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Name That Plant!

Caladium? Acting like a ground cover.

8 years ago

When I went to dig up my Caladium bulbs last fall, this plant was there too. I could well have purchased it and planted it there but don't recall.

Not knowing if it was winter hardy, I dug it up and brought it in. I though I had killed it by neglect but after I put it outside it looks like this a month later.

There were nowhere as many leaves/stems when I brought it in so it seems to be happy. It would be happier if it had a name so I can give it a number too.

Ignore the English Ivy on the left. It has been plucked out already.

Featured Answer

emerogork
Original Author

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

It has an odd, almost lemon, scent.

Considering the history: I dug it out from very harsh soil and potted it in same soil. It was maybe a stem or two back in October. It dried out complete several times over the winter, looked dead, I was about to give up on it and moved it outside where it sat with pots to be cleaned out and now it looks healthy.

Looks as if they will survive far too much that I wan it to and now, from one or two stems, it is a dozen or more.

It is going out pot and all.....
I will attack the location where it was found and kill off anything within a foot of it. Fortunately, there are not but a few plants there and one side is blocked by a retaining wall.

Maybe it is a good thing to think about next time I recycle soil back into use after a plant is removed.

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Comments (6)

ademink
8 years ago
Looking at pics of caladium seedlings online...those actually do look like some. I thought at first it was houttuynia cordata....but I'm not sure now.
0
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
8 years ago
Does it have an unusual scent? Looks like chameleon plant, Houttuynia cordata, and would show more intensely colored variegation in more sun.

Beware - this plant has a nasty reputation. Almost as bad as the bishop's weed.
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ademink
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Yes, very distinct smell and I'm on year who-knows-what of digging this nasty stuff out.
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floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
8 years ago
I'd go with Houttuynia cordata.
Carrie B
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Agree with Houttuynia cordata. I have yet to meet anyone who doesn't rue the day it was planted in their garden. Be forewarned.
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