ID please

I bought this from a small garden center, and I was told it was a white canna lily. I can't find this plant online, and I'm not sure that it's a canna lily. Thanks.

That's a ginger .. not a canna lily. Probably hedychium coronarium, white butterfly ginger. If it is the butterfly, they have an awesome fragrance.

What's the name of the garden center so I can avoid it in future.

X, I know what you mean. Now that I know it's a butterfly ginger, I'm feel an overwhelming urge to rush down there and buy another :) Thanks!

I went out into the side bed, checked my ginger, and yup, looks like ginger to me.

Entlie

Thanks for confirmation, Entlie.

donna where did you pick that up from? I've yet to find any down here yet...let me know if it is white - mine are yellow (but they smell grand!) I've been waiting for my Dr Moi to flower and I'm not sure it's going to bloom this year - it's tall - nearly 5' but not sign of buds yet...

rednyr, I found it at a small garden center a few miles south of Eden's on Hwy 15. (I've bought many plants from Eden's, but I think it was better before it was sold - tough times for nurseries, although I'm still drawn to them like a moth to a flame.) I can't find my receipt, and I can't remember the name of the place. It's located at a stoplight and there are a few windmill palms on display in front of the office. More plants and dirt, gravel, etc. are hidden behind the office. Hope this helps, and I'm looking forward to meeting you!

Donna - stopped there this morning....the poor guy at the counter was befuddled when I asked him if they had any canna's (thinking they just don't know what they've got in stock) he scratched his head and said I don't know much about plants so I just went out to the back pad and looked around - didn't see any gingers - and sadly their canna's have Mosiac Virus - they surely could use someone to take care of their stock!

Sorry you wasted your time, rednyr. When I bought mine, the price on the container was $23, which I (gulp) was prepared to pay, even though I had no idea what it was. He quickly told me that $23 wasn't the correct price, and that it was a $12 canna. You're correct - he needs someone there who is more knowledgeable about plants. Now I'm wondering if $23 was actually the correct price for a ginger. Yesterday, I was checking butterfly gingers online, and there are several varieties I would love to get. One has red, bottlebrush like flowers. I'm thinking about contacting him and explaining his mistake, and asking if he can order more varieties of ginger. Last spring, I asked the new owner of Eden's if he could order cold hardy gingers and bottlebrush, but he said they were novelty items that he wouldn't be stocking. I'm at the stage where "novelty" items are about the only plants that I don't already have. I wish someone in town would open a garden center specializing in novelty plants. Ofcourse, I'd probably stay tapped out and have to develop a taste for hard cat food. Definitely doable - meow.

The red hedychiums are lovely but I haven't seen any that have a scent. Most gingers multiply like bunnies, it would probably be easier to trade than spend big bucks on them. Check the plantfiles and see who has the ones you want. All of mine are NOID's except for an Elizabeth I bought in Sumter years ago that has never thrived.

Good advice, Ardesia. I had no idea that there are so many cold hardy gingers out there. Ofcourse, I want at least 2 of each and every variety. I planted hidden gingers a few years ago, but I think they were eaten by voles. Never again! I especially love the pics of Chinese butterfly, and red and orange bottlebrush gingers - simply gorgeous. Oh how I wish my humble abode didn't need a new roof - what a waste of potential gardening money. Thanks, Ardesia. My DH sends his thanks as well.

Deanna, I have white butterfly ginger if you want one...Dunno when I'll get out to dig them, but would make the time for you:))
Bev

Bev I'd love one! Tropicana is coming down here in October...perhaps I can sweet talk her into bringing it down lol :)~ Hope your school year is off to a great start! I miss you lady!

Jeannie - don't apologize at all! I always love finding a new garden center,,,you never know when something they have is something you'll need down the road!! I had to giggle yesterday when I tried to find Pocalla Nursery (over behind bojangles by Edens) they've obviously closed but are still on the internet as a garden center LOL And I so agree with you about novelty plants - at the nursery I worked at in Newberry my boss was really good about my ordering 'off the beaten path' items if a vendor had availability...Ardesia is right - watch the plant files and also the trades, round robin threads too because there's all kinds of cool stuff folks like to trade...

Everyone stay safe this holiday weekend and my thoughts n prayers are with everyone on the NC Coast!!

D..actually I believe that I originally got those gingers from Tropicanna...She might have some as well. Better thought...I should just come down with her and hide out with y'all, lol! Can't think of more fun company;)
Seriously, I can mail them.

no no I think you should just come down and put your money where your mouth is lady LOL - It has been nearly two years since I've seen ya! When's Tony having another open house? or has any more talk been had on a fall roundup?

I'm looking forward to the Fall Pee Dee flower show that Tropicana will be a vendor for in Florence - here I thought it was this weekend and was thinking yea Kara's coming...but thank goodness she called and told me it's Oct 1st! I would have been worried when she didn't arrive tonight! sometimes I think I have no mind left at all LOL

October 1 is a Friday...hummm. Is she staying? Dunno about a fall ru...My life is crazier than ever. It would be fun, but would I survive it...another hummmm?!

Bev- yes she's staying at my home and driving to Florence each day for the show (it's about 45 miles away) you are always most welcome too anytime!

It would be so much fun to hang with you two again:)) We'll have to talk it over here and see if it's doable. Thanks so much for the invite my friend!