Tropicals & Tender Perennials: Plantfiles for Ensete, 1 by wallaby1

wallaby1 wrote:
Hi everyone, I'm back, and enjoying every minute of this!
Evidence of how a healthy discussion can be started, and I am learning more from both of you. I find it difficult to get others interested in new things and trying what others think can't be done! Here I have found some pretty good enthusiasts, and hope to learn more from you.
I wasn't aware anyone could do their own TC (thanks), gives me something else to look into. The link on hosta culture is very interesting, only read 1st paragraph and liked the bit on lawnmower method, haven't a clue on the Rossizing and Zumbarising? Oh well, here goes, more research!
Zone 6 and you get flowers? i had hopes but this must be a cert for me now, do you keep your 'greenhouse'...the big one was right wasn't it!...heated during these ungodly temperatures? Don't know about the digging, need a JCB for that. Don't think my wheelbarrow would hold one of those, the shed although useful is not quite on your scale.

Needless to say I am VERY impressed, gives me hope, i am an Australian used to warmer climate (many years ago though) and will not accept tropics can't be achieved in the UK.

bwilliams, our toes are there to be trod on! how else would we learn?? I for one really appreciate input, and like you think things should be correctly identified. Perhaps a suggestion to dg on 'how to go about things', with specific info like ID above a plant pic to save confusion, and how to list a new plant, how to contact a member, etc. i have notice at the top of a plant file there is a 'new plant' tab, where you can list one, and I believe a dg admin will fill in and check details, but imagine all the work that can be thrown their way when if we do our homework it would be made much simpler. I believe this is the form of communication dg wishes, a garden site for gardeners, those who can help and those who want to learn, all in our interests.
Say, don't suppose you would think of me when you have some spare seed would you? I may be able to reciprocate with some things, I have fresh seed from a zantedeschia Pink Mist, a few species agapanthus seed, I save all sorts and try all sorts and would like someone enthusiastic to have them. Tried selling some on ebay, i got one enthusiast and don't need all the seed myself, also have heaps of cardiocrinum giganteum finishing tonight, 3 lots don't think will sell, sold 2. If you look on ebay.co.uk and look for kangy1 you will see them, if auction finishes the feedback link will show it, but need to be a member or I could post a photo.
Don't like the sound of the stab in the heart, with only one plant that would be hard to do! Damage does cause multiple production as the poor plant obviously thinks it is about to die......I have had eucomis bicolor in the ground a few years and they self seed, young plants at surface went thru -9C no damage.....BUT 1 of 3 plants is different, no purple spots, flowers the same but smaller top knot. All have increased their crowns, the spotted ones only to 3 or so, the unspotted had around 25 by last year 5 years from planting, I wondered if it had a genetic mutation. i got the zantedeschia Pink Mist from David Fenwick of theafricangarden in UK, sent him some as he is involved in national collections, and genetic origins, tissue culture etc. he suggested it may have been damaged by frost and to plant it deeper, but it was quite deep and the young ones didn't get damage, they seat themselves lower with time. His own plants only make 1 main crown, I was wondering if the stony sandy soil I grow it in made a difference. Any ideas?

Will put you an image in of the cardiocrinum anyway....it's a good'un