Can anyone identify this tree? It started out as a small indoor plant that my wife recieved when she was in the hospital about eight years ago. After about two years, it became too big for it's container, so we planted it outside next to our deck. The subtropical looking plant continued to grow several feet per year. One year, we had a hard freeze, that I thought had killed it, but the following spring, it came back. After three straight mild winters, the plant has reached almost 25' tall. Now it has started to produce these trumpet like flowers (white), at the very top, that seem to only bloom at night. We live in Southern Louisiana, about 30 miles from the Gulf Coast. Thanks for the Help, Robert
I have another question? Hurricane "Rita" came through our area last September. We experience 120 mph winds and had a large pine tree come throught the roof of our home. Probably the scariest thing we've ever experienced. Anyway, we have always had lots of shade from very large mature trees, Pines and Hardwoods. Our deck has always been shady, lots of ferns and shade loving plants. We have 4 acres of land and due to the Hurricane, we had 35 trees either totally destroyed or damaged so bad, we had to have them removed. Most of our beautiful shade is now direct sun, most of the day. Can I expect to loose most of our "Shade Loving" plants, that thrived under the shade of our trees? So far, they are hanging on, but we are just now getting into the real Hot time of the year.
Depends on what they are, exactly. If all are strictly shade plants then they can be expected to burn up this summer unless moved to better spots beforehand.
As a stop gap measure, artificial shade and lots of water might keep particular plants alive until you can get them transplanted. Not the final answer as the shade from large trees also creates a bit of a cooler microclimate underneath. Also a bit of cloth or tarp will, to a certain extent, trap some of the heat beneath it. It will protect against sunburn. Use a light colored covering as dark will act as a heat collector. The other tact you might try is to take starts from those plants you want to save (particularly those too large to cover and or transplant) and start them small. Harry
First, remember the forum motto: new topic, new thread! Lots of people might answer this question if you post it as a new question, but they might never find it buried in a plant ID question. Second: no, they won't all survive, and if you want them to have the best chance, build them some shelter! A trellis with annual vines growing up it is one option, or a patio umbrella or two, or even a laundry rack with a couple of towels draped over it if looks aren't everything! (in other words, what Wrygrass said).
