What is the 2nd most rewarding plant?

[stevelau1911]

My second favorite plant would probably be epiphyllum/orchid cactus. They are easily propagated, dont have needles and give nice flowers.

I'm just interested in what other people around like to grow.

[GrowingHabit]

I love epiphyllums, but tossed out the ones I had this last month after a three year battle with mealy bug.

Its impossible to narrow it to one single choice, actually. My current favorite is disporum cantoniense 'Night Heron'. It hasn't been in the ground a year yet, and I'm anxious to see how it performs this spring. Another favorite is giant hyssop.

Ferns, heucheras, sedums, and my chocolate mimosa tree rank high in my esteem as well.... and the paulownia.... english elm.... hybrid willow.... can't beat a purple cotinus for fall glow.... japanese maples....things I propagate (appropriate?) from the woods....

[boonut]

I too had many epiphyllums. The flowers are something else. I collected those for about 8 or 9 years.

I also collected banana trees. I had about 21 varieties of bananas. I still have about 7 or so. I had one that was supposed to be a clone from Southern California that only grew about 6 feet tall and had more bananas than any of the others. It regularly produced in about 6 months... which was also rare. I'll bet it had over 70 bananas each crop. As a family, we gave away grocery sacks full of bananas and made them every way we could think of. I remember our kids really liked it when we put popsicle sticks into the bananas and coated them with chocolate and then froze them for later.

I guess my second choice would be banana trees.

[mantis]

Bromeliads

[Roy]

LUCKY BAMBOO!

[boonut]

LUCKY BAMBOO!

Wake up Roy.... Wake up!!! You are having that dream again.....

[foxd]

That is a difficult question for me because I can't decide on one.

Cardamon is a possibility since it was the first indoor plant we have had that survived our care.

Castor Bean plant does have a certain charm.

Cannas are pretty, but a lot of work in our climate.

Depending on how well various plants survive this Winter, I may have a decision then.

[ghmerrill]

well, in our area,many people grow a different sort of green crop... they sell for lots more than bamboo too. I just dont envy them the sleeping amongst the plants just before harvest time so as to prevent theft!

[stevelau1911]

I already have paulownia empress tree, japanese knotweed, some tree peonies, from last year, but I'm planning on making some more additions to utilize all the free space in the yard.

I want to get kudzu but theres no way I can get it here.

[Iowaboo]

You can get kudzu, but everyone will put a curse on you though if you had it. I've grown it, but just survived as an annual.

For me, I would say willows are my most rewarding plant. Poplars are right behind them. Things like arundo donax, bamboo, and paulownia are tied for 3rd, since they all die to the ground for me so far.

[bepah]

That is a difficult question for me because I can't decide on one.

Cardamon is a possibility since it was the first indoor plant we have had that survived our care.

Castor Bean plant does have a certain charm.

Cannas are pretty, but a lot of work in our climate.

Depending on how well various plants survive this Winter, I may have a decision then.

Dan,

I am very excited about your choices.

Cardamom - pumpkin pie delight - great smells

Castor Bean - preparing for the ricin bombs needed when the economy collapses

Cannas - I'll send you some Tropicanna corms if you're interested.

Thanks,

[bepah]

well, in our area,many people grow a different sort of green crop... they sell for lots more than bamboo too. I just dont envy them the sleeping amongst the plants just before harvest time so as to prevent theft!

All you need is your own Bengal Tiger to guard your crop!

[ghmerrill]

How about one of these?



Jeckyl just looks mean... unless he thinks you are a teething toy!

( I couldnt find any of the tiger pics..... Im not a cat person! they scare me!)

[stevelau1911]

I looked up the kiwi vine which seems like a good alternative to growing kudzu. The only problem is that the bigger kiwis require zone 8 to thrive.

Asparagus and giant reed look pretty cool too.

[ocimum_nate]

it is a toss up between cacti and peppers for me.