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Need ID on this plant

Posted by paulsiu 5b (My Page) on
Sun, Jul 10, 11 at 15:53

This plant has reliably come back in zone 5b for the past 2 years. Originally, I thought it was an Indian Paintbrush, but the broad leaf said otherwise. I now think it's some sort of Canna, but Canna are not hardy to zone 5. What do you think it is?

unknown plant

Paul


Follow-Up Postings:

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RE: Need ID on this plant

It's definitely a canna and you're right--they're not hardy to Z5b. However, it's planted up against your foundation where it gets some heat it wouldn't get if it were planted farther away from the concrete. In addition, it may be planted just deep enough to escape the frozen ground. Those flowers are a lovely shade of red.


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RE: Need ID on this plant

Thanks,

I guess that I am so lucky to have an annual return year after year. Should I mulch that area heavily to help the plant survive another couple of years?

Paul


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RE: Need ID on this plant

Cannas are actually perennial tubers. If it has established there, it should be fine how it's been the past few years. Unless you have disturbed the soil level or significantly increased or decreased the amount of shade/sun exposure there.


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RE: Need ID on this plant

When I was a kid, in south TX, that canna was referred to a Panamanian.
If I remember correctly it sets seed.

Kathy


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