New & Restocked

Most cultivars of the dwarf crested iris fiddle about with the original flower's saturation filter, Merle however has added a splash of new hue giving rise to a richly royal purple colored flower that may even have a tinge of deep red to the discerning eye. Certainly one of the most vibrant selections of this universally good species and one I wouldn't mind on a brooch or ring. 

We are excited to offer this formerly European-only delicacy out of the legendary Aberconwy nursery. Part of a breeding program to combine the compact form of 'Doksa' with the typical pink flowers of the species this was the most compact of the bunch. A perfectly exotic showplant for the Alpine enthusiast or an adorable and adaptable rock garden adornment for the avid gardener. 

One of two diminutive Libertia seedlings collected here in the greenhouses at Far Reaches, of the two this one could perhaps be considered the true dwarf. Topping out at only about 3 inches and that may be generous, quite possibly even more compact than 'Nelson Dwarf'. Quality green bladed foliage and tri-wing flowers we have come to love from the genus.

From the ruins of a once great empire only one princeling remains...

A conifer for fans of the post-apocalyptic genre, hailing from a genus that once lived from Antarctica to New Zealand to South America to the Indian Ocean now reduced to just one extant species found only in Western Tasmania. But even beyond the incredibly cool botanical history to put your friends to sleep with, the tightly scaled snaking branches that splay along the ground and translucent red cones like little strawberries make for an equally fascinating horticultural specimen. 

This seemingly non-existent in cultivation species of Mexican holly was collected by FRBC board member Cody Hinchliff in Oaxaca. Glossy evergreen leaves one often expects from a holly, these emerge a rich wine red in these plants that's highly attractive followed by glossy red berries. Growing as a tight rounded shrub of only about 5 feet in a sub-alpine zone that stays fairly moist and under full sun (Though the herbarium sheets suggest it may get larger in different conditions). Hardiness likely somewhere around 7b or 8a, will likely thrive in the Southeast, we are hoping it fares well in the wet PNW winters as well.

A Far Reaches Botanical Conservancy Offering

Choice little silver encrusted saxifrage which is a likely hybrid between S. paniculata and S. cochlearis. One of the delightful subtleties of this bit of botanical jewelry is the reddish coloring on the basal third of the leaves. The white flowers are nice but unnecessary as it is fine sculpture on its own. No hot sun.

Our collection from Asia of what is likely the first introduction of this exceptional form of this equally exceptionally rare variety. Attractive leaves that are terminally cleft into bilateral lobes. The 12" long hanging panicles of white flowers are the finest in the genus, holding their own among the best of flowering trees. So much better than the straight species. Seed-grown younguns from the original plants. Who's your plant daddy!!!!! Photo credit to Steve Hootman. Proceeds from this offering go to support the mission of Far Reaches Botanical Conservancy.

In the interest of full disclosure, we received this as Rhodohypoxis rubella from a reputable Dutch specialty bulb grower years back and we are having our doubts as to its veracity. Images of R. rubella in the wild suggest it is lighter pink, but then plants can have tremendous variability in the wild or none at all depending on the species. This has smaller flowers than typical R. baurii or its hybrids and smothers itself in rich deep dark pink flowers. Rhodohypoxis grow in South Africa at higher elevations on granitic cliffs where they inhabit little soil-filled pockets. They like good drainage and moisture while in growth and need the good drainage in winter to keep from rotting. Traditionally a classic bulb for small containers or pans as they they quickly fill out a pot and put on quite the display and then when they are going dormant it is easy to bring them into the garage or cool greenhouse over the winter. Here in the PNW, these are excellent rock garden subjects requiring only a bit of covering if winter temps plummet.

A well toothed and lilac-flowered cultivar of this primula that has coped well with less-than-perfect conditions and is considered easily open-grown or placed in a rock/alpine garden. Keep from too much wet to fully enjoy the farinose dusting of the foliage. These were said to originate from the trenches of the Napoleonic wars, echoing a time-honored symbology of regrowth after war-time.

One of the Asian hornbeams longest in cultivation, as well as one of the most graceful, yet still sadly rare particularly here in the US. Most introductions trace back to the Himalayas and China, whereas this is possibly the first from Vietnam collected and shared with us by Aaron Floden. Gently drooping branches and pendulous catkins give a soft weeping effect (particularly good in this clone) without the messiness of a true weeper. A beauty and with good hardiness for its origins surviving -6 F in Aaron's home garden.

A fascinating oddity of an Anemone that came to us from Ernie and Marietta O'Byrne of Oregon plant royalty. The flowers on this form are variably expressed on a spectrum from a white flower with a skirt of miniaturized leaves to a flower with petals completely transformed as if by fairy dust into an elegantly layered foliar kaleidoscope, with only a hint of white in the center suggesting its proper form. Combining the best of 'Bracteata' and 'Virescens' into a single plant each new bloom is a fun surprise and entirely new floral architectural marvel.

We collected this on the lower slopes of Mt Japfu in Nagaland where it was creeping on the shady forest floor with white veined leaves. 4-merous small white flowers and fruit a reddish orange pea. Plantsman extraordinaire Jens Nielsen pointed us in the right direction on the ID after much anguished and fruitless hunting that led us to offer this previously (and infamously) as "no idea yet".  Zone 9 vine.