Whatcom Seed Company - Catalog of Rare, Exotic, Unusual Garden Seeds

Lagerstroemia indica Crape Myrtle Qty $ 3.29 /packet 50 seeds		Clusters of white, pink, rose, red or purple flowers begin blooming in mid June and continue to September. New leaves are reddish bronze, changing to dark green. Fall color is yellow to orange to light red. Very attractive trunk with smooth gray or light brown bark that flakes off to reveal dramatic, smooth pinkish inner bark. Excellent flowering tree for bonsai. Natural height is quite variable, may be pruned to stay small or permitted to grow up to 25' or more. Many cultivars commonly in cultivation but seed-grown plants are unique. Called "Crape Myrtle" because the flowers resemble crepe paper in texture. Why the spelling is "crape" instead of "crepe" is a mystery. Native to China. Zone 7-10

Lagurus ovatus Hare's Tail Grass Qty $ 3.29 /packet 50 seeds		Ornamental Grass Perfect for dried floral arrangements, Hare's Tail Grass is also a nice accent plant for the garden. Self-seeding annual clumps 12" - 18" in height with 2" fluffy seedheads. Sow directly May - June. Annual (all zones)

Leonotis leonurus Lion's Tail Qty $ 2.74 /packet 10 seeds		The Lion's Tail is a striking evergreen shrub, originating in Southern and Southeastern Africa. It grows to a height of 6 feet with a spread of 4 feet. The summer blossoms are orange, hooded tubular, and arranged in successive whorls up the stem. This plant will thrive outdoors in zones 9 - 10 and should be protected from hard frost. It prefers light to medium, well-drained soils in an open, sunny position. It needs little water when established and is very easy to grow. The Lion's Tail has some traditional use as a smoking herb. The herb and flowers are dried and either used as a smoking herb, or extracted to make a resin which can be smoked. The Hottentot Tribes make a sticky extract which they smoke as a preferred intoxicant. The effects are said to be somewhat comparable to cannabis smoke. Zone 9+

Leontopodium alpinum
Edelweiss

Qty $ 2.85 /packet

100 seeds

Edelweiss, Edelweiss
Every morning you greet me
Small and white
Clean and bright
You look happy to meet me
Blossom of snow
may you bloom and grow
Bloom and grow forever
Edelweiss, Edelweiss,
Bless my homeland forever

[ From "The Sound of Music," 1965,
Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein]

Dainty white wildflower of the European Alps, tufted blossoms appearing as patches of snow late spring to midsummer. Perennial has become an endangered species in the wild owing to overcollection. Excellent selection for rockeries or Alpine house.

Zone 3-9

Leucadendron argenteum Silver Tree Qty $ 3.84 /packet 8 seeds		With its lance-shaped leaves covered with shimmering silver hairs which glisten in the sun and give the appearance of burnished silver, this is one of the most beautiful in foliage of all trees. The leucadendron has male and female plants. The females produce the characteristic cones. May be grown in zone 9 outdoors in well-drained soil and makes a splendid pot plant. Native to South Africa. Zone 9+

Licuala grandis Ruffled Fan Palm Qty $ 3.95 /packet 8 seeds		A tropical understory palm known for its round, pleated fronds that measure 3-feet across. Rather slow growing to a height of about 6-8 feet but will stay under 5 feet in a container. Loves moist, shady areas and does very well in low-light situations indoors. Requires little maintenance but needs protection against frost, which can damage the foliage. Zone 9b+

Licuala ramsayi Australian Fan Palm Qty $ 4.17 /packet 10 seeds		Leaves up to 7 feet wide! This spectacular fan palm is one of the largest Licualas, reaching 50+ feet in height in the fan palm forests of Queensland. Huge, circular leaves up to 7 feet across like the leaves of a gigantic Pinwheel Palm. Licuala ramsayi should be grown in a sheltered location and away from direct sunlight. Slow growing but is just as attractive when young and well suited for indoor display. Needs plenty of water. Zone 10+

Licuala spinosa Pinwheel Palm Qty $ 4.83 /packet 10 seeds		Pinwheel Palm, also known as Mangrove Fan Palm, is one of the most robust species of Licuala. Native to Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, this magnificent palm is easy to care for and probably the best of the Licualas for cold hardiness, withstanding freezing temperatures to about 25°F. Pinwheel Palm grows 12-15 feet in height. Its big, round, divided leaves can reach 3 feet across or more. Light shade to full sun, fast-growing, suited to subtropical and tropical areas. Makes a splendid and unusual indoor palm. Keep well watered. Germinate usually occurs in 3 - 8 weeks. Zone 10+

Ligustrum japonicum Japanese Privet Qty $ 3.07 /packet 50 seeds		A great hedge and topiary plant, Ligustrum have dark green, glossy leaves and bright white, open blossoms in the spring that have a fragrance similar to lilac. A very versatile, rugged plant that can tolerate poor conditions. Can grow to 12' in height or more but is usually kept trimmed shorter. Dense foliage makes an excellent, solid screeen or an outstanding bonsai. Zone 8+

Lilium superbum
Turk's Cap Lily

Qty $ 3.62 /packet

15 seeds

This beautiful giant, native to the Eastern U.S. is now threatened or endangered in many areas. One of the largest of all lillies, it reaches 3-6 feet in height and produces multiple 4" blooms from July through September. Full to part sun, prefers moist and rich soil. Growing from seed can require patience but is well worth it!

Zone 4-9a

Limnanthes douglasii Fried Eggs Qty $ 2.74 /packet 35 seeds		Annual Wildflower perfect for edging along paved paths or in cool rockery crevices. Blooms 8 - 10 weeks after sowing, late June to September. Low growing, 6-10" in height. Prolific self-sower, good for naturalizing. Native from California to southern Oregon, Limnanthes also attracts bees. Annual (all zones)

Lithops spp. Living Stones Assortment Qty $ 3.84 /packet 100 seeds		Living stone plants (Lithops species) are native to South Africa, where they grow among rocks or soil the same color as their two succulent leaves. Lithops are succulents (meaning they store water in their fleshy leaves) but are not related to cacti. Living stones are small plants, often only 1/2" to 1" in diameter. From Fall to Spring, the plants need NO WATER at all. And very little water is needed in the Summer. Too much water can kill the plants. Yellow or white flowers appear towards the end of the growing season. Generally grown as houseplants. The tiny seeds usually germinate in just 3 to 14 days. Zone 9b+

Livistona chinensis Chinese Fan Palm Qty $ 3.84 /packet 10 seeds		Well known and extremely popular, Chinese Fan Palm can withstand moderate frosts to 20 degrees F or less. Leaves are fan-shaped and beautifully weeping. Looks great even when young. Easy to grow and germinates readily from seed. Wonderful container plant and perfect for smaller yards. Zone 9+

Lobelia cardinalis var 'Queen Victoria' Cardinal Flower Qty $ 3.29 /packet 50 seeds		The flower is perhaps the most brilliant red that you can find anywhere and can be easily seen from 100 yards away. This is the much sought-after "Queen Victoria" variety, which has very attractive, deep maroon foliage. Grows to a height of about 3 feet and attracts hummingbirds from miles around. This plant loves water and does especially well at the edge of a pond or stream. Native to the Eastern U.S. Zone 3-9

Lunaria biennis Money Plant Qty $ 3.29 /packet 15 seeds		The fragrant flowers of the money plant are purple or white, appearing in clusters from April to June. Once the seed pods have matured and dried on the plant, the outer casing can be rubbed away to reveal white satin discs resembling silver coins. Money plant makes a fine addition to dried arrangements. Germinates in 10-20 days. Easily grown, tolerating poor soil, partial shade and drought. Hardy biennial, grows 24-36" tall. Zone 2-9.

Macadamia integrifolia Macadamia Nut Tree Qty $ 4.83 /packet 8 large seeds		Macadamia integrifolia is an evergreen, native to southeastern Queensland, Australia where it grows in the rain forests and close to streams. The tree's main claim to fame, of course, is its golden, buttery flavored nut, which is commercially grown predominantly in Hawaii and Australia. The nuts grow in clusters along the branches of the tree and have the hardest shell of any nut. Macadamias are ideally suited to a mild, frost-free climate with abundant rainfall distributed throughout the year. Mature trees are fairly frost hardy, tolerating temperatures as low as 24° F, but the flower clusters are usually killed at 28° F. Young trees should not be subjected to frost at all. In spring, Macadamia trees have masses of long, creamy white, perfumed flowers, which provide a dramatic contrast to the dark foliage. Macadamia wood is very hard, beautifully grained and valuable, selling for $12 or more per board foot. The trees are slow to mature and may take 8-12 yrs to bear fruit -- but it's well worth the wait! Zone 9+

Mahonia aquifolium Oregon Grape Qty $ 3.07 /packet 15 seeds		Oregon Grape, which is one of the most cold resistant of the broad-leaved evergreens, has leaves that look like holly leaves and fruit that looks like grapes, but it is related to neither. The feather-shaped leaves, composed of tough, leathery, spiny-edged leaflets, turn an attractive bronze in cold weather. In the spring, the plants bear short clusters of bright yellow flowers at the tops of their stems. The flowers are followed by bluish black edible berries, which can be made into a delicious jelly. Oregon Grapes are excellent for use near foundations and in shrub borders. Oregon Grape usually grows about 2 to 3 feet tall in three to four years. Oregon Grapes prefer light shade and moist soil but will also grow in the sun except in very hot, dry areas. Oregon Grapes are rarely bothered by pests but should be planted in a sheltered place in northern areas to prevent winter winds from dehydrating foliage. May be easily pruned in early spring to control size. An outstanding, versatile ornamental. Zone 5+

Malva sylvestris Zebrina Striped Malva Qty $ 2.85 /packet 35 seeds		Malva sylvestris Zebrina is an all-around outstanding perennial. Flowers all summer. Blooms are pinkish-white with purple-black center markings. Simply fabulous! 3 - 6 feet in height, full sun or part shade, adapts to most soils. Puts on a wonderful display its first year from seed. Zone 5-9

Meconopsis betonicifolia Himalayan Blue Poppy Qty $ 3.62 /packet 35 seeds		The famous Himalayan Blue Poppy is best grown in climates having cool, rainy summers, such as the Pacific Northwest and coastal California. Will probably succeed anywhere Rhododendrons can be grown, which have similar needs. Plant in shade or partial sun in moist but well-draining soil, rich in organic matter. The addition of peat, bark or pine needles will help increase soil acidity, which produces good blue color. Grows 2-4 feet in height and the stems each produce several 3-4 inch flowers in early summer. Zone 7-9

Medemia argun Nubian Desert Palm Qty $ 9.99 /packet 5 very large seeds		Until recently little was known about this mysterious, and thought-to-be-extinct, fan palm, making it the subject of much speculation. However, we now know that Medemia, though still very rare, survives happily to this day in several small populations in the Nubian Desert of the Sudan. Medemia is native only to the Sudan, where it grows in the barren floodplains of seasonal rivers (wadis). The climate is generally very dry, hot during summer and mild in winter. Allied to the Doum palm, Hyphaene, and Bismarckia, it is a beautiful and stately, solitary fan palm to about 50ft tall with a straight, ringed, brown trunk that supports a large, spherical crown of very stiff, strongly costapalmate leaves. The light blueish-green colour of the leaves contrasts strikingly with its bright yellow petioles. The attractive fruits are a shiny purplish black in colour and the size of plums. When dry, they emit a pleasant malty smell and are edible. In ancient Egypt, the fruits of Medemia argun were imported from the Sudan, and have been found in Egyptian tombs, indicating their importance. Medemia has never been in cultivation anywhere in the world before. Medemia will grow under the same conditions and in the same regions as its closest relatives, Hyphaene and Bismarckia, i.e. in nearly all subtropical and tropical and some warm temperate areas. The Nubian Desert Palm is extremely drought tolerant and will thrive under hot and dry conditions where its growth rate is fairly fast. A very rare, highly unusual palm. Zone 9b+

Mentha x piperita Peppermint Qty $ 2.96 /packet 100 seeds		Refreshing scent This is the true peppermint used to flavor candy and drinks. Strong, minty scent. The herb grows 2 to 3 feet in height. Spikes of lavender flowers appear in mid-summer. Plant in moist, fertile soil in light shade. Fast-spreading, may become invasive if not controlled. Zone 5-9

Metasequoia glyptostroboides Dawn Redwood Qty $ 3.29 /packet 50 seeds		Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) was unknown until about 60 years ago, when it was discovered in the form of fossils collected by paleobotanists. At the time, the tree was thought to have been extinct for perhaps a million years. One year later, Dawn Redwood was discovered alive and well in the remote village of Motao-chi in the Chinese province of Szechwan. A Boston arboretum sent a special expedition to the area. The seeds collected were shared with other botanical gardens around the world, and this deciduous conifer is now widely available. Mature trees in China are broadly conical and grow about 100 feet tall from thick buttressed roots. Presumably they will eventually attain a similar size in the U.S. and elsewhere--young plants grow 3 feet or more a year. On a large lawn, they can attract attention not only for their history but for their foliage. Soft, bright green needles, about 3/4 inch long, appear in early spring, then turn pinkish brown before falling in the autumn. Brown cones 3/4 inch long ripen each year. Zone 4b-8 No export to Australia

Michelia champaca JOY Perfume Tree Qty $ 3.84 /packet 15 seeds		INTENSE FRAGRANCE The sweet scent of Michelia champaca can easily be enjoyed from hundreds of feet away. The oil of the Michelia is the essence of some of the world's most expensive perfumes including JOY, by Jean Patou and J'adore, by Christian Dior. Michelia champaca is a tropical evergreen native to India and Indonesia. The aromatic orange blooms appear nearly all year round. Grows to the size of a large shrub or small tree, 15'+ in height. Strictly tropical, zone 10-11 or warm greenhouse. Zone 10+

Mimosa pudica Sensitive Plant Qty $ 2.96 /packet 40 seeds		Popular novelty plant dramatically folds up its leaves when stimulated by touch, heat or wind. Sensitive Plant is fascinating for kids (and grown-up kids, too). Usually grown as an annual. Grows to about 12" in height. Take care not to disturb its roots. Native to Brazil but now naturalized throughout the tropics worldwide. Zone 9-10

Mimulus cardinalis Red Monkey Flower Qty $ 2.74 /packet 50 seeds		Native Wetland Wildflower Mimulus (Monkey Flower) is an excellent choice for the water's edge and other moist locations. It will grow right in water as long as the crown is above the waterline. This perennial blooms April - October. Zone 7-9

Mimulus hybridus Monkey Flower Calypso Mix Qty $ 3.29 /packet 50 seeds		'Calypso' F1 Hybrid Speckled hybrid Mimulus species -- commonly called "Monkey Flower". Thrives in part shade and moist soils, grows 6" to 12" in height. Often treated as an annual, but may be grown as a perennial in sheltered locations. Vibrant colors to brighten almost any garden bed or patio. Deer resistant, too! Zone 6-9 or Annual (all zones)

Moluccella laevis Bells of Ireland Qty $ 3.07 /packet 50 seeds		Green Garden Annual Bells of Ireland is a lightly scented plant that grows 24 to 36 inches tall. The 1- to 2-inch, white-veined green bells that cling closely to stems are not really flowers but enlarged calyxes--the outer leaves that appear at the base of most flowers. The true flowers, tiny, fragrant and white, are deep within the bells. The popular names alluding to Ireland have been applied to this plant only because of the green color of the bells, not because the plant comes from Ireland; it is native to the eastern Mediterranean region. Bells-of-Ireland makes interesting and long-lasting cut flowers, and have additional value as dried flowers for winter arrangements. Dry them in a cool, dark, airy location and pick the sparse prickly-textured leaves off the stems so that the bells become more conspicuous. Whether you plan to use them in fresh or dried arrangements, the best time to cut is when the flowers are well-formed. Prefers a sunny location. Annual (all zones)

Monstera deliciosa Splitleaf Philodendron Qty $ 3.73 /packet 25 seeds		The splitleaf Philodendron hardly needs any introduction. Also called "Swiss Cheese Plant," this tropical, woody vine is a long-time favorite houseplant throughout the world. The glossy green leaves, which can reach 3 feet in length, develop dramatic "splits" and holes when mature. Native to Central America, the splitleaf (or cutleaf) Philodendron is epiphytic, meaning it depends on trees or other plants for climbing support. Thus, it needs a pole of some sort upon which to climb. The seedlings, upon germination, will grow in the direction of the darkest area (not just merely away from light) until they encounter the base of a tree to grow on. They will then begin to climb toward the light which is generally up into the canopy of the tree upon which it is growing. Can reach 150 feet long in nature, but can easily be kept contained by periodic trimming. While all parts of the plant are toxic (if consumed in large quantities), the fruit is actually edible and tastes similar to banana. However, fruits seldom appear when grown as a houseplant. Easily grown, needs plenty of fertilizer and lots of light (but not direct sun) for the leaves to "split." Zone 10+

Moringa oleifera Horseradish Tree Qty $ 3.62 /packet 15 seeds		Also known as the Drumstick or Horseradish Tree, Moringa oleifera is one of the world's most useful plants. Native to India, it is cultivated for its leaves, fruits, flowers and roots for a variety of medicinal and nutritional purposes and also grown as an ornamental. Its seeds are used for water purification. According to the Trees for Life organization, gram for gram, Moringa leaves "contain 7 times the vitamin C in oranges plus 4 times the calcium in milk plus 4 times the vitamin A in carrots plus 2 times the protein in the milk plus 3 times the potassium in bananas." Moringa leaves "could practically wipe out malnutrition on our planet." A mature tree can tolerate only very mild frosts. Highly drought resistant. Up to 35 feet in height. Zone 10+

Musa acuminata zebrina Blood Banana Qty $ 3.95 /packet 10 seeds		Blood Banana is a spectacular plant native to India and Indonesia. While it can produce bunches of small, sweet bananas, Blood Banana is often grown just for its colorful, dramatic leaves. Its large, oblong leaves are purplish on the underside and mottled with wine-red and bronze blotches on top. Can reach about 6-9 feet in height, best grown in filtered sunlight. Not cold hardy, Blood Banana makes a great container plant, which can be taken outdoors for the summer and brought indoors for the winter months in temperate climates. Zone 10+ No export to Australia

Musa balbisiana Sweet Wild Banana Qty $ 3.73 /packet 10 seeds		Musa balbisiana is a progenitor of the modern commercial banana. Vigorous and highly disease-resistant, it grows very tall, up to 20 feet and forms large clumps of lush foliage. Great for backyard jungle landscapes, its huge, colorful inflorescense is breathtaking. The fruits are bluish green and are attractive to birds and bats -- rather too starchy and seedy for human consumption. Hardy at least to zone 9 but may be grown in cooler climates with winter protection or in containers. Zone 9+ No export to Australia

Musa coccinea Red Dwarf Banana Qty $ 3.95 /packet 10 seeds		Stunning, scarlet red inflorescence will last for months and is the showiest of all dwarf bananas. Slender, bright green leaves and clustering habit, small, orange-red fruit. Grows 5 - 7 feet in height, about 10 months to bloom. Most extraordinary! Zone 9+ No export to Australia

Musa ornata Lavender Banana Qty $ 3.29 /packet 10 seeds		A stunning ornamental banana species native to Bangladesh and Burma, 'Lavender Beauty' produces large, lavender-pink blooms which open up as the flower matures. Strictly tropical, easily damaged by frost. Grows to 9 or 10 feet in height, blooms appear year-round. Fruit is rather small and inedible but attractive. Full sun to part shade — easy to cultivate! Zone 10+ No export to Australia

Musa sikkimensis Himalayan Banana Qty $ 4.17 /packet 8 seeds		Cold Hardy Few plants can add a more exotic, tropical appearance to your garden. This hardy banana from India was just introduced to cultivation in 1998. Though its precise cold tolerance is still unknown, it is believed that the species should be suitable for zones 7 and up. Care is similar to the hardy Musa basjoo banana. Quickly grows 15 to 18 feet in height. Zone 7(?)+ No export to Australia

Musa velutina Velvet Pink Banana Qty $ 3.62 /packet 12 seeds		An exquisite, dwarf species with bright green leaves and showy blossoms, followed by hands of small pink bananas. The flowers are pink to orange and the very ornamental fruits, dwarf bananas, are a bright, velvety pink and last for months at a time. They are edible and quite sweet, but also full of seeds. This species is very cold tolerant and will survive even frosty winters outside if heavily mulched. Alternatively it makes an excellent indoor plant and is one of the few bananas that will actually flower and fruit in the house. Place in a semi-sunny location. Keep evenly moist. Requires above average humidity. Grows to about 4' in height. Zone 10+ No export to Australia

Musella lasiocarpa Chinese Dwarf Banana Qty $ 4.39 /packet 5 seeds		World's Rarest Banana Musella lasiocarpa is a rare banana relative that comes from high altitudes (to 9200 ft) in the Yunnan province in China. Local names for the plant translate as 'yellow lotus emerge from the earth' or 'yellow lotus of the earth mother'. Botanists with a working knowledge of Yunnan and Musella think that it may be extinct in the wild and maintained only in cultivation by farmers in Yunnan and Sichuan. The plant produces a large 6" artichoke like flower with brilliant deep yellow bracts that is dramatic and sunburst shape and lasts for several months. Cold hardy to zone 7b. Grows 4 to 5 feet tall in full sun to partial shade. Feed and water generously. The seed requires cool stratification (5° C) but then germinates easily (usually 6 - 8 wks), and subsequent seedling growth is as you might expect, very fast. The Musella lasiocarpa is very uncommon and makes a great conversation piece wherever it is seen. Zone 7b+ No export to Australia

Myosotis sylvatica
Forget Me Not
Mon Amie Blue

Qty $ 3.51 /packet

35 seeds

Only 12 weeks to bloom

Large blooms cover compact, mounded 6-8" plants. Flowers first year. Sun to shade, especially suited for cooler conditions. Easy to grow and virtually carefree.

Zone 6a-8b

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