See accompanying photo. Can you name this flowering plant? It is growing on the edge of Gene and Kathy Herman’s garden-like patio at the southeast corner of The Mayflower Community Watertower Square building.
Some of Kathy’s neighbors have been asking her about it. A couple of them mused that it looks like ears of corn. Kathy did not know what it is until Mayflower’s Grounds and Gardens Supervisor, Ben Pearce, identified it. Ben is an Iowa State University certified Master Gardener®. That means he knows how to look up exotic plants!
Ben tells us that the flowering beauty is a “Pachystachys Lutea,” or more commonly a “Golden Shrimp Plant.” It still can’t be eaten, but at least you are now that much smarter!
— Bob Mann, Sales & Marketing Director