What non-tropical plants do you see growingin Puna

[emorata]

Just wondering if you have seen non-tropical type plants grown successfully in Puna area....considering roses, camelias, azaleas zinnias, various tubular/bulb flowers ie dahlias,freesias,tulips, rununculous....annuals and trees like maples, various pines,crepe myrtles, magnolias etc.

[JerryCarr]

We have Japanese pine, rose bushes, camellias, gardenias, and several annuals (snapdragons, vinca, marigolds) considered to be temperate zone plants here in central HPP. The camellia does not bloom as much as the one back in Georgia, but still makes a show. The others seem to be about the same. I have seen, but not yet grown crepe myrtles, junipers, and amaryllis in this area.

Bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, etc that require chilling might have to be refrigerated to trick them into thinking they've wintered over, and they still might not like the climate here. I don't recall seeing these outdoors in Puna.

Cheers,
Jerry

Wow! This makes post No. 500, making me Da Kine. Maybe I need to get a life.

Edited by - JerryCarr on 09/13/2007 12:30:21

[janeadams]

Sometimes temperate zone plants work out but my recommendation would be to focus on tropicals instead of mainland plants.

Plantings should reflect a location. I had friends in the Bay Area that emptied their ice cube trays on their lilacs on the coldest days to get bloom, to some marginal success. I think people should adapt to where they live, not try to adapt the location to the plants. Plus, many of the mainland plants reproduce way too well here.

Look forward, not back at what you had before. This is a different place with different wonderful plants that do wonderfully here without becoming invasive.

Plant local, and enjoy!

Jane and Pete Adams

[emorata]

I'm just trying to understand what temperate plans that are also doing well in the area to see what plant varieties can add to planting considerations especially when it shows that there are many alternatives....I actually love tropical plants, but if i can also use what can survive year round without being invasive is choice....

[janeadams]

Noel,

Got it -- now I understand your goal.

a note about camelias -- we have a friend in Volcano who grows many varieties quite successfully, and they bloom well for him. Haven't seen that success at lower elevations.

We have an old fashioned floribunda-type rose given to us by a friend that does well. I don't think hybrid teas would do well at all -- too moist.

Crepe myrtles -- we've got one that is doing well that we got as seed years ago on Maui.

Azaleas do pretty OK here, of course there are always the tropical rhododendrons (Vireyas), which do wonderfully here in Puna.

Jane

[emorata]

Jane,

thanks for all your info, i'll have to visit your nursery when i'm back in town for a visit....i'm very interested in seeing your vireya collection...by the way which ones are scented and what is the scent like? are there vireyas that have variegated foliage? do you mind posting your website again?

[Kapohocat]

quote:

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.....my recommendation would be to focus on tropicals instead of mainland plants......Plantings should reflect a location..... I think people should adapt to where they live, not try to adapt the location to the plants. Plus, many of the mainland plants reproduce way too well here....

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I agree! I suggest you talk with some of the professional nurseries or Mitzi! - and plant native or non-invasive plants if you can. We have acquired two very invasive pests from plants brought in (coqui and fire ants). Miconia at one time came from the houseplant that someone dumped out in the wild. I understand that you are considering your new home landscaping but really try to promote native plantings. It may take more effort but will be well worth it!

[janeadams]

Noel,

Our website is:
http://www.whitecloudnursery.com

There are many fragrant Vireyas, and they are totally awesome! Some have light fragrance, others an incredibly heady one -- like sticking your head in the spice drawer and smelling vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and all those good things. We try to be sure we've got them available all the time, as many folks do not have room for a lot of plants and want to get the most they can.

No variagated ones, though. We do have some other variagated plants that we propagate, though.

Happy to have you come visit next time you're here!

Jane

[emorata]

thats sounds like a great selection jane, i'll look forward to calling you when i come back again around december timeframe....just in time for the next punaweb party.

noel