves and never gets much above 8 to 9 feet.  This is the reason it's so popular.  It's not my favorite suckering Chamaedorea, but it does fit inside the home of the average house without hitting the ceiling.  Outdoors, it wants filtered light and is cold hard into the mid, perhaps lower 20's F.  The 5g on sale here are oversize, about head height or more. REGULAR PRICE THESE 5G $75 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $55 Just mention this Special at the time of purchase for your discount.  Although a tall box is needed, these can be shipped anywhere within the U.S.

RHOPALOSTYLIS CHEESEMANII GORGEOUS, CROWN SHARTED, SINGLE TRUNK FROM THE KERMADEC ISLANDS TEN DAY SPECIAL BAN SIZE  The main historical controversy has been over the native population of Rhopalostylis located on Raoul Island, part of the Kermadec Islands of New Zealand.  Because of patriotism, New Zealanders would certainly like to consider this population a species all to itself.  But, most people now consider it to be a variety of Rhopalostylis baueri, the Norfolk Island Palm.  Of course, calling it a subspecies doesn't set well with those from New Zealand.  They would argue that the things different include more round and larger fruit, and brown hairs present on the crown shaft.  Also, some say it's a more robust growing species.  If you wish to recognize it as a different palm, right now the correct name would be Rhopalostylis baueri var. cheesemanii or kermadescensis.  I'd recommend part day sun.  Cold tolerance is about 22 degrees F.  If you are far inland, grow it in filtered light. REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $35 TEN DAY SPECIAL BANDS $25 You know:  Mention this Special!

 

 

ENCEPHALARTOS CAFFER A DWARF GREEN CYCAD SOMEWHAT FLUFFY LEAVES NEVER OVER ABOUT 3 FEET TALL TEN DAY SPECIAL 1.5 G SIZE For those of you who like small cycads, this one should be one of your favorites.  Native to the Eastern Cape region of South Africa, this species has largely a subterranean stem with an above the soil caudex rarely over six to eight inches in diameter.  Leaves are up to three feet long, often plumose.  This is a full sun species with a cold tolerance down to about 22 degrees F.  These are a difficult cycad to find.  They are slow growing.  The 1.5 gallon plants here are 3 to 4 years old.  I have very limited numbers for sale. REGULAR PRICE 1.5 G SIZE $115 TEN DAY SPECIAL 1.5 G SIZE $85 Just mention this Blog Only Special to get this price when you purchase.  These would be simple to mail order.

BISMARCKIA NOBILIS MAJESTIC BLUE FAN PALM NATIVE TO MADAGASCAR TEN DAY SPECIAL 1 GALLON SIZE Every serious gardener or palm enthusiast In So Cal has to have at least one of this species in their yard.  In my opinion, this is the best of all the blue fan palms.  Well grown, mature plants are just stunning.  The color is a definite blue.  Stem size averages about 18 to 20 inches (sometimes thicker).  Heights here in CA should get up to over 30 feet with ease and several decades of growth.  The leaf crowns are full.  They love heat and sun.  The only downside is that they only tolerate temperatures down to about 20 degrees F.  If you get colder than this you would defer to the also blue Brahea armata which goes to about 15 degrees F but is also intensely blue in color.  The one gallon Bismarckia on special are in the strap leaf stage but should be produce fan leaves this summer.  BTW, the "purple" color you see in the leaf of the 4th photo is this species natural response to cold and it's presence or absence has nothing to due with eventual color other than the fact that it shows a plant is indeed the blue form of Bismarckia.  REGULAR PRICE 1G $40 TEN DAY SPECIAL 1G $32.50 But, you must mention this Ten Day Special to get this price.

 

COCCOTHRINAX BARBADENSIS MEDIUM SIZED, NARROW TRUNK VERY "CUTE PALM" WITH GREEN OR SILVER GREEN LEAVES TEN DAY SPECIAL NICE 5 GALLON We at the nursery are very proud that we offer a good selection of these interesting New World fan palms.  This species is native to the Caribbean region and gets to heights of about 30 feet in many decades.  Leaf color is green to silver-green and trunks are typically six inches thick or a bit more.  This species loves full hot sun and is cold tolerant into the mid-twenties F.  Many are growing it with good success.  In pots, all Coccothrinax are painfully slow.  It's taken us five to six years to produce the 5g plants you see here.  We do have other sizes for sale and multiple other species of this genus.  In the ground they are much faster. REGULAR PRICE 5G $75 TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G $60 Remember:  Mention this Special when you purchase to get this discount.

 

ENCEPHALARTOS AEMULANS MEDIUM SIZED AFRICAN CYCAD GREEN LEAVES TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE This South African green cycad is known for not being overly large.  A mature plant will typically have a trunk 3 to 4 feet tall (in habitat up to 8 feet) and leaves are about 4 feet long.  For a green Encephalartos, this is a very manageable size.  It's a good growing species that takes full sun along the coast and is cold tolerant to the very low 20's F.  The bands we have on sale are 2 to 3 years old with typically several leaves. REGULAR PRICE BAND SIZE $45 TEN DAY SPECIAL BANDS $35 Just mention this Special to get this price when ordering.
	photo by Wayne Atkinson	15 gallon size at nursery
Band size	Boxed specimen at nursery	photo by Botany C.S. Website

PHOENIX RECLINATA THE SENEGAL DATE PALM SUCKERING, MEDIUM TO LARGE SIZE TEN DAY SPECIAL BIG 15 GALLON PLANTS This suckering, pinnate and armed palm is native to South Africa.  From a cultural point of view, the most interesting thing about these palms is the diversity of the plants that you'll see in gardens and at nurseries.  Not only does the containerized plant look different from plant to plant, but in the ground there are differences.  Some leaves are very plumose - others are flat.  Some have thicker trunks, others thin.  Some get to ten to fifteen feet tall, others to almost 40 feet.  So, it's hard to know what you'll get when you buy one.  These differences may be due to genetics or long term hybridization of the gene pool.  It's safe to just give it plenty of room to grow. This species likes full hot sun and is cold hardy into the upper teens F.  It is not the most cold hardy of the Date Palm family.  But, it's more cold tolerant than the Pygmy Date for sure.  Leaf stems have sharp spines, so be careful when handling or planting/pruning.  We just got in some very large 15g that are 7 to 8 feet tall in their pots.  And, we're putting them on sale.  BTW, in case you didn't know, it's quite hard to find nice 15 gallon size of this species.  These could be shipped but would require a huge box! REGULAR PRICE 15G $175 TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G $140 Just mention this Blog Special at the time of purchase for this discount.

 

SATURDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER, 2016

 

VISITING A TROPICAL LOS ANGELES GARDEN HILLS OF THE WESTERN SAN FERNANDO VALLEY SUPER HOT SUMMERS - COOLER WINTERS LOTS OF CYCADS IN LARGE CERAMIC POTS We've had a very long term customer who has an expansive garden in the somewhat rugged hills west of the San Fernando Valley.  I'd estimate his home is at an elevation of 800 feet.  It's in a very hilly, mountainous community off a windy and narrow entrance road.  He had the dream of creating a tropical garden with palms and cycads.  But, he has a lot of native oak trees which he also loves.  The latter led cultural problems including invasive oak roots and oak root fungus.  These soil issues made the garden's soil an unfavorable medium for the cycads, his favorite type of plant.  It took quite a few years to appreciate this problem and think of a handling.  His solution was to utilize very large yet beautiful ceramic containers for his cycads.  This led to his actually digging up some cycads and putting them in these large pots.  In some areas where he didn't suspect there was a problem he did leave cycads in the ground.  All of his cycads love his summer heat - typically in the 90's F. or higher.  His winters are cool, often into the mid-twenties.  Palms were more of a challenge for him because of his temperature extremes.  But, through trial and error, he's created a gorgeous tropical garden as shown below.  This garden is situated on quite a few acres.  You'll note the physical layout of the garden follows his terrain.  He aesthetically used walls, walkways, water features and interesting planting areas.  It is laid out in a very artistic manner with great utilization of many types of plants.  Also note the usage of tropical companion plants and succulents to adorn the garden floor.  The results have been quite amazing.  You'd think a garden like this was designed by a landscape architect - but it wasn't.  Rather, with his vision of what he wanted to create and his knowledge of the plants, he created by himself this unique and beautiful tropical garden.  I'd like to show you some pictures taken yesterday. I hope you enjoy this photographic tour.  And, for you cycad enthusiasts, you might spot some very unusual species.

 

 

PHILODENDRON "RED CONGO" ROSETTE TYPE PHILODENDRON RED COLOR TO LEAVES AND STEMS TEN DAY SPECIAL LARGE 5G SIZE This popular Philodendron cultivar is not a climber but rather forms more rosette shaped plants on the garden floor or in a container.  They are not for full sun though and do better with filtered light.  Cold hardiness is down to a freeze.  The stems are red and there is a red color to the back of the leaves.  The dorsal surface of the leaves is a green color and its shade of green depends on light exposure.  In low light they are a very dark green.  Some have grown it as an interior plant.  The 5g shown here are very large sized and on special. REGULAR PRICE THESE 5G $85 TEN DAY SPECIAL THESE 5G $60 Remember:  Mention this Special for your discount.

 

ARENGA PINNATA THE SUGAR PALM SINGLE TRUNK MEDIUM SIZE - FIBROUS TRUNK TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G SIZE This is a single trunk, medium to large pinnate palm from Tropical areas of Asia.  It can get to thirty feet tall or more in the wild.  The trunk is thick and covered with coarse fibers and mat.  Leaves are about eight feet long with leaflets having jagged tips.  Green fruits are boiled to prepare a sugar syrup.   But, one must be cautious as the fruit contains irritating (to the skin) crystals.  Growth rate is medium, it prefers coastal sun and is somewhat cold hardy.  The 15g is the size we're putting on special. REGULAR PRICE 15G $185 TEN DAY SPECIAL 15G $160 Mention this Special for your discount when you purchase.  Be aware that we may have smaller sizes available.

 

CHAMAEDOREA ERNESTI-AUGUSTI SINGLE TRUNK - SIMPLE LEAF WIDE LEAVES LOOK GREAT PLANTED IN SMALL COLONIES This New World semi-dwarf species can get up to about six or maybe eight feet height.  It has simple (not divided) leaves with a narrow trunk.  It definitely is not for sun and likes to be in an understory setting.  Cold hardiness is into the twenties F.  Shown here are nice 5g plants.  Planted three to five plants together is ideal.  This gives a fuller look and is super attractive.  We do have several other sizes available.

 

CHAMAEDOREA PLUMOSA THE BABY QUEEN PALM TWO SIZES AVAILABLE: ONE AND FIVE GALLON MULTIPLE PLANTS PER POT IS BEST   This is a single trunk Chamaedorea native to Mexico.  It is quick growing and in no way is similar to a Queen palm.  Trunk diameters mature are about 1.5 to 2 inches.  Mature height averages 14 feet.  Leaves are fluffy.  There are no thorns or sharp edges to this plant.  This species can take full coastal sun but also survives in filtered light.  It is quite popular and looks best with several plants grown together as a colony.   It also has a small garden footprint.  With its quick growth, trunks are overhead in no time.  Shown here are one and five gallon plants.  Unfortunately, we are sold out of our 15g size.  Mail order possible on these smaller sizes.	This and next 4 pictures 1 gallon size
This and next 4 pictures 5 gallon size
		mature plants in ground in San Diego in full sun

 

CHAMAEDOREA WOODSONIANA A TALL, ROBUST SPECIES THICK TRUNK, HEIGHTS OVER 30 FEET DARK GREEN TRUNK WITH RINGS NICE 5 GALLON AVAILABLE This single trunk Chamaedorea is native to areas from southern Mexico and Central America. They may also be native colonies in Columbia.  Heights can get to almost 15 meters with trunk diameters of 2 inches or a bit more.  Trunks are dark green with prominent white rings.  Leaves are long for this genus and have wide leaflets.  It prefers filtered light and, like other single trunk Chamaedoreas, looks good grown in colonies.   Shown here are 5g plants of this species.  We occasionally have 15g that are super nice.  Cold tolerance is into the upper twenties F.  Only limited numbers are available at any time.
	15g size, sometimes available

 

SABAL PRINCEPS HUSKY CARIBBEAN FAN PALM GREEN TO BLUE GREEN LEAVES TEN DAY SPECIAL BAND SIZE This species of fan palm, according to some taxonomists, may be the same as Sabal Bermudana, native to Bermuda.  It gets an 18 to 24 inch thick trunk and has wide green leaves.  It can reach maximum heights of greater than fifty feet, loves sun and heat and is cold hardy into the teens F.  Our band sizes are nicely sized for their container and on sale. REGULAR PRICE BANDS $30 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $22.50 Remember:  Mention this Blog Only Special for your discounted price when you purchase.

 

PAPAYA TREES 15G AND 5G SIZES 15G IN FRUIT YES, YOU CAN HAVE PAPAYA FOR BREAKFAST I don't pretend to be a tropical fruit grower, but I love papaya and once in a while have them for sale.  Shown here is a 5g and 15g plant.  The latter is overhead and has two green papaya at the top of the trunk below the foliage.  A customer of our nursery has had years of experience with Papaya and has about eight trees going.  He has papaya for breakfast every morning from spring to autumn.  He says the key is to always have more younger trees coming along.  He mention that their fruiting life is only about five years.  And, I might add, you should be in a frost free area of Southern CA.  We prefer the Mexican Papaya as it is more cold hardy.
15 gallon with fruit at upper trunk

 

CRYOSOPHILA STAURACANTHA THE ROOT SPINE PALM WHITE BACKS TO LEAVES NEVER TOO TALL TEN DAY SPECIAL 1G SIZE This medium sized fan palm has native habitats extending from southern Mexico down into northern Columbia.  It can reach heights up to 30 feet with a three to four inch thick trunk.  Leaves are of the fan type but are green on top and near white underneath.  Trunks are covered with modified small roots and is thus known as the "Root Spine Palm".  But, the most notable thing is the white below the leaves.  They can take full coastal sun but probably do best with a bit of sun or strong filtered light.  They grow at a medium rate and take temperatures down to a freeze and perhaps even lower.  The 1g size are on special.  But, we do have plants a bit larger as well. REGULAR PRICE 1G $40 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $30 Mention this Special for your discount.
15g size, sometimes available	Photo by TS or RPS

 

SUNDAY, 4 SEPTEMBER, 2016

 

THE NURSERY HAS BEEN BUSY SOME NEW CYCADS JUST IN INCLUDES SOME HUGE SPECIMENS Since we brought in that huge Sacramento cycad collection, we acquired a collection of about a hundred small, very rare cycads along with portions of several other collections of larger plants.  Included as shown here are two very large E. transvensosus, an E. natalensis with over two feet of trunk, about eight very large Cycas thouarsii - some with several feet of trunk and a lot of super rare Encephalartos in smaller sizes.  This latter group contains E. cupidus, dyerianus, giant cupidus, nubimontanus, E. horridus, lehmannii and many more great species.  We didn't stage most of these plants for these photos.  Rather, we just walked around and shot some pictures.  If you contact us or drop by, we'd be glad to show you these new plants that arrived this week.  These big ones are of a size that is rarely offered for sale.  Any and all of these can be shipped or delivered.	Encephalartos natalensis 40g 16 x 28 inches	Encephalartos natalensis 40g 16 x 28 inches
Encephalartos natalensis 40g 16 x 28 inches	Encephalartos transvenosus 30g 17 x 16 inches	Encephalartos transvenosus 30g 17 x 16 inches
Encephalartos transvenosus 30g 17 x 16 inches	Encephalartos transvenosus box 16 x 14 inches	Encephalartos transvenosus box 16 x 14 inches
Encephalartos transvenosus box 16 x 14 inches	Cycas thouarsii box very large trunk	Cycas thouarsii box very large trunk
Cycas thouarsii box very large trunk	Another Cycas thouarsii box very large trunk	Another Cycas thouarsii box very large trunk
Encephalartos horridus 15 g size	Encephalartos horridus 15 g size

 

VARIEGATED RHAPIS EXCELSA VARIETY AYANISHIKI GROWN IN FAIRLY BRIGHT LIGHT 5G WITH LOTS OF CANES It is very difficult to find a nursery that offers variegated Rhapis.  For whatever reason, about fifteen to twenty years ago we started carrying these gems.  It started when we purchased in about a hundred rare plants from Hollenberg's original collection.  In case you don't remember, he's the one who wrote the book on variegated Rhapis.  These plants never get large - typically under five feet tall.  The patterns of variegation determine the variety names.  Most have Japanese names.  This 5g plant is quite old with about six or more canes.  It is being grown in a bit too much light and this hides some of the contrast with the variegation.   I'd plant it in filtered light.  Variegated Rhapis are quite cold hardy and go easily into the low 20's F.  We have a nice selection of plants from small to large specimens. Click here to read our article on Variegated Rhapis
This and the next two photos shown plants grown in much less sun

 

DYPSIS DECARYI THE TRIANGLE PALM NICE 24 GALLON SIZE ABOUT LIKE A 24 INCH BOX Most people like this single trunk pinnate palm native to Madagascar.  It loves sun and heat.  Mature height is usually between twenty and twenty-five feet.  Cold hardiness is about 24 degrees - at which point the leaves will burn.  Lethal temperatures are the low 20's F.  It gets its name from the triangular (three sided) crown shaft.  This area shows speckling and colors ranging from purple, brown, and black to gray.  Leaves are in the three planes, matching the crown shaft below.  This 25 gallon plant is equivalent to a 24 inch box but much easier to handle and plant.  We have limited supplies available.

 

CYCAS CURRANII LARGER CYCAD WITH GREEN LEAVES GOOD SIZED, OLDER PLANTS AVAILABLE This species is a large sized plant that was originally discovered by an American visiting the Island of Palawan in the Philippines in 1906.  But, soon thereafter, lost it's status as a species until Ken Hill reestablished its species status in 1995.  Trunks attain a height of over thirty feet with a diameter one to two feet.  Leaf length is six to eight feet, Leaflets are about ten inches long, one half inch wide and, as the leaf ages, become somewhat dependent and droopy.  There is little information available on this species.  Shown here are multiple nursery plants including a larger boxed specimen.  The 15g plants are about eight to ten years old and have heights in their pots of about seven feet.  Note how their leaves and the leaves of the box are not droopy as of yet.  But, with time, they do droop.  This is a part day sun species, perhaps tolerating full sun along the coast.  I have seen it tolerate temperatures into the mid-twenties F.  I find it to be prettier than Cycas thouarsii. Here I am showing our 15g and boxed sizes.
	photo by BGL

 

ARCHONTOPHOENIX MYOLENSIS ALL KING PALMS ARE NOT ALIKE SOME ARE JUST PLAIN PRETTIER NICE 5G AND 15G AVAILABLE Shown here are nursery 5g and 15g of this super desirable type of King Palm.  To my eye they are much prettier than the common King Palm, Archontophoenix myolensis.  Below I'll show it's characteristics.  And below this I'll give a link to my article on King Palms.  There you can compare all the different types of Archontophoenix. Common Name(s):  Myola King Palm, named after a region in Queensland Native Locality: Northeastern Queensland, outside the city of Cairns.  Described in 1994 by John Dowe  Overall Height:  Up to about sixty feet Trunk Diameter:  Approximately one foot in diameter, slightly swollen at the base Leaf Length:  12 feet, mildly twisted along axis Leaflets:  Two to three feet long, silver underneath and relaxed on rachis.  Note, leaflets hang down to some extent on this species. Crown Shaft Color:  Emerald green or blue-green, very clean color.  Crown shaft not mottled with brown   Presence of Ramenta:  Absent Flower Color:  White Other Comments:  Graceful and pretty palm with arched leaves and leaflets that hang downwards LINK TO KING PALM ARTICLE
	Photo by TS at RPS	Photo by Luke Nancarrow, PACSOA

 

BECCARIOPHOENIX ALFREDII MOST SOUGHT AFTER SPECIES OF GENUS RARE MADAGASCAR PALM PROBABLY THE MOST COLD HARDY BECCARIOPHOENIX TEN DAY SPECIAL LARGE 1G PLANTS If you've followed this Blog over the years, you realize that we've progressed through three different species of Beccariophoenix.  This species is the latest and most sought after of the known three species.  Described several years ago, it comes from the high plateau area of central Madagascar.  It seems to have the best cold hardiness and goes down to below 25 degrees F.  It's being well grown by enthusiasts in the SF Bay area.  These one gallons on special are huge for their container and easy to ship.  Along the coast it does well with full sun and is a fast growing species.  Limited numbers are available. REGULAR PRICE 1 GALLON $40 TEN DAY SPECIAL THIS SIZE $30 Remember: Mention this Special for your discount.	This and next 3 pictures of the one gallon size
		5 gallon size also available
15 gallon size at nursery	this photo and next by TS at RPS

 

PLUMERIA PLANTS LARGE 5 GALLON AVAILABLE SOME BRANCHING THREE TO FOUR COLORS Very nice 5g Plumeria just became available to us and are three to four feet tall in their pots.  Most have branches with lots of leaves.  Some are just coming into flower.  On this size if they don't have flowers, it is a gamble as to which color they'll end up being.  They like sun and heat.  Cold tolerance is down to a freeze or slightly below.  These are extremely difficult to ship by mail order b/c the stems are brittle.  My favorite is the pink.  Limited supplies.  We also have large 15g available as well.

 

RHAPIS MULTIFIDA THE CLASSIEST OF HOUSEPLANTS BEAUTIFUL SQUAT 20G SPECIMEN THIS IS THE LARGEST WE CAN SHIP THIN TRUNKS, LOTS OF LEAFLETS Over the years, I've certainly pushed this type of Lady Palm from China.  I've done this because I think it's one of the prettiest Rhapis and it does great inside the home or on the patio.  It never gets too tall - about eight to ten feet et maximum.  It's canes are thin and tidy.  They carry little scrappy debris like the classic Lady Palm Rhapis excelsa.  They have three times the number of leaflets per leaf, sometimes up to more than twenty.  These leaflets are narrow and come to a point.  Excelsa are much wider with a blunt end.  Multifida like filtered light outdoors and are cold hardy to the low 20's F.  Sizes we have are the one shown here and the 5g.  I can mail order right to your door.

 

ALLAGOPTERA ARENARIA DWARF PALM - FLUFFY LEAVES NEVER OVER SIX FEET TALL TOLERATES SUN AND SOME COLD TEN DAY SPECIAL 1G SIZE First and most important: On sale here are nice one gallon A. arenaria.  They are big for their pots.  This species is native to Brazil and has habitats right on the beach next to the ocean.  It loves full hot sun and is cold hardy to the low 20's or colder.  So, if you need a sun palm that stays small, this one works great.  As shown, leaves are plumose and sort of blue on the underside of the leaflets.  Leaf length is about four feet. REGULAR PRICE 1G $40 TEN DAY SPECIAL 1G $32.50 Just mention this special at the time of purchase to get this price.

  

BRAHEA ELEGANS THE FRANCESHCI PALM MEDIUM SIZE FAN PALM FROM SONORA, MEXICO LOVES HEAT AND SUN TEN DAY SPECIAL 1G SIZE This medium sized fan palm gets to a height typically of twenty to twenty-five feet, has a rather narrow trunk for a Brahea and a smaller crown of green fan shaped leaves.  It is a medium rate growing palm that tolerates full sun. Exact cold tolerance is not known but felt to be into the low 20's F.  It could be lower but is not documented.  The one gallon plants on sale are at least 4 years old and very nice.  These are easy to mail order. REGULAR PRICE 1G $40 TEN DAY SPECIAL 1G $30 Just mention this Blog Special for your discount when you purchase.

 

HYOPHORBE VERSCHAFELTII THE SPINDLE PALM BULGING TRUNK ABOVE THE GROUND! MUCH BETTER FOR CO CAL THAN THE BOTTLE PALM! TEN DAY SPECIAL 1G SIZE If you live in Southern California, the chances are 99% that a Bottle Palm (Hyophorbe lagenicaulis) will die in your garden.  They don't tolerate our winter's cold.  If you live along the coast, the chances are 75% that you can successfully grow the Spindle Palm.  Plain and simple.  You might ask why a certain depot type store only sells the Bottle Palm.  It's because the Spindle Palm can't be imported into CA from Florida because of lethal yellow disease.  So, one has to grow them from seeds here in California. And, that takes a long time.  But, that's exactly what we'd done.  So, we can offer you a Hyophorbe with a bulging trunk that you CAN grow and is on sale! 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.  It loves sun.  Cold hardiness is just below a freeze.  The one gallon size here are fantastic - very large for their pots with heights of 24 to 30 inches. REGULAR PRICE 1G $45 TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G $35 Just mention this Blog Special for your discount when you purchase

 

RAVANALA MADAGASCARENSIS THE TRAVELER PALM ALL LEAVES IN ONE PLANE GREAT FOR NO-FREEZE AREAS LARGE 10 GALLON AVAILABLE This popular tree is not actually a palm - rather it's more similar to a single trunk banana.  All of its leaves are in one plane.  So, from the front it looks wide and full.  But, look 90 degrees to either side and it's very thin.  It does best in sun or at least part day sun.  It does not take a freeze at all.  If you get below 32 degrees, it's probably not best to try one.  They do form a trunk over time and can get up to 30 feet tall.  Shown here are nice 8 foot tall 10 g plants.  We have limited supplies.  We do have some smaller and some even bigger.  If you like that lush tropical type leaf, this plant may be perfect for you.

 

FRIDAY, 2 SEPTEMBER, 2016

 

CHAMAEDOREA RADICALIS A DWARF FILTERED LIGHT PALM BUT, CAN TAKE SOME SUN NICE 5G TRIPLES This dwarf, single trunk palm species is native to Mexico where it grows in forested areas.  It is known for it's overall small size.  Plants rarely get over five feet.  However, the very prominent blossoms can reach way above the foliage.  They are orange in color with black seeds on the females.  There is also a trunking form of this species.  Shown here in the regular dwarf form.  They are the most cold hardy Chamaedorea tolerate filtered light or even sometimes full sun along the coast.  The lowest tolerated cold temperature is about 18 degrees F.  We have a nice selection of 5g plants right now with three per pot.  These will form an attractive small colony and maybe you'll even get some seeds.

 

CARYOTA URENS THE COLD HARDY FISHTAIL TALL AND FAST GROWING DIFFICULT TO FIND NOWADAYS NICE 15 GALLONS AVAILABLE This single trunk monocarpic pinnate palm is native to Asia and in particular to northern Thailand.  Specimens grown in Southern California have been known to get eighty feet tall.  They have a light colored (tan) trunk covered with a very fine fur.  Growth rate is very fast.  Trunk diameter is typically about 16 to 18 inches.  Leaves are multi-pinnate with angular leaflets.  They tolerate full sun along the coast.  With really hot weather, give them extra water.  The 15g shown here are quite nice and overhead.  In the ground, these plants will be twenty feet tall in several years.  We have limited availability.

 

CRYPTHANTHUS BROMELIADS EARTH STAR BROMELIAD SMALL, CUTE & COLORFUL LOTS OF PINK AND RED! VERY AFFORDABLE These smaller Bromeliads are known for the fact that they are a terrestrial type of Bromeliad and do well planted right into the ground.  Contrast this to the epiphytic types that live on branches of trees above your head.  Small roots anchor these plants into the ground and do little in terms of absorbing nutrition.  A mature plant is usually no bigger than a dinner plate.  They take strong filtered  light or a bit of sun.  These plants are  in 4 and 6 inch pots.  We  only occasionally have them for sale.  They are a fairly rare Bromeliad to find.  We have three or four species.  Most are combinations of pink, red, green and white although some are banded and darker in color.  They can also be grown inside the house and remain small.  Mail order is a piece of cake.

 

WODYETIA BIFURCATA THE FOXTAIL PALM TREES IN FRUIT Wodyetia bifurcata, a species from Queensland, Australia, is known for it's fluffy leaves, medium stature and bright red and large fruit.  Shown here are several plants in fruit in various stages.  Fruit first appears green.  Fruit will attain full size but still be green.  Then it changes to a light yellow, then to orange and finally to a prominent red.  At this red stage it may fall to the ground.  When red, it is ready to be removed and germinated.  Green fruit germinates poorly.  Fruit size is about like a small chicken egg.  Seeds inside are brown and prominently grooved.	First tree in fruit.  All seeds are green
Another specimen with ripening fruit
	Tree with ripe, red fruit

CYCAS THOUARSII EASY-T0-GROW CYCAD FROM MADAGASCAR TEN DAY SPECIAL 5G PLANTS THIS BATCH This species of medium to large cycad from Madagascar tolerates full sun along the coast and filtered light inland.  It is fairly quick growing and has about six foot long green leaves.  The petioles are armed with small spines but the leaves themselves are not.  They are soft to the touch.  Trunks are vertical, usually under 12 inches thick.  Cold tolerance is into the mid-twenties F.  We are offering plants from a batch of 5g's that we got in.  These have been outdoor grown their entire lives and are ready to plant with minimal acclimation. REGULAR PRICE 5G SIZE $135 TEN DAY SPECIAL FROM THIS BATCH 5G $75 You must mention this Blog only special to get this price when ordering.  These plants can be easily shipped to you.
24 inch boxed nursery specimen

ENCEPHALARTOS FREDERICI-GUILIELMII THIN LEAFED BLUE GREEN CYCAD VERY COLD HARDY AND DIFFERENT This South African cycad is almost never seen available in the size shown here.  This plant has a twelve inch caudex.  It has classic thin leaflets.  Leaf color is blue to blue-green.  Crowns of leaves are not overly large.  It loves sun and heat and want full sun along the coast.  Cold tolerance is almost down to 20 degrees f.  The container size on this plant is 25g. Leaf length of this species is about four feet although trunks can get over ten feet tall in centuries.  Of note, collectors call this species "EFG".

AEONIUM BLACK ROSE BLACK-RED COMPANION PLANT This succulent adds a different color to the garden.  Some plants are almost midnight black but do have hints of red.  We also have a variety that is much more green and even a variegated one that is yellow and green.  Plants don't get very large and can be trained to be short and full.  They tolerate coastal sun quite well and are cold hardy into the 20's F.  Shown here are one gallon and five gallon plants.  Both are on sale.  I realize this is not an unusual or rare plant.  Therefore, we'd give very good prices on these plants.

HOW TO SUPPORT A TRANSPLANTED LARGE PALM TREE PHOTOGRAPHS OF ONE TECHNIQUE Whether you are in the industry of growing palm trees or you are an enthusiast with your own garden, the situation might arise where you want to move an overhead large palm tree.  First, you must research and decide if the palm will survive a dig.  Some species like the common King Palm do terribly with transplanting.  Others, like the Mexican Fan Palm, do excellent.  Also, you must also decide if a crane is needed and if you need the assistance of a skilled contractor to move the palm.  Sometimes very large root balls are needed that weigh too much for men to move. But, once a given palm is dug and placed in its planting hole, how do you keep it from falling over or prevent the wind from blowing it down?  Shown here is one technique using a series of braces at the bottom of the trunk.  You will note that short sections of a 2 x 4 inch board are placed at the same support point around the trunk and then these have been banded together.  I'd think a metal band with a tightening device would be best.  Then, attached to these shorter boards are the legs for support.  They are nailed into the short boards and then secured in the ground.  The higher up on the trunk they reach, probably the more secure the tree is.  But, you must also use the right angle of attachment.  I hope these pictures help you tell how this support system could be placed on a palm.  These pictures are of dug Sabal palmetto on a roadway/bridge crossing the  Bay in Tampa, Florida.

 

BISMARCKIA NOBILIS SINGLE TRUNK BLUE FAN PALM LOTS OF PHOTOS SHOWING SUPER BLUE LEAVES The photographs here are presented just to shown the great blue color of this single trunk fan palm from Madagascar.  I can hear people saying already, "Mine is the most blue one around".
		Alma says "super blue!"

ASSORTED RARE PALM TREES DESIRABLE 25 GALLON SIZE MAKES FOR GREAT LANDSCAPING In the past, the wooden 24 inch box was the traditional next step for moving up a 15 gallon sized plant.  But, nowadays there are very nice larger plastic containers.  One that we really like is the 25 gallon size.  We've found that customers much prefer them over the 24 inch box.  Not only are they easier to handle and plant, but they also last much longer.  And, the bottoms don't rot out.  Shown here is an assortment of seven rare palm species in the 25 gallon pot.  They are easy to dolly and two people can easily plant them.  Also, they typically fit nicely into a pickup or even a large SUV.  We can also deliver them or ship them on a pallet with other plants.	Burretiokentia koghiensis	Burretiokentia koghiensis
Dypsis pembana	Dypsis pembana	Ravenea hildebrandtii
Ravenea hildebrandtii	Hyophorbe verschafeltii	Hyophorbe verschafeltii
Pritchardia munroi	Pritchardia munroi	Ravenea glauca
Ravenea glauca	Rhopalostylis sapida	Rhopalostylis sapida

  

PAVONIA MULTIFLORA RED BLOSSOMS IN SHADE! MORE PICTURES OF THE FLOWERS In the past I introduced you to this interesting and super rare plant from Brazil.  At that time I didn't have good photos of the blossoms.  So, I am showing them now.  It gets clusters of very large red flowers and does it in the shade.  And, it flower all year long.  Right now, in the middle of winter, it's still making flowers.  The tree gets to a height of about six to eight feet.  It is an open appearing plant with foliage and blossoms at the ends of its small trunks.  So, one might say it's "leggy".  But, in a way this is good as it doesn't create dark shade below.  One can plant at its base.  And, what a load of color to see overhead in the shade! The photos here shown the three inch blossoms arranged in clusters.  The color is deep red.  We have 15g available.

 

 

SPECIMEN JUBAEA CHILENSIS AVAILABLE TO BUY THE CHILEAN WINE PALM MARKEDLY DISCOUNTED PRICE! NEED A CRANE BUT THEY DIG QUITE WELL A BETTER ALTERNATIVE FOR THE CANARY ISLAND PALM I am helping the owner of this mature Jubaea chilensis who wishes to sell it.  In case you don't remember, this palm has the thickest trunk of any palm in the world.  And, it's the most upscale and expensive larger palm that is used on high end landscape projects.  It sort of looks like a Canary Palm but has no spines.  It's felt to be much more desirable than a Canary.  The plant I'm presenting is in the ground in the San Francisco Bay area and available right now.  Mature Chilean Wine Palms are never cheap to purchase.  But, this seller is willing to sell it for less than half the going retail price.  Call me for details and pricing - you'll be pleased.  But, remember that a digging crew and crane will be needed.  It's close to a street with what appears to be good access for digging.  It has approximately 20 feet of woody trunk.  Trunk diameter is about three feet.  The plant available is shown in the first five pictures here.  Following are garden pictures of other trees.  There are so few mature specimens available of this species, that it's quite typical for a dug plant to be transported quite long distances to their eventual new home.  And, if found through a usual supplier, they'd be twice the price to you.  So, this tree is a great opportunity for someone.
Trees at Mission Bay Park, San Diego	Different specimen in garden	Specimen with some blue in leaves

 

 

RECYCLE YOUR PLASTIC CONTAINERS NURSERY CREDIT FOR USED PLASTIC POTS I like to remind plant enthusiasts to recycle their plastic containers.  We will take them and give you a credit toward any purchase at the nursery.  Or, if you just don't know what to do with them and are conservative minded, drop them off at our nursery location.  We'll put them to good use.  We've been doing this for decades and think it's the right thing to do for the environment.  We are especially looking for larger pots, 15g and bigger.  We also really appreciate 7g and citrus pots.  However, tiny pots like 4 or 6 inch are not containers that we really utilize.   So, don't clutter the environment by giving them to the garbage man or your local landfill.  Bring them to our nursery.  We thank you in advance!

15 gallon pot

Array of pots starting with the band size on the left and ending on the right with a 24 inch box

  

 

END OF OLDER POSTS SEPTEMBER, 2016


TO SEE EARLY AUGUST POSTS CLICK HERE

BUT, CONTINUE READING.  LOTS OF GREAT INFORMATION SHOWN

 

 

COLD HARDY PALMS!
BEST SELECTION AROUND
AND, SAVE MONEY ON DELIVERY OR SHIPPING!

Photographs of Some of Our Cold Hardy Palms Below
Shipping By the Pallet - Best Way to Save on Larger Orders of Big Plants

There are a lot more cold hardy palms available than shown here

BENEFITS OF SHIPPING BY THE PALLET: *  Save money shipping by the pallet *  Up to 50% less by the pallet compared to shipping plants individually *  Easier and cheaper to send much bigger plants up to 24 inch box size and 8.5 feet tall *  Can double stack smaller plants on top of larger ones to maximize number of plants *  Get plants that are way too big for Fed Express or UPS *  Typically same arrival times (or quicker) as ground services with UPS or Federal Express *  Shipped by independent trucking companies *  Plants shipped safely, usually in framed out pallets as shown below  *  Get a discount up to 15% off on the regular price of the plants themselves

 

SHIPPING PLANTS BY THE PALLET Shown here is how we typically "palletize" plants for customers.  You can see that plants are secure and travel safely.  Also note that some plants are over eight feet tall.   These are "non-stackable pallets".

 

Examples below of just some of the cold hardy palms we sell.
Most are 15g size and you can get easily nine plants on a pallet, often many more!  AND -
Save when you order plants by the pallet (read above)

ALLAGOPTERA ARENARIA THE SEASHORE PALM CLUSTERING, DWARF PALM This pinnate palm rarely gets over six feet tall, is native to coastal Brazil and has fluffy leaves (plumose).  It's a sun species with a cold hardiness into the upper teens F.
ARENGA ENGLERI THE DWARF SUGAR PALM SUCKERING, NOT TOO TALL This suckering Asian species doesn't get over about ten feet tall and has silver color to the back of the leaflets.  The leaflets have chopped ends.  It'll take coastal sun and part day sun inland.  Cold tolerance about 18 degrees F.
BLUE BUTIA CAPITATA THE BLUE PINDO PALM MEDIUM HEIGHT - YES, BLUE COLOR! This variety of the South American Pindo Palm is super color because of its unusual blue color.  It gets to a height of about fifteen feet in three decades and is single trunk.  It loves full sun and is cold hardy to 15 degrees F.
		photo by Paul Craft
BRAHEA CLARA BLUE SINGLE TRUNK MEXICAN PALM SUPER COLD HARDY This palm is quite similar to the more common Brahea armata.  It loves sun, takes cold to 15 degrees and is blue in color.  It gets to a height of no more than 20 feet.  Compared to the common Mexican Blue Fan Palm, it has longer petioles and is faster growing.  Another curious difference we've discovered is the stem armor.  Rather than simple, uniform curved spines, the armor is more like a bad set of shark's teeth as shown here.
BRAHEA DECUMBENS BLUE, DWARF AND SUCKERING EXCELLENT COLD HARDY SMALLER PALM This suckering species of fan palm develops a blue color with age and sun.  Shown is a 5g.  We never can keep them in stock to get them to 15g.  They love hot sun, get to a height of no more than six feet and sucker.  this is an ideal palm where views are a concern.  They are very slow growing.
BUTIA X SYAGRUS THE MULE PALM HYBRID THAT LOOKS LIKE NEITHER PARENT This surprisingly very cold hardy palm is being grown in areas that routinely see bad weather.  When Queen Palms die in Tucson, AZ, this one survives.  It gets to 25 feet and loves hot sun.  Some say that, when mature, they look a little bit like a Coconut.  It's also a very good growing hybrid with lots of vigor.  It likes sun and is cold hardy to about 16 or 17 degrees.
	photo by MH
COPERNICIA ALBA TALL THIN TRUNK SINGLE STEM FAN PALM Copernicia is a rare genus of fan palms mostly native to Caribbean Islands such as Cuba.  This species has a thin trunk and gets over 40 feet tall.  For an exotic genus, it's surprisingly cold hardy perhaps into the upper teens F.  It loves sun and heat.
JUBAEA CHILENSIS CHILEAN WINE PALM FATTEST TRUNK OF ANY PALM This thick trunked pinnate palm is slow growing but manages to get a trunk fatter than any other palm.  Native to Chile, it can reach a height of 40 feet and trunk diameter of 4 feet.  It loves hot sun and is cold hardy to 16 degrees.  The 15g plant shown here is 10 years old.  This is why this species is more costly than other palms.  The trunk is also smooth as shown here with no attached leaf bases.
LIVISTONA CHINENSIS THE CHINESE FAN PALM SINGLE TRUNK, MEDIUM SIZE This Asian species never really gets to a height much above 25 feet.  It's so slow growing that anything over ten feet seems to take an eternity.  It has a twelve inch thick trunk and flat green leaves.  In most areas it takes full sun but also tolerates filtered light.  Cold hardiness is about 18 degrees F.
LIVISTONA DECIPIENS AKA LIVISTONA DECORA MEDIUM TO TALL HEIGHT, THIN TRUNK This Australian fan palm can get over 40 feet tall, has a thin trunk and droopy leaflets.   Because of the latter fact it's known as the Ribbon Palm.  Leaflets hang toward the ground.  It likes full sun and is cold hardy into the upper teens F.  It's quite handsome.
PHOENIX RECLINATA THE SENEGAL DATE PALM CLUMPING SPECIES MEDIUM SIZE This is a type of Date Palm that clusters.  It gets its name from the fact that trunks recline (lean) with age and height.  It has a variable height.  But, you can count on at least 15 feet.  Some clumps get taller.  It loves sun and is cold hardy into the upper teens F.
	clumping palm to the right
PHOENIX THEOPHRASTI THE CRETAN DATE PALM BUSHY AND NOT TOO TALL This Date Palm is native to the island of Crete, southern Greece and some nearby islands.  It is a suckering palm and not quite as tall as the Phoenix dactylifera.  Its dates are not edible.  Leaf color is typically lime green.  Height can get up to thirty feet.  Leaves are quite plumose.  Cold tolerance is about 17 degrees or lower and it loves full and hot sun.
SABAL CAUSIARUM TALL FAN PALM THICK CONCRETE LIKE TRUNKS This Caribbean fan palm can get rather tall, up to fifty feet.  Its remarkable characteristic are the thick, concrete colored and appearing trunks.  They are really impressive and get up to two feet thick.  Leaf color is blue green.  This palm loves sun and is cold hardy into the mid to upper teens F.
SABAL MINOR THE SMALLEST SABAL DWARF PALM - SIX FEET TALL This fan palm is native to the southeastern part of the U.S.  It rarely gets over six feet tall.  It puts out blossoms that are taller than the leaves, producing many small black seeds.  Leaves are sort of large compared to its dwarf height.  It can take sun or shade and is cold hardy to 15 degrees.
TRACHYCARPUS WAGNERIANUS SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZE SUPER COLD HARDY SMALL, CUTE LEAVES This Asian species of Windmill Palm is quite difficult to find.  That's because it's very slow growing.  The 15g plant shown here is about 8 years old.  They typically don't get tall.  In a few decades, a ten foot palm could be expected.  They love full sun and are cold hardy to 15 degrees F.  Leaves are quite small and flat as shown here.
SYAGRUS SCHIZOPHYLLA X ROMANZOFFIANA THE COCONUT QUEEN BEAUTIFUL HYBRID PALM YET COLD HARDY We don't know as of yet the cold hardiness of this very handsome hybrid palm developed in Thailand.  It's quite a new thing.  It is prettier than both parents.  Anticipated height is 30 feet, so it's shorter than a standard Queen Palm.  It likes full sun and appears to be cold hardy down to about 20 degrees F.
TRITHRINAX ACANTHICOMA AKA TRITHRINAS BRASILIENSIS MEDIUM HEIGHT, SPINEY TRUNK This South American, single trunk fan palm is unlike some of its suckering kin below.  This plant gets to a height of about 20 feet and has a random pattern of long spines protruding from the trunk.  Leaves are green, medium sized.  It likes sun and is cold hardy well into the upper teens F.  The trunk is indeed different - liked by some, hated by others.
TRITHRINAX CAMPESTRIS SUCKERING BLUE FAN PALM MEDIUM HEIGHT This South American species is nothing like T. acanthicoma above.  It suckers, has a prominent blue color and has sharp points on the end of its leaf segments.  But, it is attractive and cold hardy to about 17 degrees F.  Expect a mature height of ten to twenty feet.

REMEMBER OUR SPECIAL: FILL A PALLET FOR SHIPPING (NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE LOCAED
IN THE U.S. OR BUY A LARGER DELIVERY LOAD - AND SAVE 15% OFF REGULAR PLANT PRICES!

 

 

SUPER COLORFUL COMPANION PLANTS SELECTION CHANGES FREQUENTLY SOMETIME EVEN ON SPECIAL! If you like different and colorful companion plants for the floor of the garden, check out these plants.  Remember, a garden is not complete until you put in the companion plants and add some color.  Our selection changes frequently and, on some, are seasonal.  Examples of such plants are given here with a link below to a new Website Article recently published on "Tropical Plants".  I THINK YOU'LL FIND THAT JUNGLE MUSIC IS YOUR BEST SOURCE FOR RARE AND COLORFUL COMPANION PLANTS YOU CAN'T FIND ANYWHERE!
	Pavonia, c/o Wikipedia
This photo and last from our Display Garden

 

 

NEW WEBSITE FEATURE!

TROPICAL PLANTS

DESCRIPTION , PHOTOS, AVAILABILITY and REGULAR PRICES

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT TROPICAL PLANTS!

 

 

END OF OLDER POSTS, SEPTEMBER, 2016    

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A LOOK AT THE FRONT OF THE NURSERY PERSONAL PHOTOGRAPHIC TOUR ALMA AND THE PLANTS Recently, on a drizzling day, sort of gray and gloomy, the following photos were taken by Alma.  Regardless, we were quite busy with customers at the nursery.  Somehow Alma found the time to take pictures of the front entrance to our nursery.  These pictures show the unique combination of palms, cycads and succulents that we're offering.  You can see how nicely they all blend together.  I hope the gorgeous blue Encephalartos show well in these pictures.  They are huge and unique.

 

PLANT BROKER VERSUS NURSERYMAN WHAT SOME SELLERS DON'T WANT YOU TO KNOW HOW TO TELL WHICH IS WHICH There's a dirty little secret among people who sell plants.  That secret is that some people don't "grow plants" but merely buy someone else's plants, try to sell them to you and make it appear that they propagate plants.  And, unfortunately, they are often brokering plants grown elsewhere, in more tropical areas that won't do as well as locally grown plants.  Why would this be a secret?  Because they don't want you to go looking for their sources.  Otherwise, you wouldn't buy from them. How do you tell who is who?  How do you know if a "nursery" is growing their own plant material or just brokering?  It's quite simple.  Look inside the nursery for evidence of germination.  Look for small plants in addition to large ones.  Look for plants of the same species in many sizes.  If you see none of these things, perhaps just one size of a given plant, you're almost guaranteed that that person is just selling other nursery's material. Yes, Jungle Music does bring in plants from other sources.  But, it's most often young seedlings when we do.  And we then grow them up for years to the large palms your know us for.  I've found that I can't germinate everything.  We need some help.  So, we've had decades of history with reliable germinators who sometimes germinate seeds for us.  And, when we do find larger and super desirable things, we may bring them in.  But, 99% of our material we've grown ourselves.  Just looking at the our nursery, you realize this.  We've got a quarter million plants. So, don't get fooled.  Deal with someone who really knows the plants and has been growing them himself.  The pictures here show you some of the two miles of tables we put our plants on.  You'll see plants of all sizes - from new seedlings to 5g, 15g and larger plants.  I've shown a lot of seedlings here and flats of small plants.  I thought you'd like to know this.

 

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MINI-REVIEW OF SOME INTERESTING AND COLORFUL TROPICAL PLANTS
FOR FULL VERSION ON TROPICAL PLANTS, CLICK HERE

Availability changes frequently.  We're always getting in new and different items

FLOWERING ANTHURIUM RED, PINK, WHITE AND OTHERS Flowering Anthurium are low profile plants that rarely get over 18 inches tall.  They like filtered light and have a surprisingly long flowering season.  In fact, some will continue to put out flowers until fall.  Flower sizes vary from about 2 inches up to 4 inches across.  An individual flower may last well over a month.  Plants are also quite durable with thick, prominently veined leaves.
COLEUS, LOTS OF COLORS LARGE, FULL PLANTS Coleus is a type of plant that will get quite big and full.  They can grow in partial sun but filtered light enhances their colors.  They need a bit of trimming of ends of stems to keep them from getting too large.   These plants are already two by two feet in size.  Blossoms should be pinched off as well.  Colors are stunning.  They are a bit cold sensitive but with some protection, many folks get them to winter over.  They make a stunning plant for a patio container.
COLORFULL GERANIUMS FANCY HYBRID PLANTS NOT THE ONES YOU MOM USED TO GROW! Geraniums will take more sun than most of the other plants here.  The ones shown now are fancy hybrids with large, two-toned flowers.  And, the flowers are huge for this species.  They are just starting their blooming cycle now.    Geranium are reasonably cold hardy.  We hope to continually be getting in new exciting colors.
PINSTRIPE GINGER DWARF SPECIES NOT OVER THREE FEET TALL THIN WHITE STRIPES ON GREEN LEAVES RED AND WHITE UPRIGHT BLOSSOMS We've been carrying the Pinstripe Ginger for about a year.  People love that it's a dwarf species, will take some sun and has really attractive foliage.  Blossoms are medium size, upright, white in color with red throats as shown here.  We've usually carried 15g size but can now offer 5g plants as shown here.  Filtered light is best for these plants.
		photo c/o Southeastgarden Website
KALANCHOE, ASSORTED TYPES MANY COLORS OF THE RAINBOW THICK GREEN LEAVES Kalanchoe are a type of tropical succulent with florid blossoms of many colors of the rainbow.  Flowers are long lived.  Plants are usually about 2 feet tall at maturity and like filtered light.  Surprisingly, the leaves are remarkably thick and fleshy.  The plants we have in a good sized for what's on the market.  We'll be getting in new colors every few weeks.
CALENDIVA JUST COMING INTO FLOWER LARGE FLOWERS IN RED, PINK AND WHITE FABULOUS PLANTS These plants are similar to Kalanchoe but have bigger, more impressive flowers.  They have similar thick, succulent like fleshy green leaves.  They like filtered light and don't get too big.  These plants are good size and just in buds now.  You can see they are about to open and will be in full flower in a week or two.
		Photo c/o Bunnings Website, AU
CROTONS COLORFUL RED, BLACK GREEN AND YELLOW MAKE LARGER PLANTS WILL TAKE SOME SUN Crotons are a tropical and colorful plants that will, over time, get some size.  They tolerate part day sun here and full sun in the tropics.  Colors are stunning.  They are not super cold hardy but often winter over for folks.  One may need to prune them to maintain a smaller size.  We get in various types over the season.
FICUS DAMMAROPSIS LARGE 5G PLANTS VERY DIFFICULT TO FIND This unique species of tropical tree is known for it's huge leaves that are pleated, reach up to three feet long and have red veins.  It is one of the most collectible trees in the world.  It is very difficult to propagate and rarely seen for sale.  The plants we have now came from a special propagating company and will be gone quickly.  And, you can save.  Google this plant, look at it and you'll "have to have one".  I've got one 15 feet tall in my garden. It's survived San Diego weather for three decades.  Although not inexpensive, it's a "must have" species.  Recently they've been out of inventory and I know of no one making new plants right now.  Sorry.  I'll keep you posted at this Blog.
VARIEGATE DWARF GINGER NEW SPECIES FOR US SUPER ATTRACTIVE AND SHORT This is a new Ginger variety for us.  We've not had it before.  I've been told it makes a smaller plant for strong filtered light and has upright blossoms.  The variegated pattern is quite attractive.  Otherwise, I can't say a lot about it.  Limited availability.  These are also out of stock as the supplier went out of business.  Sorry.
BLECHNUM GIBBUM MINIATURE TREE FERN GETS FOUR FEET TALL This species of fern never gets over four to five feet tall.  It likes filtered light and plenty of water.  But, it's super cute appearing and very popular.  Some may know of it as a "Silver Fern".  Trunk diameter is about 3 inches.  Leaves are 2 to 2.5 feet long.  The plants we have are high quality 5g plants.
ALOE BLUE ELF SMALL SUCCULENT IN FLOWER NICE 2G PLANTS SMALL, COMPACT -  FULL SUN This smaller succulent is from South Africa, reaches 18 inches in height and has an orange-red flower as shown here.  Plants like full sun and heat and are tolerant of cold down to about 20 degrees F.  They have just gone into flower now.  This would be a good species next to a pathway or garden border near people.  It's very attractive.  Foliage is blue.
LIGULARIA TUSSILANGINEA LILY-LIKE, FLAT GREEN LEAVES YELLOW BLOSSOMS IN FALL TAKES SUN - LIKES WATER This is an interesting plant we propagate ourselves from seeds of existing plants.  They form small clusters of shiny green leaf plants that don't get over 18 inches.  Flowers come in the fall are yellow, daisy-like and medium sized.  This species enjoys water and will droop over with too little water.  Then, when given water, they bounce right back.  It's a good "indicator plant" for how well you are watering the garden.  They'll take sun in many areas or part day sun.  Available 1g, 2g and some 5g plants.
		Ligulariaaa auburn.edu website

ALOCASIA CAL-ODORA THE MINIATURE ELEPHANT EAR NEVER OVER ABOUT THREE FEET TALL Customers often shy away from the Elephant Ear Alocasia because of their potential size.  There is even one species that gets super tall and almost takes over the garden.  But, what I'm showing you here 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.  When people see how they perform they often come back for more.

CAVENDISH FRUITING BANANAS DWARF SPECIES, COLD HARDY ONLY FRUITING BANANA THAT DOES GREAT IN SOUTHERN CA 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 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.
		+    photo c/o Wikipedia
AGAVE ATTENUATA SEMI-MINIATURE SUCCULENT BLUE GREEN COLOR This species gets a mature height of about six feet.  They have thick, fleshy leaves without any spines.  Trunks get to about 3 inches thick.  They can sucker from the base.  They like full sun and have a cold tolerance to the low 20's F.  We have 5g and 15g available.

 

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MEET OUR JUNGLE MUSIC STAFF PHOTOS AND BRIEF COMMENTS Many of you who have called us or received emails over the years have communicated with one of our staff.  But, you may know nothing about them.  So, we thought we'd post a webpage that shows who they are and mentions a few points.  Just click on the banner to the left to read about our staff.

Click on the banner above to meet our Staff

 

RECYCLE YOUR PLASTIC CONTAINERS NURSERY CREDIT FOR USED PLASTIC POTS I like to remind plant enthusiasts to recycle their plastic containers.  We will take them and give you a credit toward any purchase at the nursery.  Or, if you just don't know what to do with them and are conservative minded, drop them off at our nursery location.  We'll put them to good use.  We've been doing this for decades and think it's the right thing to do for the environment.  We are especially looking for larger pots, 15g and bigger.  We also really appreciate 7g pots and citrus pots.    So, don't give them to the garbage man for your local landfill.  Bring them to our nursery.  We thank you in advance!

    

THIS PALM, CYCAD AND TROPICAL PLANT BLOG WHY DID I CREATE IT?    WHAT IS ITS PURPOSE? HOW DO I WRITE MY POSTS AND SELECT TOPICS? PRESENTLY GOING ON SIX YEARS, THOUSANDS OF POSTS. For those of you who know our Website, you are aware of the fact that this site offers a tremendous amount of information on the palms, cycads and an assortment of tropical plants.  I started this website over twenty years ago.  It was one of the first websites in the world on palms and cycads.  And, it is presently one of the largest for sure.  Yes, we are a nursery and, to survive and support this Site, we must sell our plants.  But, as I looked at internet sites over time, I found it quite disappointing that, with most plant sites, it is apparent that the only motive of sites was to sell their products.  Little information was shared.  But, in my opinion, the point of the Internet was to share information.   So, our website from its inception had the mission of offering free information for the reader to learn about the plants, their culture and educate them on species they could grow.  To accomplish this I've written and posted about a hundred articles on plants and species.    Doing this was made easier by the fact that I've been studying, growing and learning about palms and cycads now for almost forty years.  I've been involved with and learned from many plant organizations and am the past President of the International Palm Society and the Palm Society of Southern California.  And, I've traveled the world multiple times studying plants in gardens and habitats.  This allowed me to accumulate literally tens of thousands of photographs over the years.  And, as Jungle Music began in 1977, I've had decades of experience with growing the plants and learning their culture.  The nursery has also been a great source of feedback from customers.  I've learned the successes and losses they've had and how any given species grew for them.  The latter has been in invaluable part of gaining knowledge about the plants.  One can read forever, but actually growing, observing and caring for the plants is, in my opinion, the best source of learning.     Plant reference books tend to be very scientific.  They are written typically by taxonomists who use terms and phrases that few can understand.  Some are not this way, but the majority are.  And, practical cultural information is rarely present, especially not for different growing areas.  People want to know "Can I grow it?".  My goal at this Site has been to share information that people could understand and use, especially in the selection of the right species for their gardens.    Years ago I spent large amounts of time making contributions to discussion sites and groups on the Internet.  But, it became apparent that all this information is lost within a month or two.  Old posts on servers are literally just deleted.  And, they tend to be a difficult way to gather good information.  And, discussion groups are notorious for not being available to search engines.  So, I abandoned discussion groups and started this Blog four years ago with the goal of making a resource point for plant information that would persist over time.  Presently there are thousands of posts on the threads of this Blog.  My next project is to make information from the years of this Blog to be presented in an easily searchable format, organized by species, groups or cultural areas.  Hopefully this will be available in the next twelve months.    With a daily schedule like a farmer, I tend to get up very early in the morning.  It's quiet before the sun comes up and there's few distractions.  And, as I sit down at my computer, I have no idea what I'm going to write about any given morning nor what I will put on one of our Ten Day Specials.  I just think of a subject and do it right then and there.  I might have an idea from the day before or remember a confusion people have on a subject that I'd like to clarify.  I learn at the nursery the most common things that people don't understand.   I am convinced that, if one read this blog on a repetitive basis for a year or so, that person would become very knowledgeable and a lot more comfortable with growing rare species.    Outside my office window I can see into my garden for inspiration.  The garden at dawn is just magical.  And, this is what I've done this morning.  Every time I post on this Blog, it takes me several hours.  I try to add interesting anecdotes, stories and cultural tips.  Hopefully I've got some good and recent photographs the reader hasn't seen.  I try to explain terms that might stump the reader.  Some "experts" may not agree with everything I put here, but posts are my viewpoint on the subject.  I mostly utilize my own photos, but will credit those from friends or acquaintances when used.   I invite anyone with pictures or information about cool species to contact me.  I may add it to this Blog.  And, I always give credit for any donated photographs.    Hopefully, as I travel, visit more gardens and faraway parts of the world, I can share more with you over time.  It does amaze me when I come across a species or topic that I've never discussed on the Blog.  But, it happens all the time.  My promise to you is I will continue this Blog for as long as I can and continually try to improve it and make it interesting.  Thank you for reading. Note to readers: On review, this is a long winded post.  If you read to this point, as a reward to you for your perseverance, email me and I'll send you a 15% off coupon.

Phil Bergman on left, and on right, past president IPS, Horace Hobbs.  photo taken at IPS Biennial in Thailand at Nong Nook Gardens, year 1998. photographing old Ficus trunk at Selby Garden, FL View outside my office window at dawn

Phil Bergman at a private cycad garden this past summer 2014, Southern California

 

 

Jungle Music Palm Trees, Cycads &Tropical Plants

PLANT PICKS OF THE WEEK

We're now up to our fifth video on "Plant Picks of the Week".  This week featuresss Parajubaea torallyiii and Dioon merolae.  

Click here to see this short Video.

 

JUNGLE MUSIC AND SOCIAL MEDIA THERE'S LOTS OF WAYS TO CHECK OUT WHAT IS HAPPENING AT THE NURSERY. For some time, our nursery has had a real presence on social media venues such as Facebook, Twitter, etc.   We've vastly expanded this in recent times.  So, if you're on the go only with your smart phone, it's easy to see what's happening at the Nursery.  I've included a few links below.  We'd love to have many of you follow us, especially at Facebook.  Check it out.  These medias are fun.  Click on Icons Below to Follow Us.

 

JUNGLE MUSIC PALMS, CYCADS AND TROPICAL PLANTS RANDOM PHOTOS OF OUR ENTRANCE Recently we shot an assortment of photos of what the front of our nursery looks like.  I think you'd have to agree that we are loaded with tons of beautiful plants.  Please give us a visit.  We're 25 minutes north of San Diego, 90 minutes south of Los Angeles and just off Freeway 5.  There's a directions button at the top of our Home Page.

MORE ASSORTED PHOTOS OF    PLANTS OUTDOORS AT THE NURSERY About half of our nursery plants are grown outdoors at the nursery.  The other half are inside our greenhouses.  We have twelve greenhouses.  In general, the outdoor plants are acclimated better to our weather or sun and tend to be larger and more mature in size. For those of you who haven't visited us, our street front is about three hundred feet long in a residential neighborhood.  We chose such a neighborhood on purpose because our city is known for its nurseries and green attitude.  Nurseries are nestled among homes.  It's quite inviting to visit nurseries here.  We have several acres overall dedicated to the plants.  This includes shaded or shade cloth areas, hot sun areas, a display garden area and a large propagation and growing grounds.  We also host an educational center and lecture hall.  We are just minutes off the major freeway (Fwy 5) in our town of Encinitas, California.  So, it's an easy trip.  Please drop in a visit us.

 

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