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

Ravenala madagascariensis Traveller's Palm Qty $ 3.29 /packet 12 seeds		Not a true palm, but a striking plant that is related to the banana and bird of paradise, growing up to 40 feet in height in tropical and subtropical regions. Often grown in containers, where size can be restricted. Easily produced from seed, it is VERY fast growing. Travellers Palm gets its name from the fact that thirsty travellers find water in the flower bracts and leaf folds of the plant. Needs rich, moist but well-drained soil and a sunny spot in a hot climate, sheltered from strong winds. Native to Madagascar. Zone 10+

Reinhardtia gracilis Window Pane Palm Qty $ 4.06 /packet 10 seeds		Short, clumping palm from Central America suitable for indoor containers or shaded outdoor area. Distinctive appearance. Prefers constant warm conditions. Seeds are in short supply. Zone 10+

Rhodochiton atrosanguineus Purple Bell Vine Qty $ 4.39 /packet 8 seeds		Hard-to-find Seeds This Mexican evergreen climber blooms from late spring through to late fall. Although frost tender, it is often grown as an annual. The flowers have a long, finger-like, dark purple corolla protruding from a bell-shaped calyx in a redder hue of purple. The vine reaches about 10 feet in cultivation. Rhodochiton makes a great plant for hanging baskets and resembles a Fuchsia at a distance. Widely grown but under-utilized. Needs full sun to partial shade, rich, well-drained soil and liberal watering. Zone 9+ or Annual (all zones)

Rhododendron schlippenbachii Royal Azalea Qty $ 3.29 /packet 75 seeds		Showy pink to white blooms appear in early spring thru mid-summer and colorful yellow, orange and red foliage in the fall. Grows 5-7 feet in height in the landscape but is easily pruned and also makes an outstanding flowering bonsai. Highly attractive and worthwhile plant for the border, planted singly or in groups, or as a bonsai specimen. Zone 6-8

Ricinus communis Red Castor Bean Qty $ 2.96 /packet 8 seeds		An imposing plant that adds an exotic flair to any landscape. Usually grown as an annual, the Castor Bean plant may reach 8 feet in height or more by the end of the summer. In zones 9-10, it may be grown as a perennial, where it can grow to the size of a small tree (15+ feet). Easy to cultivate, prefers deep, rich soil and plenty of sun, sheltered from strong winds. Seeds and plant are HIGHLY POISONOUS if ingested and should not be planted within reach of children and pets. Zone 8b+ or Annual (all zones) Caution: All parts of this plant are poisonous, especially the seeds! No export to Australia

Robinia pseudoacacia Black Locust Qty $ 2.85 /packet 40 seeds		Native to the southern Appalachian and Ozark Mountains, Black Locust can be grown where most other trees don't survive. Fragrant white flowers appear in May and June. Bees harvest the nectar to produce a honey regarded as one of the world's finest. Black Locust is a fast growing tree in the pea family (Fabaceae) that can reach 40 to 100 feet in height. Widely planted as a shade tree, the dense, quick growth makes Black Locust suitable for use as a screen or windbreak. May be grown as bonsai (see illustration). Tolerant of adverse conditions and may become invasive. Zone 3+

Roystonea regia Cuban Royal Palm Qty $ 3.62 /packet 10 seeds		The legendary Royal palm has a stout, white marble column-like trunk; a huge, grass green crown shaft; and a handsome crown of large, feathery leaves. The palm, which is fast growing in ideal conditions, is thought by many to be the most beautiful palm in the world, and is widely planted as an ornamental in the American tropics and elsewhere. The small seeds germinate readily and seedling growth is fast and satisfying. Zone 10+

Rudbeckia hirta
Cherry Brandy
Rudbeckia

Qty $ 3.29 /packet

25 seeds

Unique Red Rudbeckia

New introduction in shades of cherry red bicolors and solids with deep red centers, 'Cherry Brandy' is the winner of a Fleuroselect Novelty Award. It will produce masses of colorful 3" blooms from late June to early frost. Outstanding in pots or in the garden, this biennial or short-lived perennial is easily grown as an annual.

Annual (all zones)

Rudbeckia hirta
Chocolate Orange
Rudbeckia

Qty $ 3.29 /packet

30 seeds

Stunning New Colors

These big, beautiful daisies will provide outstanding color in your garden from early Summer until frost. Also suitable as cut flowers. Broad, chocolate center with golden orange tips. Plants grow about 2 feet in height. Short-lived perennial often grown as an annual.

Annual (all zones)

Rudbeckia occidentalis Green Wizard Rudbeckia Qty $ 3.95 /packet 15 seeds		Here's an interesting perennial that's downright curious. The flower head forms an extraordinary, nearly black globe surrounded by bright green sepals where the petals usually are. Makes a wonderful fresh cut flower or is fantastic in dried arrangements. Fast growing and easy to care for, this specimen is sure to attract plenty of attention. An unusual fresh cut flower, long lasting in water, or use in dried arrangements. Easy to grow, quickly forming a good sized plant with plenty of lush green foliage and always a talking point. Flowers in summer. Height 4-5ft. Full sun to part shade. Zone 7+

Sagina subulata Irish Moss Qty $ 3.62 /packet 250 seeds		Creeping moss-like plant with dense, tiny, emerald green, feathery leaves. Forms a ground-hugging, soft green carpet. Studded with a galaxy of white flowers for a short time in mid-summer. Perfect for planting between stepping stones, in small crevices between rocks or pool-side. For sun to part-shade in moist, well-drained soil. This plant will not survive if planted in a hot, dry location. 1 - 2 inches in height. Seeds are very tiny. Zone 4-9

Samanea saman Brazilian Raintree Monkey Pod Qty $ 3.29 /packet 10 seeds		In the rainforest, the leaves of this magnificent tree close up on cloudy days allowing the ensuing rains to rush through. Indoors too, it goes to sleep at the approach of night. Bears beautiful glowing pink flowers followed by attractive green and black pods that contain a sweet pulp that is eaten by monkeys in its jungle habitat. Native from the Yucatan Peninsula and Guatemala to Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil. A large, tropical tree to 80' but known for its huge spreading canopy which can be even wider. Makes an unusual bonsai and is very easy to raise from seed. Zone 10+

Sarracenia leucophylla Whitetop Pitcher Plant Qty $ 3.18 /packet 12 seeds		CARNIVOROUS The showiest of the Sarracenia species and one of the easiest to grow. Beautiful red and green veins adorn the top of the leaf, also called a pitcher. Unusual and attractive burgundy blossoms appear in the spring. Pitchers can reach 3 feet in height at maturity. Complete growing instructions included. Zone 6-9 More Carnivorous Plants

Sarracenia purpurea Purple Pitcher Plant Qty $ 3.62 /packet 12 seeds		CARNIVOROUS The most cold hardy of the Sarracenia species and easy to grow. Feeds on insects that are caught in the hairs of its ruby red to deep purple pitchers. Dark red flowers, 2 inches across, appear on stems 12-24 inches in height beginning in June. Widespread species native to eastern North America growing from New Orleans all the way to the Arctic. Complete growing instructions included. Zone 2-9 More Carnivorous Plants

Scabiosa atropurpurea Black Scabiosa Qty $ 3.29 /packet 35 seeds		Black Knight Pincushion Flower Intrigued by black flowers? You'll love this neat, easy-to-grow annual (technically a short-lived, tender perennial but best grown as an annual). The near-black pincushions make wonderful cut flowers and provide a delightfully dark accent in your garden. Nice for containers, too. Will reseed each year. 18" - 36" in height, full-sun to part shade. No gothic garden would be complete without this one! Zone 9+ or Annual (all zones)

Scabiosa stellata Everlasting Drumstick Qty $ 4.06 /packet 25 seeds		Powder blue starflowers are followed by crisp, burnished bronze heads. Fantastic for dried flower arrangements and may be painted or sprayed. Each plant will give about 20-30 blooms on 6"-12" stems. Flowers summer. Height 18" Annual (all zones)

Schefflera arboricola Umbrella Tree Qty $ 3.51 /packet 12 seeds		Easy to care for, Schefflera arboricola thrives under a wide range of conditions. As an indoor container plant, it's hard to beat and will do well under almost any lighting conditions.. Though it grows into a medium-size evergreen tree in its native habitat, growth is easily regulated by the size of its container. Very popular for bonsai use and is an excellent choice for beginners. Zone 9+

Schinus molle Peruvian Pepper Tree Qty $ 3.29 /packet 50 seeds		A fast growing evergreen tree from South America with slender, pendulous leaves. Cultivated in the canyons of California. Also called "Pink Pepper" but the dried peppercorns are black. Prefers full sun and well-drained, sandy soil. Rarely reaches 40 ft and usually grows to about half this height. Zone 8b-9

Senecio cineraria
Dusty Miller, Silver Dust

Qty $ 2.96 /packet

50 seeds

Popular annual plant grown for its pale, silvery white, lacy foliage. Highly effective as an accent plant and contrasts nicely with just about anything. Use as a bedding plant, in mixed containers or hanging baskets. Variety, "Silver Dust," grows 8-10" in height, finely cut foliage. Seed is pelleted for easy handling.

Annual (all zones)

Sequoiadendron giganteum
Giant Sequoia

Qty $ 3.29 /packet

50 seeds

World's Largest Tree

"Walk in the sequoia woods at any time of year and you will say they are the most beautiful and majestic on earth. Beautiful and impressive contrasts meet you everywhere, the colors of tree and flower, rock and sky, light and shade, strength and frailty, endurance and evanescence."

--John Muir

Up to 325 feet in height. Ironically, the world's largest (most massive) tree makes a wonderful bonsai (not for beginners). Germination rate is typically less than 40%, which is normal and to be expected for the species. Seeds should be refrigerated.

Zone 6-9

No export to Australia

Sequoia sempervirens Coast Redwood Qty $ 3.29 /packet 50 seeds		World's Tallest Tree California's magnificent Coast Redwood is the world's tallest known tree and one of the world's oldest trees. Some trees have been measured at more than 360 feet (see height comparison). These giant evergreens inhabit a narrow strip along the Pacific Ocean from central California to southern Oregon. The Coast Redwood has excellent ornamental value, as specimen or feature tree or planted in groups. They are fast growers, up to 2 feet per year, and make excellent windbreaks and privacy screens while still young (their fast growth is an added advantage). Their beautiful foliage and bark is a perfect backdrop for smaller shrubs with similar growing conditions. They do not require trimming as a rule, and their drought resistance make them fairly maintenance free once established. Zone 6-9

Silybum mariana St Mary's Milk Thistle Qty $ 3.18 /packet 20 seeds		Don't dismiss this plant as just another thistle - it is a striking and most attractive foliage plant with flat rosettes of large, prickly leaves, most strikingly lined and marbled with broad white veins - indeed variegation probably not surpassed for beauty in any other plant - and bearing large heads of sweet-scented, rose-purple flowers. Not only that, but you can eat it: the roots boiled, the flower-heads like Artichokes, and the leaves in salads - which just leaves the prickles! This is indeed an impressive plant with its 6 foot flower stalk and white-streaked leaves. The annual or biennial plant is easy to grow and has many uses. Said to have a powerful regenerative effect on the liver. Annual (all zones)

Solenostemon scutellarioides Black Dragon Coleus Qty $ 3.29 /packet 50 seeds		Black Dragon Coleus will provide a dark, dramatic contrast in any garden. Great for containers, too. Full sun to part shade, grows up to 15" in height. Hardy in zone 10 and usually grown as an annual elsewhere. Zone 10+ or Annual (all zones)

Sophora japonica Japanese Pagoda Tree Qty $ 2.74 /packet 10 seeds		CLASSIC BONSAI SELECTION Also known as the Chinese Scholar Tree, increasingly used as a bonsai. A tall, deciduous tree rapidly growing to 80', hardy to zone 4; leaves ovate to 2" and in 3-8 pairs. Very distinctive. Zone 4+

Spathodea campanulata African Tulip Tree Qty $ 3.84 /packet 25 seeds		The African Tulip Tree (Spathodea campanulata) is one of the most spectacular blooming trees in the world. It can reach 50ft and produces large red flowers for many months. It has dark green pinnately compound leaves and conspicuous velvety brown claw-like buds from which emerge wide bell shaped orange-red flowers. The Spathodea campanulata is a rare sight but magnificent and unforgettable when encountered. This tropical tree can tolerate temperatures of 29° F without damage. Indoors or out, the African Tulip Tree is a fine exotic specimen of unsurpassed beauty. Zone 10+

Spilanthes oleracea Toothache Plant Qty $ 3.29 /packet 35 seeds		Unique Novelty A really fun plant! Called the Toothache Plant because chewing on one of the flower buds will numb your mouth and make you salivate. It's harmless, though. Also called the Eyeball Plant for obvious reasons. Easy to grow and usually treated as an annual, about 12" in height and 18" width. Makes a very unusual and attractive accent plant. Full sun to moderate shade. Blooms from mid-summer until frost. Zone 10+ or Annual (all zones)

Stenocereus thurberi Organ Pipe Cactus Qty $ 3.18 /packet 15 seeds		Organ Pipe Cactus can grow 25 feet tall and its fruit can be eaten. It blooms pink flowers at night during the months of May, June and July This Cactus is an imposing indoor potted plant and reaches the ceiling quite rapidly. Vigorous grower. Zone 9b+

Stephanotis floribunda Madagascar Jasmine Qty $ 4.61 /packet 10 seeds		Also known as the Hawaiian Wedding Flower, Madagascar Jasmine is traditionally used in bridal bouquets. The small, pure white flowers emit an intoxicating, unforgettable sweet frangrance. Sometimes called Wax Flower, the tubular blooms have a rather waxy appearance. Stephanotis is a wiry, tropical vine and will grow on a trellis or is easily trained as a climbing bush. It does well in full sun or part shade and will flower many times a year. Miinimum temperature 35°F. Zone 10+

Stevia rebaudiana Stevia Qty $ 3.95 /packet 12 seeds		30 Times Sweeter than Sugar (Sweet Leaf - Honey Leaf) Stevia is a remarkable plant that is used in many parts of the world as a natural herbal sweetener. In Japan, for example, about 40% of the sweetener market is stevia-based. Stevia leaves are 30 times sweeter than sugar but contain virtually no calories. It is native to South America, where its use as a sweetener has been known for at least 1,500 years. In the U.S., due to pressure from the powerful sugar lobby, Stevia is regulated by the FDA and until recently could be offered only as a dietary supplement (or skin care product) but not as a food additive or sweetener. Stevia is a tender, perennial herb that is usually grown as an annual but may be overwintered indoors. Full sun to part shade, grows to a height of about 30 inches. Annual (all zones)

Frageria vesca 'Improved Rugen'
Strawberry, Alpine

Qty $ 3.39 /packet

40 seeds

Doubtless God could have made a better berry, but doubtless God never did.
--Douglas Butler, 1655

Some people claim this Alpine Strawberry is the best-tasting of all. Runnerless variety is very hardy and can be used as an ornamental edging or groundcover. Wonderful for snacking. Attractive to birds, bees and butterflies. Fast-growing, blooms spring through fall.

Zone 3-9

Fragaria x ananassa 'Fresca' Strawberry, Fresca Qty $ 4.17 /packet 25 seeds		Early Everbearing Delicious strawberries from seed. 'Fresca' is a runnerless, everbearing variety and will produce medium sized berries all summer. Sow as early as October for bearing fruit beginning in May. Height, 10 - 12", great for baskets. Zone 4-9

Strelitzia nicolai Giant White Bird of Paradise Qty $ 3.62 /packet 12 seeds		Very dramatic, exotic-looking plant often found in subtropical parks and gardens worldwide. Native to South Africa, White Bird of Paradise makes an excellent container plant and requires only medium light, though more light is needed for blooming, which may occur anytime of the year. Must be grown indoors or in a warm greenhouse except in the warmest climates. May reach 25-30' in height. Seeds may be very slow to germinate. Zone 9+

Strelitzia reginae Orange Bird of Paradise Qty $ 3.51 /packet 12 seeds		The Orange Bird of Paradise hardly needs any introduction. It is cultivated worldwide for its striking birdlike flowers and beautiful, leafy foliage. Grows to about four feet in height, forming clumps. Prefers almost-full sun. Native to South Africa. Zone 9+

Strelitzia reginae 'Mandela's Gold' Yellow Bird of Paradise Qty $ 12.49 /packet 8 seeds		Mandela's Gold - RARE Yellow Strelitzia Here is a very rare and highly-prized yellow strain of Strelitzia reginae from South Africa, named "Mandela's Gold". To produce the seed, flowers are individually hand pollinated and covered for protection. The seed pods are then given several months to ripen prior to collection. Strelitzia reginae, including the rare Mandela's Gold, grows three to five feet in height, forming clumps. Prefers almost full sun. Hurry while supplies last! Zone 9+

Sutherlandia frutescens Cancer Bush Qty $ 3.51 /packet 10 seeds		An odd, South African shrub with fine, grey-green foliage and showy, bright scarlet flowers and curious, inflated seedpods. Its common name, Cancer Bush, comes from the fact that the tea of the dried leaves and twigs have been used for treating the side effects of cancers and HIV / AIDS. In great demand as a decorative garden plant. Grows to 3 feet in height. Very uncommon. Zone 7

Swainsona formosa (formerly Clianthus formosus) Sturt's Desert Pea Qty $ 3.62 /packet 25 seeds		Dazzling, Otherworldly Beauty Yes, it comes from right here on planet Earth, despite its exotic, even alien appearance. Behold the official state emblem of South Australia! Swainsona formosa is also known as Sturt's Desert Pea and is, indeed, a member of the pea family: Fabaceae. The species is confined to Australia, where it occurs in all mainland States except Victoria. It is able to withstand the marked extremes of temperature experienced in inland deserts, and light frosts are tolerated by established plants. The seeds should be nicked or lightly sandpapered and then soaked in warm (not boiling) water for 24 hours. If sown indoors, best to sow in peat pots as root disturbance should be avoided. Sow 1/4 inch deep in well-drained, sandy soil. Full sun is preferred. If all goes well, the plant will begin to bloom four months after germination. Zone 9(?)+ or Annual (all zones)

Syagrus romanzoffiana Queen Palm Qty $ 3.84 /packet 10 seeds		Cultivated worldwide because it's so easy to grow, Queen Palm can reach 50 feet in height. Will tolerate a wide range of conditions including cold temperatures down to about 25 F without damage. Seeds are very easy to germinate. Native to South America. Zone 9+

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