plant name

jennym · Post by **jennym** » Thu Jun 15, 2006 2:42 pm

Don't know where to put this question so sorry if its in the wrong place!

I'm trying to find out the name of a shrub but not having any luck! (Ellie - you'll probably know this one!)

It is a shrub with green/white varigarted leaves and has small purple/lilac flowers.

Any ideas ?- thanks in advance!

Jenny

Ellie · Post by **Ellie** » Fri Jun 16, 2006 5:55 pm

Suppose I should know it Jenny..but theres quite a few species answering that description? Whats the leaf shape, and how big?
You say the flower is small, and sort of lilac colour?
Ive got a green & white variegated 'Felicia ..small 'daisy-like 'flower of a deep, lilacy blue.. in container,
A Vinca (periwinkle) comes to mind..these can be variegated, and beautiful blue, or purply flowers..low growing and I use for ground cover?
But I can 'see' the plant you describe and my minds blank..?
Euonymous comes to mind, but dont think its that..
Theres a hosta called 'Francee', which has white,green leaves and 'lavender' flowers..
But I don't think Im answering your question..sorry, but Ill keep thinking or maybe somebody else knows it?
ellie

Lesley Jean · Post by **Lesley Jean** » Fri Jun 16, 2006 10:28 pm

Do you have a picture of the plant? That might help some??

jennym · Post by **jennym** » Sun Jun 18, 2006 1:24 pm

Hi ellie

Thanks for your suggestions! I've been 'googling' them to find pictures. I suppose the nearest one is the evergreen euonymus, but the flowers are very small star shaped lilac flowers that make up a bigger flower at the end of each branch/stem.

I think you can also get them with white flowers. the leaves are quite thick and can be varigated or just plain.

the shrub is about 18-24" high.

i think i'm going to knock on the door when i see it in someones garden and ask them!!!

thanks
Jennyx

piglet · Post by **piglet** » Sun Jun 18, 2006 1:52 pm

Hi Jenny

I think I know the plant you mean. I think I have one in our garden. ...its called a plumbas...plambus...plumbus...or something similar.

Sorry cant be more specific.
HAppy googling

Ellie · Post by **Ellie** » Sun Jun 18, 2006 4:43 pm

D'you mean the beautiful 'Plumbago' Piglet?
Sprays of lovely sky blue flowers? But Ive not seen a variegated variety?
I think Jennys asking about a plant in her UK garden though?
I love Plumbago..it can grow quite big too, about 10 or more feet tall!
Lovely plant.

piglet · Post by **piglet** » Sun Jun 18, 2006 6:46 pm

Hi Ellie...yes thats the name...LOL

Mind is only small at the moment. Told it would spread as a climber or grow over a wall. Hope they were right. It does have the most beautiful spray of lavender blue flowers...

Are you any good with Veg? I am tryong to work out why our potatoes have brown bits in them. ITs like some sort of blight!. The leaves developed black marks...so dont laugh ...I picke d all the affected leaves off...but did not realise it had probably had affected the potatoes...any ideas...+ how to cure it? Do I know have to treat the ground with something?? where spuds were growing...?

All the best
CArole

Ellie · Post by **Ellie** » Sun Jun 18, 2006 7:23 pm

Im sorry to hear about that with your spuds Carole!
You can use a spray as 'prevention' during growing season (and particularly if its been wet) theres a few..but I know you're growing 'organically'?
In that case, can only say, you need to grow varieties that are resistant to blight.....and 'earthing up' the potatoes well (and mulching) can be insurance against disease.
Could it be rust?(brown marks in the potato)..need to keep even watering to avoid this..don't let soil dry out.
Sorry, Carole, this is sounding more like prevention than cure!
I haven't grown veg in my garden here for couple years(cos of the wet and all the slugs)..but did get good results from potatoes grown in large pots..
Im not being much help am I?
BTW, if you're removing leaves or potatoes affected,dont put on your compost...the disease will stay and could spread....best to burn.
elliex

piglet · Post by **piglet** » Sun Jun 18, 2006 8:21 pm

Hi Ellie

HAve to say buying the seed potatoes in our part of Portugal was a challenge in itself.... LOL

miming seed potatoes was not easy.
Miming blight resistant spuds...?
ANyone Portuguese know what I need to ask for, plesae??

MAny thanks

jennym · Post by **jennym** » Mon Jun 19, 2006 10:51 am

Hi Carole
Thanks for the suggestion but its not that either! I think I'm going to take a cutting and ask a local garden centre...I'll let you know what the answer is!

I'm afraid my portuguese isnt that good - I have no idea how to ask for your potatoes!!

Good luck
Jennyx