Swamp Hobbit Florida Anise. This has to be the most exciting new find of one of our best southeastern native shrubs in recent memory. It was discovered by Dr. Ron Miller of Pensacola, FL, who is a retired professor of English literature who is also a plantsman of the highest order. He's one of those outstanding individuals that knows every environ of the swamps and outback of the Southeastern U.S. and also the plants that inhabit them. In five years, this selection will only make a plant 8" high and a foot across. It was found in Coosa County, AL, and the original plant is a 2' tall clump that is 5' across. Tom Ranney of NCSU says that it is "A native, shade-tolerant, evergreen ground cover with showy flowers and good deer resistance. Few plants can make that claim." It has proven hardy in Delaware, so its zone coverage might be 6-10. The leaves and flowers are the standard size, but the internodes are so short that it makes an incredibly dwarf plant. I predict that when this plant is better known that it will become one of the most sought after plants for the southern garden. There are no patents or trademarks on this plant, so one is free to propagate it and share with friends. Dr. Tom Ranney of NCSU shared the first two photos with me as well as getting me a start of this outstanding selection.
Zones 6-9
