I was hoping someone could give me a little more insight into A. Calidora. I have been re-landscaping our backyard and had picked out Hedychium 'Elizabeth' for the corner of our house as it is a central point in our yard. After placing the order, I came across A. Calidora and - be still my beating heart - I have changed my mind.

A.Calidora really is crying out to me to be that main focal point and I am fine finding another place in the yard for the Ginger. The planting area faces ENE so it would get gentle morning sun. With the way the house is situated, it would be sheltered from our summer sun from late morning to early afternoon. However, from about 2 to 4 pm, the outer-most quarter would catch the sun again. My concern is whether or not A. Calidora will thrive despite this additional sun? I checked ATP's database and see that it is rated for full sun to full shade but, given that our summers can be quite harsh (115 degrees + for approximately 2-3 weeks each year), I am a bit concerned. The sun and heat can be so intense that even daylilies go dormant during the peak of summer. I would feel terrible if I inadvertently killed this gorgeous plant . Does anyone have an opinion if A. Calidora would do okay in this spot?

With those type temperatures and I assume low R.H. I would suggest a sun shade for it if that spot is where you have to plant it. I would make sure to build that soil verrrrrrry porous at least a couple of feet in diameter w/plenty of organic material and of course ALWAYS kept moist in the heat. With all this in mind, you will certainly be able to determine if it will thrive in these conditions. Keep in mind you will more than likely have some sun burn regardless w/those conditions.

Thank you for the response. Our soil is very high in organic matter (years of well-rotted barn pickin's and deep mulch) -- and this particular area stays naturally damp (not wet but damp) due to overflow lines, etc. Your assumption on the RH is spot on - very low indeed compared to the rest of the country - but, oddly enough, we have other humidity lovers that are not just growing but are actually thriving (colocasia, bananas, gingers, etc). It seems to me that it always depends on the particular cultivar more than on the species here. In the example of the daylilies, while 1/4 of the daylilies go screaming into dormancy at peak heat, I have (1) particular one who blooms its heart out during that time. So, who knows?

Thank you for suggesting the sun shade - I definitely will keep this in mind. Offhand, are there any Alocasia with "cast-iron" reputations?

Portora and Odora as well.... they can get huge as you more than likely will not have to lift them in the Winter.