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Title: True Love Post by: farmer d on January 18, 2012, 05:46:37 PM Some of the new CVs I get just have that certain vigor and growth traits that let you know this one will be special. The way True Love has started out so far reminds me a lot of how my Chariots of Fire started off. Nice even branching and lots of leaves even in the middle of winter.
It hasn't bloomed yet but is getting close. I am really eager to see what the blooms on this one look like as the pic from the online store is quite beautiful. Though it is winter so I expect more muted colors. This plant has not even come close to slowing down at all even through a couple of cold months - very impressive so far. The future looks very promising for this one. Farmer D Title: Re: True Love Post by: farmer d on July 10, 2012, 01:28:10 PM 1st bloom for me...
Farmer D Title: Re: True Love Post by: farmer d on September 30, 2012, 11:02:41 AM Updated plant shot - it is growing nicely for a few months now. Nice shape to the bush at 3'3" tall currently.
Farmer D Title: Re: True Love Post by: Charlie on October 06, 2012, 11:44:41 AM Nice job documenting this one, Farmer D - thanks!
Charlie Title: Re: True Love Post by: farmer d on February 10, 2014, 07:19:01 PM Perfect time for an update on my True Love plant. It has recovered nicely since I finally got the sprinkler set up correct for that planter. Quick recap - soil would continually get bone dry and way down to the bottom of the soil I had placed in the planter (1 ft down). It was quite severe last year until mid summer. With a couple of extra sprinkler heads and the auto drip system feeders the plant is really flourishing. Wood chips a must for soil moisture retention.
This planter faces south so mostly in direct sun all day long. The sprinklers really make the difference in this case. Farmer D Title: Re: True Love Post by: farmer d on February 10, 2014, 07:21:49 PM The plant is now just over 5 ft tall.
You can also see in the above older pic from 1/18/12 my Cosmic Gold plant behind it. Look at it - it is just a twig with a few branches. After 2 yrs the growth is spectacular. Charlie no one has higher standards than you when it comes to hybridizing! Farmer D Title: Re: True Love Post by: roadrunner on February 12, 2014, 07:41:29 AM Incredible Darren. A good day for any of my plants is 3 or 4 blooms open at once. If I had the space to grow them in larger containers say 16 inch, maybe I'd be able to see something a little closer to your success.
dave Title: Re: True Love Post by: Charlie on February 15, 2014, 05:17:41 AM Darren, we used one of your your True Love photos in the last Newsletter.
Having your "test" garden nearby has been a big help in learning what varieties do best in natural circumstances instead of pots. I hope no one thinks it is all in the hybridizing - getting optimal results is also due to the grower getting the water, soil, and fertilizer right. Great job, as always! Charlie Title: Re: True Love Post by: farmer d on February 16, 2014, 09:08:49 PM Dave & Charlie thank you for the shared excitement and support! It is a supreme pleasure to be able to grow exotic hibiscus outdoors 365. I have a feeling most of the HVH varieties will do this well outdoors in the ground.
Now if I can only get some amazing results with my potted plants. Farmer D |