Nolina hibernica

Nolina hibernica is the rather wonderful and previously undescribed Nolina that was known for many years as Nolina 'La Siberica'. Originally discovered growing at high altitude in the Pena Nevada mountain range that divides the Mexican states of Nuevo León and Taumaulipas it was finally described in 2010 by Fritz Hochstätter and Davide Donati. Growing at elevations between 2400m and 3200m above sea level in dense pine and oak forest in an alpine environment that is moist, cool and often shaded and in winter experiences frost and snow, Nolina hibernica is the hardiest of the arborescent Nolinas and is capable of withstanding temperatures down to -15C. It grows in the same mountainous landscape as the equally wonderful Agave montana and Agave gentryi and is the best Nolina for UK conditions.

Nolina hibernica is a highly attractive architectural plant and grows to an extraordinary 6m in its native range, often towering over much of the other vegetation. It has a characteristically fountain-like quality to its foliage - much less rigid than many Nolinas - and which seems to flow from its terminal apex, particularly in younger specimens. The tips of the foliage as they dry tend to bend and curl in a wide U shape and as the plant grows the dry foliage hangs down around the stout trunk in a persistant somewhat spiralling skirt.

All Nolinas prefer a free-draining, sandy, gritty soil. In its native range, Nolina hibernica typically grows on sloping gradients where the moisture runs off freely. A raised or sloping aspect with excellent drainage is ideal. Do not position this precious plant in heavy soil.

Only rarely available, Nolina hibernica is one on the most exciting plant discoveries from Mexico in recent years. These are relatively fast-growing Nolinas and are in 3 litre pots.