Cool (but not cold) and windy - a perfect day for starting some seeds.

I've read conflicting reports as to whether or not Metasequoia glyptostroboides requires cold stratification for germination. However, since those who recommend it report increased success in germination, I've decided to follow their protocol: approximately six weeks of cold stratification, beginning today. I'm not exactly sure where I'll plant one - I don't really have room - but since it's one of my favorite trees, I just can't resist trying to grow one from seed. Maybe I can fit it in near the back of the garden...

That being said, Metasequoia can be a stunning bonsai specimen.

Tomorrow I'll be moving Penstemon palmeri into the refrigerator as well, but only for about a month. This species, with its six foot racemes should make a stunning background perennial behind the dwarf conifers. I plan on planting it alongside Ipomopsis rubra, or Standing Cypress, a biennial with stunning red flowers that should equal Penstemon palmeri in height. But Ipomopsis rubra, being from warmer regions of the United States, doesn't require cold stratification.

I also planted Xanthorrhoea australis, the Grass Tree, in a specially prepared soil mixture this afternoon. In the wild these plants grow in acidic, nutrient-poor soils that remain VERY dry. Overwatering seems to be the single significant reason for their demise in cultivation. Since these will not survive the winters here, the plan is to grow it as a container plant. It will likely take around thirty years to develop its characteristic trunk. In fact, the Xanthorrhoea australis on the postage stamp to the right may be several hundred years old. These amazing Australian plants have a very ancient lineage, not to mention a fascinating structure: the trunk of Xanthorrhoea is hollow, formed from accumulated leaf bases, with aerial roots running down its hollow center providing nutrient transport. This is the type of plant one might expect to encounter in a lost world!

Finally, I started soaking Leucospermum cordifolium seeds, which I will plant tomorrow. Commonly known as the Nodding Pincushion, this member of the family Proteaceae is absolutely stunning, as evidenced by the photograph below. Alas, this is another plant for container gardening in this climate. Like the Grass Tree, the Nodding Pincushion can easily handle our summers, but our winters are far too brutal, as evidenced by this past winter. Some Proteales might be marginal in our climate, but not Leucospermum cordifolium. Still, since this is my first attempt at germinating a Proteale, it's probably a good place to start.

Leucospermum cordifolium. Photograph by Cs california.

Since it was in the upper forties today, I did spend a couple hours outside. I think the Chilopsis linearis, or Desert Willow, might have come through the past few colder-than-usual winter months with relatively minor winter-kill. The Desert Willow, despite its name, is a relative of the Catalpa and a member of the family Bignoniaceae, as evidenced by the photo of its showy flowers below. It is considered marginal at best in our climate, so if this year-old plant survives this cold winter with what little protection I have been able to offer it, it is a hardy specimen indeed. For now I will simply have to wait and see (and continue to cover it during our really cold nights).

Chilopsis linearis. Photograph by Stan Shebs.

The carpet of Delosperma cooperi, commonly known as Hardy or Trailing Ice Plant, appears to have weathered the cold temperatures as well, though much of its succulent green has been replaced by winter's red. Penstemon barbatus 'Riding Hood Delft Blue' is still green beneath the accumulation of leaves that has served as protection. Not too bad for markdown plants from our local Lowes!

As I've mentioned, this winter has been colder than previous winters (in my limited experience), so I look forward to seeing what else rebounds in the spring. I'll keep you posted.