I just saw something in the store, a chemical designed just for stopping suckers - if you're into the chemical thing.

Don't recall the name, but it might be something you could find at any big box.

Kitty
neIN, Zone 5

----- Original Message -----

From: J*@aol.com

To: p*@hort.net

Sent: Saturday, June 04, 2011 12:13 PM

Subject: Macleaya cordata

Mine have been in for a couple of years and seem pretty well-behaved althhough I do weed out some volunteers but it's easy enough to do.  They're in amended clay in full sun. They have such exotic and pretty foliage which is hard to come by in z.5a. Now, the sumac is a different story, suckering by roots like mad. I'm going to try some 9% vinegar spray on those and see if it's helpful. That procedure, in my experience, kills all top growth but does not disturb below the surface...she says hopefully.

 

Joanie Anderson

 

 

In a message dated 6/4/2011 12:07:38 P.M. Central Daylight Time, kmrsy@comcast.net writes:

I've heard Plume Poppy, Maclaeya cordata, is considered a thug too, but in the right place these plants can perform and behave well.  As they say, it's location, location, location!

 

Kitty
neIN, Zone 5

----- Original Message -----

From: J*@aol.com

To: p*@hort.net

Sent: Saturday, June 04, 2011 11:15 AM

Subject: Fallopia japonica

Yikes, it seems that my plant in a well-known thug. Just looked up more about Fallopia japonica (aka polygonum cuspidata, reynoutria, etc.) and I'm wondering if I'm doing myself a disfavor by leaving it in? Does anyone have any negative input with this Fallopia japonica? I'm in zone 5a north of Chicago so maybe she's ok here but then maybe not. I don't want any surprises like the sumac is giving me. I can't recall ever purchasing this plant so it must have been a bonus from a mail order company. Who would do that? Would like to have a word with them.

Thanks, Joanie

 

In a message dated 6/4/2011 10:16:45 A.M. Central Daylight Time, lindsey@mallorn.com writes:

> Attached is a picture of the mystery bamboo. The typical 'circles'
> around the stem at various points (what are these properly called?)
> turn very dark as summer progresses and the flowers (can't remember
> when they appear) remind me of light pink macleaya blossoms. Any
> help would be most appreciated!

Hi Joanie!  It's been a while!  :)

I'm probably going to come across as crazy, but this plant reminds me
a lot of a Fallopia instead of a bamboo -- something like
Fallopia japonica (var.compacta).  These were also known
as Polygonum cuspidata once upon a time, but changed names
in the past fifteen years.

Is it possibly a Fallopia?  Google images turns up a few:

   http://bit.ly/ihFRUV

Chris