Hi everybody --
I have an EE question that I could use some help on....I saw a picture posted somewhere of a really neat patio. There were garden beds on at least 3 sides of the patio, and the person had layers of stuff growing -- tall, med and short. The effect was very cozy and oddly, it was colorful considering it was mostly green. Some of the tall things were EEs, but there were several different colors & patterns. (It went down in size to small begonias and a couple of impatiens used as specimens instead of bedders. )
The EEs weren't the huge kind that take up the whole planting area, or at least these weren't (maybe they weren't old enough?), and they were only used as specimens, not a row of them or anything, but they were very exotic in an understated way and added a great deal to the overall effect. They were also differing heights, which made it look less like they were bought at a buy 2 get 1 free sale.
I was wondering if anybody had some suggestions for me -- something that would fit the bill as far as a different looking color and pattern, but not be too expensive or hard to grow. In other words, not plain green and not something I could buy in a plastic bag at Wal-Mart, but also not something that would make anybody reading this salivate, just something that you would grow in your own gardens.
The soil is ultra-fab and it's easy to keep watered if I need to. With the tree roots, I also have dry places if I need them. I have part shade, part sun, full shade, some shade, mostly shade and other variations of the theme :) I would want to plant them next to a brick wall and there would be some lime leaching, if that makes any difference.
Thanks,
Suzy
So, say I want a couple of these EE things.....
If I could only have 5 picks to great a lush garden....
Here are some of favorites and why:
1. A. gageana. Great upright leaf form, with a compact (2-3') growing habit. Grows very well as a house plant during winter.
2. C. Black Magic. Easy to grow EE with purple stems and leaves. You can buy these at Walmart but don't. The plants are tiny. Invest in a moderate (~1-1.5' tall) plant.
3. C. Fontanesii. Easy to grow EE with purple stems and green leaves. Mine grew to 6' after 4 seasons. I overwinter this one in pots. It isn't as easy as A. gageana (it is prone to aphids) but does OK with misting.
4. C. Pink China. It might be hardy to your Zone. Brian (Bwilliams) has been successfully growing this in Zone 6b and I am testing it in Zone 6a this winter. I'll let you know how it goes.
5. X. saggitifolia. It is considered a pest in Florida, but I find it easy to overwinter (easier than Lime Zinger) and it has a different leaf form than the Colocasias and Alocasias.
I also love C. Illustris and A. Hilo Beauty but they can be difficult to overwinter.
A. Plumbea, Lutea are also gorgeous but cost a little more.
Then there are the variegated EE (once again gorgeous, but a little more money and many are slower growing).
ROX
Thanks, Rox, That list sounds perfect!
It brought up another question I had about overwintering....I thought you just took the tubers or pups or whatever they are, and stored them like dahlias? Cool, but not too cool and dry but not too dry. What's all this about houseplants and some being hard to overwinter?
Thaks again for the list...would a good garden center typically have them or do I need to go mail order?
Suzy
Another question -- what about this one?
Colocasia Nancyana (nancy's revenge)
Suzy
The ones I posted are fairly common and I wouldn't be surprised if you could trade for them here on DG.
Otherwise, check our Brian's Botanicals. The shipping is reduced if you buy multiple plants. Some people also plan to post EE on the Classified Ads in the Spring.
I just got C. Nancyana. It seems easy enough. Just a note...it doesn't get that distinctive white stripe until its more mature.
I don't really know about storing EE as tubers. I put all my plants in the house or greenhouse for the winter. Hopefully someone will chime in here.
Also, I am sure that others will have different opinions about what EE to grow!
ROX
Oh, okay....I can wait for trades. If I can remember! I went to Brian's as the first hit on a Pink China search -- that's where I saw Nancyana.
I didn't realize you had to keep them as houseplants. Not good. Maybe someone will chime in with some alternate ideas for winter.
Suzy
You don't have to keep them as house plants. Sorry to mislead you.
Many can be stored as tubers. I just don't do it that way.
ROX
Check out this old thread...
http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/544755/
ROX
Thanks -- I found something very interesting 3/4 of the way down in the thread....an alpha listing of easy, med & hard for overwintering.
Suzy