Mission Hills Nursery: a bounty of unusual botany marks 100 years

Independent nurseries rarely stay open long, but Mission Hills Nursery reached its centennial this year. Set on the corner of Fort Stockton and Randolph streets, the nursery’s simple fence covered with perennial morning glory holds up a banner proudly proclaiming their 100 years in operation. Otherwise, the nursery blends unobtrusively into the eclectic neighborhood.

The large corner lot has a charming Craftsman-style house, and the property dips in the back, offering unexpected hideaways for exploration. As you enter the gate, stacks of glazed colorful pots vie for attention with lively annuals. A quick inspection of the plants shows unusual specimens. Wax flowers (Chamelaucium) of all colors, and French lace (Pelargonium crispum variegatum) – a dainty, variegated, scented geranium – are just a couple of the nursery’s gems.

Owners Toni and Fausto Palafox coined an appropriate saying for their nursery: “Where the unusual is the usual.” Indeed, at Mission Hills Nursery even well known plants are available with a twist. For instance, this nursery has several types of passionflower vines, but they also carry the hard-to-find variety that produces an intriguing edible fruit, Frederick (Passiflora edulis).