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What are the 'leaves' planted under trees here?
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Posted by Mrs_Emily 8 Louisiana (My Page) on Thu, Jul 7, 05 at 18:33
| I'm originally from KS and had never seen these plants before moving down to LA, but it's never occured to me to ank anyone what they're called and how to care for them until now. They look like a single, large green leaf and they're planted directly under trees, usually encircling the entire base of the tree trunk. Almost all yards have them, so I had to have some too. Only I planted mine in the sun and they turned yellow. What are they called and how do I care for them? They look nice when they're growing in bunches, but do they ever flower? |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: What are the 'leaves' planted under trees here?
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| They are most likely cast iron plants (aspidistra). They need shade as you learned. They even tolerate deep shade where nothing else will grow. I believe they will be evergreen for you. |
RE: What are the 'leaves' planted under trees here?
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| No, they don't flower ... and they can look unsightly if you don't keep the brown edges trimmed. |
RE: What are the 'leaves' planted under trees here?
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| Maybe they're hostas. If so, they do put out a little bloom once, but the main attraction is the foliage. There are many varieties, varigated ones are pretty. I have them under an oak and they do well. I was warned about slugs but so far they haven't been a problem. Definitely shade plants. |
RE: What are the 'leaves' planted under trees here?
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| Hello Mrs. Emily, I lived in Louisiana for ten years. What you are describing is the Cast Iron Plant, Aspidistra. I've seen that it grows well around the base of tall pine trees and in containers, too, and have seen it growing in beds against the house on the north side. I have a son who lives in Spring, Texas, near Houston, and they have it in their yard. I got some starts from their plants and brought them home with me. I now live in Oklahoma. Living in zone 6, I must grow Aspidistra in a large pot so I can bring it into the greenhouse in the Fall. I set it out under my large Mimosa tree in the summer, where it gets filtered sunlight and it thrives. The leaves are dark green, almost black green, and do look like they might be made of cast iron. Mine have no brown edges. Don't know why, but they don't. I do not pamper them at all. I water them nearly every day in that pot. Here is a link so you can look at photos others have posted and see if that is the plant in question that you have:
http://hortiplex.gardenweb.com/plants/jour/p/52/gw1003552/page.html I loved living in Louisiana. What a fun place to live. What wonderful people and some much culture to enjoy. Beautiful country and wonderful climate. It will always be home to me. Hope you enjoy it there too.
Best Wishes,
~Annie |
RE: What are the 'leaves' planted under trees here?
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| Aspidistra leaves will last for months in a vase. Just thought I'd add that. Mine thrived the first year I had them planted, but last year a lot of the leaves turned a bit yellow, and came loose at the base of the stem. Has anyone else had that problem? |
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