November 8, 2007

ARBORETUM

Evie Tyra of Anaheim, nursery manager for the Friends of the Fullerton Arboretum, premiered the new Aristolochia hybrid she developed for the Fullerton Arboretum.

The second hybrid introduced by the friends in the past year went on sale to the public Nov. 3 in The Potting Shed. Quantities are limited initially on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The new evergreen flowering vine features an unusual flower shape with a deep, velvety merlot color. The vines are mostly found in the Americas, and prefer full sun to part shade. The plant blooms from late spring through late fall.

Aristolochias also respond well in low light conditions, and can be grown indoors. They tolerate high humidity or arid climates with little rain, although irrigation should be provided.

The species are host plants for the Pipevine Swallowtail Butterfly that is found throughout California.

The Fullerton Arboretum is at 1900 Associated Road.