What do you recommend growing in Utah?

[Jennyfleur]

Hi Guys and Gals,
I wasn't entirely sure where to put this, so I popped it in the 'lounge'!

Since I've been looking around all the US sites for the Members' project, I was thinking about giving my best friend (who lives in Utah) an orchid for her birthday, which is coming up. However, I wonder if any of you lovely people living State-side (as it were) could give me some idea of what would work best in the Salt Lake City area? My friend is not bad with plants (when she lived here in the UK, she had some of my lilies which she looked after ok), but she's never had an orchid.

Unfortunately, I can't give any indication of what her growing conditions would be like (which I admit, makes what I'm asking a lot harder for you guys), but *any* thoughts on plants would be appreciated and, indeed, any thoughts on who would be the best vendor to ship to Utah would be great as well

[quiltergal]

Well it's cold, snowy and dry in the winter, and hot and dry in the summer. If she's going to be growing in the house it will have to be a plant that doesn't require high RH. A Phal. would probably be fine. They seem to tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions as long as you get the watering right.

[Jennyfleur]

Thanks for the advice Terri I knew it got v. snowy there but I didn't know what the summers were like (my only experience of the States is Maryland/ Virginia where my brother lives and has lived!) I was initially thinking Phals as I grow them here and I'm in a better place to advise as opposed to if I got her a Den. or something that I don't grow!

But I still have a little while to decide in case anyone suggests anything else

[Angurek]

Jennyfleur, I'd advise against sending your friend any tropical warm, bright grower. I'd recommend sending anything that can grow in heavy shade and can tolerate temperature fluctuation, like a paph. I can't think of more suggestions right now, but I'll post them if I come up with them.

[Jennyfleur]

Thanks Carl For me, the biggest problem is not knowing what it's like there at all (as I've never been to Utah and never been to her new place there), but all suggestions are welcome (her birthday is soon, but there's always future gifts I'd have to buy). And then I'll try and get her to sign up here