HI, i'm in zone 6/7 and was thinking about putting elephant ears in 2 1/2 whiskey barrells (any particular type I should get??). And any other ideas for tropicals in whiskey barrells?
Also, I want to try tropical hibiscus and a bougeanvilla (spelling). Anyone have any luck growing these in containers? And any particular bouganvilla that might do well here?
Thanks
Maureen
Can you help me choose tropicals for containers in my yard?
Tropical hibiscus do great in containers, I've got about 30-40 of them all in containers, they decorate my decks & patios in the spring/summer/fall and then I keep them in my greenhouse for the winter (you can also keep them indoors for the winter). I'm not sure if you already have sources for your hibiscus, but if you don't I'd check out these three websites: www.hibiscusplace.com , www.hiddenvalleyhibiscus.com , and www.hypnoticblooms.com Lots of us on the hibiscus forum have bought from these three and are very happy with them.
For the bougainvilleas, I've grown them in containers as well as in the ground--they seem a bit happier and get bigger faster when they're in the ground, but they do fine in containers too. These I leave outdoors year round, sometimes I'll lose a few over the winter but they're a dime a dozen at places like Home Depot, etc out here so I don't really worry about it too much. But I know there are people who bring them inside for the winter, so it can definitely be done if you don't want to replace them every year. In terms of ones that would do well in your climate, they're pretty much all the same in terms of the conditions they like so I'd pick ones that you think are the prettiest. Personally I think the single ones look better than the double ones--the doubles tend to hold onto the bracts after they dry up and turn brown, whereas the single ones will usually fall off on their own so the plant stays looking nicer with less effort.
I have a bougainvillea, raspberry ice, in a container. She's blooming nicely right now, down in my basement under fluorescents. I'll add a pic later on today.
-Joe
Obviously it is not a flower, but I love the varigated crotons like "mamey". They add so much color and texture. I can grow them in the ground here but I also have some in large, mixed color pots.
Not trying to drop names or ANYTHING. We visited Braveheartsmom on Maui week before last. I couldn't believe it. The crotons were "trees". So beautiful.
I have had them in containers but think I will put some in the ground this summer.
Even if they don't make next winter I can always get more the next year. They are so beautiful.
LouC
I think they would do well in whiskey barrells.
We were just talking about EE's surviving through the winter.
Brian (bwilliams) knows alot about elephant ears..he says the toughest are Col. Pink China, Black Peral, Gigantea, Big dipper...
People for good thoughts on EE
are
Bwilliams
Lariann
Mitch
Rj
FYI I have a very big EE . Purchased the bulb from a local nursery with no name about 3 years ago. Tonight it is already 37 degrees and we are expecting snow tonight. IT HAS A NEW LEAF TODAY! (not screaming at you, just amazed).
LouC
did you give me a pup from that? I have it in the green house.
Yes this cold front is screaming in...winter is being a poor sport.
No, not yet. That one must have come from someone else. Up to now, I don't really have anything you would want. Now when I get the "care package" from Jen, that will be another story. Supposed to be sometime first of April. You will be here middle of April so that should be just about right. I'm the wanna be gardner. Really want to be!
LouC
Our climate doesn't help any. Either really cold or really hot. Not much in between.
noooooooo,
you brought a Giant EE pup and a root beer plant..
It's funny, but people assume I don't like certain things or they're too common for me..but it's not true...it's just that there's no money left over for them! A gal I traded with thought the same thing when she sent me purple shamrock..and to tell the truth I love that plant and it's in the esteemed plant viewing section!
You're such a sweetheart.
Thank you all very much for your responses.
Have a great day
Cannas, gingers, brugmansias, plumerias
Lantanas, gardenias, stephanotis, jasmines, passifloras. :)
-Joe
This is bougainvillea "Raspberry Ice", blooming its heart out down in my basement. :)
-Joe
i don't know anyone who has grown stephanotis locally. Can you tell me about this plant habit and how to grow in zone 6/7? Your Raspberry ice looks awesome. So, tell me all the details:-) Do you have grow lights? Do you get spider mites?
maureen, my bouganvilleas are in my GH and are blooming well with lots of sun, and the basket stays kind of on the dry-ish side. I have tried growing them indoors without much luck but we don't have good window space, not enough sun. I have had some spider mites (not bad) in the GH but the bouganvilleas were never affected, however they are in a hanging basket so that may be why.
Lantanas would look great and be very easy, plus you can catch seeds for next year. My first elephant ears were the typical colocasia esculenta you can get about anywhere cheaply, and they are great to start with because they are so completely easy. If you wanted to leave your container out year round, they would be hardy without any trouble.