Re: unexpected plants

**C* U* <c*@sbcglobal.net>**

Magnolias can most certainly grow in the Midwest. Here in Chicago there
are magnolias all over the place. Two species are mainly grown--saucer
magnolia (M. soulangiana) and star magnolia (M. stellata) and there are
a gazillion cultivars of each. There's also sweet bay magnolia (M.
virginiana). The yellow magnolia does well here as well. It's a cross
of M. soulangiana and M. acuminata (known as cucumber tree magnolia).
There are several yellow cultivars--Elizabeth is the best known. It
seems to bloom longer than the pink saucer types. One gardener told me
her Elizabeth was in bloom last year for a month. Usually the heat or
the wind keeps magnolias from staying in bloom very long. carolyn ulrich

On Thursday, May 6, 2004, at 06:24 AM, Melanie wrote:
Catriona, Here on Long Island, NY we have a very reputable, local
nursery

that sells a Banana tree (Musa basjoo). In their description they list
it as

hardy to our area (Long Island is mostly zone 7 but parts are zone 6b).
I've seen bananas overwintered here on the island if they're placed in
a

protected location and bound in burlap.
Another plant that people don't realize they can grow are Magnolias.
Friends

in Indianapolis were told Magnolias don't grow in their area but now
grow a

very nice collection. You can check out the information on their
website at

www.watsonpark.com
Hope this is what you're looking for.
Melanie Vassallo
Garden Lecturer/Writer/Photographer
melaniev@optonline.net
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