Hidden Valley Hibiscus Forum

Long day but finally home...

Island Queen is off the charts with insane summer colors!

Farmer D

Farmer D

Finally got my first Flickering Flame bloom in many months on my bush...

Farmer D

Happy September everyone!

Farmer D, your Island Queen is an amazing bloom and that Rodeo Drive is such a stunner! Nice Flickering Flame too! I got that cv as a 6" in spring and it has yet to form a bud for me yet, but its a beautiful bush. It has the shiniest green leaves of all the cv's I own! I hope to squeeze a bloom out of that one before the season is over here.

Erny, that slapstick is out of control! I love it! And your Cinnamon Splendor is gorgeous. You inspired me to get that cv as I snagged a 6" in the update yesterday. :)

Capt J, your Rainbow  Sherbet triplets put on a great show! Beautiful!

Here are some from my "jungle".... LOL  High Voltage, Moon Shadow, Sky, and Fire and Ice.

A few more photos. Another bloom on Appassionatta! I didn't think this would bloom until today, but as usual it bloomed yesterday while I was at work. I had hoped to catch it as it first opened to get the best color, but its still an amazing and intense color bloom. There is another bud about to open today or tomorrow, and I will be watching it like a hawk! LOL

Also a day 1 and day 2 picture of Too Hot To Handle. The day 1 pic I sort of cheated and forced the bloom open before I left for work. Such a vibrant bloom, even on day 2! Very appropriately named!

The flower photos from this past week have been dazzling. Thanks to all for sharing them!

Charlie

Today's blooms

Here are my HVH plants - all pruned back.  I work out of the country. so when I get home in 4-1/2 weeks, I am expecting crazy blooms.  In the Galveston heat, they are drip watered 2 times a day, plus 1 short spritzing shower.

Crazy day - but what's new! 

Farmer D

Farmer D

Farmer D

New seedling 1st bloom

Farmer D

Hello, All...

I've long admired the outstanding photos that members of the HVH Forum have posted and have been looking forward to the opportunity to introduce myself. This is my first post to the HVH Forum and I want to thank all of you in advance for creating such an inspiring and welcoming platform of interaction among hibiscus enthusiasts. In a short period of time I've no doubt become an addict to the awesomeness that is the hibiscus plant...your motivating exchanges and full of pride photos show the great growers you are, and I look forward to joining the fun!

I have many HVH cultivars purchased this year and have even had a few flowers, now that I know how to capture them in a file size small enough to post, I'll be looking forward to sharing. For today, a few of my favorites that have been strong bloomers this summer...Grand Opening, Love Bite, & Evangeline...enjoy!

JC

Great blooms everyone! Posting this in a hurry because I have a pool party to get to! Here are my blooms from the day! Hibiscuspalooza!

More...

More!  :D

Finally I want to wish everyone a safe, fun, and happy Labor day! If you are looking for a way to celebrate, might I suggest "Absolut Hibiskus" vodka? Ha ha! Its delicious!

Today's Blooms

JC welcome to the forum!  We are very happy to add you to our growing group of members and really look forward to seeing lots of great hibiscus pictures from you.  Your Grand Opening bloom is probably the nicest one I have seen of that CV!

Paul your blooms are rocking and you should think of an alternative career as an advertising specialist.  That would be the perfect advertisement for that vodka.  I have noticed lately that many products are now featuring hibiscus.  It is almost trendy at this point...

Today some more great blooms...I am still being blown away by Scintillating as it had twins today and that firey golden border is just driving me crazy!  It looks like the sun dripped sunlight onto the edges.  Just extraordinary!!!  I am having a bit of a challenge getting the pink eye zone to show in the photos.

Farmer D

Farmer D

Palm Springs has six blooms currently with many buds now...

Cosmic Gold has 11 blooms today - though hard to tell in the pic

Farmer D

Splendid COF bloom so vibrant and a very interesting fade for Haute Couture

Farmer D

Yep, more blooms...

Got my first profusion of blooms for the season today on Black Dream = 24 open blooms.

Firestorm gets better as the day goes on.  Starts almost all red then the orange sets in

Farmer D

These shots let you see the fade on a very warm & humid afternoon

Farmer D

Great photos abound but Paul, that Absolut Hibiscus vodka photo is incredible! Thanks for bringing that to our attention. Umm, Alexandr, ever seen this one in Ukraine?

Charlie

JC, welcome to the forum. We will all look forward to seeing more of your blooms.
Paul and Darren, that's some bloomfest you guys have going. Great photos all.
I screwed up and posted today's blooms on the August list--possibly a good thing as the additional volume might have crashed the system.

Erny

Erny, I laughed when you were describing how you anatomically pruned your plant, removing the necrotic tissue haha. 

Quasar looks amazing, I noticed a small bud on mine today, hopefully we will have some photos to compare of it.   BTW do you have Mother Nature?  The photos of that one look very nice. 

Of course I had to remove a margin of normal tissue along with the necrotic.

I hope you will like your Quasar as much as I like mine.

I don't have Mother Nature. I like the pictures but just haven't pulled the trigger. I don't know where i would put any new ones at this time.

Here's a picture of Moonstruck also I wanted to show a picture of our grandchild Makenna that we named our seedling after. I showed this seedling on here before and it does root, I have 3 cuttings that have rooted.

Thanks, Patrick

Patrick you should send one of those rooted cuttings to Charlie for evaluation and future propagation.

Farmer D

Patrick, I agree with Darren on your seedling.

Darren, your seedling is awesome as well. Maybe you can give Charlie some cuttings.

John, it's already been done on three of them about a month ago.  I have to get him the newer one (pictured first from this morning) Tahitian Raspberry Star x Tahitian Fleuro Star.  It hadn't bloomed yet when Charlie was here...

The next three he has cuttings that have been grafted and should be ready soon to replant last I heard.

Farmer D

Darren, that's great news. I especially like the color on Tahitian Raspberry Star x Tahitian Fleuro Star. Looks like it is really a prolific bloomer.

John my goal is to share these beauties with all of us who appreciate and treasure these wonderful creations.  I get so much joy at of growing them...

Tahitian Raspberry Rainbow has been my favorite seedling so far as it has more varying bands of colors and is larger but every day TRS x TFS has been gaining in both size and color which is great.

I also realized many of my seedling plants including T Raspberry Rainbow were way under watered and were suffering so that has been fixed and they are on the mend.  With that and increased feedings I hope she also is a prolific bloomer.  Honestly I'm getting to a point that I believe most hibiscus can be prolific bloomers...We'll see!

Farmer D

AG hitting the 8 ft mark and really looking full.  I know some of you wanted me to prune it but it has filled out nicely on it's own.  My advice to anyone that has AG is to feed it heavily.  It wants to be gigantic but needs a lot of juice and water to do so...I have been heavily feeding my potted one at my in-laws and it is loving it!

Farmer D

My first Scarlet Beauty bloom in ages and what a way to start with a gorgeous petaloid

Two CPs from two separate plants...

Farmer D

Palm Springs is starting to go off now, six blooms today but it is over 7 ft tall now and the blooms are at the top.  Didn't anticipate this challenge...

Farmer D

Patrick, you have two beauties there--your granddaughter and the seedling you named after her.
First bloom on Coy Beauty today. Very pretty with the yellow-gold rays against a brown background. Nice blooms again on White Hot and Glitz & Glitter.

Erny

Darren, I really like all those seedlings you posted. Murphy's Law is fantastic.
More from today: Black Dragon, Dapple Dandy, Night Magic, Inner Compass, and Dragon's Breath.

Cinnamon Splendor, Rosalind, Sea Spray, Strawberry Fields Forever, and Burnt Saffron.

Slapstick and Sun Shower profusions.

Erny your Slapstick has made me insane....WOW!

Farmer D

Today's blooms

my burnt saffron just beofre opening this morning and just after.  very neat spiral opening...

John your RS is always looking so great!  I really hope mine could one day attain the same awesomeness!!!

Merkitty that is a fine Burnt Saffron bloom!  Thank you for sharing that beauty!

Here is So Cal it has been perfect hibiscus weather lately with highs around 90F, warm nights above 70F and somewhat humid.  I am feeding my plants extra to capitalize on it while I can...

Farmer D

Farmer D

I am always amazed by the symmetry on Living Legend

Farmer D

Farmer D

Here is a really pink Moon goddess



thanks, Patrick

Awesome blooms everyone! Again, I wish I had time to comment on some individual blooms but I am trying to squeeze this post in before leaving for work.

Here are some pics from the last few days.

Fairy Music is still pumping out the blooms! Out of all of the cv's I own, this one has been a show-off! It blooms almost daily, and the blooms are huge! Easily a favorite!

Glitz and Glitter put out two blooms today. They are beautiful, but less glitzy and glittery than other blooms of the same cv I have seen posted. I attribute that to the cooler temps here. This has to be the coldest summer in my area on record. Oh well, still a gorgeous bloom! :)

More...

First time bloom on Snow Storm! Such a beautiful bloom!!

Also Too Hot to Handle has been cranking out the blooms as well! Each bloom is unique since some are more red and some are more orange/brown.

First time bloom on Indigo Fire. It bloomed yesterday so this is a day 2 bloom. I wish I could have caught it as it first opened.

another one

Great blooms everyone.

Patrick that Moon Goddess is really pretty!  That is the best look I've seen for it...

Paul your THTH is really great - I love the ones that change with every bloom

Farmer D

1st Rise and Shine in quite some time...

Farmer D

Awesome Rodeo Drive...

Farmer D

Farmer D

Paul, congratulations on that Snowstorm bloom. That one absolutely blew me away when I saw it in Charlie's greenhouse.
Darren, great color on Firestorm and your Muy Caliente is a blooming machine.
First bloom on Vin Magnifique today and it is huge. I didn't measure it but it has to be a good 9" at least. Nicest flower yet on Andante. I finally seem to be making progress against the thrips.

Erny

Coy Beauty, Glitz and Glitter, Burnt Saffron, California Beauty.

A couple of different looks for Heartbreak Hotel. Also White Hot, Voodoo Queen, Chai Tea, and Cinnamon Splendor.

Butterscotch Bliss is looking better but still has a way to go yet. Also Attitude of Gratitude, Sea Spray, Creole Lady, and Black Dream.

Red Cadillac, Christie Blue.

Today's blooms
Last pic is first bloom on Yellow Fellow alongside Rainbow Sherbet.

John nice to see Yellow Fellow in the mix there.  Canary Song has a very nice, clean look to it.

Farmer D

1st bloom for Tahitian Christmas

Farmer D

1st bloom for Picante in a long time...I miss this one a lot!

Farmer D

Simple Pleasures still has to be one of my favorites - got triplets today

Farmer D

Great blooms everyone! Erny I am jealous of your Cinnamon Splendor! I snagged a 6" in the update last Saturday.... but just an hour ago the box arrived smashed and she was a goner(along with another). :( The UPS driver took the box back because of the damage. So I'll just have to keep admiring yours for now.

I also enjoy seeing your White Hot and Sea Spray blooms to see how they differ from mine in my neck of the woods.

John I think it was your pics of High Voltage that inspired me to get my own. Great pics!

Farmer D. Impressive show! I love your Muy Caliente! And your T.A.P. makes me anxious to see mine bloom! It has a few small buds.

Some blooms from me today... My first bloom on 5th Dimension! Stunning!

Some more...

Finally an amazing blue SKY bloom, Sea Spray with Sky photo-bombing in the background, and Sky and Sea Spray mingle with a passion flower.  :D

Paul, you can't go wrong with High Voltage.

I noticed you have a passion vine in one of your pics. I recently bought a few varieties. They thrive in the heat here and bloom like crazy!

Paul, that's a shame your Cinnamon Splendor was damaged in transit but it's well worth waiting for. Mine immediately became one of my most prolific bloomers. I'm grateful to Patrick who first showed this one. It's always interesting to see the different look you get on some blooms compared to the way they look here in southern California. That Fifth Dimension is a good example of that.
My first bloom on Venetian Brick today. Also Titian Venus,  and Creme De La Creme.

Erny

Wild Grape keeps producing one or two blooms daily. Also Crimson Kiss with a visitor in the first photo, California Beauty, and Burnt Saffron.

White Hot is enjoying the near 100 degree temperatures here. Also Chai Tea, Night Magic, and Vin Extraordinaire.

Thanksgiving is looking a lot more yellow in the heat here. A different look to Quasar just opening. Also Rosalind and Midsummer Night.

Erny, that Quasar is amazing!!  :o

John, I have about 3 or 4 varieties of  passion vine growing hanging baskets. They are such interesting little alien flowers! :)

Paul you're right that Sky bloom is outstanding!

Erny thank you for the info on Victoria's Touch.  Looks like White Hot is living up to it's name - seems to like the heat just fine!

Farmer D

Hi, my name is Colossuem and I like to bloom on a 1 ft tall plant with a 10" flower....

Farmer D

1st bloom this year for Tahitian Princess

CP twins & Exuberance trio

Farmer D

Crystal Pink triplets

Farmer D

Darren, lots of great blooms there. That 10" Colosseum is some incredible first bloom.  I don't recall you ever showing Wild Grape before. T. Raspberry Star X T. Fleuro Star continues to look like a winner.
Some of today's blooms: My Blue Heaven, Bridal Path, Night Magic, Melon Melange, and Glitz & Glitter.

Erny

Island King, Attitude of Gratitude, and Quasar.

White Hot, Sparkling Water, Creole Lady, Cinnamon Splendor, and Summer Fun.

Wild Grape, Burnt Saffron, Vin Extraordinaire, Secret Heart, and Sleeping Beauty.

Thunder Egg just showing a few spots, Lady In Waiting.

Tahitian Xenosphere is one of my seedlings that's been blooming for the last couple of months (T Raspberry Star x T Imperial Mountain) and I just finally got around to naming it.

Holy smokes Erny!  All of your blooms are just off the charts...

How big is that Bridal Path?  That one and another posted by David Wood (where has he been lately?) that he posted a few years back are the best I've ever seen and probably my ATF.  

Quasar is something else, all those White Hot blooms are extraordinary, Summer Fun is bugging out with great design of colors, Island King is looking majestic, I could go on and on...


Farmer D

Darren, that particular Bridal Path flower isn't real large--only about 7". I've had much larger blooms on that bush. This one is tucked away near the bottom of the bush and is shaded by the branches above it.

Cindy's Heart and High Voltage
Tahitian Princess

This deserves a post of it's own...8ft up at the top of the bush.

Farmer D

John your T Princess is a pastel beauty!

Heat wave the last week (nothing terrible) and the hibs seem to love it.  Some great results from the weather and increased feedings too...

Farmer D

1st bloom for me on Titian Venus - nice and potted not in the ground!

Farmer D

10" HV & 1st bloom on a seedling today

Farmer d

Darren,

Our Tahitian princess is just starting to bud up pretty good now, glad to hear that it's not just us it must be a late bloomer but the temps here in Ohio have been mild this year so maybe that has something to do with it.


Here's a cutting of tigerama, I have always heard that it doesn't root, I have been trying for a few years now and this is the first time I have gotten roots, hope it continues to do good.

Fly me to the moon (our first bloom)  morning and then afternoon picture.

Moonstruck



Thanks, Patrick

Patrick - I am finding that many of the Tahitians require more fertilizing than the HVH varieties.  If you don't feed them a lot they are really picky with water and show yellow leaves easily and start looking more stick-like than lush and full.  My T Princess is still getting used to a lot more water and is in a semi-shady spot (keeps the blooms from fading fast with those colors).  I'll take a picture of the bush as it is getting rather impressive and the bud count is off the charts...
I totally forgot about this Scintillating bloom so it is partially faded but still very nice

Farmer D

Here are Fire and Ice and Sorcerer from 9/8
Getting a lot of these tiny flying bugs, especially on the dying blooms. Are they the fungus gnats or shoreflies?

Hi Gill,

If they are black and are usually found hanging out on the wet soil, they are probably fungus gnats.   I think I see a few on the fire and ice bloom and in that case, they remind me a lot of a fruit fly of some sort. If you can post a photo of it, we can better identify it.

Gil, despite the bugs that's the nicest Fire and Ice bloom I've seen.

Darren, that AG cluster pic was awesome!

1st bloom for Jolie today - extremely pretty (like John's).

Farmer D

1st bloom for Dream Catcher - I think I have some work to do on her as it is planted next to OK Corral and Dragon Moon who also don't look quite like the online store pics.

Farmer D

Black Dream is developing an interesting burnt orange edge in the summer heat which I didn't know it could do and I love it!

Farmer D

The Path continues to blow me away with by far the best blooms I've ever seen on her.  Also Vin Electrique with second bloom of the year but tons more coming soon...

Farmer D

My Summer Fun plant has really been struggling this year as it is has very little room for her roots being planted next a large cement footing for my porch railing.  I hope in time the roots find their way around it and to lots of open planter soil.

Also a pretty amazing Renaissance Blue from Japan on FB

Farmer D

Patrick, congratulations on the successful rooting of Tigerama. I also love your Fly Me To The Moon photos.
John, really nice Rainbow Sherbert twins.
Darren, if your Summer Fun plant is struggling, the flowers sure don't show it. The Path continues to amaze and the color on your new Jolie bloom is gorgeous. Scintillating is still living up to its name.
First bloom on Kilimanjaro today. Also Swamp Music, Sea Spray, and Tahitian Sunset Splendor.

Vin Extraordinaire is a very prolific bloomer thus far and the colors are superb. Also Inner Compass, Dappled Shade, Secret Heart, and Gator Pride.

Glitz and Glitter, Night Magic, Pocahontas, and Curt's Gift.

Coy Beauty, Over The Rainbow, Illuminati, California Beauty, and Rosalind.

Erny your Kilimanjaro is very pretty and unique.  Glad to see that one posted on the forum now.  Rosalind and Sun Shower are bright as ever and that is great news on VE!

Some late day shots...I find the blooms I missed earlier.

Farmer D

Charlie I'm really glad I gave you a cutting of T Xenosphere as it is really growing on me (T Raspberry Star x T Imperial Mtn).  

An interesting shot from FB of SOT & MBH

Farmer D

Darren, yes, I think T Xenosphere is one that is doing well so far. It joins the many varieties we now have that feature a gray/blue body surrounded by an orange to yellow edge. Most of our Moonstruck offspring are in this category and in fact around the world the many, many varieties that trace back to Fifth Dimension are in that group as well. That said, there are huge differences in the many varieties that fit this type, which is why we continue to be interested in them and to test them out. Not only subtleties of color but also growth habit and overall performance are important in deciding which of these to continue to propagate and which have only a short time in the sunlight of public exposure. Thank you for sharing this one.

Oh, and great photo of My Blue Heaven and Sea of Tranquility together!

Charlie

Erny, your Vin Extraordinaire pics have convinced me to get one as soon as it is available.

Darren, your Jolie bloom looks beautiful.

John, you will love Vin Extraordinaire. Mine was blooming when I got it a few months ago and it hasn't stopped. I really like the way your Rainbow Sherbert presents those flowers. My bush is so packed with large leaves that the flowers often get hidden inside or else pushed in by adjacent leaves so that they can't open fully.

Erny

Kilimanjaro which showed its first bloom yesterday looks a lot like Wild Grape which is high praise in my book. Not surprising since they share a common ancestor. But unlike WG which is usually spent by day 2, Kilimanjaro fades nicely to a pleasant blue-gray tone. Photos show the faded blooms next to one just opening. Other nice blooms today include Venetian Brick, Brassy Blonde, Tahitian Lovely, and Cinnamon Splendor.

Erny

A daily genuflection to White Hot and Wild Grape. Also Pocahontas, Andante, and Out of the Ashes.

 Glitz and Glitter, Illuminati, and Night Magic.

Attitude of Gratitude, Strawberry Fields Forever, Georgia's Pearl, Voodoo Magic, and a protea species that is blooming either real early or real late.

Butterscotch Bliss, Crimson Kiss, Coy Beauty, and first flower on a Thai variety plumeria.

Erny,

Great looking Zelma, glad it is looking great!

That Kilimanjaro is really impressive, I've had it on my wait list, I hope more will be available in the next year or so.  I really hope I can get in I the first crop of that "Darkside of the moon" seedling Charlie showed.  Really like the look of that one too. 

Erny your Zelma really is a unique and fascinating bloom.  Along those lines so are Butterscotch Bliss and of course White Hot.  I had to look up genuflection's meaning - very appropriate indeed!

I know in the past Charlie had mentioned the scientific name of what happened to this Confection Perfection bloom where only half of it received the pink pigmentation during development.

A rare Valentine's Day with a petaloid

Farmer D

Erny I am surprised by the difference in our Illuminati blooms.  Mine was hit hard by spider mites and part of the regimen was giving her Kontos with booster as I figured the salt would help the plant absorb the pesticide faster.  Maybe it also helped darken up the blooms?  

Farmer D

Chorus Line showing quite a bit of pink now...and the buds count is crazy!

Farmer D

Loving the depth of color on Vin Electrique & of course there is Cindy's Heart

Farmer D

Erny,

Your Kilimanjaro looks great, I didn't realize it was released yet , I'll have to keep a eye out for it.  Everyone's blooms look great, now that I have seen Glitz and Glitter , I can't wait for ours to open.  The bud is microscopic so it might be a while



Patrick

Erny, great Kilimanjaro bloom!

Darren, that Confection Perfection bloom is crazy. I had that same thing happen to a Periwinkle bloom a while back. Half the bloom was purple and the other half was brown. Weird, huh? It keeps things interesting!

Well here are some of my blooms from this past weekend. I didn't have time to post them until now. I figure I should get these posted before I start with today's blooms.

My first bloom on Blue Opal! It was such a beauty and the camera really didn't capture the color accurately. I took 3 pictures of it. One after just opening, one a bit reflexed, and one later in the day. I cant wait until it blooms again!

Also my first bloom on Vin Magnifique. It was such a huge bloom on such a small plant. I wish I had taken a better picture without the sun washing out the top part of the photo.

Also Fairy Music continues to bloom like there is no tomorrow. By far, this cv has bloomed the most for me this year! Love it!

Next I had a couple of Ingenue blooms fighting for the spotlight. Looks like we have a winner. lol

An interesting Night Magic with extra crispy edges? Not sure what happened here, but I still think its beautiful!

Also Inner Compass, Jamilou, Saffron, and 5th Dimension...

Finally a very very tiny Spring Showers. It must have only been 4". It was a cutie!

And Crème de Cacao.



And now time to go take pictures of todays blooms! BRB.... ;)

Ok. Time for todays blooms!

Today I got my first bloom on Thunder Egg!!!  ;D I got this as a 4" pot last summer, it struggled a bit when it was inside over the winter, but then in the spring this plant grew like crazy! It got so tall and branched out so much that I had to move it to a larger pot size. This cv is a super grower! So finally today I get to see a bloom. It was worth the wait!

Another stunning bloom on Appassionatta! I'm glad I caught this one just as it opened. This one really likes to reflex shortly after blooming. The last couple blooms haven't been post-worthy because of that. So I'm a happy guy that I got this bloom early!

Also blooms on Desire and Energy Blast.  :D

Also blooms on Indigo Fire, Ingenue, Paul Bunyan, Glitz n Glitter, and Polar Bear

Got a bloom on Too Hot Too Handle that has one petal that didn't develop like the others. Still the color is amazing so I figured I'd still share it.

Also Sea Spray, Some Like It Hot, Swamp Music, White Ho.  :D

Finally, a couple group shots. One thing I enjoy about growing all of my hibiscus in pots is that I can rearrange them! :) Enjoy!

Love the pink color on Ms. President

John, that has to be one of the most intense pinks I have seen on Ms. President. Thanks for showing June's Dragon. I don't think it has been on the forum--at least not recently. I'm still waiting for mine to bloom.
Paul, you are right about Blue Opal. It just doesn't come across as well in photos. That Appassionata is really nice and I love your group shots.
Darren, it is interesting how different our Illuminatis look. I wonder if mine is just not getting enough sun where it is. I also like your Scarlet Beauty a lot better than mine.
First bloom on Raging Bull today. Also Secret Heart, Gentle On My Mind, Blue Opal, and Quasar.

My second bloom on Moonstruck--still small (by Moonstruck standards--only about 7").
Also Night Magic, Rose Quartz, Burnt Saffron, and Vin Extraordinaire.

Inner Compass, Rocket's Red Glare, Summer Fun, Nightfire, Cinnamon Splendor, and Creole Darlin'.

My first flower in ages on Magnifique. Not very colorful but I think this is day 2 and I just missed it yesterday. Also Butterscotch Bliss, Voodoo Queen, Summer Shore, Dappled Shade, and Bessie.

Such beautiful flowers this month! And the mutated Confection Perfection was very cool!

From this month we have:

Sea of Tranquility - Our first bloom
Winter Lights - Opening this AM
Winter Lights - Had our first set of twins today
Song Sung Blue - Growing along side our typical pink hibiscus
Pinot Noir - Has been blooming like crazy. This bloom was 9" across!

Marilyn it is great to see your beautiful pictures here on the forum.  I'm glad you were able to get them posted and I look forward to seeing more great bloom shots from you.  Winter Lights and SOT are looking very nice indeed!

Paul, John and Erny terrific pictures as always.  I really enjoyed Blue Opal, Appassionatta, June's Dragon and Raging Bull.  Erny your Butterscotch Bliss is really quite the bloom - very unique and amazing....

Farmer D

Acapulco Gold is at it again - somewhere around 40 open blooms. A tower of color one can see from way down the street...

Farmer D

Farmer D

Farmer D

Darren, your AG is amazing.

Darren, that AG is incredible. I'll bet I can almost see it from my house.
My nicest bloom yet on Black Dragon. The photo really doesn't do it justice. It looks like black velvet in person. Also Voodoo Queen, White Hot, and triplets on Gator Pride.

Erny

Space Oddity, Slapstick, Angel's Wings, Summer Shore, and Blue Ballerina.

Gentle On My Mind, Creole Belle, Melon Melange, Sun Shower, and Sea Spray.

Vin Magnifique, Cinnamon Splendor, Nightfire, and Dappled Shade.

Dragon Moon, Palm Springs, Attitude of Gratitude.

Some blooms for me today. Periwinkle twins, Heavy Metal, Fire and Ice, Tahitian Princess, and Tahitian Taui.

Erny, your Slapstick looks awesome.

John all three of those blooms are just fabulous!  Great depth of color

Yesterday's blooms...

Farmer D

Bright Hope put put another dazzler with a nice dark eye...

Farmer D

First bloom on 2nd Cindy's Heart plant so hopefully a lot more of them continuously

Farmer D

Darren, your Chorus Line sure does have more pink than mine. Mine should look like yours once it cools off here. Still getting into the mid 90s everyday.

John I put CL on my driveway for a month to get super hot sun and fed it with lots of booster - I figured that if anything would get her some more color.  I just moved it to a less sunny spot in my backyard so let's see how she responds over the next month.

Your plants are really getting pretty large now - looking great!!!

Farmer D

Confection Perfection with quads today & twins on the other CP bush!!!

Farmer D

Show Stopper improving by the bloom - I love the summer colors!

Farmer D

Bridal Path is still my favorite when it puts out blooms like this - 9" of bursting colors.  The camera doesn't even come close...

Farmer D

Cherry Glow is looking great with that pink halo!

Rodeo Drive with perfect form is so pretty

Black Dream - I've never seen it look like this - really stunning from the summer heat

Farmer D

Today's blooms

Farmer D

Farmer D

Some nice sets of twins...

Farmer D

Farmer D

Flickering Flame back to having the insane eye

Farmer D

First bloom on Corazon today. Also Hot Cocoa and Confection perfection.

Ay Caramba, My Blue Heaven, Rose Quartz, and White Hot.

Red Cadillac, Rainbow Christie, Prosperity, Black Dragon, and Tahitian Orange Rainbow.

Rainbow Sherbert, Dapple Dandy, Crimson Kiss, Tiger Cub, Christie Blue, and Vin Extraordinaire.

Vin Beaujolais, Vin Magnifique, and Funny Voodoo.

Peanut Butter, Creole Lady, Tahitian Sophistication,

Gentle On My Mind, Sun Shower, Inner Compass, Over the Rainbow, and Strawberry Fields Forever.

Today's blooms

Erny your Rainbow Sherbet is so colorful - it is summer defined.  And your Dapple Dandy looks like a totally juiced up Prosperity - mine is getting closer to having her first bloom soon...

John lovely CH twins as always!  I hope the heat finally begins to wind down for you there.  It looks like the upper midwest is already into fall with temps in the 50s & 60s now.

Farmer D

Chorus Line is really pink now and looking great.  Tons of buds popping up!

Farmer D

1st bloom for Best Friend - apparently I have some work to do on it to get it like the online store pic.  It is in a pot on my porch so that seems to be one factor...

Farmer D

Another nice bloom on Kilimanjaro today. Also Hollywood Starlet, Brassy Blonde, and Dragon's Breath.

Fire and Ice, Andante, Vin Extraordinaire, Old Spice, California Beauty, and Prosperity.

Wild Grape, Voodoo Queen, and Cinnamon Splendor.

Daddy's Angel, Slapstick, Summer Shore, High Voltage, Bridal Path, and Dapple Dandy growing under a plumeria.

Wow Erny, that Kilimanjaro is outstanding! The white markings on that one petal look like a bear claw. Stunning!

Farmer D I really like that Flickering Flame from the other day. I hope mine blooms before they have to move indoors.

Some blooms from yesterday and today. We have had cold temps in my area lately. Yesterday the high was 64 and the low was 42. I have noticed how the cooler temps have been yielding more intensely colored blooms on most of my hibiscus, and I'm loving it.

First bloom today on Quasar! Jaw-dropping! I took one picture this afternoon and just now before it gets dark. I really wanted to capture this bloom in the best light!

Also Blue Opal, Crème de Cacao, Desire, and Night Magic.

It was a good day for fire I guess. LOL

Indigo Fire, Fire and Ice, Flaming Star, and Fox Fire

 ;)

Finally Midsummer Night, Red Buttons, and Saffron

Paul, your photos of Quasar are outstanding. Isn't that a great cv? I think you have also captured the beauty of Blue Opal in your photo.

Erny

Thanks Erny! I was actually surprised by the Quasar bloom. I did notice the bud forming, but I thought it belonged to another cv which is right next to it. So when I got home from work and I went to go check on my plants, that bloom stopped me in my tracks!

Also, thanks about the Blue Opal. I took several pictures of it too and chose the best one. That one is super hard to capture the true beauty of.

Now if I can get my Kilimanjaro to bloom like yours before my growing season is up and I have to move them inside, I will be a happy man! :)

Today's blooms

Paul & Erny I agree that both Quasar and Blue Opal are stunning to say the least.  Great blooms all the way around...

John your Cindy's Heart is stunning too!  Love the deep colors on her.

2nd bloom on Dream Catcher and already big improvements.  Me likey!

Farmer D

I have a 3rd Bridal Path plant that has been languishing in a pot on my porch for over 2 years doing nothing and looking miserable.  After things finally clicked in my head a month ago I dug her up, saw the soil underneath a thin moist top layer was bone dry to the bottom, repotted her and used ferts (not just water to rehydrate the soil) and just over a month later a totally different plant now.  Twins today more to come...

Farmer

Sets of twins

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Mt Acapulco

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First attempt with new devices.
Pinot Noir

Ed

Guess it worked.
Erin Rachel, Voodoo Magic, Amethyst Crystal, Hickory Wood, and Creole Lady (early morning before the edges turn yellow).

Darren, you and John both have great color on Cindy's Heart. Dream Catcher is beautiful--makes me glad I got one--now just waiting for it to bloom.
Ed, I'm glad you got it working so you could share those nice photos with us.
Scarlet Beauty is finally showing some good color. I' m also very pleased with Melon Melange. Also Coy Beauty, Rose Quartz, and Fire & Ice.

Erny

Cinnamon Splendor has certainly become one of my favorites. It hasn't stopped blooming since the day I received it. A;so Rosalind, Night Magic, and Tahitian Princess.

First Heaven Scent bloom this year.

John, that's the first time I can remember seeing Heaven Scent on the forum. It's been on my Wish List since I started.
Confection Perfection has earned a spot on my list of favorites after only its second bloom. Also Quasar at first opening and then later in the day. Also Pocahontas.

Erny

At first I didn't care much for brown flowers; now it seems like I can't get enough of them. Here are two good examples from today--Cinnamon Splendor and Hot Cocoa. Also Burnt Saffron--certainly one of the best dark reds.

Vin Extraordinaire lives up to its name with unique colors and frequent blooms on a strong upright bush. Also Swamp Music and Wild Grape.

Erny I am glad to hear you love Confection Perfection.  The blend of colors on it are just so uplifting and bright!  The bush is compact in that it doesn't grow much horizontally.  But CP is a grat bloomer as I am finding out currently.

Your Quasar is off the charts!!!  That's it, on the wish lists it goes...

Also VE is just ridiculously pretty - the bush pic is great to see as it reminds me a lot of my bush for Venus Rising which so far is a vertical grower.  I might prune it down to half it's height and see what that does...

1st bloom today for Courageous - looking as advertised!

Farmer D

Old Spice, Vin Beaujolais, Slapstick, Rainbow Sherbert,  and Glitz & Glitter.

We're both posting at the same time - fun!

Farmer D

Illuminati, Palm Springs, Rum Runner, and Heartbreak Hotel.

Raging Bull is still not showing many spots but the color is nice. Also Crimson Kiss, Me Oh My Oh, and Dragon's Breath.

Insane Flickering Flame - I have a feeling they will be like this going forward for some time...

Also 2nd Best Friend bloom - I'm wondering if this really is Best Friend as the eye zone is so huge on this one I wonder how it can get really small like the online store pic...

Farmer D

Muy Caliente has one heck of an eye zone.  This picture doesn't show the detail of features going on and it is very large too.

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Confection Perfection is amazing - multiple blooms every day!

Farmer D

Today's blooms

Erny your Raging Bull is awesome...I love how that white eye looks to transition thru lavender before going red.  I think it is an optical illusion as I have noticed the same on mine but when you get close up to it there is no lavender...

Canary Song is looking nice John!

Farmer D

All of a sudden Daisy Mae has over 20 open blooms today...

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Scarlet Beauty in perfect form today

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Darren, it looks like Flickering Flame is starting to take off again. Your Daisy Mae bush is fantastic.
Some large blooms today. Vin Magnifique continues to put out 9" blooms and Swamp Music surprised me with an 8 1/2" flower (the lower one just opening; the one above is day 2). Also a nice bloom on Kilimanjaro.

Erny

Melon Melange, Glitz & Glitter, Confection Perfection, and Cinnamon Splendor.

Red Cadillac, Cindy's Heart, Palm Springs, Bridal Path, and Jason.

Hollywood Starlet, Daisy Mae, Tahitian Antique Purple, Wild Grape, Acapulco Gold, and Rainbow Sherbert.

Dappled Shade, Quasar trips on day 2, Daddy's Angel, Creole Belle, and Crimson Kiss.

Today's blooms

First bloom from Midsummer night




Patrick

First bloom in months on Magic Moments. Also Tiger Cub, Vin Extraordinaire, and Palm Springs.

Vin Magnifique, Confection Perfection on day 2, Tahitian Pretty Boy, Brassy Blonde, and Ay Caramba.

Luck Be A Lady, Dragon Moon, Dragon's Breath, Rocket's Red Glare, and Cinnamon Splendor.

Erny I see your Dragon Moon is looking just like mine.  Is your's in full sun?  Mine is in shade so it would be interesting to know to see how it might look the same in different circumstances.

Your Rocker's Red Glare has the most color I've seen for that CV - very nice!

Farmer D

Not the best shots today as I wasn't home until late afternoon...I missed some real beauties

Titian Venus put out a real stunner today but it is a little faded along with Bright Hope whom I've been able to get the eye zone back to super dark

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I've got a security guard now for the garden - too bad he can't stop the raccoons though...

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Darren, Dragon Moon is getting full sun most of the day. Tahitian Royal Court sure is a beauty.

Beautiful flowers everyone! And that praying mantis was very cool - wish we had them here in FL! Unfortunately our High Voltage bush didn't make it. Not sure why - as it did really well for awhile. But luckily all the other plants are in good health.

From this week we have:

Pinot Noir Twins (This plant has been blooming like crazy!)
Winter Lights (Also producing a lot of buds)
Sea of Tranquility (Getting better with each flower)
Song Sung Blue (The pink ring on the tips was so bright and colorful!)
Valentine's Day (Bloomed this morning - A consistently beautiful flower)
RainDrop (Bloomed this morning - This is the first flower from this plant, and it is VERY different than what we were expecting! But just like Winter Lights, I'm expecting these flowers to improve with time)

Enjoy!

Great blooms everyone! Here are my blooms from yesterday that I didn't have time to post until now.

My second bloom on Quasar. I liked the way my first bloom looked a lot better, but this one is still pretty. :) Also, Blue Ballerina, Energy Blast, and Saffron.

A few more...

This is probably the best bloom on Fairy Music I have seen yet! Such a beauty! Also Vin Magnifique, Swamp Music, and Sky.

A really nice Garden Pleasure today.

Once in a while I like a bloom better on the second day after it has faded to a different color pattern. Two I saw today are Tahitian Pretty Boy on day 2 and Dappled Shade on day 3 or 4. Others today include Slapstick, Cherry Glow, Glitz & Glitter twins, and Velvet Illusion.

Erny

Summer Fun, Burnt Saffron, Angel's Wings, Rainbow Sherbert.

Sea Spray, Silver Memories, Cindy's Heart, and Magic Moments on day 2.

Marilyn your blooms are looking great - Winter Lights is really something special with that pink veining!

Paul your Fairy Music is extraordinary!  I love that huge purple eye zone - now I am thinking about that one a lot...Swamp Music looks awesome too...

John you're right that Garden Pleasures is really impressive.  Is it budding up a lot?  My Chorus Line is really packing on the buds on the branch tips as advertised...

Erny thank you for showing the second day shot of T Pretty Boy.  That is a really surprising and different look.  I wouldn't have imagined it like that but no one has ever posted TPB for a second day shot.  Helps that we had no sun today - summer's over (for now)...  Also your Rainbow Sherbet twins are gorgeous!!!

Farmer D

One positive outcome now that cooler temps are here is Cosmic Gold starts to really show off some lovely shades of yellow, gold and orange.  I was surprised to already see that today...by the way this CV is one prolific bloomer

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Another amazing Renaissance Blue from Facebook

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Darren I also have a new bloom from {T. Fruit Salad X T. Sunset Odyssey] X Rum Runner--possibly a pod mate of yours. I think I like yours better. Mine just looks like another version of The Path and/or Georgia's Pearl. Not that there is anything wrong with those cvs. I just feel there is no need for more of the same.
I don't know about that photo of Renaissance Blue. I had an RB bush growing in my backyard for several years and never had a bloom that looked anything like that.

Erny my one track bright tropical colored bias makes me easily prefer your's to mine in a heartbeat.  Amazing how varied the outcomes can be from the same genetic sources...so different they are!  Why do I sound like Yoda all of a sudden?

Farmer D

Darren, I'm sure Garden Pleasure is a prolific bloomer. I don't fertilize much during the hot weather. Now that it is getting cooler I have started fertilizing again and should see some results soon. Had 5 inches of rain yesterday.
Another Garden Pleasure today.

Vin Beaujolais, Funny Voodoo, Burnt Saffron, African Princess, and Chai Tea.

Pocahontas, Bon Temps, Secret Heart, Acapulco Gold, and Flickering Flame.

California Beauty, Rainbow Christie, Chariots of Fire, Rocket's Red Glare, Miss Congeniality, and Quasar.

Simple Pleasures, Daisy Mae, Rosalind, Fuschia delight, and Island King.

Here's a first bloom from Safe Harbor , also Pocahontas, Magic Crystal and Moonstruck.


Thanks, Patrick

John that is a ridiculous amount of rain for one day.  But your blooms look great still!

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The profusions are spreading....

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Magic Crystal now showing burgundy highlights - I forgot all about this feature.  Very nice

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Like Cosmic Gold, Palm Springs looks better in my opinion as the weather cools

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Vin Electrique doing it's thing

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This is probably the best day of blooms I've had in over 2 years...

Farmer D

Great blooms everyone! A quick post before heading to work. My blooms from yesterday.

Tahitian Red Leopard twins! (Some of the pics are a little blurry, but I took these in a hurry before leaving for work and I didn't check the image quality. I thought this new iphone 5s was supposed to take amazing pictures? Too late now...) But a beautiful flower! It practically glows!

Also Tahitian Royal Court, Tahitian Princess, and my best bloom yet on Crème de Cacao

An interesting bloom on Deep Waters, a Fairy Music with 6 petals, and a very reflexed Sea Spray

Awesome photos everyone. I missed a few while of town, these are today's.
Voodoo Magic, Amethyst Crystal, Hickory Wood, Pinot Noir, and Creole Lady.

Ed

Ed great to see Amethyst Crystal on here - very pretty!

1st bloom (and long awaited on a giant bush) for Joy

Farmer D

1st bloom in ages for Venetian Brick

Scintillating is proving to be a challenge getting the camera to show it's true colors and  features.  It looks so boring in the photos but it is very pretty in person

Farmer D

Chorus Line is totally pink now and super sexy!

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Paul and Ed, thanks for sharing those beautiful pictures. Darren, just an incredible number of fabulous blooms.
Corazon was one of the last to flower out of large number of plants I got at the start of the summer--but well worth the wait. Also Attitude of Gratitude, Over The Rainbow, and Solar Soul.

Erny

I can't say enough nice things about Confection Perfection. The flowers are always perfectly formed, presented upright and flat, and beautifully colored. Also High Voltage, Luck Be A Lady, Black Dream.

This not a HVH CV, but the visitor caught me off guard.
A humming bird moth on Golden Dust.
Ed

Some new blooms were waiting for me when I got home from work today!

First a couple sets of twins. Night Magic and Thunder Egg. Its interesting to see how the cooler weather here is affecting the blooms.

First bloom on Luck Be A Lady.

Also blooms on Appassionatta, Blue Ballerina, Fire and Ice, Heavy Metal, and Periwinkle

Finally blooms on Sky and K.S. Iron Butterfly.

Monday!!! Enough said...

Farmer D

2nd bloom for Joy - same as yesterday's

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Great photos Darren. Your Joy looks very different from Charlie's photo but both are very nice and the story is touching.
Got Tahitian Orange Rainbow, Blue Opal, and Midsummer Night after a bath courtesy of the sprinklers. Also Old Spice.

Really intense color on Rainbow Sherbet today.

John those two RS are flat out amazing!  I love that super saturated coloration.  Also your Cindy's Heart plant is really something special.  Congrats on the profusion!!!

Today I had some more 1st time blooms...

Aphrodite, Got Your Back and first bloom of the year from Meteor Shower

Farmer D

Satsuma has me really excited as the orange gets darker and I figure with fall coming that should continue to be the case until it gets close to red at some point.  Should look great with that yellow eye.

Also SP twins - I just love getting them right after opening and the pink is so dark and the red eye is shiny & wet looking

Not making any progress on Dragon Moon's appearance yet

Farmer D

My original Cindy's Heart bush put out stunning triplets today - even had a fourth bloom on my other CH too...

Farmer D

I really enjoy the Surf City blooms and even though the plant is slower growing it is forming a very nice bush and gaining more buds by the day.

Farmer D

1st awesome Prosperity bloom since I moved the plant last year in June so it has been a long comeback to say the least...

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Chorus Line still looking sexy!

Farmer D

Summer Fun is putting out lots of blooms even though the bush is barely getting going again...

Farmer D

Second Bright Horizon bloom, first one that has developed here

Farmer D

Farmer D,
The colors are amazing!
I had a couple of Voodoo Magic blooms today. Love all the orange on the edges.
Ed

Darren, that Dragon Moon looks fine to me. That last Tahitian cross you showed looks like a winner.
Got my first decent bloom on Pinot Noir in quite a while. For some reason the few flowers it has had were small and poorly colored. Also Blue Opal, Ay Caramba, Funny Voodoo, and Palm Springs.

Erny

Slapstick continues to produce a profusion of blooms and Sizzle is showing some nice color. Also Illuminati and Valentine's Day.

Scarlet Beauty and Chai Tea.

High Voltage, Island King, California Beauty.

Red Cadillac, Cindy's Heart, Prosperity.

Tiger Cub, Tahitian Orange Rainbow.

Quasar, Attitude of Gratitude, Magic Moments.

Vin Extraordinaire continues to live up to its name. Also Polar Bear, and Wild Grape.

First bloom on an orphan seedling

A nice bloom on Tahitian Pretty Boy today. Also Cranberry Muffin, My Blue Heaven, and Tiger Cub.

Erny

John that is a sweet first bloom for your seedling!  Congrats - how old is the plant?

Erny fantastic array of blooms - that'll git her done!  Really enjoyed Ay Caramba with such nice form (not always easy), Blue Opal is looking really pretty, Slapstick bloomfest is quite impressive.

Ok that was from yesterday - just now your T Pretty Boy and MBH look great and wow that Tiger Cub is just amazing!!!!!!!!!  Didn't know it could do that - now I never considered that one but now....

Farmer D

Vin Magnifique continues to produce huge beautiful blooms. Also Magic Crystal, Attitude of Gratitude, and Flickering Flame.

Bright Hope is making me very happy with that huge dark eye

Farmer D

Darren, that AG must light up your whole neighborhood. Valentine's Day was more prolific than usual. Cherry Glow has one of the best bushes I have seen. Also Bridal Path.

Wow Erny - your VD is looking amazing - the blooms have great depth of color.

As for AG I keep checking to see if Google Earth updates their photo of my area to see if AG shows up from space.  Now that is the ultimate high mark for a hibiscus!

Farmer D

Dapple Dandy was loaded with spots around the edge when I first got it. Now for the last week or two it has virtually none. Has anyone else experienced this kind of abrupt change? Also Melon Melange, Sea Spray, Confection Perfection, and Rosalind.

Out of the Ashes, Crimson Kiss, and Creole Lady.

Today's blooms

Here's some photo's from today, Summer Shore and Adalayde and also some bush pics , Cozy Rozy, Kennadie Jade, Makenna and Golden Mist. The bushes look pretty good for us Northerners.


Patrick

Pinot Noir dominated today's flowers. The cooler nights and days are producing great results.
Ed

Patrick, those bushes do look nice and full and healthy.
Ed, there must be something to that. My Pinot Noir produced its first decent blooms over the past three days after going months without. Also from today Titian Venus, Cindy's Heart, Pepper Spray, and Gentle On My Mind.

Erny

Sea of Tranquility showed its nicest opening colors today. Coy Beauty lived up to its name and Vin Magnifique remained magnificent on day 2.

Andante's opening colors and still nice on day 2. Also Tahitian Antique Purple and voodoo Magic.

Magic Crystal, Rose Quartz, and Rodeo Drive.

Magnifique, Wild Grape, Pocahontas, and Black Dragon.

Sea Spray, Delta Dawn, Love Story.

Beautiful blooms all!  We had our first Santa Ana wind event today which was unexpected and kind of early to have one.  I think the wind is the only weather I don't like - and the clean up is the worst part of it.

Farmer D

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Island Queen triplets today and a very scarlet Scarlet Beauty

Farmer D

Canary Song is one of my favorite varieties.

John all your blooms look so lovely!  The depth of color on your RS is really something else...congrats!

In hindsight yesterday's unexpected wind event was a blessing in disguise as I was able to see which plant's had issues with the wind and needed staking.  This is crucial for when I will be out of town shortly and would have been in trouble if that happened while being away...I take back the profanities I was mumbling all day yesterday...

Farmer D

Heavy Metal: breakfast - lunch - dinner

Simple Pleasures twins - got to get that pic when they first open

Farmer D

I'm loving them all so much!

Farmer D

AG just keeps budding like crazy...

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Darren, all those buds on your AG is AMAZING!

Great blooms Darren and Erny, I really enjoy seeing what outdoor plants can do in Southern California.  Growing indoors has its frustrations, but sometimes you get rewarded.  Today African Princess finally showed a nice bloom that opened, the interplay of green and gold is really unusual, perhaps she will get to stay in the collection a bit longer :)

John your bloom colors are great - just lovely!

Chris glad to see another unique and stunning bloom from the PNW!!!

Farmer D

I find that Exuberance looks it's best on day two if in the shade as the colors really come out

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Chris, I knew you would like that unique color combination on African Princess once it started opening for you.
Crinkle In Time is one of those that has been a slower grower and slow to bloom for me but the wait was worth it. A very nice color pattern in bright sun becomes even nicer when shaded. Also Slapstick, Prosperity, My Blue heaven, and Heartbreak Hotel.

Erny

Sea of Tranquility should be added to that list of cvs that fade to a nice pattern on day 2 and beyond. Also Magnifique, Swamp Music, and Funny Voodoo showing some different looks in sun and in shade.

Cherry Glow is a great cv. The flowers are consistently large, well formed and perfectly presented. The bush is one of the two or three best that I have with strong symmetrical upright growth and lots of branching. Also Bridal Path, Eye of Kali, and Scarlet Beauty.

Thanks for all the wonderful hibiscus  photos.                                                                                        My plants are in shade most of the time and so do not bloom as well as they would in more sun. I have started taking pictures as the blooms have appeared in the last week. Although I have a lot of new cultivars from Charlie, they are still small and  haven't bloomed much as yet. I will try to post some pictures of my old varieties from the 80s that are in the ground. Some I do not remember the names of, so if you happen to recognize them, let me know the name.

Eye Opener
Freddie Brubaker
Great White
Herm Geller
Herm Geller Bush
Victorian Lady

I was happy that my posting attempt worked. Here are some more.

There are two unknowns in this group.

Awesome blooms everyone! Looking great!

Been pretty busy this past week, so now I finally have a chance to post my pics. Its been a lot cooler here (Days in the 70's and nights in the 50's), and it shows in the colors of the blooms.   Got my first bloom on Valentine's Day! Also great blooms on Aphrodite, Crème de Cacao, Fox Fire and Indigo Fire.

Awesome blooms on Swamp Music.

And now the blooms from today.

Creole Belle, a couple Fairy Music blooms.

Finally Ingenue, Moon Shadow, Polar Bear twins, Saffron, my first bloom on Strawberry Fields Forever, and Tahitian Red Leopard.

Enjoy :)

Ken that is quite the parade of blooms for your starting post for photos of the day.  Way to go!!!!  Macintosh is a beauty and your bushes are just monsterous!

Paul your blooms are getting fantastic colors.  That Aphrodite is really something!

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Bright Hope continues to amaze...

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Is it me or is my Best Friend bloom not looking too much like Best Friend

Farmer D

Ken, welcome to the forum and I'm glad you were able to post those great photos. I had a lot of the old cvs in the ground but due to limited space and the profusion of new cvs from Charlie I finally had to bite the bullet and take some out to make room. The one I miss most is Herm Geller. I think it is one of the best cvs.
Paul, it looks like you are getting a lot of new blooms. How large is that Hitchcock? It looks huge in the photo.

Erny

Great pics everyone.

Erny, those Hitchcock blooms were about 6-7 inches across.

Well today is the day of the new and the weird. First we will start with the new.

First time blooms on Rodeo Drive, Magnum Opus, Plumb Skin, and Apricot Cookie!

Also not  first timers, but a gorgeous red Too Hot Too Handle and a Kuk Sul's Iron Butterfly.

And now the weird. First I have had a few blooms today that have one small undeveloped petal. It happened on Confection Perfection and Swamp Music today, and on Ingenue yesterday (which I will re-post).

Next some strange coloring issues on Desire and on Vin Magnifique. (The coloring is faded on VM is on the top left petal.)

Even though they are imperfect, I love the surprises. Keeps things interesting.

Had a late bloomer to add from today....also with one smaller petal.... Blue Opal. I caught it just after it opened and the colors are amazing.

Dapple Dandy is starting to show some spots after a few weeks without any. Two different looks of Cherry Glow and Chai Tea. Also Silver Memories.

Andante, Ay Caramba, Pocahontas, persian Rug, and Burnt Saffron.

Queen Victoria came four days ago in a 6" pot with a plant 5 feet tall, an open flower, and a large bud that opened today. Also Space Oddity, Love Story, Rainbow Christie, and Tahitian Sophistication.

Valentine's Day, Blue Ballerina, Island King, Cinnamon Splendor, Living Legend, and Cherry Ice.

John your blooms are looking great - again those Rainbow Sherbet colors are just out of this world!

Paul those are some great blooms and Wow that Blue Opal is really something!  It seems to have a lot of variability in appearance which I love.

Erny your Dapple Dandy is looking might fine with those spots again.  And that VD is pure red (even though reflexed) - that is amazing!

Farmer D

Picante looking good...

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Check out this Summer Shore off of Facebook - pretty cool!

Farmer D