Question
Hello,
I live in Tiburon California and have 2 large clay planters on my FULL SUN back deck, in front of 'coated' windows which act as 'mirrors' in the summer. the only thing I have found that can take that heat is fountain grass, but I would like something more elegant like a banana plant. Can these plants take this kind of heat if well watered? and if not can you recommend a beautiful plant that would?  Thank you!

Answer
Hi Renee, Bananas love heat, but I'm thinking that your problem is that we are talking searing heat during the height of the summer day; that said, I would think the banana would do fine, except it may show some leaf damage due to the heat , this shouldn't harm it once it gets taller and is above the mirrors, but it will look somewhat damaged during its initial growing stage, lots of water and if you can put some type of decorative "blocking figure" between the plant and the reflective surface, this will help tremendously. The only other plant that I feel would suffice, would be a Yucca, albeit not very desirable, it would be durable. When choosing a banana, you will need to know that they need a very large container, so if your containers are not really large, the yucca may be the better choice...regards Nick