what are my friend's giant ?

Discussion in 'New Members Introduction' started by 3witches, Jul 29, 2007.

  1. 3witches

    3witches Apprentice Gardener

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    Hi, my friend has just visited and told me about some plants she bought at an auction. She grew them in damp ground until they were 6-8 feet tall, with stalks like rhubarb -but hollow- and little pink flowers on the top. Then, having heard of Japanese Knotweed (they weren't - I showed her a picture) she pulled them out - very easily, they only had small roots. Now she wants to know what they are and we've been through the internet, gardening books and garden centres.

    Presumably annual or biennel (or maybe not) what could they be? She's got another gardening friend and me flummoxed. We're buying her a subscription to a gardening magazine for her birthday, a camera and a flower press. But in the meantime, does anyone have any ideas?
     
  2. Kedi-Gato

    Kedi-Gato Gardener

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    Hi 3witches and welcome to GC.

    I think I might know what plant your friend has (gunnera?) but Banana Man would know for sure, or one of the others that are into these plants. Do you have a photo to put up, it does make things easier to ID.

    BTW, I like your name.
     
  3. 3witches

    3witches Apprentice Gardener

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    Thanks for your reply and the welcome. It looks like a really good site.

    I've checked with friend - the leaves were smaller and, she thinks, heart or spade shaped so probably not gunnera, but I don't know why we (the two gardening witches) didn't think of that one.

    We've berated her already for lack of photos. She can't go around pulling up plants and then making people guess, on little evidence, on what they might have been!


    Thanks, 3W
     
  4. Paladin

    Paladin Gardening...A work of Heart

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  5. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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    [​IMG] Hi 3 witches, Welcome..
    If Paladin is right & it is Himalayan Balsam, it is stunningly beautiful plant to look at, but,,,,,,
    :eek:

    Himalayan or Indian balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) was introduced to Britain in 1839, but escaped from gardens and rapidly colonised riverbanks and areas of damp ground. Himalayan balsam grows in dense stands that suppress the growth of native grasses and other flora. In the autumn, the plants die back, leaving the banks bare of vegetation and vulnerable to erosion.

    Facts and figures

    Native range: Western Himalayas

    Stem: Pinky-red colour
    Up to 3m tall - tallest annual plant in Britain
    Hollow and jointed
    Sappy and brittle

    Leaves: Spear-shaped, with serrated edges
    Shiny and dark green with a dark red midrib
    Up to 150mm long
    Opposite or in whorls of three

    Flowers: Purplish-pink to pale pink
    Slipper-shaped, on long stalks
    June ââ?¬â?? October

    Seeds : White, brown or black
    Produced from July ââ?¬â?? October
    4-7mm diameter
    4 ââ?¬â?? 16 seeds per pod

    Control: Control measures should aim to prevent flowering and if this is achieved before seeds are set, eradication is possible in two to three years.

    Chemical control: can use glyphosate or 2,4-D amine. Need to be used whilst plant is actively growing in early spring for best effect.

    Cutting/mowing/strimming: cut at ground level using a scythe, before the flowering stage in June. Do not cut earlier as this promotes greater seed production in any plants that regrow. Cutting should be repeated annually until no more growth occurs.

    Pulling: shallow-rooted plants can be pulled up very easily and disposed of by burning or composting, unless seeds are present.

    Grazing: Grazing by cattle and sheep is effective from April throughout the growing season. It should be continued until no new growth occurs.


    also have a read here at this RHS link as well.
    http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profiles0705/himalayanbalsam.asp

    [​IMG] Maybe the right thing to have pulled it up. I don't see why you couldn't grow it as long as you don't let it set seed.... :eek:
     
  6. Helofadigger

    Helofadigger Gardener

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    Welcome to the forums 3witches, enjoy your time here.
    I'm sure someone will sort your problem out for you.
    Helen.xxx.
     
  7. mef750

    mef750 Gardener

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    Hi 3witches and a very warm welcom to GC from me enjoy! [​IMG]
     
  8. pip

    pip Gardener

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    Hello and welcome to G.C 3witches [​IMG]
     
  9. Blackthorn

    Blackthorn Gardener

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  10. NewbieGreen

    NewbieGreen Gardener

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