Abutilon megapotamicum is one of the showiest, but also the hardiest of the genus. The species name means "from the big river", Brazil's Rio Grande. This is a shrub with aspirations to be a vine, with long, slender, arching branches that may be trained against a wall or fence. The leaves are lance-shaped, not maple-like, and may be evergreen or semi-evergreen in warmer climates, but is usually deciduous in zone 8, the bottom of its range. The pendant flowers are in evidence for a long season, and are very eyecatching. The calyx is red and closed, like a Bleeding Heart, and the yellow petals hang from the bottom like full yellow skirts. Easy and fast to grow, prefers morning sun but shade in the hot afternoon, and may benefit from pruning to make it more compact.

Acca (Feijoa) sellowiana -- Pineapple Guava -- A bushy South American shrub grown for its attractive and interesting red and white flowers with long red stamens, and for its grey-green foliage. It's also grown for its tasty fruit in warm climates; however, although the plant is hardy in zones 8-10, early fall frosts can damage fruits in zone 8. Grow in a cool greenhouse for fruit in that zone; it's good as a potted plant. Wider than tall, the shrub will grow to about 6'x8', so makes a good hedge. It is also tolerant of drought and salt, and so an excellent choice for coastal areas.

Acer palmatum -- Japanese Maple -- We have a special section for these colorful and versatile small trees.

Aeonium sedifolium -- Dwarf Aeonium -- One of those "natural bonsai" plants, that is, not a bonsai at all, but looks like a miniature tree. Much-branched, with tiny rosettes of succulent, shiny, sticky lime green leaves that are streaked in red. The leaves are usually absent during the dormant summer period. Grows only to around 6". Zone 10 or houseplant only, filtered light.

Ampelopsis brevipedunculata, Porcelain Berry, is a vigorous, spreading vine that requires a trellis and may grow 8' tall or more, and 15' in spread. In the dry-summer west, it's perfectly tame and may be planted without concern, except that it does need room. However, in humid-summer climates, such as the eastern US, it's invasive, so we don't ship it east of the Rockies. It's great for shading an arbor, and will grow happily in either sun or shade. In fall, the plant is loaded with berries that are smaller than wine grapes. The berries ripen to a turquoise-blue, but go through stages of green, white, and purple to get there, with all colors usually present. They have a porcelain-like sheen that makes them look unreal.

Anigozanthos flavidus -- Kangaroo Paw -- As I first saw this genus in Australia 30 years ago, I was amazed tha no one had imported them into the US by the millions. Even now they are seldom seen or heard of, though some dwarf varieties have made it into west coast nurseries, at least. This is the easiest species to grow and the most hardy to frost, though we find it not quite hardy if left unprotected in zone 8. Deep green sword-shapd leaves to 3', with 4' spikes of yellow-green or pink-red flowers in the shape of, why not, a Kangaroo's paw. Zone 9, sun.

Arbutus unedo -- Strawberry Tree -- Zones 8-10. An evergreen shrub that looks good all year, thanks to glossy, dark green leaves, reddish young twigs, white flowers, and fruits which ripen from yellow to red. The similarity of the fruit to strawberries ends at the external seeds; Pliny the Elder said that the name derives from 'unum edo', meaning 'I eat one', suggesting that one doesn't eat two. The fruits do adorn the tree for many months, though, and are enjoyed by birds. They can also be used for jam and liqueurs. The tree may grow to anywhere between 15' and 35'.

Asparagus sp. -- Fine-leaved Asparagus Fern -- We have contradictory information on the species name of this plant, but the point is that the foliage is the finest we have seen on an Asparagus fern. New growth is a light, bright green with the barest hint of olive, with older growth becoming darker. Not knowing the species, we can't be precise as to its ultimate size, but our experience is that it stays quite small. We use it in bonsai, and it would no doubt fit well in a rockery. Zones 7-10.

Aspidistra elatior -- Cast Iron Plant -- An easy, old-fashioned houseplant that got its name for its ability to withstand low light and sooty air in the early days of the industrial revolution. Though known as a houseplant, it is hardy to zone 8. Sherlock Holmes worried that Mrs. Hudson would damage his, he needn't have: it's a Cast Iron Plant. Flowers are interesting but not showy, pollinated by snails. 2-3' pointed leaves.

Aspidistra elatior variegata -- Like the above, but this one is variegated, adding a little pizzaz.

Aspidistra cespitosum 'Jade Ribbons' -- Another Cast Iron Plant, but with very narrow, straplike leaves. China.

Astelia 'Silver Spear' -- Broadly grassy leaves reminiscent of New Zealand Flax (Phormium), but the pale green leaves are covered with silvery hairs, giving the whole plant a soft silver appearance. To about 3', hardy to about 15F. New Zealand. Tolerant of drought, wind, and salt.