Hidden Valley Hibiscus Forum

Here's a group of blooms I picked and brought inside this morning.  Anybody want to take a guess as to who they all are?  ;)

Nice ones Jordan!

Acapulco Gold
Night runner
Summer shore
Black dragon
Deep waters
Saffron
Jason B

those are my guesses!

Soooooooooo close!  But not Deep Waters...

Then it has to be Creole Lady!

Creole Belle

Yes!!!  Creole Lady it is!



And wow, John D, gorgeous Creole Belle!  I've almost purchased this cv so many times...

Denise I currently have over 70 with all but 10 planted in ground.  As for room, oh yeah there is always a way to make more room...

Jordan that is a stunning collection of blooms.  They can't get better than that!

13 open blooms today on Black Dream

Yesterday Cindy's Heart was in a league of it's own - just WOW!!
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/CindysHeartOpening10-1.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/CindysHeart10-12.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/CindysHeart10-1.jpg)

Farmer D

Some more...loving The Path so much

Farmer D

Wow Daren, great color on the Cindys Heart. Valentine Day triplets  and Bright Horizon look nice for me today.

Gorgeous blooms everywhere!

Doll, I'm wondering how the Creole Belle bush is doing at your place? I wasn't too happy with the growth habit in the greenhouse but maybe it does better in more natural conditions that tend to strengthen the branches.

Loved your group photo, Jordan!

Fantastic Cindy's Heart, Framer D. There will be some of that variety and other grafted plants coming up in 2 weeks. Creme de la Creme, Silver Dragon, Cherry Appaloosa among them.

Charlie

David, nice Bright Horizon. Really wish I had gotten that one.

Darren, your Cindy's Heart is almost solid pink. Really impressive.

David, I love your Bright Horizon.

Charlie, Creole Belle is a flopper. Definitely needs to be staked.

These are definitely Silver Dragons right Charlie ;)

Hi everybody here are some pictures for today, Darren your killing us with all those flowers  >:( I started using much larger pots to try to get my plants to grow bigger.
 I bought some pots that are 14" across in the inside . And I'm using a light fluffy soil with about 20% perlite & getting nice root development now.My flowers appear to have a pink halo around the eye probable because the night time temp. has been around 42 deg. to 46 deg.
(http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/mphquicksilver/Picture16copy.png)
(http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/mphquicksilver/Picture5copy.png)
(http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/mphquicksilver/Picture6copy.png)
(http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/mphquicksilver/Picture4copy.png)
  

Good job Darren your yard in unbelievable I hope I can get results like that next year I'm getting better as time goes .
(http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/mphquicksilver/Picture9copy.png)
(http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/mphquicksilver/Picture4-6.png)

Cinnamon Splendor - very large brown flower. 2nd pic is the same bloom at the end of the day.
Cindy's Heart - if you look closely you will see I had 4 blooms today!

Very nice Doll, Cinnamon Splendor looks much nicer than the photo in the store.
I was only thinking yesterday its a long time since you have shown a photo of Passion Play, a photo you showed last year was my wallpaper for a couple of months it was so nice.

Hi David
About 3 or 4 months ago I switched soil but still had small pots & just recently I started putting them in bigger pots & when I pulled them out of the smaller pots they had big white roots & were almost root bound In just that short of time. So the lighter soil & perlite is making a huge difference ,the root development is excellent . now the bigger pots will hopefully do even better . I'm trying to get the plants to grow like Darren's  ;D ;D :o .    

I could have written that above as that is exactly what happened to me. I think the Perlite is a huge help, not only does it seem to aerate the soil and is good for drainage, it seems to have the added advantage which is important to me here in Vietnam that it really holds water, even in baking hot tropical sun I only need to water once a day.

David and Mike your blooms are so nice...Mike the colors are so, so pretty!!!  And David your plants just look so healthy and well taken care of.  

I really like the talk lately concerning pots and trying to get bigger ones for root growth.  It seems pretty basic to me that if you want more buds and stronger plants you got to give them roots a lot of room and feed them well.  My problem and I'm sure just about everyone else's is if you get some really good sized pots (I would love to get the ones that are 2 or 3 ft across) you cannot really move them around at all.  For me that is an issue during heat waves.  

Unfortunately my Rodeo Drive, Surf City and Space Oddity got severe heat stroke by our one heat wave in August and then in their weakened state were attacked by spider mites.  I know now to move them next time but if I get the big big pots that won't be possible...so how big or how to move them...or maybe a shade cloth I can lower on the front overhang of my porch on those scorcher days...

I'd love to have some 5 ft tall potted hibiscus gems on the porch for people to enjoy as they walk up so maybe the shade cloth is the answer!  That or a forklift.

OK, a few from today....Palm Springs gave me the perfect bloom today!
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/Oct%202011%20Hibiscus/PalmSprings10-3.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/Oct%202011%20Hibiscus/SidewalkView10-32.jpg)
Farmer D

A few more...a fun shot of a ladybug chowing down on aphids that were on The Path bud.

Farmer D

Thanks Darren, if you have the room the larger pots are the way to go, here are photos of a couple [P's Purple and Dragon Heart] I moved into very large pots and you can see the growth in just 3 months, they where put there to take full advantage of the shade from the palms.
If you want a couple of tall cv's that dont need protection from the sun, Transcendent and Bright Horizon would be perfect, very similar bushes and both now 5 feet tall after just a few months.
Your Palm Springs is stunning.

Farmer D, I think the drop down shade would be a big help. Bigger pots do provide more root room but have the disadvantages that you mention. They aren't the whole answer because I've got some 8 footers growing in 2 gallon pots. That is in a shaded greenhouse with the drip system and fertilizer injector but still shows the potential in even a mid sized pot. At one point we grew all our stock in 15 gallon pots and the plants were pretty magnificent but once again there is the size and weight disadvantage. Whatever you do, do not overpot - like planting a 4 inch in a 10 gallon pot. In the tropics that might work but in most places the soil will stay too wet and go sour on you and the plant will suffer.

Another way to get many of the advantages of a larger pot is to root prune every other year. By cutting away 1/3 of the root ball and adding fresh potting mix to the same pot you allow the hibiscus to experience rapid new root growth which results in lots of growth hormone release.

David, your maturing garden is looking splendid. Before long you can open it up as a tourist destination and charge an admittance fee!  :)

And Darren I'm surprised you are not finding strangers strolling around your front yard!

Charlie

Charlie

Darren and David great photos as always. Beautiful Palm Springs bloom. Hope mine gets large enough to bloom soon.

 

Beautiful shots everyone!!!!

Darren- Regarding the large pots, and moving them: I have mine in very large pots, but they are actually made of plastic that looks like stone. They are not exactly "light" but I am able to move them on my own when needed. Some may think plastic is tacky, but I think they look just as beautiful. Just a thought :)

Keep the pics coming! You all have my wish list changing and growing :/ I'm gonna get in trouble! :)

I can't stop going back to that Tahitian Princess shot! I've never noticed that one in the store before. It's really pretty! The petals look thick and strong. Nice!

Oooh! And Darren, I was gonna ask to see a shot of your plumeria tree that you mentioned in a previous post. I think that's it in the wide shot there huh?

Darren, if you put some of the heat tolerant varieties on your porch I don't think you will need to worry about the heat waves. Cindy's Heart and High Voltage would do just fine in the heat. I have both of these growing in full sun.

Cindy's Heart

Hi Denise, here is a couple of shots of my plumeria tree.  Both David and I use it for needed shade in our gardens.  Mine is in a really hot and dry corner which strangely for a tropical tree it needs to start off in a dry environment as they are very prone to root fungus in their first several years.  I am growing a couple of others but they're still in pots.  One I had planted in ground for 6 months and out of nowhere the signs of root fungus and death appeared so back to the hot dry pot again....I don't know if it will recover yet.

Farmer D

John you make an excellent point and I had given that a lot of thought and I ended up making the colors that stand out the best against my house colors on the porch the decision maker for me.  Now that I've gone through the heat wave and how it affected SC, RD and SO I am second guessing a little.

At the same time I also know that as our hibs get more mature they can much better tolerate and even flourish in those conditions.  My Rainbow Sherbet and Scarlet Beauty are two great examples for me that are up against a brick wall that really heats up every day.  Even on mild spring days I put a thermometer there and the temp by the wall reached over 90F.  So in summer it easily should have ambient heat over 100 daily there.

Their first 6-9 months they had some tough days and it showed with sunburned leaves and some wilting but over time they have acclimated well and I swear now even do better in the heat.  Also as the plants get bigger with more foliage they shadow the wall better and less heat is soaked in the wall behind them also making it easier to handle the heat.  

The shade they make becomes a growing factor not only with the heat but also with watering too.  As they get bigger you'd think they need more water but if your soil can retain moisture the more shadows your big plants make the less evaporation and I have come to the conclusion that so far I can pretty much keep watering the same amounts for now if the sun doesn't make it to the ground due to foliage shadows.

Funny I never would have thought of these things till I see them happen and then you see just more reason that if you can get your CVs to grow bigger and bigger more benefits seem to keep popping up.

So my thinking going forward for now is to leave those three on the porch which in winter will be good as they will be protected from the cold a little by the porch overhang and they will get the most heat during the afternoons when it isn't that warm soon.  I might also switch them up to bigger pots to improve drainage (currently in 10" pots).  

What really sucked was the spider mites coming in and really inflicting heavy damage so quickly after the plants were in shock.  Literally it took just a couple of days for it to happen.  By then all I could do was just react.

Great stuff - thanks John!!!

Farmer D

Could be that any free time I have I'm in the yard constantly - I know the hummingbirds are sick of seeing me.  It is also amazing how many people have no idea that these are hibiscus.  If they only knew how rare and special these plants are...

OK, today's pics...All That Jazz is turning into a really nice bush.  Highly recommended as it blooms very well and tolerates all conditions easily.

Ay Caramba has the cutest orangy heat spots all over like freckles.

Farmer D

First ever bloom for Candy...hoping it isn't a mini bloomer but so far...still nice.

Bridal Path Plant - still hasn't held onto it's buds all the way through yet this season but it is starting to develop numerous new branches with lots of Supernova spraying.  Next year it should be like Flickering Flame I hope.  Again I moved it in the dead of winter and it is still coming back...

Farmer D

If you have exotic hibiscus you don't need to go anywhere for fall foliage colors.  Just check out Palm Springs day 2 bloom.  Perfect autumn colors...

Farmer D

Wow - some more...Rum Runner sure must have a lot of 5th Dimension in it.  Check out the fade...

Denise I know T Princess was avail in the HVH store a few months ago...if you get it put it in a shady spot as it fades fast in strong sun...

My Valentines Day 1 plant is so big I've nicknamed it "The Metropolis".  It grows outwards, upwards, I even have branches that are partially buried in the ground for over a year that are kicking some butt.  This thing is a powerhouse and if there was ever a plant that does well in the ground....blooms like crazy of course.

Farmer D

Darren I had to smile when I read  ''  Even on mild spring days I put a thermometer there and the temp by the wall reached over 90F.  So in summer it easily should have ambient heat over 100 daily there.''  I did the same thing against my wall [photo shown] and the thermometer read 147f haha, obviously I cant grow Hibs there but it gives you an idea of the temperatures in my garden.

Now what is amazing is everything you say about about the plants as they get older in your garden is exactly the same with me here, I used to be always looking for sun tolerant cv's, where the truth is if you look after them when they are young they will all become tolerant of the heat and sun as they get older, in fact as my plants have got older, some over 2 years now they are much easier to look after, of course it will have an affect on the blooms but I now have lovely lush green plants.

OK, last post today...I will be out of town starting tomorrow for a few weeks so one more day of pics maybe and that's it for a while....leaving just in time too as our first winter storm is fast approaching tomorrow and I'm not ready for anything like that yet...Aloha!

And what a great way to finish today - The Path Quads that are all perfect!!!

Farmer D

Holy Smokes David - 147F!!!

What you've accomplished there is truly amazing.  I don't know if you get the same tv channels there in Vietnam but there are a lot of extreme cooking/baking shows currently.  If there was one for plant growing you'd be somewhere's near the top for sure.

Great job!!!

Farmer D

Thanks Darren, the change to my garden over 2 years has been amazing, thanks a lot to your inspirational photo's, this forum in general and being able to buy Perlite, and of course Charlie and Cindy.

I don't fully understand air sun temperatures etc, it will say on the weather forecast 100f but in the garden its like hell on earth, if I have to water at lunchtime I have a umbrella the sun is that powerful.

Denise, we grafted some Tahitian Princess plants last year but they sold out quickly. I've tried rooting some for the coming year but also plan to graft some more as well. That means that there will probably be some when the 2012 online store opens on December 30 but they will most likely sell out well before spring shipping begins.

Charlie

Thanks, Charlie! I will have to keep a look out come December 30... I am surprised this one catches my eye, as I usually go for very bright, bold colors. But there is something special about it. Thanks for the heads up!

Charlie, just to confirm, you guys are opening the store on Dec. 30 this year and not early in the morning on Jan 1?  I set my alarm last year and definitely don't want to miss out this year.  ;)

Oh wow! I didn't realize what an event this was! I suppose I will be setting an alarm too :) So much fun :)

This morning was soooo much fun cutting buds and blooms in the pouring rain.  But I learned from my last trip that decomposing blooms can cause big issues when they are sitting on other leaves and branches.

Last post for a few weeks so enjoy...all the blooms I had for today!

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/Oct%202011%20Hibiscus/HibiscusBlooms10-5.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/Oct%202011%20Hibiscus/InteriorYard10-5.jpg)

Farmer D

Oh my gosh! Your poor naked hibiscus!

Have a great trip :)

Denise its not fun its hard, you need to prepare, physically mentally and in my case financially, below is what i wrote here on Jan 2nd.

It was unbelievable yesterday; I had this big plan to buy only what was on my list, I was going to be so strict on myself, buy Rosalind Cindy’s Heart Fifth Dimension Simple Pleasures, and above all an absolute must Bright Horizon, and all at 4 inch, don’t be tempted by anything else, you are a grown man and control yourself.

Then at 4 pm Vietnam time Charles assaulted us with this barrage of wonderful color and apart from buying my dream [Bright Horizon] the plan and being a grown man was in bits, by 4.15 I had also bought Peppermint Drop and Transcendent all at 6 inch, and then nightmare, not enough funds on my credit card, I was soon on the phone telling my Gf to get on her motorbike and go and put 20million Dong in my bank account ASAP,  I was missing out on all these beauties, by 5 15 we had fallen out as I accused her of being so slow the bank had shut at 5 pm, and it was now her fault  that my garden would not be graced with these lovelies come June. Of course later when my heart beat had resumed to something like normal and we had made up I realized it was Saturday and the bank was shut anyway.
Fortunately like Chris says, there will still be some beauties introduced before June, and I think next year I just may avoid opening day, I must have aged 5 years in 3 hours.
 
------- only joking Denise, its great fun and a wonderful experience.

Farmer D, nice display on the grass. Pretty way to do it. Bon voyage!

Funny story, David.

Jordan, we'll make an "official" announcement later but the plan now is to do the opening on Friday, December 30. This coming year January 1, the normal opening day, falls on a Sunday which means a lot of work for us on Monday when Cindy already has a commitment she can't get out of. So, we decided the best thing is to open a couple of days earlier so that we can keep track of orders and not oversell varieties which is what would happen if she was not around the first couple of days after opening.

I bet there are a few people who will prefer the opening not to be the morning after New Year's Eve!

Charlie

Great blooms everyone.  Have fun Darren.  Im away myself.  My plants all got moved indoors the day before I left, and I hope they are all doing well.  Im a nervous wreck when I leave them... silly

Seeing all the new varieties is always so exciting.

Compassion
Cindy's Heart
Voodoo Queen - 2nd pic is the same bloom at the end of the day

Ok...so wow...the store opening is apparently a much bigger deal than the regular store updates, I take it! What time in the morning does the big event take place? For what it's worth, Friday 12/30 is an awesome day to do it in my opinion! What else do I need to know? I am excited!! I am hoping to have at least one gift certificate to use from Christmas. :)

Thanks for the info! :)

After my last post, I discovered the 2011 Store Opening thread and have been reading through it. So it looks like I need to continue picking a few favorites, make note of them, and be waiting at my computer at 4 AM on 12/30! Love it!

Awesome... yes... can't wait for the new cvs that 2012 will bring!  And you're right, Charlie, New Year's Day at 4am is a little tough!

Blooms from me today...  Space Oddity, Summer Shore, and Blushing Maiden.

Love seeing those Summer Shore blooms at your house, Jordan! I see the leaves are still the "fascinating" type. Nice! Excellent colors on Space Oddity, too.

Charlie

Rainbow Sherbert and Voodoo Queen

Hi every one..great blooms...really luv space oddity.....its been a while for me..just been busy and on vacation..but here is a few blooms from this week... ;D :D...lynette...also for heat luving hibs I have found that Blues in the night.. does very well and Rockets red glare....they were both in the 90+ heat almost full sun and did very well...blues held her color all day

and a couple more :D

Wonderful colours Jordan, the Space Oddity is fantastic.

Hi everybody
I have a picture of Hot wired the first one is my big plant , I took a cutting off of it a wile back the second picture is the first flower on the cutting & it has petaloids my big Hot Wired never has petaloids I wonder if the small one will keep having them . It looks nice that way.

hi everyone,
sorry i have not been around much. too busy at work, plants in the greenhouse are doing great, growing like crazy.

here is my very first bloom of high heaven, real large plant and funny on the buds.
when the buds are only about 3/4 inch long the petals start to come out and over the new few days they keep coming out until they explode. this is the second day bloom and its about 8-9 inches.

daren, great job and congrats on your garden site. lots of green envy here.

hey all, great photos, not enough time to comment on they all.

louis

(http://www.imagesct.com/web/hib-misc/high%20heaven/heaven.jpg)

Nice one, Lou. A double flowered High Voltage. Luckily it also took after that parent and roots well.

Charlie

Great photos all!  It has been cooler here lately, so the bright colors are really starting to come out on cvs like Space Oddity.

Here's Summer Shore today with 7 open blooms.  :)

Love that summer shore Jordan!

I keep missing that one!

Fantastic, Jordan!!! Of course Cindy wants to use this one on the web site sometime...

Charlie

Great shot Jordan.  It really shows everything off perfectly!

Thanks all!  And Charlie, of course Cindy can use the photo.

Ugh, I suppose I should've pulled the weed and moved the cable out of the way before taking the picture, though.

Jordan, don't worry about the photo. Cindy fixes small problems like this when she wants to use a photo bad enough.

Charlie

A drizzly, overcast day here in the valley, but it's a nice relief from our former temperatures.

Here are Acapulco Gold, Island Girl, Magnifique, Summer Shore showing her cooler weather colors, and my first ever Haute Couture!  Also, a bush photo of AG.  Acapulco Gold is really getting big...

AG's bush.  Please excuse the mess.  Not much time to clean up the patio lately.

Jordan, I love your Summer Shore.

Frappuccino
2nd pic is the same bloom later in the day.
Cindy's Heart
Apricot Cookie

 ;D
Well, I submitted a reply in the forum topic "Indoor growing in Colorado".  However, one of my pics was too big so I thought I had to do it again.  I resized the pic and resubmitted and then the system said I had already submitted it.  So, I may have sent it twice.   ::) :-[  My apologies!

Anyway, I'm submitting my pics again, this time being acceptable to the system.  So, hopefully, everyone can see them.  I don't know what kind of hibiscus I have so if someone would like to enlighten me, I would appreciate it. 

This plant was given to my Mom-in-law by a friend of hers and she didn't tell us what kind of hibiscus it is.  Thanks!

Simple Pleasures and High Voltage gave me some pretty blooms today. You can tell by High Voltage that the weather has been a little cooler by all the pink in it!

Hi Vickie. Welcome to the forum. Thanks for persisting with loading your photos.

These flowers look like the hibiscus named Brilliant. It has been the most popular red flowered hibiscus around the world for decades. It can be seen growing in gardens all over the tropics as well as in Florida, TX and the Gulf Coast, and coastal CA.

Charlie

I don't often get blooms to last more than one day due to the heat. But I had a second day Cindy's Heart today.
And a pic of my CH bush.

such nice blooms everyone...here are a few from the last couple days... :D

and a few more

Doll the only one I have that always lasts 2 days is Cosmic Gold, and as you said the other day it also blooms well.

Its the rainy season here now so very heavy rains every afternoon, this will last for about 7 weeks, some blooms I will cut in the morning and bring in, others are ok as they are sheltered a little, the temperature is down to about 80f at night/ 94f day and I am getting some lovely colours.

A few I cut and a really nice Crinkle in Time today.

David, after having 46 days of temps in the 100s, I can relate to cooling down to 94. Right now we are staying in the 85-90 range for highs. With the cooler temps I've been able to get a few seed pods. Rainbow Sherbert x Heaven Scent and Rainbow Sherbert x Compassion.

Voodoo Queen twins
High Voltage twins
Creole Belle
Cindy's Heart

Rainbow Sherbert

Compassion and a 2nd day Rainbow Sherbert

John D, Compassion has sure done well for you. Wish I'd saved more stock but will do that in the coming year. I have one on my front porch that may have to be sacrificed for wood. Very pretty colors to my eye. Below is a June photo.

Charlie

I sure do love Compassion,  it seems like Enlightenment proved to be a good parent last year, dispite being disappointed with the bloom size :)

Charlie, it's always a guessing game as to which varieties will do well here. One of the biggest surprises for me was Saffron Moon. It is very unusual for a double to thrive in our heat. Isn't Saffron Moon a Dupont cultivar?

Of course the very best for me is Cindy's Heart. Another bloom today.

John D, thanks for giving us feedback - it helps to learn which ones do well in different areas.

Saffron Moon, a Dupont hybrid, is grown by a nearby commercial grower and I've watched it to see how it did. Blooms well for them but the bushes are terrible in that greenhouse - they grow 18 inches and then flop. Maybe different in other places but that's stopped me from wanting to try it out.

Have you tried Heaven Scent? Another double that should do well, being an offspring of Rosalind. Very good, attractive bush, too.

Charlie

Chris, yes, I agree, Enlightenment has been a better parent when crossed with flowers that have more size. I'll have several to show when we start posting the 2011 Seedlings.

Charlie

David, thanks for showing your Crinkle In Time. That one is far more eye catching in person than most of the photos show. I like it a lot and need to propagate more of it in the future. It's big, colorful, and unique - what more can we ask of it!

Charlie

Here's 1 that was new this year. It's looking good in the fall greenhouse. Named Corazon - Spanish for heart.

Charlie

That's strange about Saffron Moon. I have two of them and so far they have remained upright and we've had some really windy days. One is only 12" tall and the other one is 24"
Yes, you grew a Heaven Scent out for me in a one gallon size. I received it a few weeks ago. I got one small bloom from it so far. I used it to pollinate a Rainbow Sherbert bloom and have a nice seed pod going on my RS.

Corazon one of my favorites, its blooms are huge with firm texture.  The even white and red contrast is present in cool weather when most red and white CVs become entirely red.  The bush is nicely upright, but mine did sag a bit when the huge heavy blooms opened, but I think this will be corrected when the plant gets older.  It also buds up a bit later than other CVs, but the flower is worth the wait.  Here is a pic from mine this summer, the bloom was about 11 inches across. 

Wow, that's one heckava bloom, Chris. I'm definitely impressed with that Corazon!!

Charlie

Wow!! that Corazon is very nice, I noticed today I finally have buds on Peppermint Drop so am looking forward to that. Also today I had my first Electric Orange which I think is very impressive and 4 blooms on my P's Purple.

Denise you said you like the Plumeria, well here are 3 photo's that are blooming now, they and the Palms are providing some shade for my Hibiscus, well that is the idea and it seems to be working well, and it will only get better as they get bigger.

David, here in southern California the plumeria lose all their leaves in winter but then grow back the following spring/summer. I assume that this does not happen in Vietnam? They all look great at your place.

Charlie

Today's blooms
Compassion and Cindy's Heart

Charlie From my experience and the research I have done the plumeria only shed there leaves if the temperature and/or light level drops too much, last year we had about 4 weeks of very overcast days and on one of my Plumeria I lost the leaves, the other 4 where ok so I will just have to wait and see. Truth is it wont make any difference to my Hibiscus plants if they do as they are all so mature and sun tolerant now, what the Plumeria shade does do is protect the actual buds and gives me nicer blooms, so maybe a few weeks of smaller and different colors but no big problem.

These are kind of older but here is

Heartbreak hotel in its best I have ever seen it
(http://kerrysroxy.zenfolio.com/img/v32/p512354907-4.jpg)

Roxy Berry finally looking  good
(http://kerrysroxy.zenfolio.com/img/v34/p339150648-4.jpg)

Muffin Man
(http://kerrysroxy.zenfolio.com/img/v30/p188335606-4.jpg)

Deep Purple
(http://kerrysroxy.zenfolio.com/img/v31/p384187559-4.jpg)

All very nice, Kerry. Truly a superb Heartbreak Hotel.

Charlie

Some lovely colors on Thanksgiving today.

Thanks for the plumeria pics, David. Your garden is very "tropical"!
Great pictures, everyone! Thanksgiving is the PERFECT name for that flower!

So David, what do your Vietnamese friends think about "brown" flowers?

Charlie

David, after seeing your pics of Thanksgiving, I am definitely going to get one next spring. Thanks for sharing.

Voodoo Queen

Charlie they like them a lot, mind you they like them all really, gets on my nerves a bit but they always have to feel them, I am sure they cant believe they are real haha.
Thanksgiving is very special but the real star of my garden and one that catches peoples attention is Dragons Heart, it is stunning, hopefully tomorrow I will have a bloom or two and will post a picture.

I have been trying to make a screen at the bottom of my garden with cuttings of Chariots of Fire, I am slowly getting there, I just need to prune and fill them out more, they bloom almost daily which is a bonus.
A few others today including a very wet Samba Dancer.

Looking good, David! By the way, was Samba Dancer the double you recommended awhile back for hot conditions?

Below is a first photo of a big flower that may one day be available. Not quite sure how big it was but 10 inches plus seems likely.

Charlie

Some pretty blooms today... :)

Very nice Denise, the bush on Simple Pleasures is filling out lovely, in the short time since you last showed it it has grown a lot, its going to be a real beauty.

Yes Charlie Samba Dancer loves the sun [5 to 6 hours a day], I did have it in a more shady spot for a while and it stopped blooming altogether.

Wheres Darren? my pre-dawn coffee is not the same without looking at all his pics.

Hi David,

Still on vacation for a few more days but I've been enjoying reading all the posts in the mean time.  Some fantastic blooms for sure lately.

Scared and super curious to see what I'll come home to after 2+ weeks away.

Farmer D

OMG Charlie!  That's HUGE!

After 2 chilly and very windy days, I had 3 Cindy's Heart blooms today. Here is one of them.

A cool weather High Voltage
Two blooms today from 2 plants I received yesterday.
Hot Pepper
Rainbow Sherbert

Doll, they must be happy to be "home".  I like the balance of red and white in that High Voltage bloom.

Charlie

Charlie, I'm just amazed at how large you are able to get these in those 1 gallon pots. I am going to plant the Hot Pepper in the ground alongside my High Voltage next spring. So far I have Cindy's Heart,High Voltage,Saffron Moon,Creole Belle,Sunshower and Voodoo Queen all growing in full sun. They can take the sun and heat when planted in the ground. Only downside is that I have to dig them up around December 1st.

Yeah, John, I know what you mean about the 1 gallons. They get to the point where it's hard to keep them from falling over and for sure they need water every day when they are that big. Some like Wakanisha and Sparkling Water reach 5 to 6 feet in the 1 gallons but that is just toooo much. Can't even ship them then so I hack them way back and let them regrow. All we do is drip Special Blend fertilizer daily and spray them with Supernova once a week. And keep the spider mites off them - mites being the #1 growth retarding factor.

Usually we ship all the 1 gallons before they get to this size but I was keeping some plants to bring to our new place. We're not ready for them yet so I put them back in the store and you and few others got them. I'm hoping we get the irrigation system installed here early next year because there is no way I am going to water many dozens of plants by hand every day. Cindy's house plant hibiscus are bad enough but they only need water twice a week, being indoors.

I think Hot Pepper is one that will do well for you in full sun and planted in the ground. I hope to have some Living Legend plants next year - it's done well for me in full sun in the past.

Charlie

My flowers are looking their best that I've ever seen them...love it!

Cosmic Gold, 1 today and 1 from yesterday. Also a triple Dragons Heart.

Looking good, Denise. After growing all summer and with the moderate weather of fall the flowers can be even more fantastic than normal.

Love that triple Dragon's Heart, David!

Charlie

Charlie was right about this time of year having the best colors.  John your High Voltage bloom is one of the best I've ever seen.  What colors!!

I'm still floored by how different our Hot Pepper blooms are.  My mind just doesn't see how it can be the same CV with such differing looks...

Denise and David those are picture perfect blooms...excellent to say the least.

Good to be back home and put all the anxiety behind me of how my plants faired while gone for almost 3 weeks with no one attending to them.  I leave with it raining and all the fert and Kontos being washed below the rootballs and then a week later it is 100 for two straight days so guess who made a reappearance in my yard?  Good ol' spider mites all over the Tahitians and a few others.

Good thing I cut all the blooms and potential blooms before I left as the last several nights here have been a wet, cold ground fog that covers all the plants in heavy dew.  Any spent buds that would have dropped onto other leaves would have started all sorts of nasty fungus or bacterial spots.  I lost a lot of leaves last year and even a few branches from the same thing.  Whew!!

Overall not bad!  I do have two plants with severe root fungus that is going to kill them very shortly so tomorrow is emergency replanting and fungicide time.

Otherwise I'm happy with the results and glad these plants are starting to become self-sufficient to some degree.

Oh yeah, Acapulco Gold is now officially taller than me at 5'10" - amazing!

Farmer D

Figures while away I missed my first ever blooms of Black Dragon, Some Like It Hot and Raging Bull.  RB looked like it was gigantic.

Amazing Scarlet Beauty with an almost white throat and purple/grey undertones.

Another dazzling Palm Springs bloom, I really like this CV a lot not only because of the killer bush but every bloom is different.  Fantastic variety.

Farmer D

More goodies.  VD is just awesome, buds everywhere and the pink is starting to really ramp up with some cooler temps lately.

Farmer D

Nice to see you back Darren, that Valentines Day is nice, I like the Palm Springs as well.
I had a nice show from Acapulco Gold and once again Dragons Heart.

Wow Darren no one even watered for you??? Here are some of my blooms from this last week...and by the way david your dragons heart is so pretty...Darren I want Scarlet Beauty now,,,nice.. :D ;D ;)Lynette

the rest....

David, your Dragons Heart is awesome.
Darren, welcome back.

I had 5 Cindy's Heart blooms today. The last one is from my new CH I received about 4-6 weeks ago.

Hi everyone!  A few misc. photos from the past couple of weeks.  I'm still running around like crazy but trying to find time for my hibs when I can!

Here are Creme de la Creme, Pinot Noir, Saffron, and Summer Shore in some evening photos--  Lily Glow was taken today.  Also, a little visitor I had sitting on top of my Zoey.  :)

Woah, amazing Jordan.  Those summer shore blooms are awesome! That CV has been giving you a show all summer. Also really digging the picotee of Lily Glow, not too many CVs have that trait, and it very striking when you see it.

Wow!!! That Lily Glow is the best bloom I have seen in a long time, as for that thing sitting on the leaf I hope its harmless, I see some strange things here in Vietnam but nothing like that.

Thanks Lynett, I quite like Scarlet Beauty and I see your Hot Pepper is different than mine, yours looks more like Darrens, I think the sun makes a big difference to this cv.

Wow, what beautiful blooms you are all posting.

David - I love you tropical garden, looks dreamy.
 
Doll -- love your cindy's heart pics.

Charlie - i've been on the waiting list for Cindy's heart for months and never heard anything about when it will be available. I sent 2 emails and haven't heard anything back. Can you pls check to make sure i am on the list and let me know when i can expect to get this beauty?

Also - seems i've been missing the stock updates.  when will the online store be stocked again?

Charlie - forgot to ask, will you have Black Dragon anytime soon? Can I reserve this one?

Maureen, welcome to the forums. The best thing to do is to set up a wishlist here
http://www.hiddenvalleyhibiscus.com/forum/index.php/board,20.0.html

Hi Maureen,

Doll gave you good advice. This is the first source we use to offer rare varieties to people who request them. Cindy's Heart has a back list unfortunately, but the good news is there are several of them coming up soon. Cindy takes care of this so I am not up to speed on how many are on the list vs how many plants of Cindy's Heart we have but rest assured, we will do our best to get one to you as soon as we can.

Charlie

Here is one from the silicon valley
Norm

Everyone is showing some great blooms at the moment with great deep colors, I today have a very red Chariots of Fire Thanksgiving and Pocahontas.

I also have a nice Valentines Day, these I have cut and placed on a different bush, they where facing the wall.

Today has to be one of the best days in a long time on the forum - tons of amazing blooms from so many people.  I'm loving it!!!!

Finally have my first bloom for when I'm here for Raging Bull, a real dazzler of Splash and Chariots of Fire is back to it's amazing self as you can see...

I hope we have a lot more days like today.

Farmer D

Chariots of Fire - who else!
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/Oct%202011%20Hibiscus/ChariotsofFireProfusion10-242.jpg)

more...

Farmer D

Congratulations, Darren! Your "gamble" in leaving the garden on its own worked out pretty well from the look of the photos. I wish you had this garden back when Sunset magazine did a story on us. They sent a photographer who spent 3 days in the greenhouse taking photos but some shots of your garden would have really added to the final article!

Charlie

Thanks Charlie!

I really spent a lot of time prepping everything to cover almost all possibilities including installing several drip lines to ensure proper watering while gone.  So in my mind not much of a gamble with the exception of my potted porch plants that were strategically moved for protection.

Things worked out quite well for the most part.  Just some sunburned leaves from the heatwave and spider mites on some of my Tahitians which I'm now in the process of changing out the soil to hopefully make them a lot less vulnerable going forward (cactus/palm mix for much better drainage so I can also water blast the leaves at will).

Farmer D

Darren, that must have been nice to come home to all those beautiful blooms.

My plants are really enjoying the fall weather.

Hi Everyone,

Sorry that I have not been around much lately. I have flights every day and it keeps me away from home a lot. A lot of my plants bloom when I am not here, so cannot document them.

I do glance in on occasion and marvel at the wonderful plants that have been shown. Congrats to everyone for the display.

Here are a few from today. Second day on James Bond, a stunning bloom and bush, first bloom of Moonstruck from cuttings that I rooted last winter and a first for Prosperity, a really nice bright bloom.  And last but not least, just a plain bud, you say :). well this is going to be the first bloom of the crosses that I did last winter. Its a cross between Moonstruck and Black Dream. Its a huge plant that I let grow with out pruning. I have 15 seedlings, most over 2 to 3 feet in height from last winters crosses. Anxious to see what develops. Stay tuned :)

louis

(http://www.imagesct.com/web/hib-misc/10-25-2011/james-bond.jpg)

(http://www.imagesct.com/web/hib-misc/10-25-2011/moonstruck.jpg)

(http://www.imagesct.com/web/hib-misc/10-25-2011/prosperty.jpg)

(http://www.imagesct.com/web/hib-misc/10-25-2011/unknown.jpg)

Louis great to hear and see from you.  Tremendous blooms!!  Can't wait to see your new crosses soon...James Bond is a color conundrum.

John those are all such pretty flowers.  This time of year seems like the best for the gulf coast.  I'm still amazed at how different your Hot Pepper and everyone else's is to mine.  Mine doesn't have any white in it, and the orange is a pinkish orange on mine while yours' and all the others look like a totally different shade of yellow to it.  I really like your Black Dream too, that is some nice color there.  Great stuff!

Lynette great to hear your going for Scarlet Beauty, as I told John recently you'll love this one.  It has a lot of different color looks with each bloom.  Sometimes bright solid red with a wet and waxy look other times you get these gorgeous faint eyes in the grey and light purple realms.  I advise not to place it in strong sun as the red pigment fades fast and won't last the day.  Enjoy!

Cloudy and drizzly day today so some wet blooms.  By Thursday hot and dry.  Long gone are the long stretches of unchanging weather that the hibs like so much...but the cool downs bring prettier blooms.

Stunning Ay Caramba and Palm Springs today.  Waiting on Some Like It Hot and Summer Fun to open but really slow with the cool day...Daisy Mae over 9"!

Black Dream 18 blooms open, Valentines Day 12, Acapulco Gold 8 blooms

Chariots of Fire - all the blooms are open now = 16!!
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/Oct%202011%20Hibiscus/ChariotsofFireProfusion10-25.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/Oct%202011%20Hibiscus/ChariotsofFireProfusion10-252.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/Oct%202011%20Hibiscus/DrivewayView10-25.jpg)

Farmer D

some more...couldn't resist putting a couple big pics here just to show how pretty they are (I apologize Charlie but your creations are so nice!).

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/Oct%202011%20Hibiscus/AyCaramba10-25.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/Oct%202011%20Hibiscus/HighVoltage10-25.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/Oct%202011%20Hibiscus/PalmSprings10-25.jpg)
Farmer D

Darren in one photo it looks like you have started to plant cv's in next doors garden, haha very lucky neighbours, oh I now see its the driveway view.

Darren- Is that Prosperity there in front of the white gate? Gorgeous! They all are!

HI Doll - thanks for the info - but i put myself on the list for cindy's heart probably 4 months ago.  That's why i'm asking Charlie when i can expect to get my plant.



Charlie - hi, maybe i wasn't clear - but i did add myself to the wait list to get cindy's heart and i haven't heard anything.  It's got to be at least 4 months.  I was asking when i can expect to get it.  Am I still on Cindy's list (I hope so).
tks.

Hi Denise - yeah that's Prosperity in the front next to my mailbox.  I can tell you like the bright colors like me so this one is a definite must get as soon as Charlie has more ready.  Incredible bush, grows very well and buds like crazy.

Lucky mailman/woman huh?

Check out this Scarlet Beauty that just opened...so different than usual as it has a really awesome pinwheel look to it and my first SLIH when I'm actually here!

Farmer D

Hummm.. i didn't know there was a page here where we could put our "wish list".  How does it work, we list what we want and HVH puts us on the wait list?  I recall doing something on the website where i listed myself as wanting Cindy's heart and i thought i was to get notified when it was ready for sale. Is that still being done now? 

Farmer D - what is that gorgeous huge red/orange bloom you have on a couple posts above your recent post?  It's a big pic, the first one and i love it.

I see several areas you can plant more hibiscus in your yard Darren. :)  I was thinking about your spider mite probelm today and I think it is probably a consequence of the "high nutrient diet" your hibiscus are getting.  I know Cindy mentioned that she has reduced the amount of nitrogen in the houseplant formula because excess nitrogen promotes spidermites, and I have a feeling that this might be what you are seeing.  You should try reducing the amount of nitrogen those plants are getting until they rebound from the spidermites. 

Hi Maureen,

It sounds like you're referring to Ay Caramba.  Here is the pic again, is this what you're liking?

If so you can also check out the Ay Caramba topic under the Cultivar Discussion area on the home page of the forum.  I'll post these pics there with the others from this summer.

Farmer D

Hi Chris,

That is really interesting - I must have missed that one from Cindy since I don't read that topic as much as I should though one day when I run out of room outside guess where they're going next besides my garden I'll build on my roof...yeah I see new spots all the time as I get more and more :o

As for the nitrogen that will work out well as I am already starting to gradually reduce the amount of fert I'm feeding my hibs as the seasons start to change.  They don't show any signs of slowing down yet...

Hey remember how Charlie mentioned that Constantino Garcia thinks that hibiscus can actually get used to high levels of fert over time?  Sounds like a recipe for getting a lot less bang for your buck as well as throwing off the natural balance in the soil as well.  So a good idea to cut back even more so.  I haven't yet decided about next year and if I want or need to fertilize so heavily.  I really got some tremendous growth and strength in my original plants this season so my guess is I'll be toning it down next year, but first let's see what setbacks this winter brings...

Great stuff!

Farmer D

Hey Darren,

Yup I remember that post and talking to Constantino, I think they were talking about potassium and how plants can adapt to really high levels of potassium over time.  Potassium creates very dark flowers and lush bushes and that dark bloom of My Blue Heaven under that cultivars information page was under my new fertilizer regeme, the cool weather of WA probably didnt hurt to bring out their color as well.  I have dropped the amount of Nitrogen and phosphorous alot in my fertilizing routine, and bumped up the potassium and magnessium, and my plants have been doing great.  I grow my plants indoors, under artifical lighting, so their nutrient demand is a bit different than what outdoor growers experience.  I think you will find that your plants will probably grow the same if you reduce the fert your using and keep adding potassium.  I really like sprinkling Epsom salts once a month on my plants.  Its a good source of magnessium and potassium that gets released eached time you water.  I get excellent growth and flower color with light fertilizer and heavy potassium.  In the case of soil nutrients, plants can store phosphorous and nitrogen readily, but when it comes to potassium, they are unable to do so.  In fact I recently read a paper looking at how nutrients are assimulated in forest ecosystems, and potassium was the first to be extracted from decaying organic matter (leaves, wood, etc)  They proposed that since plants cannot store potassium, they activily seek it out wherever it may be.  I have seen this to be the case in growing my own plants as well.  :)   At anyrate, its always interesting to hear what other people are doing.

Farmer D - yes, that is the bloom i've fallen in love with.  I hope it is available cause i have to have it.  I'm off to see the discussion page.

I just brought all my hibs in last night.  Some are covered with buds....can't wait. I should see my first bud from Bonnie Lass and more from Confection perfection, AG and Saffron.

Yup, very lucky mailman/woman! :) Hope they don't pick them  ;) It's gorgeous. I almost bought it before but it went away from the store and I ended up getting Confection Perfection at that time. Not disappointed that I did, though- that one is awesome too!

Should I get Ay Carumba or Prosperity for my next orange purchase?? Help me!

Denise,

I got both as 6" plants so maybe Charlie can compare how the two grow as smaller 4" ones to better decide.  The only other differentiator I see is the plant and abdundance of blooms favors Prosperity.  It seems more vigorous and hardy than Ay Caramba.

Both have strong parents.  Oh and as always it depends on what is available first too.   I have a sneaky feeling Charlie will have more Prosperity to sell next year than AC.

Let's see what he has to say.

Farmer D

You are right, Farmer D. Prosperity grows as a vigorous, full bush and provides a lot of wood. I was concerned that the type of wood it makes might not root well but that did not turn out to be the case. We already have many baby Prosperity plants growing for next year. I like the colors of Ay Caramba quite a lot. Very intense and bright. It has medium vigor but we don't have many stock plants and did not have a lot of wood for next year. There will be some plants offered in January when the store opens but it will probably be sold out well before spring shipping comes around.

Charlie

Well I think I should go with Prosperity based on both of your comments, and the fact that it has been catching my eye for some time now! Ay Carumba sure is bright and beautiful though! We'll see what happens early in the morning on Dec. 30 if they are BOTH available in the store! ;)

Now how about Vin Extraordinaire vs. Pinot Noir? I think I know Charlie's answer..

Thanks again for your input. This forum is so helpful and informative. You are all super helpful and I LOVE being able to "talk" with people who share the same excitement I feel when that big beautiful bloom finally opens and graces our yards for only a few brief days :)

A few from today

John your blooms are picture perfect.  Great colors and form on them all!!  I hope it is a long and mild fall for you down there for months to come...

Today's blooms...

Really pretty Tahitian Princess with a more pinkish hue this time...
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/Oct%202011%20Hibiscus/TahitianPrincessTwins10-26.jpg)

Farmer D

Darren, that is the nicest Tahitian Princess bloom I have ever seen. It makes me really want to get one, but I think the blooms would be completely washed out in my climate.

John if you can find a shady spot for it I think it would do well.  I put mine in a mostly shady spot (front 1/3 of plant gets afternoon sun) that is also very wet and it adjusted over a few months.  Now it is growing very nicely and budding a lot.

Tahitians seem to have much smaller comfort zones and don't like a lot of change which would be an issue once winter rolls around and you have to move it inside.  I haven't had mine yet through winter so can't tell you what might happen.   Of all my Tahitians T Princess seems to be one of the stronger and vigorous ones.

Farmer D

Good to hear Tahitian Princess is seeming to be a stronger one, as I got a 4" last week! Will need to baby her through winter! By the way, Darren, your pictures are what inspired my purchase! (I'm guessing this isn't the first time you've been told that!)

High Voltage doing her pink thing...

Darren Prosperity is now on my wish list :)...Denise I like High Voltage better when it turns pink....here are some blooms from today....lynette

and a few more....

Motherof4- Gorgeous! Your yard must be so pretty and colorful! Where in the US are you located? How many different hibiscus do you have?

Thanks Denise...I live in southern ca...sanbernardino area....70-80 +hibs....I also have some indoors......I get quite a few blooms but nothing like darren...I think he has almost the perfect climate........as you can see it becomes an addiction...but a fun one....lynette

Thanksgiving today.

Lynette- 70-80, holy moly. When I first got mine I told myself I only needed a total of 4, to go on each corner of our backyard gazebo. I am realizing I am going to be adapting that plan slightly! Haha! It is definitely addicting!! Not a bad addiction to have, considering some others though, huh? :)  How long have you been collecting?

Darren- what is your hibiscus count? When did you start?

David- That Thanksgiving is so nice!!

Denise you can check out quite a bit of my plants and garden on the World Gardens link under Galleries (left side column on any page maybe 2/3 of the way down all the links).  Beware you might get some more ideas and really get going...

Lynette your blooms are probably the best I've seen them so far.  The colors are just beautiful and I love them all.  When do you take them inside and how do you store them?

David your Thanksgiving looks awesome.  Your plants are some of the healthiest I've seen in pots.  To get so many blooms in your conditions is just amazing!!!

Farmer D

Darren- I have checked out your article under World Gardens. In fact, when the newsletter was sent out with your garden highlighted, is when I think I joined the forum! And the craziness just got crazier :) Do you have Pinot Noir yet?

Dinise, about your question of which to get Vin Extraordinaire or Pinot Noir... I would say the odds of getting your hands on a VE is much slimmer then PN.  VE is not easy to propagate, so the wait list is long for that one.  PN is one that has my interests peeked too.  It is a beautiful bloom, but what I like most is the foliage it has.  I am in need of a Fascinating Foliage hibiscus...

I have a Vin Extraordinaire and was told many times that it is a hibiscus for the more experienced hibiscusers.  It can be finnicky... Well, so far it has grown and bloomed nicely for me, so I cant agree.  The blooms however are unlike any other hibiscus I have seen.  I have some shots of mine if you look back through the photos of the day this summer.  It is not anywhere as easy as any of my others, but it has not given me any arguments...  Does this help?

Kristen- Thank you. I believe your shots of VE are what got me interested....do you also have Erin Rachel? I think those two pics of yours really caught my eye. Very deep vivid colors! I think you are right about PN becoming more readily available. Seems like Charlie is really pushing that one, especially since he made it the CV of year! Hopefully we will both get our hands on one! If I ever do end up with a chance at VE, it's good to hear that it wasn't too finicky for you. Thanks again for the tips!! -Denise

Thanks for the compliment Denise.  I love photographing my blooms, I think that is the only reason I have so many.  Unfortunately Erin Rachel is difficult to shoot for me for some reason... the intensity of the colors really mush together.  It is much prettier in person.  It is also a great compact bush with many blooms.  If you like this one, check out Charlie's Mai Tai.  It is described as a larger ER.  Got me a thinkin!  I have some more bloom photos on Facebook if you want to friend me.  Look me up under my email.  kristen_emanuelson@yahoo.com

Hi Denise,

I've grown both Pinot Noir and Vin Extrodinaire, and I would say that Pinot Noir is a better overall CV.  It grows on a strong vigorous bush that responds well to pruning.  Once nice about PN is it also comes back from little mistakes quite readily, it's a soild CV that I like.

In contrast Vin Extrodinaire is a very pretty flower, but its bush is thin and does not like the cold or change in environmental conditions.  David in living in a tropical climate has had good luck with Vin Extrodinaire's bush because it is nice and warm where he is.  The main problem with Vin Extrodinaire is compared to PN, does not bloom nearly as much or have as robust a bush.  So if you like both blooms, I think you would be more satisfied with the frequent blooming and robust bush of PN, than the less frequent blooming and more delicate bush of Vin Extrodinaire.

If you like hibiscus photos you should also check out Kerry's photos. 

Back to the fertilizer comments, you are right in that plants require more and more when you keep feeding them synthetics. One way around this is to mix in organics. There are a lot of higher NPK options out there now which really helps. I have switched to a more organic approach then synthetic. However I am a palm gardener first and palms really require synthetics with micros in my DG. So all my plants get about 3 months of water soluble synthetic at 1:400. The rest of the time (spring/fall), I do organic only. Since moving to organics I have had a huge increase in worms. I cannot dig anywhere in my garden without scooping a hand full of worms. Someday I hope to be 100% organic with only synthetic spot treatment for plants with deficiencies. Since I plan on staying at my house till I die, I want my garden to be sustainable without having to overload on fertilizers.

I'm right there with you Lisa, I have switched to all organics and my plants are doing just as well as when I was using synthetics.  Glad to hear someone else using organics as well :) 

It's amazing how quickly the soil communities bounce back when switching to organics, it also allows you to use mycorhizae, which die when exposed to synthetics.  I have really seen a jump in overall plant growth and health since innoculating with mycorhizae,  it's too soon to be conclusive, but the preliminary results are good!

Lisa and Chris,

I've been considering moving towards the organic route in my fertilizer program. What do you use and are the products difficult to find?  Finding products out of the mainstream can be a problem here in Cochise County, AZ.

Thanks,
dave

Hi Dave,

I use combination of Epsom plus, (potassium and magnessium) once a month in conjunction with Biobizz Bio-grow, which is 2.6-0.2-6.6.  HVH used to offer this but Charlie said his supplier stopped being able to import it.  I have purchased mine from hydroponic stores in my area, but you can order it online from Amazon.  I have also started experimenting with Foxfarm's grow more for hydroponics, which is 4-3-6, and is almost completely organic, it doesn't have organic certification because they use potassium nitrate and a few other micronutrients in their formula, but contains worm castings and other organic goodies.  I like the concentration of micronutrients (cu, fe, mn, etc) in their product which I believe have to be supplemented if you use Bio-grow.  I have only tried out Foxfarm's grow more for about two weeks, so the jury is still out on how it will compare.  Bio-grow used every watering with some sort of sea kelp added (any product that is derived from Ascophyllum nodosum) and application of epsom plus every month (if you are watering more you might need to apply more frequent) has worked well for me in the past.  I hope this helps!  :D  

Denise I think Im going on my third year.....I also needed just 3 or 4 but that quickly changed when I discovered charlie and cindys website...and attended their wonderful open houses....so much fun...and it just kept growing from there...Its become a really fun hobby......Darren I dont get to many nights of freezing temps...I think last year was the worst in a while...but what I did last year was cover all of them with freeze cloth...worked out ok..just a lot of work...but did not loose any to freeze but did loose a couple from the flooding rains we had....I am really hoping for a milder winter

Chris, do you know any place online that sells Epsom plus?

Today's blooms

Hey, how did I become a Lisa? I am Len. :)

Sorry for two conversations going on but fertilizing is a great topic and one many do not due right. I have seen gardens where people used too much synthetics, especially N, and the plants are great but very weak from to fast of growth.

I have used Green Ganic (www.greenganic.com) with great success. Plus it is a great foliar feed as well as drench. I believe it is a 7-6-7, which is high for organics.

Chris, great job bringing up mycorhizae. That is the secret sauce to a strong, healthy garden! Top dressed synthetics do kill mycorhizae - as does high chlorine levels in city water. I have found water soluble synthetics at low PPM do not kill them. You can tell you have a great mycorhizae count when you see a lot of small mushroom heads popping up as that is the fruiting body. You also mention Fox Farms. I use their potted soil mix only. I mix 2-Light Warrior to 1-Ocean Forest. Plants explode in the mix and within days roots crowd the bottom of pots. No joke. It is loaded with mycorhizae, worm casting, etc. Great stuff. But of course mycorhizae applications and Fox Farms potting mixes are not cheap. Neither are most Organic fertilizers.

Len thanks for pointing out the small mushroom heads as a good thing.  I sometimes got worried when I saw those near my newly planted hibiscus thinking there might be fungus issues going on under the soil.  I'll keep an open mind and I am also very interested in having organics as a large part of my hibiscus regimen.

Here are a couple of interesting pics today...I focused on third day blooms since I have 5 different plants with them.  Several were to ratty looking but these two still look fabulous.  Helps that those past few days were cooler and cloudy.  Not today as you can see by some nice sidewalk shots of the front garden.

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/SidewalkView10-27VGA3.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/SidewalkView10-27VGA2.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/SidewalkView10-27VGA.jpg)

Farmer D

Helix- Thanks for the info on Pinot Noir and Vin Extraordinaire. Very helpful!

Doll & Farmer D- awesome pics!

Fabulous pictures Darren, its 5am enjoying my coffee and your pics are helping me with the shock that Lisa is not Lisa but Len, and Doll is a man not a woman, haha maybe later I will need something stronger than coffee if I find out Mother of Four is a Supermodel who struts the catwalks of Milan and Paris.

Nearly forgot, my first picture of Peppermint Drop.

Absolutely great photos everyone. Lots of green envy here. How i would love to be in a sunny place like you Darren, and BTW outstanding garden

Doll, I get my Epsom plus from the local pharmacy, really cheap and great stuff, not only for plants, but you can soak your feet, take a bath in it, dress a wound, poison Ivy, burns and is a powerful laxative. Not that you wanted to know that. :)

louis

David dream on....I wish...simply a mother of 4 haha....luv your peppermint drop.....lynette

Lynett we can all dream, yesterday my stands came so I have completed this section of my garden, with the stands I have raised four Hibs at the back for better viewing, it will be nice the day they all bloom at the same time. Today just Bridal Path Samba Dancer and Saffron.

David, you made me LOL

Len, sorry I thought your were Lisa. Don't know where I got that from. Maybe I had another senior moment. Thank you and Chris for the organic tips.

I've tried some of the Fox Farm's fertilizers on my daylilies and potted roses.  I had to stop doing that. Every time I turned my back my dogs were into it.  I think I'll try it on some of the hibs in the greenhouse that they can't get to. I'll need to check out some of the other products you and Chris mentioned. Probably only source here available will be online, not locally.

Darren, Doll, Denise, and David. Great photos as always. Darren I'm envious of your garden. Wish I could plant some of my hibs in the ground here. The whole 90+ collection is in containers. David love your Peppermint Drop. Mine has dropped the few buds it had so far, still waiting for that first bloom.

dave

[ David love your Peppermint Drop. Mine has dropped the few buds it had so far, still waiting for that first bloom.

dave


[/quote]
 Dave its strange how some Hibs do that, although Peppermint Drop hasn't done it for me Electric Orange did and dropped every bud for months, but once that first one bloomed it was fine after that.

David, Lisa Grove posts here sometimes and has similar initials to Len.

Those pots you have are very attractive. Are they local made?

Charlie

David, hope I didn't cause you too much stress.

Cinnamon Splendor

Haha no stress John, very nice Cinnamon Splendor, I wish I had bought that one now.

Here is a shot of my hibiscus at bfs house. They are starting to bud since its been getting cooler in the valley. The temperature really makes a difference from where I live. Not to mention bf wont fertilize them so I had to buy time release fertilizer for them lol . Their leaves are finally turning a nice dark green.

The cvs that don't mind that intense heat are Wild Dream , Black dream , P's Purple , and Cranberry muffin. ( there are probably a few more from HVH but Bf never remembers what blooms when I ask him.

I also have like 90% of Chris's collection mixed in there. I am babysitting while he is away in WA.  Anyways here is a picture this is what you call obsession  ;D ;D ;D

(http://kerrysroxy.zenfolio.com/img/s11/v30/p544131520-5.jpg)

(http://kerrysroxy.zenfolio.com/img/s11/v28/p707561158-5.jpg)

They are doing construction atm so once the cement is laid I will buy a green house and they will have some where to go.

Those pots you have are very attractive. Are they local made?

Charlie
[/quote]
Yes Charlie they are made here in Nha Trang, cost 8 usd, I also bought a load of the same in a light brown color [first photo]. The second photo shows my new pots, these where more expensive at 12usd but double the weight so I think worth it. I also hand paint my normal pots and stands, I just think it makes them look more attractive and protects them better from the weather.

David - i really enjoy seeing the pics you post.  Your plants and stands are beautiful. 
Are you born and raised in Vietnam?  How do you have time to take care of so many plants? Do you work or are you retired?  Your patio is lovely!!!  It looks like a vacation destination of mine:-)
 ::)

My first Cindys heart...what a beauty!!!!...third day berried treasure....also a first :D

Mother, that Cindy's heart is awesome!! I also like the Berried Treasure.

Denise - i agree with you. Those Cindy's hearts are super!  Nice pics Motherof4.

WOW Kerry!!!
That is a thick thick forest of hibiscus.  I think you need a machete or something to just make your way through there...is this where we are all headed one day???

I'm already eyeing my in-laws house for future ideas - oh-oh!!!

Great stuff - can't wait to see the green house!

Farmer D

Lynette your Cindy's Heart is stunning!!!  You sure get such rich and vibrant colors in your blooms...any tips please let us know!

Farmer D

David I love that Bridal Path bloom!!!  It is still my favorite of them all.  My BP has been growing well this season and has multiple buds that look like they won't fall off finally. Hopeful by mid-November we'll see a bloom or two.  My BP has shown me that it just doesn't like much water (heat lover for sure).  Even with added booster not a big difference so I am going to change out the soil (organic planting mix) to palm/cactus mix along with Sea of Tranquility, Midsummer Night and Crystal Pink.  They are all behind my plumeria tree and even though the soil only gets hand watered by me apparently without direct sunlight on the ground it doesn't dry out enough for these guys (and no more evidence of spider mites).

John that Cinnamon Splendor is a show stopper.  I am not a big brown fan but I really like the clean colors and the form is perfect.  How is the plant on that one?

Today was my catch up day as I SN sprayed and micro-cleaned all 70+ plants.  A lovely chunk of my day to say the least but overdue.

Check out the Scarlet Beauty pic, it is a good example of how the red pigmentation can quickly fade in strong sun - was about 85 today and really dry

Day 2 T Princess bloom - even after fading it is still a striking bloom

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/Oct%202011%20Hibiscus/ChariotsofFireTwins10-28.jpg)

Farmer D

wow im flattered darren.....I get really nice blooms ...I just wish they were as abundant as yours..thankyou though ....I also worked with my hibs today...repotted some and moved some around...quite relaxing after my busy week...oh and I just feed with hvh fert and booster...nothing special....... and thankyou denise and maureen for the nice compliment.....lynette

Darren- Tahitian Princess is so unique! Can't wait for mine to take off one day!

Lynette, your CH is outstanding. I never get that much pink in my climate.

Darren, Cinnamon Splendor is upright but doesn't appear to branch out on its own. I will prune it back in the spring. My favorite brown is Frappuccino. Nicer bush also.

Awesome Blooms everyone! 

Darren I would also check out the mix that Len posted for potted plants,  I grow all of my plants in Fox Farm soil blends, Ocean Forest and Happy Frog, and the plants go nuts!  I get very heathy root balls on those plants I use those products on.  Kerry had some problems with Happy Frog having some fungus gnats, but being outside that wont be a problem since usually the top layer of soil dries out enough to prevent the food (fungus and algae) that the gnats like to eat.  Ocean Forest is newer to me, but so far I am very happy with the results from that. 

I forgot to mention that if you are using much larger pots, be sure to put some boken terracotta pots or two inches of clay hydroballs on the bottom of your pots to make sure that the drainage holes do not clog or get impacted!

Chris I really appreciate all the tips.  Thank you again!!!!  I have a feeling even though I've been putting in the palm/cactus mix I will be adding in one of these mixes you've mentioned as soon as I see how my plants react.

Nice Midsummer Night bloom today..........
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/Oct%202011%20Hibiscus/MidsummerNight10-29.jpg)

Deep Waters
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/Oct%202011%20Hibiscus/DeepWaters10-292.jpg)

Farmer D

Farmer D, amazing the way cooler nights change the colors in Midsummer Night and Deep Waters. The blue gave way to red/orange pigments more than I expected. They look pretty both ways. Nice to see the soothing yellow of Rise and Shine as well.

Charlie

Acapulco Gold today, this is of a cutting I took and is about 1 year old, I am pinching and pruning the mother to see how big I can get it.

Bit of cloud today so a nice pic of the garden.

Happy Halloween!

John Doll, thanks for showing the Frappacino. Glad to hear about the good bush, too!

Denise, very pretty - Cindy says to tell you she loves the Halloween photo! She's spent the last couple of weeks turning her classroom into a cute haunted house for little kids.

Charlie

Thanks :) I didn't realize she was a teacher. What grade?

David....really nice alcapulco gold...very pretty :D ;) :)

Hi everybody
Here is a bloom from Swamp Music this is the third day for this flower but its been in the house , night time has been getting down into high 30s .

Wow Mike, great bloom!  Swamp music is one for the indoor hibiscus grower!  Blues and Browns have become my new favorite color types for hibiscus, they thrive up here in the PNW.  The flowers are very deep and dramatic, the cooler weather and potassium "diet" I give them really helps bring them to their full potential.  

Pics from this last year:

Muffin Man
My Blue Heaven (this one branch consistantly showed this speckling effect)
Island Girl

Hi Chris
Yours look great also how did you get such bright colors , you are growing them inside aren't you, then it has to be the fertilizer that helps with the brighter colors . I find that some of them do better inside than outside they don't like the sun that much swamp music is one of them , denim revolution & love story are two others so I just keep them in the house .     

Amazing colors Chris, so clear and deep.

One more for today Tahitian Princess  :o
(http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/mphquicksilver/Picture1-17.png)

Ah what a nice TP mike! 

I think I can thank my high potassium and magnesium fertilizing regime for these awesome colors.  When growing inside extra magnesium and potassium makes a huge difference.  I am now growing under T5 lights so it will be interesting to see how that changes bloom color.  So far the hibiscus seem to really like the consistent temps and light under the lights, but only time will tell. 

They are 6400K lights, daylight, so hopefully i will see lots of blooms too!   

Mike and Chris awesome photos.  Chris I love those pics, seen them before and never get tired to see them again and again.

Mike that is an awesome bloom there, T Princess has so many looks - just love the variety with this CV.  In fact that looks a lot like T Lavender Rainbow.

Lots of fresh blooms today...

Black Dream is now getting into extreme dark mode with that super waxy look.

First Exuberance bloom today

The Path gave me a giant dazzler along with Palm Springs...

Enjoy! Farmer D

more...Farmer D

and some more...Farmer D

So pretty everyone!

More Simple Pleasures...

Hot Southern Nights today and my friend Kim An[for scale] standing next to Transcendent, got this cv 6 months ago and its now nearly 6 feet tall.

Darren sorry to be a pain but I have looked back through the Forum and I cant find that article you wrote about Potassium and water, am I right in remembering that you wrote giving extra Potassium can increase the amount of water needed and it is a good thing.
The reason I ask is about a month ago I started giving extra and all my cv's are now needing a lot more water, in fact  a lot more, I was using 16 gal a day on average now its 24, quite an increase.

Darren, those Daisy Mae blooms are really eye catching. Mine is finally starting to bud up.

David, looks like Hot Southern Nights does well in the heat. I just recently got a small one.

David, looks like Hot Southern Nights does well in the heat. I just recently got a small one.


[/quote]
John it does do well, and what I like and a little unusual is that the bloom improves during the day, hopefully yours will be the same and you will see, its a real beauty.

David, Just plain Stunning. Love your garden.

louis

The blooms just keep coming this month! Bonnie Lass is sooo close...wonder if I'll get to see a bloom soon..

AHH, a new one to add to the collection. All I can say about this bloom, is WOW, WOW, and one more WOW.

This is Zulu Warrior, another spectacular plant and bloom. This is my first bloom and its well over 9 inches in diameter. This is first day and tomorrow, it might go over 10 inches. We'll see :)

Photo was taken under light but shows the true colors.

Before I show the plant, I want to show you the result of a major freak October Nor-Easter Snow Storm. We got the unheard of total of 20 inches and what you see here is my poor little Buick car under a large limb that fell on it. Windshield, drivers side and rear window are smashed.

Anyone in the warm climes have an extra room :) I do windows and dishes :) :)

louis

(http://www.imagesct.com/web/hib-misc/zulu%20warrior/poor%20car.jpg)

(http://www.imagesct.com/web/hib-misc/zulu%20warrior/zulu.jpg)

Woah Louis that is one nasty snow storm,  here in the PNW its not necessarily warm, but it is a rare event to see snow. 

Zulu Warror is a huge wow!  How is the bush on this one?  Charlie mentioned that it was a poor brancher so I wasn't really that interested in it, but if the bush is nice it might be one more for the list!  lol

Chris, actually the bush is beautiful. Nice large leaves and compact. if i remember, i will post a photo of the entire plant tomorrow.


bush stands about 2 feet hight and full. Looking back to charlie's photo of zulu, his has a petaloid, whereas, mine does not. charlie, is the same plant?


louis

Lou, petaloids are rare for Zulu Warrior, most likely the result of a recent treatment with Booster. That is one of its side effects. Your's is definitely Zulu, looks just like it normally does.

Charlie

charlie,

your plant is a cross between moonstruck and tigerama. I successfully crossed the same plants and have 3 seedlings from the cross. all are about 2 feet now. nice bushes, i have been pinching them for more branches.

i am going to let one grow out to see what develops. if i can get something like your bloom. i would be so pleased.

stay tuned, details forthcoming :)
louis

David you remember correctly - after I started using the booster which basically is potassium I noticed all of my plants stopping yellowing when I watered them.  They were able to absorb the usual water I gave them and really stay a nice shade of dark green.  Again I have really wet, dark heavy clay soil so anyway to get my plants to better tolerate that and grow abundantly is a nice help and it was again a cool growing season for us too to top it off.

My approach with my plants is that being they are in ground and fairly young (1.5 yrs) I really need to get them much bigger with thick branches to better handle winter cold and related issues hence the high amounts of booster among other things.  Too much dieback disease and other stuff last winter.  My plants really took a long time to start going again after winter...May or June for most of them.  I will be also trying Plankets too this winter.

Farmer D

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!
No snow here Louis...
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/Oct%202011%20Hibiscus/HalloweenHibiscus10-31.jpg)

Sunrise Dance looking so niiiccceeee.....
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/Oct%202011%20Hibiscus/SunriseDance10-312.jpg)

Acapulco Gold
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/Oct%202011%20Hibiscus/AcapulcoGoldTwins10-31.jpg)

Farmer D

More Halloween Pretties...

Farmer D

Dragons Breath
White Magic
Dragons Heart

Tangerine Dream
Splash
Rosiland
Rosiland Bush

Torch Song
Torch Song with my "Surfer Girl" for scale. It is a large flower.

Len you're Rosalind plant is just totally awesome.  Congrats!  That made my night.  And your "Little Surfer Girl" is as pretty as the bloom she is next to...

Farmer D

Great blooms!  Really love that Torch Song, looks to be a nice compact bush too...

Thanks Louis for that description of Zulu, I am always interested in compact growers that are good for pots and indoor growIng!

I'm a special education teacher, Denise. I'm my school district's autism specialist so I work with autistic kids in all grades, and I teach a preschool class for 3 and 4 year olds. Keeps me busy!

Just going through my photos that have stockpiled over the last two months... sorry I haven't been around to share, I have been so busy.  But this week I made sure I had time to go through these.  They were from the very beginning of October, just before I had to move everyone inside for the winter.

They are opening colors of Creole lady and one of it after fading.  Then my MONSTER Saffron.  I think this one was 11"

How special Cindy :) My grandma worked at a preschool for developmentally delayed kids for over 30 years, with a lot of autistic children throughout the years. I actually worked there too for about 3 years when I was younger. Have you read House Rules by Jodi Picoult? Very interesting (ficition) book about a teenage boy with Asperger's. So, you teach preschool AND work with the autistic children AND do HVH? You ARE busy :)

Thanks. I like to use my kids as scale on palm pics. Great way to put things into perspective for slow growing plants.

Wow Louis, shame about the car but what a photo, you certainly made my friend Kim Anh's day, she works for me helping me with all things Vietnamese and in return I teach her English for the first hour of each day, she always reads this forum and I had to smile yesterday when she said '' Louis lives in heaven'' haha.

Nice job with that Torch Song, Len! That's one we don't see often enough.

What a great  month it's been for flower photos. I really appreciate seeing what everyone has accomplished this year.

Charlie

Hi David,

""""Wow Louis, shame about the car but what a photo, you certainly made my friend Kim Anh's day, she works for me helping me with all things Vietnamese and in return I teach her English for the first hour of each day, she always reads this forum and I had to smile yesterday when she said '' Louis lives in heaven'' haha. """

Tell your friend Kim, That is my destination, but I dont want to go there yet :)

louis