Question: Friday, February 11, 2000
Last summer I bought a plant called a 'ventura', at least this is what I understood from the seller. It has huge lily-like white flowers and the leaves are sort of maple leaf shaped and the seed pod is round and has spines on it--somewhat like a chestnut. I haven't found any info on it but I was told it is a perennial and have wintered it with protection. Any information you can e-mail would be most appreciated.
Answer:
I think the plant you refer to is probably 'Datura' which in actual fact is treated as an annual in Ontario, so the specimen you have in your garden will not overwinter, even if protected. However, all is not lost if you allowed the seedpod to burst, as this seed easily self-sows and when you check next spring you will probably find several plants instead of just one. For your information, this is an extremely beautiful but also poisonous plant.
Groundskeep@marksgarden.com
