2008 list

Updated 13 March 2008

Packets contain 50 seeds unless otherwise specified.

Lactuca perennis - Asteraceae, central, southern Europe. Flowery domes of nice lavender blue chicory style flowers cover the low tight rosettes of this perennial lettuce. Great for containers and rock gardens. Z6 30 seeds

Lathyrus nervosus - Fabaceae, South America. The spicy fragrance of Lord Anson's blue pea is just another reason to grow this perennial. Stems reach to 2'+, and very pretty lavender blue flowers are held over the firm succulent blue-gray leaves. Here, the plants bloomed in spring and fall. Z9 20 seeds

Lavandula viridis - Lamiaceae, Spain, Portugal. Aromatic light green leaves; green flags on top of the inflorescence. An adaptable, easy shrub. Z9

Layia chrysanthemoides – Asteraceae, California. Smooth tidy tips. Somewhat succulent low leaves are glossy green; cheery spring flowers are good sized, abundant and yellow with white tips. Annual.

Layia gaillardioides – Asteraceae, California. Perfumed tarweed ends the spring season with bright yellow daisies held on slender stems with that wonderful tangy aroma. Easy in sun or part shade.

Layia glandulosa - creamy yellow fl. Asteraceae, western U.S. Palest yellow daisies in spring on branched slender stems create a great effect in spring. Aromatic leaves. Spring bloom is profuse.

Lepechinia bella – Lamiaceae, Bolivia. Beautiful bright blue flowered pitcher sage with curved fls. held erect along the stems. Needs protection from hard frost. 20 seeds limited supply Sold out 2008

Lepechinia cardiophylla – Lamicaceae, California. Pitcher sage with large gray green leaves and white to palest lavender fls. is vigorous and can reach 5’+. Adaptable in cultivation. Z9 30 seeds

Lepechinia chamaedryoides - Lamiaceae, Chile. Narrow, textured leaves are bright green and stems are very upright on this evergreen shrub. Lovely, bluer than lavender bell shaped flowers are abundant in spring. To 6'. Z8

Lepechinia graveolens – Lamiaceae, Argentina. A curious un-Lepechinia like shrub. Grows to 5’+ with large green leaves and terminal branched spikes of tiny white fls. with expanding calyces that turn rose pink as seed develop. 30 seeds

Lepechinia hastata - Lamiaceae, Mexico. Large, arrow-shaped gray leaves are held on stiffly upright stems, red purple flowers in terminal spikes are showy in summer and fall. Grows 4-6' high. Adaptable. Z8

Limnanthes douglasii ssp. rosea – Limnanthaceae, California. Charming variant of meadow foam puts out bright white fls. with pink veins that age to pale pink. Spring bloom, well adapted to wet soils—and containers. 30 seeds

Lotus crassifolius var. otayensis - Fabaceae, San Diego County, California. Arching stems carry gray green, softly furry leaves and rise to about 18". Clusters of red violet and white fls. appear in spring and summer. Perennial. Z9? 30 seeds

Lotus formosissimus - Fabaceae, California. Found in seasonally moist meadows, this low perennial can grow to 2' across, and covers itself with bright yellow and lavender pink pea flowers in spring, with scattered bloom in summer. Z8? 30 seeds

Lotus purshianus – Fabaceae, California, widespread western US. Seen in nature, this annual is straggly and unimpressive. Cultivation yields dense mats of light green hairy leaves, well dotted with pretty pink and cream pea flowers. 30 seeds

Lupinus albifrons var. collinus – Fabaceae, California. Silvery leaves on spreading stems make a low mat; spikes of bright blue purple fls. extend to 18”. Spring bloom on this perennial subshrub. 30 seeds

Lupinus hirsutissimus - Fabaceae, California. The common name of Stinging Lupine for this annual does not begin to illustrate the charm of this plant. Covered with stiff hairs, it bristles with enthusiasm. Red violet fls. in spring. 30 seeds

Lupinus latifolius var. parishii – Fabaceae, California. A moisture loving California lupine, this leafy perennial makes strong stems to 4-5’ and tops them with long stems of soft mauve pink flowers in late spring and summer. 30 seeds

Lupinus microcarpus var. densiflorus - dark pink – Fabaceae, California. This form of chick lupine carries deep pinky mauve flowers over grayish green leaves. Unusual strong flower color for this variable species. 30 seeds

Lupinus nanus - Fabaceae, western U.S. Annual with soft lavender blue flowers grows to 15", and blooms with abandon. Sweet "moth ball" fl. fragrance is just another intriguing smell from the California chaparral. 50 seeds

Lupinus pilosus/ poss. L. palaestinus - Fabaceae, Middle East. Annual, with large, silky gray leaves and oversized rich blue purple fls. in spikes in spring and summer. Vivid flowers are quite fragrant. Giant seeds. 10 seeds

Lupinus sericatus – Fabaceae, California. Uncommon in nature, this perennial lupine stays low with broad silver palmate leaves. Fl. spikes to 12”+ are dark mauve pink to violet. Needs good drainage. Z8? 15 seeds limited supply

Lupinus truncatus - Fabaceae, California. Easy annual lupine combines bright green leaves and rich purple flowers on spikes to 10". Blooming can continue for months if plants receive moderate water. 30+ seeds

Madia elegans - Asteraceae, California. Annual. Young rosettes are soft-hairy; by midsummer they can elongate from 3-7' and short branches carrying many 1.5" miniature sunflowers explode with color. Seeds gathered from plants with pale yellow, solid bright yellow, and yellow and white patterned flowers.

Madia elegans ssp. vernalis - Asteraceae, California. Annual. The cheery spring blooming form of common madia makes masses of 1-2" bright yellow daisies on a rounded, well branched mound to 30". Lvs have the typical sweet tarweed aroma..

Malacothrix coulteri - Asteraceae, California. Green leaves produce curiously patterned black and white fl. buds on the annual Snake's-head. Buds open to very pretty white, chicory style daisies, sometimes with creamy yellow centers.

Melanoselinum decipiens - Apiaceae, Madeira. Lush monocarpic perennial makes a strong trunk to bear its tropical-looking leaves. Dense umbels of light pink fls. cover the leaves in the blooming year. Can grow to 6’ before bloom. Z9

Melianthus villosus - Melianthaceae, South Africa. Light green, hairy leaves form an attractive foliage mass. Summer flowers are not particularly striking, but the bright apple green seed pods are! Hardier than M. major. Z9 30 seeds

Mimulus cardinalis - gold fl. Scrophulariaceae, western U.S. Golden orange flowers appear in subtle variations in this seed strain from a golden flowered form of scarlet monkeyflower found on Santa Cruz Island. Z7

Mimulus guttatus -low form Scrophulariaceae, western U.S. This desirable seed strain of common monkeyflower produces leaves that always stay low, and fairly tidy. Brilliant yellow fls. on leafless 18" stems. Wet growing. Z6

Mimulus pictus - Scrophulariaceae, California. The beauty of this small annual is in the intricate markings on its salverform flowers. The background color is white, but it is delicately patterned with clear brown lines. Best in containers.

Mirabilis longiflora - Nyctaginaceae, Texas, Mexico. Long stems have clusters of white flowers at their tips. The effect is very airy, as the flower tubes are 5” long, and the exotically scented, rose-centered white flowers open only at night, and all point in different directions. Not for the meticulously manicured garden, but well worth growing! Perennial. Z8 30 seeds

Mirabilis viscosa - Nyctaginaceae, Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru. Vase shaped perennial to 30" has firm textured medium green, heart shaped leaves and bright fuchsia pink 1" flowers. The best part might even be the tan seed parachutes, one seed per chute, that follow the pretty flowers and float the seeds to the ground. Z8 30 seeds Sold out 2008

Monardella linoides ssp. viminea - Lamiaceae, San Diego County. Narrow light green, very aromatic leaves on thin stems provide a succession of one inch wide dense heads of starry lavender flowers in spring or throughout the summer, depending on culture. Perennial. Seed collected from cultivated plants. Can only be sold within California. Z9 ?

Monardella villosa - Lamiaceae, California. Low shrublets with roundish green leaves and dense heads of lavender flowers in late spring and summer. This form to 12", and originally from Sonoma County. Z8

Muhlenbergia dubia - Poaceae, Texas, New Mexico, northern Mexico. A half-size version of California Deer Grass, M. rigens, the evergreen foliage of this grass is 12-18". Thin, erect flower spikes rise to 3', and keep their stiff silhouette. Z7

Muhlenbergia rigens - Poaceae, California. This architectural grass has an evergreen basal foliage clump and thin, silvery, erect flower spikes in summer. Spikes persist into fall and winter. Used by native Americans for baskets. Z7

Nassella cernua - Poaceae, California. Nodding needlegrass. Slender stems carry long sleek 3" awns on this native bunchgrass. Ornamental in flower and fruit. Z8

Nassella pulchra - Poaceae, California. Purple needlegrass. State grass of California. Bunchgrass, slightly more robust than the preceding species. Purplish cast to the very gracefully displayed, long awned flowers. Z8

Nepeta tuberosa - Lamiaceae, Spain, Portugal. Wide gray leaves spread on stems along the ground. Thick, dense flower spikes come in late spring and summer, and are bright purple. Best color in hot sun. Z8 100+ seeds

Nicotiana glutinosa - Solanaceae, Peru, Ecuador, Galapogos Islands. Very distinctive and pretty dusky rose flowers have more open throats than the typical nicotiana. Flower stems reach to 4'. Probably perennial in mild climates. 100+ seeds

Nicotiana 'Hot Chocolate' - Solanaceae. This charming seed strain was generously shared by Brian McGowan of Blue Meadow Farm, Massachusetts. Starry flower faces are muted ruby red to chocolate. Green flower tubes are great contrast.

Nicotiana knightiana - Solanaceae, Peru. Rounded gray leaves have firm texture; flowers have creamy tubes and bright green mouths. A stately and striking annual. To 5'+. 100+ seeds

Nicotiana maritima – Solanaceae, Australia. Erect stems with upfacing white flowers that are (unfortunately) scentless.

Nicotiana mutabilis - Solanaceae, Brazil. Properly named as a species in 2002, this remarkable plant is a beauty. Stems to 3-5' carry many pendant flowers. These open pure white, age to pale pink, then to rose pink. Perennial in Z9. 100+ seeds

Nicotiana hybrid- rose to pink – Solanaceae. Picked from a genetically polluted batch of ‘Hot Chocolate’, this was too nice to consign to compost. Fl. form is typical bedding nicotiana stars; color starts deep rose pink that almost borders on purplish maroon and ages to a lighter salmony pink. Plants to 3’.

Parochetus communis - Fabaceae, mts. of tropical Africa. Lush green clover like leaves form a dense mat; bright gentian blue pea flowers with a spicy cinnamon scent are held over the leaves in summer. Easy in containers. Z9 30 seeds

Petromarula pinnata - Campanulaceae, Crete. Low pinnate leaves form substantial glossy green clump. Dense columns to 2’ of starry lavender blue flowers extend over the leaves in spring and summer. Flowering goes on for months. Z8

Phacelia bolanderi - Hydrophyllaceae, California, Oregon. Lilac flowers are held on spreading stems over softly hairy, gray green leaves. Effect is subtle, but very pleasing. Good perennial plant for dry shade. 100+ seeds

Phacelia californica - Hydrophyllaceae, Californica. Perennial foliage clumps are a purplish gray green. Full flower heads are light lavender and are held over the foliage on erect stems in spring. Z9, at least

Phacelia grandiflora - Hydrophyllaceae, California. This grand annual can easily grow to 3'. Large dark lavender flowers with white centers appear in late spring and summer with a long display if given moderate water. Very effective. 100+ seeds

Phacelia tanacetifolia – Hydrophyllaceae, California. Robust annual can rise to 3’ high and carries its dense lavender flower cymes in abundance in spring and early summer. Often planted in local hedgerows to attract beneficial insects.

Phacelia viscida - Hydrophyllaceae, California. Incredibly bright blue flowers have white centers and go on for quite a while in spring and summer. Annual, reseeds readily. 100 seeds

Pseudocydonia sinensis - Rosaceae, China. This Chinese quince has been prized for its spring pink flowers, very large fragrant fruits, nice bark and great fall color. Large shrub or small tree. 30 seeds

Pycnostachys reticulata - Lamiaceae, South Africa. Curious white and dark lavender flowers in dense clusters, said to resemble a "witch's hat". Profuse bloom in late summer and fall. Nice long stems for cutting. Z9

Puya alpestris - Bromeliaceae, Chile. Stiff rosettes with hooked spines form dense clumps; stout fl. stems rise to 5'+ and produce short branches with incredible silky, deep blue green flowers with bright orange anthers in late spring and summer. Plants can be slow to bloom, but the flower color is worth the wait. Z8

Puya mirabilis - Bromeliaceae, Argentina, Bolivia. Clumps are not as spiny as some puyas, and plants bloom at a young age. Flower spikes to 3' carry drooping creamy green twisted bells. Very graceful plant. Z9

Retama monosperma - Fabaceae, Spain, N. Africa. Graceful shrub to 10', with silvery stems and tiny leaves and very pendulous branches. Abundant fragrant white flowers with red violet calyces in spring, followed by ornamental round seed pods. Grown as a cut flower too. Z9 20 seeds

Romanzoffia californica - Hydrophyllaceae, California to Washington. Mist maidens. Low clumps of ruffled leaves are absolutely covered with dainty white flowers in spring. Must dry out completely in summer and fall. Easy in containers. Z7

Romulea [subfistulosa] – Iridaceae, South Africa. Vibrant hot purplish pink flowers have a yellow center with black outlining. Spring bloom on this very striking, easy bulb from S. Africa. Can bloom second year from seed. Z9 ?

All Salvias are in the Lamiaceae.

Salvia argentea – Mediterranean. Wide silvery hairy leaves create a striking rosette. Fl. stems rise to 2’ and carry creamy white fls. in spring, but the leaves are the fetching attraction of this species. Z5 50 seeds

Salvia barrelieri - SW.Spain, N.Africa. Strong basal rosettes are somewhat blue green; very ornamental flower stalks to 5' rise in late spring and carry many large lavender blue flowers for a long period. A striking species. Z8 ? 30 seeds

Salvia bracteata – Middle East. Divided hairy leaves are light green on this subshrub; fl. stems to 12” carry large, muted medium pink fls. in spring and summer. Not particularly showy, but very interesting. Z9 or less. 20 seeds

Salvia broussonetii - Canary Islands. Large light green leaves densely held on a rounded perennial shrub are very attractive set among other garden plants on this white flowered sage. To 30". Z9 30 seeds

Salvia canariensis var. candidissima - Canary Islands. White woolly leaves are thicker and whiter than in the typical species. Rose flowers are set in red violet calyces. Z9 30 seeds

Salvia carduacea - California. Pale lavender blue flowers with an incredibly frilly lower lip are borne in spiny, cobwebby heads. Annual, good in containers. Z8 30 seeds

Salvia chamaedryoides - Texas, Mexico. This species presents a pleasing combination of small gray leaves and true blue flowers on a compact subshrub. Z8 30 seeds

Salvia cyanescens - C. Anatolia. Low, white pubescent rosettes; many airy spikes of blue violet flowers to 12-18" for a long season in summer. Z7 30 seeds

Salvia desoleana - Sardinia. Wide light green leaves have undulating edges and make a tight clump to 2’. Pale cream and light blue flowers are carried on 18” stems in spring and summer. Wonderfully pungent leaf aroma. 20 seeds

Salvia disermas - pink fl. South Africa. Light gray green leaves form a large mounding perennial clump; many small pale pink flowers (in this form) almost year-round. Z9, at least 50 seeds

Salvia disermas - white fl. - South Africa. Light green leaves on this form look good all year and form a pleasant mound to 2'; many white flowers in spring and summer. Z9, at least 50 seeds

Salvia greggii - white fls. Texas, Mexico. The usual low shrubs carry bright, clean white flowers for a long season. Leaves, of course, are sweetly aromatic. Z7 30 seeds

Salvia hierosolymitana – Middle East. Very large basal leaves are green. Early spring brings long flower stems with a succession of deep red purple—almost maroon-- flowers. Plants are hardy, but spring frosts can damage flowers. 20 seeds Sold out 2008

Salvia judaica - Palestine. Green rosettes produce 12"+ stems with bright red violet stems and calyces, and lavender blue flowers in spring. Z9, at least. 30 seeds Sold out 2008

Salvia lanigera - E. Mediterranean. This tidy plant often proceeds to seed production without showing flowers, but when they appear, the spidery flowers are a pretty lavender blue. It is such a tidy, light creamy green mound that the omission of flowers doesn't matter much. Grows 8" high by about 18" wide. 30 seeds

Salvia lyrata - burgundy leaves - southeast U.S. This seed strain has all burgundy colored leaves, rather than the more typical dark green ones with purple markings. Flowers are pinkish white. 30 seeds Z5 Sold out 2008

Salvia macrophylla - upright form. Tingo, Peru. Upright in habit, to 5'+, this form produces erect shrubs with large soft green leaves. Long spikes of bright blue flowers with backswept lower lip are set among limey green calyces. 30 seeds Sold out 2008

Salvia mellifera - California. Dark green leaved shrubs of black sage perfume the chaparral hillsides of coastal California. Dense whorls of white flowers in spring. Z8 50 seeds Sold out 2008

Salvia melissodora - Mexico. Erect, billowy shrub carries masses of light blue, grape scented flowers for a long season. Does not tolerate hard frost, though sometimes resprouts from the base. Currently, this naming is under question, but the charm of this plant is not. 20 seeds Sold out 2008

Salvia microphylla - pink - Mexico. Mid-green leaves and bright, large pink flowers make this plant very useful in the garden. This species is more leafy and dense in habit, and larger in flower than S. x jamensis. Z9 30 seeds

Salvia nilotica - Africa. Dense heads of small light blue purple flowers are carried over attractive, dark green foliage. More for the collector than for show, but quite nice in mixed plantings. 50 seeds

Salvia patens ‘White Trophy’ - Mexico. Large white flowers on this long blooming perennial. 20 seeds

Salvia praeclara - Bolivia. This species can best be described as a S. coccinea on steroids, leaves are thin and light green, flower stems reach to 18" and carry vivid orange red fls all summer above the foliage. Probably not hardy. 30 seeds

Salvia regla - Texas, Mexico. Large, glowing orange flowers are well displayed in fall on this upright 4-5' shrub. Deciduous in winter. Z9 20 seeds

Salvia repens - South Africa. Low green lvs. are sometimes lobed; flower stalks to 16" carry light blue and white flowers set in a red violet calyx. Blooms for months, and the plants spread at the root with enthusiasm in light soils. Z8-9? 50 seeds

Salvia roborowski - China. Soft yellow flowers occur in terminal spikes all over this 1-2' annual sage. Very nice when it self seeds a little. 50 seeds

Salvia scabra - South Africa. Blooming from early summer to fall, this sage displays its pretty clear lavender, long tubed flowers very effectively. Dark green foliage is low. Z9 30 seeds

Salvia serpyllifolia – Mexico. Grown for many years as the purple form of S. microphylla grahamii, this distinctive shrubby perennial has been determined to be S. serpyllifolia. It spreads in a limited way to form a nice patch and carries rich beetroot purple flowers in summer and fall. To 18" tall by 3' wide. 30 seeds

Salvia staminea - Asia Minor, Iran. Low rosettes are medium green, flower stalks rise to 30" and carry pretty white flowers set in subtly red-violet calyces. Flowering goes on for quite a while. Z5