Agave ellemeetiana

Ellemeet’s agave

Highlight Month:
August
Nativity:

This species was originally described in 1865 from material in European gardens but was recently re-discovered in the cloud forests of Mexico. Two subspecies exist: A. ellemeetiana ssp. ellemeetiana (from Veracruz and northern Oaxaca) with smooth leaf margins; and A. ellemeetiana ssp. subdentata (from western Oaxaca) with fine teeth, or denticles, on the margins.

Growth Habit:

This solitary agave lacks dangerous teeth on the margin and reaches large proportions in the garden. Its reflexed shiny green leaves are waxy and may turn slightly reddish at the tips when grown in full sun. Agave ellemeetiana superficially resembles A. attenuata, arguably the most common agave in Santa Barbara cultivation, but lacks the upright stem and blue, glaucous coloration to the leaves.

Growing Requirements:

Agave ellemeetiana is hardy to USDA Zone 10 and prefers full sun in coastal habitats and part shade when grown inland. Individual plants will reach 2-3’ tall and wide. It is one of the more shade tolerant agave species and grows on rocky cliff faces in cloud forest habitat alongside orchids and bromeliads. Consistent watering is recommended.

Features:

The specific epithet honors Jonkheer Willem Cornelis Mary de Jonge van Ellemeet (1811-1888), Dutch landowner, mayor, and holder of an extensive Agave collection at his estate near Oostkapelle in the Netherlands.

Where at Lotusland:

Agave ellemeetiana ‘Satina’ can be found at Lotusland near the Sycamore Canyon Road gate mixed in with the glaucous blue Agave franzosinii.

Salvia guaranitica

anise-scented sage

Highlight Month:
August
Nativity:

Brazil to Northern Argentina.

Growth Habit:

This large and attractive plant blooms mid-summer to fall with blue-purple petals and green to blue-black calyxes. The flowers are popular with hummingbirds and butterflies. Several cultivars available in the nursery trade have been selected for varying flower colors such as ‘Black and Blue’, ‘Argentine Skies’, and ‘Blue Enigma’.

This perennial Saliva can grow over 6’ tall in the Santa Barbara area but can be pruned in spring to branch at a lower height. Leaves are held in an opposite arrangement on the stem, are dark green in color, and have a mild anise-scent with crushed. Spreading underground rhizomes form a large patch and, in more temperate regions, can be overwintered indoors for planting the following season. Stem cuttings are also easy to root.

Growing Requirements:

S. guaranitica is hardy to USDA Zones 8-10, prefers full sun to part-shade, and is moderately drought tolerant once established.

Features:

The genus name, Salvia, comes from the Latin, salvus, meaning “to make safe or healthy” in reference to the healing properties of many sages. The specific epithet, guaranitica, refers to the Brazilian city of Guará, where this species is found.

Where at Lotusland:

At the back of the Cycad Garden.

Lobelia tupa

Highlight Month:
August
Nativity:

Chile

Growth Habit:

Perennial that forms a 4’ wide clump and can reach heights of 6-8’. Blooms in mid to late summer and will lightly reseed in the garden if flower stalks are left over the autumn. The bright red flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies and its broad grey-green leaves resemble the tobacco plant.

Growing Requirements:

L. tupa prefers full sun, minimal summer water after its first year, and is winter deciduous.

Features:

Use caution when handling this plant as it may irritate the skin and eyes. Contains the alkaloid lobeline which has similar effects upon the nervous system as nicotine.

Where at Lotusland:

Insectary Garden

Cleyera japonica

sakaki

Highlight Month:
August
Nativity:

Japan, Korea, China

Growth Habit:

Cleyera japonica, is a broadleaf evergreen shrub. In the wild, this species grows into a small tree, but when cultivated tends to develop a shrubbier habit, reaching 8-10’ tall by 6-10’ wide. New growth emerges a reddish bronze and fades to dark green. Fragrant creamy white flowers appear in mid-summer.

Growing Requirements:

Requires regular irrigation, well drained soils, and light shade.

Features:

It is considered a sacred tree to Japanese mythology and Shinto ritual and is used to construct tamagushi, an offering made of a sakaki branch decorated with strips of washi paper, silk, or cotton.

Where at Lotusland:

Japanese Garden

Francoa ramosa

bridal wreath

Highlight Month:
August
Nativity:

Chile

Growth Habit:

Francoa is a perennial plant which produces a clump of wavy-edged basal leaves, each to one foot long, with the plant itself reaching 1-2 feet high. It spreads by rhizomes, and is easily divided.

Growing Requirements:

Francoa grows best in partial shade with moderate water. It will tolerate temperatures slightly below freezing.

Features:

In summer, a profusion of multi-stemmed flower spikes rise up over the foliage on stalks up to 3 ft tall. Each stalk bears many small flowers which may be pure white or blushed with pink. The blooms made good cut flowers.

Where at Lotusland:

A planting of Francoa is growing in the Fern Garden.