I just wanted to pass along this information from one of my favorite nurseries.
This probably won't help most of us in colder climates, but the pictures are so lovely.

https://almostedenplants.com/shopping/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=62&cat=Fall+Sale+2009

Priya
Zone 7, Maryland

OH Priya!
How could you tell us this....so many tempting selections!

Penny
Niagara Falls, NY
USDA zone 6a/6b
Heat zone 4
Sunset zone 39

Got their e-mail this morning. I will have to wait until next spring to order anything.

Dianne
Southeast Alabama
Heat Zone 8
Sunset Zone 31

Priya,

DO you grow Baja Fairy Duster, Powderpuff? This plant just screams TAKE ME HOME!! I'm curious if you or anyone has kept it in a container (large) and wintered it indoors? Its only $8, so I think I'll just get in next spring regardless but I could use some input. My List of Tropiclas keeps growing.....

Pam NJ 6B

Pam mine has been in a container since day one. This will be its 3rd. or 4th yezar now. I had to cut it back a little to bring it inside and I had to cut two blooms off which was like putting a knife in my heart. I really do have a hard time cutting plants back. They winter over really well but don't let them get two dry especially if they are in a southern exposure window or they will drop their leaflets like crazy but they do bud out again pretty quick.

Penny
Niagara Falls, NY
USDA zone 6a/6b
Heat zone 4
Sunset zone 39

Pam,
I don't have this but it is a very pretty plant. I am trying to make a resolution to not buy any more tropicals. Overwintering them is not my favorite pastime. Maybe in some dreamworld where I can afford a heated greenhouse....

Priya
Zone 7, Maryland

Once you figure out how to make the resolution stick, let me know. A start would be not bringing them in ahead of frost - once they are dead there is no turning back.

What really must come in if my resolve is broken?
Both types of Russelia.
Cuphea David Verity
Cuphea Schumanni
Abutilon Voodoo and pictum
Salvia miniata
Cuphea ignea X David Verity
Several Fuchsia
Salvia chiapensis
And whatever hardy bush sages that will be propagated this winter.

Left out will be a 15 year old Fuchsia Gartenmeister, other hybrid Cuphea, Salvia dichlamys, probably Tree Tobacco which just began to bloom, Mexican Flame Vine because it is so cheep to buy and maybe save its seeds.

There has to be more - what a mess!

Priya,
I have tried that resolve and it didn't work for me. Hopefully you are more determined to stick to your guns than I am. People just keep feeding my addction and I am too much of a sucker to resisit

Penny
Niagara Falls, NY
USDA zone 6a/6b
Heat zone 4
Sunset zone 39

Penny,

Does this plant have many blooms at one time? I wish Santa would but you a digital camera

Pam NJ 6B

Pam, This is the first year that this particular calliandra has really started to bloom. Since it was seed grown it took a couple of years before it started to bloom. I think this year I had either 4 or 6 blooms at one time. Since I cut it back some last night when I brought it inside it should get much fuller and I expect that next year it will bloom much better. I think it is Ron in Delaware that bought a large one at Lowes and the photo that I recall from late last summer were loaded with blooms so yes it will fill out with blooms but mine just may not be big enough to do that yet.

Here is the thread with Ron's photos and Joan's photos of their Calliandras:http://www.network54.com/Forum/439743/thread/1213357354/Some+Calliandra+photos+-+ID+help+needed+-+and+finally+a+hummer%21

I wish Santa would bring me a camer too but he is concentrating on the kiddies this year.
Penny
Niagara Falls, NY
USDA zone 6a/6b
Heat zone 4
Sunset zone 39

Priya,

That is all I need, more temptation and more plants. My list for next year keeps growing. Sigh! is there no end to this.

Suchie

Suchie,

Welcome to the CLUB!

Pam NJ 6B

Suchie eventually it does slow down.

Dianne
Southeast Alabama
Heat Zone 8
Sunset Zone 31

I am trying to plan a minimalist theme for next year's garden: plants I can overwinter, supplemented by the most choice salvias, reseeders and what I can grow from the tons of seed I have. I probably won't be able to resist orders to Bustani, Almost Eden and of course Rich Dufresne, but I find myself yearning for more simplicity.

Priya
Zone 7, Maryland

Priya,
Each year I say the very same thing and then spring comes along and the enablers on this forum start taunting me and my will power goes right out the window

Penny
Niagara Falls, NY
USDA zone 6a/6b
Heat zone 4
Sunset zone 39

Penny,
I have the exact same suspicion! Hence the careful wording 'trying to'. Oh well, more plants just mean more loveliness in the garden.

Priya
Zone 7, Maryland

Ah yes Pryia, This is one tempting sale...I too have to put on the brakes till next spring. I already have too many plants that I overwinter. My Calliandra californica has me holding my breath - this is the third time I have tried them from seed...and who knows if they will make it this time...Penny seems to have the magic green thumb which I have not. Yet I am am determined - this plant is so pretty! There may be no help for someone like me.

Carol
Milford, CT
Zone 6

Ahhhh, yes... the McMillan family and Almost Eden Plants. That is one fine internet company... I only wish that I were close enough to shop there... weekly. I still have an answering machine recording from 2 years ago when John McMillan left me a message to let me know that they wouldn't be able to ship the Giant Red Turk's Cap I had ordered because everything was blooming pink and white. Every time we need a fix of that Louisiana drawl and hospitality... we cue up the recording from John. It brings a huge smile to my face every time I hear it

Those folks send out some NICE plants... I'm feeling the urge to visit New Orleans again... the food... the music... the people... and the Saints are just kickin' butt this year! Geaux Saints!

Okay... I'm done now...

Bud
Southwest Ohio
USDA Plant Zone 6a

Camera: Pentax K20D
Lens: Pentax DA*300 f/4, Sigma 180 f/3.5 Macro
There's 1 or 2 more hummingbird / butterfly pics located here...
http://www.pbase.com/budohio