Hidden Valley Hibiscus Forum

That was a fast month!

Farmer D

Darren,

Love the colors on that NR!

First bloom on Space Oddity. It was nestled in the branches and leaves, so the color fade was off. Love the color bands though.

Ed

Darren - Acapulco Gold is looking great and another nice Night Runner.

Ed - Nice to see Space Oddity.

A number of blooms to start the new month: Rum Runner, Solar Soul, Creole Lady and Snowfire.

Ernie, awhile back you posted a photo of Ross Estey and I thought it looked a lot like my so-called mystery pink (which isn't that pink in the summer) and I found an interesting article you posted to the forum in 2011 about Ross Estey. If you have more blooms could you post them, so that I can compare blooms. Day 2 blooms on my mystery pink and Blue Opal. Also, had my 1st bloom on Fire & Ice and a couple more Erin Rachel blooms.

El Capitolio with red, peach and yellow blooms.

Wow! Great blooms everyone! Can't believe it's already August!

A quick few posts before work. Here are my blooms from the past few days.

My first blooms on Heartbreaker! Stunning! Day 1 bloom on top and day 2 bloom underneath.

Also Magic Crystal, Moonlight Sonata, Wow Factor(day 2), Merlot Magic, and My
Blue Heaven.

First bloom on Fickle Female. Gorgeous!

And I was lucky enough to catch Space Oddity as it opened up. The colors are so intense!

Also Ruby Tuesday, Appassionata, and Black Rainbow days 1 and 2

First bloom on Luminescence. It was at least a 2nd day bloom. This one was hiding from me, but luckily I noticed it as I was watering.

Also Hotel California and Out Of The Ashes.

Bill that is interesting about Ross Estey - I know it is a prolific bloomer too (I don't have it myself).  If that is your mystery pink consider yourself lucky!

Paul your blooms are off the charts!  Fabulous colors on your Moonlight Sonata and if that 4th pic down is Appassionata those concentric rings of color are a sight to behold.  Fantastic blooms for sure!

Rocket Fuel twins

Farmer D

True Love twins

Farmer D

Blush of Youth twins - the old one is day 3

Farmer D

After spending 3 days driving around southern California looking at colleges with my grandson I've fallen way behind on the forum. Lots of great photos as usual. Too hard to pick out some for specific comment although I must say that Paul presented a fantastic set of photos today.
Bill, Ross Estey is a salmon pink color that, unfortunately, doesn't always show up well in photos. But it was so widely available in southern California nurseries that it is a real possibility
Here are some photos that I took the other day but didn't have time to post. Hopefully I can add some nice one from today later.
Butterscotch Bliss, Meteorite, Red Cadillac, and Wild Grape.

Erny

Pocahontas, White Hot, and Secret Heart.

Vin Beaujolais, Illuminati, Fuchsia Delight, Howard's Stage, Hollywood Starlet, and Valentine's Day.

Queen Victoria, Over the Rainbow, Lady In Waiting, Attitude of Gratitude, and Cosmic Dancer.

Hot Cocoa, Living Legend, Electric Pizzazz, Tahitian Queen (day 2), Appassionata, and Apple Pie.

Dragon's Breath, Tahitian Taui, Silver Memories, Heartbreak Hotel, Island King, and Cinnamon Splendor.

Paul - So many fabulous blooms!!! Moonlight Sonata and Merlot Magic are stunning.

Darren - That's one mean Island Queen!!!

Erny - That's an amazing Appassionata bloom!!! Pocahontas is looking great and I always love seeing Silver Memories.

August is starting out to be a good month here. Had my 1st bloom on Tahitian Princess. Also, Magic Crystal and Some Like It Hot.

Creole Lady, Kiss 'N' Tell (Creole Lady), Greenie Meanie and Caribbean Magic Jewel.

Peach and yellow El Capitolio, Hawaiian Salmon, Golden Dust and Erin Rachel.

I was pleased to see my first bloom on Carnelian yesterday. Also the first Aphrodite in quite a while and the best Kilimanjaro that I've had yet. Also Venetian Brick, Inner Compass, and Cherry Glow.

Erny

Illuminati, Vein of Gold, Tahitian Pink Princess, Summer Fun, Tahitian Orange Rainbow, and Time Shift.

Daisy Mae has to be my most prolific and consistent bloomer. There are multiple blooms on a daily basis regardless of the season. Unlike most of my hibiscus that bloom for a few weeks and then take a few weeks off, this one never stops. Also Wild Grape, High Voltage, Blushing Bride, and Nightfire.

Rosalind and Eye of Kali are also prolific bloomers. Also Rainbow Sherbert, Luck Be A Lady, Climax, and Hot Pepper.

Over The Rainbow, Heartbreak Hotel, Melon Melange, Confection Perfection, Black Dream, and Fifth Dimension masquerading as a plumeria.

Wow Erny your blooms are all just fantastic!  It is good for me to see Aphrodite as mine has been struggling this season but is looking better lately.  Your bloom on your's is awesome!  Also blown away by your Venetian Brick - I uprooted mine but I need to find a permanent spot for it with blooms like that!

Farmer D

TP twins

Farmer D

Farmer D

Erny - That's one killer Kilimanjaro. Great color on Aphrodite and Summer Fun.

Darren - Fantastic Midsummer Night and I love Tahitian Xenosphere.

So far, August has been a great month for blooms. Janys, Noche Buena, Blueblood and a group photo. Also, had my 1st bloom on Gator Pride after I repotted it and moved it to a new location.

Tahitian Princess (day 2), Spin The Bottle (Cosmic Dancer), Caribbean Passion, Goin' Steady, Golden Dust and my mystery yellow.

Fantastic red El Capitolio twins and peach El Capitolio twins. Also, Erin Rachel.

Bill I love your Janys bloom - nice blend of colors!

Farmer D

VD twins

Farmer D

Six petaled Heavy Metal

Farmer D

Darren - I was able to get Saturday the 16th off, so I will be attending the Hibiscus Club meeting. I would like to bring a friend who is a hibiscus nut like me if that is OK. I tried leaving a comment on the Facebook page but couldn't figure out how to enter it (not very versed on using Facebook). I will contact Cindy and let her know that I will be attending. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone.

More blooms here on Monday. Fifth Dimension, Creole Lady, Midsummer Night, Make A Wish and Noche Buena.

Enlightenment, Cajun Princess, Nebula, Erin Rachel twins and my mystery pink (Ross Estey?)

An unknown hibiscus that I rooted from a cutting from a neighbors bush, Golden Dust, El Capitolio twins and Aussie Queen.

Cranberry Zing has me in aww.   The vigor from the cv is the most I ever seen.   Based on the parents, I knew this would be something special. 
1st bloom  rained on and still managed to stay open for 3 days
Colors are rich and hold nicely for me.   

Bill that is great news!  Feel free to bring along anyone that would enjoy diving into the world of hibiscus.  Bill and anyone interested in attending our 1st meeting on Aug 16 Saturday 10am in Hollywood please email us at:

socalhibiscussociety@gmail.com

so we can send you an evite and confirm you for the day.  Again lunch will be provided along with a chance to meet other hibiscus growers including Charles and Cindy Black!

Farmer D

I find both Orange Appaloosa & Heartbreak Hotel are two blooms that look better as the day goes on in full sunlight....

Farmer D

I am really liking the grey band of color in this one

Farmer D

Kyle - Really nice Cranberry Zing.

Darren - That's one fierce looking Tony The Tiger. Your Inner Compass is looking great and Tahitian Magenta Double Star is awesome.

Tuesday's blooms: I found a nice Space Oddity lurking in the lower branches when I was watering. Also, Creole Lady, Blueblood and Kiss 'N' Tell (Creole Lady).

Day 2 photos of my mystery pink (Ross Estey?), Nebula and an unknown hib that I rooted from a cutting. Also, Spin The Bottle (Cosmic Dancer).

Fall Harvest, Golden Dust, Aussie Queen and a couple more peach El Capitolio blooms.

Bill it is always nice to find those surprise blooms.  I have some days when I wonder if I will have any at all and there are always a few that I was not suspecting to put out a bloom.  Your S.O. is lovely!

CG, BM & AG twins

Farmer D

Every new bloom for Blush of Youth impresses me even more...I just love this one a ton!

Farmer D

Tony the Tiger is an impressive bloomer on a relatively new plant.  I purchased this one after seeing how huge the blooms were at the HVH greenhouse.  I very much look forward to that day here too!

Farmer D

Very pretty Bridal Path twins

Farmer D

Darren - Great Bridal Path twins!!!

Lots of blooms here on Wednesday. I had to go in to work early, so I only got a few photos of blooms opening and the rest may seem a bit dark since I didn't get home until early evening. Magic Crystal, Creole Lady and C'est Bon.

Make A Wish, Caribbean Magic Jewel and Star of India.

Had a huge 9" bloom on Tradewinds, Tsunami, Janys, American Maid and Solar Soul.

Had my 1st bloom on Marianne Charlton. Wish I could have seen it when it opened but still stunning. Also, Golden Dust twins and Erin Rachel.

Barry's Bountiful, Hawaiian Salmon and El Capitolio.

Bill I love that spotting you're getting on Magic Crystal - way cool!

Farmer D

Burnt Saffron grown in the shade produces a really nice bloom & SP twins

Farmer D

Farmer D

I moved Big Oaf to a new planter behind my garage where it gets overhead sun for a couple hours each day and it is loving it.  1st bloom since the move.

Farmer D

Solar soul

Darren - Great color on Burnt Saffron and Rocket Fuel is number one on my want list. Love seeing the Big Oaf again.

Rebecca - Nice Solar Soul.

Thursday's blooms: Delicia Amoris, Tsunami, Spin The Bottle (Cosmic Dancer), Creole Lady, Kiss 'N' Tell (Creole Lady) and 1st bloom on Wild At Heart.

My mother's name was Lila and Lila was the first cv I bought from HVH after her passing. Also, Persian Rug, Cajun Blue, Fifth Dimension, Snowfire and Tradewinds (day 2).

Day 2 blooms on Marianne Charlton, C'est Bon and Barry's Bountiful. Also, Golden Dust.

El Capitolio (peach and red).

Farmer D

Farmer D

Darren - Great color on Confection Perfection and super nice Tahitian Antique Purple twins.

Lots of blooms here on Friday. 1st blooms on Sun Shower and Adagio in a long time. Also, Stolen Kiss, Janys and Tsunami.

1st bloom on Cherry Blue. Also, Gina Marie and Cajun Princess.

Delicia Amoris (day 2) backlit by the sun, Persian Rug (day 2), Lila (day 2), Light My Fire, Goin' Steady and Cajun Blue.

My mystery purple opened with a bloom that is almost a perfect circle. Also, Erin Rachel twins, Golden Dust, Hawaiian Salmon twins and Aussie Queen.

White Hot, Illuminati, Tahitian Sophistication, Funny Voodoo, Pepper Spray, and the fabulous Daisy Mae.

Space Oddity, Hollywood Starlet, Cherry Blue, and Creole Belle.

Rainbow Christie, Night Magic, High Voltage, Burnt Saffron, Dapple Dandy, and another view of Daisy Mae.

Silver Memories, Confection Perfection, Kilimanjaro, Sun Showers, and Over the Rainbow.

Fifi, Black Rainbow, Red Cadillac, and Meteorite.

Erny that Daisy Mae profusion is just outstanding!!!!!!!!!!!  As well as your Meteorite bloomfest.  All of your blooms are looking fantastic with a special shot out for Fifi.  That is one awesome and unique bloom.

Farmer D

Farmer D

Farmer D

Erny - Wow!!! Your garden is exploding. Love the Daisy Mae and Meteorite profusions and Fifi is outstanding.

Darren - Your Heartbreak Hotel blooms are outrageous and your new seedling TT x TRB is stunning.

Saturday's blooms: Had my 1st good bloom on Fire & Ice (it's a little bit dark because that part of the garden was still in the shade), Rum Runner, Creole Lady and a really nice Mango Tango.

My mystery purple is still looking good on day 2, Enlightenment, Caribbean Silver Sophistication, Erin Rachel, Light My Fire (day 2) and my mystery yellow.

Kinchen's Yellow, Hugs 'N' Kisses and El Capitolio (peach and yellow).

Darren, I love that new Tahitian cross. That white spotting on Heavy Metal is something I haven't seen much before.
Bill, I think you caught the colors of Erin Rachel beautifully in that photo.
Fifi just keeps putting out perfect blooms. Also Tahitian Orange Rainbow,  Strawberry Fields Forever, Dragon Moon, and Fire & Ice.

White Hot, Burnt Saffron, Cherry Blue, Night Magic, and Acapulco Gold.

I think Black Dragon is an improvement on its famous parent, Dragon's Breath. BD presents its flowers upright and easily visible while DB's seem to flop and hang more pendulous (at least on my plant). Also Climax, Velvet Illusion, and Chai Tea.

Triplets on Fly Me To The Moon showing great size as do most Moonstruck offspring. Also Nightfire, Rodeo Drive, Confection Perfection, and Kilimanjaro on day 2.

Erny your White Hot is extraordinary!  And SFF is really got some fantastic color as well.  They all look amazing!!!!

Farmer D

OK - this might be one of the best blooms I have ever had on any plant - Island Queen 8"

Farmer D

Farmer D

Farmer D

Insane Meteor Shower bloom

Farmer D

Erny - Your White Hot is smokin'!!! Great photos of Black Dragon and I'm really liking Dragon Moon.

Darren - Superb Island Queen. WOW!!!

Sunday's blooms: 1st bloom on Illuminati, Space Oddity (wish I had seen this one open but had to work early in the morning), Make A Wish, Porcelain Doll and Erin Rachel.

My mystery purple is still looking great on day 3. Also, Caribbean Silver Sophistication, Pompano (found this bloom hiding while I was watering), Golden Dust and Fiji Island White.

El Capitolio (peach and red), fragrant white Hawaiian hibiscus (smells like lemon to me) and Hawaiian orange Kokio.

Bill I like how Pompano has that white eye action - unique!

Farmer D

LBAL twins with the progression of fading which I find this one to be another one that fades into a very pretty different look.

Farmer D

Farmer D

Darren - I know what you mean about how some blooms fade into completely different looks. I actually prefer the faded look of Fifth Dimension.

Great day in the garden on Monday. Had blooms on what are probably my three most favorite cvs. Huge bloom on Black Dragon (camera doesn't do it justice), Tahitian Princess and Living Legend.

My large Voodoo Magic bush is starting to bloom. Also, Merci Beaucoup and American Maid.

Had my 2nd bloom on Colosseum. Also, Cherry Blue, Make A Wish and Fall Harvest.

My mystery pink (Ross Estey?), Goin' Steady and Golden Dust.

Caribbean Magic Jewel, El Capitolio and Aussie Queen.

Bill I love the speckled edge of Living Legend and great to see Colosseum.  Your's looks to be quite nice!

VB triplets today

Farmer D

Luminescence with a bloom of double layered petals - I think...

Farmer D

Farmer D

Farmer D

Darren, you gave me a small plant of Soul Mate in a large pot about a year ago and today it showed its first bloom for me--well worth the wait. Also Riptide and Apple Pie.

Glad you like it Erny!  You can thank Chris as it is originally from him.

Farmer D

Wild grape, Pocahontas, Voodoo Queen, and Delta Dawn.

Illuminati, Rim of Fire, My Blue Heaven, Night Magic, Rosalind, and Burnt Saffron.

California Beauty, Rainbow Sherbert and Creole belle growing next to each other, Creole Belle alone, and more Rainbow Sherbert.

Dapple Dandy, Crimson Kiss, Eye of Kali, Melon Melange, Glitz & Glitter, and Confection Perfection.

Electric Orange, Kilimanjaro, Blushing Bride, and Hot Cocoa.

Butterscotch Bliss, Ms. President, Tahitian Pink Princess, Black Rainbow, and Voodoo Magic.

Darren - Very interesting bloom on Luminescence and I love Tahitian Magenta Double Star.

Erny - That is one awesome bloom on Soul Mate!!! Pocahontas and California Beauty are looking great and I'm liking Apple Pie more and more.

Tuesday's blooms: Old Spice, Sun Shower, Janys and 1st bloom on Green Elf.

Tahitian Princess (day 2), Enlightenment, Cajun Blue, Merci Beaucoup (day 2) and 1st bloom on Heat Flash.

My mystery pink (Ross Estey?), Golden Dust and Erin Rachel.

El Capitolio, Painted Lady and Hawaiian Sunset.

5thDimension, 2ndbloom on Cranberry Zing day 4, and last few blooms on my Tahitian Princess have Stigma pads that stay tucked in the style.  All summer, up until last, week they were popped out and spread out like it was trying to get pollenated.   

Fantastic blooms everyone!. Black Rainbow, Kilimanjaro, Delta Dawn, Night Magic, and more! I have run out of room with the 30+ Seedlings and 50+ other plants. This means I was cut off 10 or more plants ago, lol. Below are some blooms of note after we returned from Vacation.
Ed

Ed

Blue Angel's second bloom. We missed the first while out of town.
Item of note: Shipping severely damaged this plant, so hats off to Charles and Cindy for releasing a plant with outstanding genetics.
Ed

Farmer D

Farmer D

IQ twins - always a sight to behold

Farmer D

and one IQ from my in-laws porch

Farmer D

TC twins

Farmer D

Kyle - Nice to see Cranberry Zing.

Ed - Great color on Blue Angel!!!

Darren - Outstanding Island Queen twins!!! Tony The Tiger is looking really fierce and a really interesting bloom on Tahitian Murphy's Law.

Wednesday's blooms: Had my 1st bloom on Moonstruck, Delicia Amoris, Porcelain Doll and Kevin Johnson may have the most frills and ruffles on any hibiscus bloom (one of my favorites).

My mystery pink (Ross Estey?), mystery yellow, Spin The Bottle (Cosmic Dancer), Heartbeat and Goin' Steady.

Creole Lady, Caribbean Silver Sophistication, Amour, Fiji Island White and a fragrant white Hawaiian hibiscus (smells like lemons to me).

Nicest flower yet on Titian Venus. Ditto for Happy Go Lucky. Also High Drama, Miss Congeneality, and Blues In The Night and Vein of Gold together.

Erny

I think this photo of Ay Caramba captures the true colors better than any I have had before. Also Illuminati, Venetian Brick, Arabian Princess, and Butterscotch Bliss.

Valentine's Day, Hollywood Starlet, Heartbreak Hotel, and Sun Showers.

Acapulco Gold, Gentle On My Mind, Cinnamon Splendor, Velvet Illusion, and Rum Runner profusion.

Some nice blooms today on Happy-Go-Lucky and Merry-Go-Round. Also Aphrodite and Blue Opal and Louise Bennett after the sprinklers ran.

Dragon's Breath, White Hot, Secret Heart, Vin Beaujolais, and Palm Springs.

California Beauty, Burnt Saffron, Slapstick, Hollywood Starlet, and Meteorite.

Night Magic, Valentine's Day, Tahitian Burning Sands, and Heartbreak Hotel.

Vin Magnifique, Kilimanjaro, Eye of Kali, Crimson Kiss, and Curt's Gift.

Blushing Bride, Hot Cocoa, and Rodeo Drive.

Living Legend, Simple Pleasures, Velvet Illusion, and Hot Pepper.

Erny - Fantastic blooms on Titian Venus and Happy Go Lucky!!! Great color on Butterscotch Bliss and Arabian Princess and I'm really liking Night Magic.

Thursday's blooms: 1st blooms on Butter Cup and Fifi, best bloom so far on Fire & Ice and Moonstruck (day 2).

1st bloom this year on Daddy's Angel (faded), Persian Rug, Noche Buena and Mango Tango (2nd photo backlit by sun).

Acapulco Gold, Porcelain Doll, Make A Wish, Cajun Princess and Goin' Steady.

Creole Lady, Kiss 'N' Tell (Creole Lady), Voodoo Magic and El Capitolio.

Hawaiian Salmon and Aussie Queen.

Friday's blooms: Living Legend, Voodoo Magic, Erin Rachel, American Maid, my mystery pink and a Cajun Blue & mystery pink combo.

Creole Lady, Yuletide and 1st bloom this year on Voila.

Let's try this again. Having computer glitches. Creole Lady, Yuletide and 1st bloom this year on Voila.

Fall Harvest, Heat Flash, Spin The Bottle (Cosmic Dancer), Noche Buena (slightly singed) and Golden Dust.

Goin' Steady quads.

First, I would like to thank Darren for hosting the 1st Southern California Hibiscus Society Meeting and giving us a chance to see his wonderful garden. I had a great time and met so many wonderful people and it was great to talk one on one with Charlie and Cindy Black and Jill Coryell who was here from Hawaii.

Today's blooms: I came home to a nice Space Oddity and my best bloom yet on Jeanette Elliff. Also, Make A Wish, Janys, Tsunami and American Maid.

My mystery pink (Ross Estey?), Cajun Blue, Erin Rachel and Golden Dust.

Forgot one. Hawaiian Salmon.

Bill it was an absolute pleasure to meet you in person yesterday!  I really wish there was a way to meet all of you in person - it makes such a difference to interact face to face with one another.  Too bad distance and of course the funds to travel all over are such obstacles. 

Who knows maybe one day we could do a hibiscus convention and people from all over can meet at one central location.  Now that would be memorable!!!  In the mean time we do it virtually here which is always awesome too!

Here are my blooms from the last three days...

Farmer D

Farmer D

Farmer D

Farmer D

Farmer D

I am really loving Courageous

Farmer D

Farmer D

Farmer D

Farmer D

Farmer D

Cosmic Gold quintuplets

Farmer D

Two insanely beautiful blooms - OOTA & IQ

Farmer D

Farmer D

All,

Glad to hear the club news. Attached are a few from 95 degree + Kansas.

Multi-blooms pictures.

Ed

Darren - Superb Heavy Metal blooms with the white spots and your White Hot is just too hot to handle!!! Outstanding color on Vin Electrique.

Ed - Love your Silver Moon.

Today's blooms: Miss Congeniality, Wild At Heart and a huge bloom on Jamilou.

Midsummer Night, Old Spice, Cosmic Gold and an interesting Rum Runner with a petal or petaloid coming out of the eye.

Slightly singed Chariots of Fire and Black Dream (some blooms just don't like 90 degree heat). Also, Goin' Steady, Cajun Blue, Erin Rachel and Kiss 'N' Tell (Creole Lady).

My mystery yellow, El Capitolio and Aussie Queen.

Outstanding work D.  :)

i've been on a bloom drought but here's one

Hi Here is a seedling that bloomed for the first time today , this is a Rodeo drive seedling , It's ruffly I like that & the color will probably be better in cooler weather it's been in the mid to high 90s

Bill you are getting a lot of nice blooms now.  Way to go!

Ed your PN looks great!!

Jonathan that is a primo HV bloom - thanks for sharing!

Mike that seedling is incredible - congrats on another super beauty!!!

Best Time For Love bloom this season for me

Farmer D

Here is my 3rd bloom on Sincerity and it is awesome!  Huge and super colorful...

Farmer D

Here is my 3rd bloom on Appassionata and it is as I was dreaming it to be...holy smokes!  And very large at over 8".  The pics don't do all the rings of color justice...

Farmer D

Kilimanjaro put out a whopper too today.  I love the solid dark purple body with the totally white edge with some pink and tan highlights

Farmer D

A perfect Rise and Shine bloom

Farmer D

Farmer D

Farmer D

Jonathan - Really nice High Voltage.

Mike - Love your Rodeo Drive seedling with all the ruffles and crinkles.

Darren - Great Appassionata bloom!!! I can't wait for mine to start blooming. Time For Love is outstanding and your Tahitian Tracvermont always intrigues me.

Monday's blooms: Another huge Black Dragon, 1st bloom on Bridal Path and Dutch Windmill (interesting how it turned over after it finished opening).

Marianne Charlton, Creole Lady, Kiss 'N' Tell (Creole Lady), Spin The Bottle (Cosmic Dancer), Erin Rachel and Tahitian Caramel Swirl.

My mystery pink (Ross Estey?), three Cajun Blue blooms and Golden Dust.

El Capitolio (red and peach), Hawaiian Salmon and Aussie Queen.

cranberry zing today.  It's growing so fast the new growth is already above the flower.    I can't wait for the top to bloom. 

This is my mom's Tahitian Princess and  it was a great Mother's Day gift.
I gave her some of my HVH products to use on it. 

Brassy Blonde, goin steady, enlightenment.

Bill - nice blooms and your Dutch Windmill is really pretty.  That is the best I have ever seen of one.

Kyle those colors on that T Princess are extraordinary in that first photo.  Even the 2nd photo is very impressive!

Jonathan your blooms are looking good, I am digging Enlightenment a lot!

Farmer D

I planted my Burnt Saffron in heavy shade to get blooms that look just like this - I find them to be extraordinary with the yellow edging and the multiple colors.  Downside is it hardly blooms due to lack of sun. 

Farmer D

Every bloom of Island Queen is stunning

Farmer D

Farmer D

Tony the Tiger is one of those blooms that gets better as the day goes on.

Farmer D

Farmer D

Farmer D

1st bloom on a seedling - Tahitian Lovely Lilac x Trademark

Farmer D

Kyle - Outstanding color on Tahitian Princess!!!

Jonathan - Great Brassy Blonde.

Darren - I don't think Burnt Saffron can get any better than that. Awesome!!! Love your new seedling Tahitian Lovely Lilac x Trademark (it has a Magic Crystal feel to it).

Tuesday's Blooms: 1st bloom on Really Red (hard to capture the color), Tahitian Princess, C'est Bon and Deep Waters.

Delicia Amoris, Tradewinds, Cajun Princess, Lila and Dutch Windmill day 2.

Creole Lady, Erin Rachel twins, Christie Blue and my mystery pink (Ross Estey?).

Heartbeat as it slowly changes and Star of India (day 2).

Bill nice ER twins, C'est Bon and Delicia Amoris!  Lots of blooms everyday for you...

Farmer D

TL twins

Farmer D

BR twins

Farmer D

Farmer D

HM & Prosperity twins

Farmer D

Darren - Outstanding Bright Horizon twins!!!

Wednesday's blooms: Tahitian Princess and Really Red (even better on day 2). Also, Fifth Dimension and Hot Wired? I bought this High Voltage plant 3 or 4 years ago at Armstrong's with an old style HVH plant tag attached. However, one branch produces yellow blooms like Hot Wired. Charlie, I was wondering when you last used this style plant tag?

Goin' Steady, C'est Bon (day 2), Gabriel, American Maid and Yuletide.

My mystery pink (Ross Estey?), Make A Wish, Caribbean Silver Sophistication and Cajun Princess.

Creole Lady, Erin Rachel, Meteorite, Acapulco Gold and Tres Bon.

Heartbeat (day 2), Heat Flash, Hawaiian Sunset and Hawaiian Salmon.

Prosperity looking to go crazy soon...

Farmer D

Farmer D

Farmer D

I'm a big fan of Surf City - here is it early in the morning

Farmer D

SS triplets

Farmer D

Darren - Fantastic Heartbreak Hotel twins and Prosperity is looking great.

Today's blooms: 1st bloom on Bon Temps this year, Queen of Sheba, Living Legend, Creole Lady and Make A Wish.

Goin' Steady, Tylene, Cajun Princess and Gabriel (day ).

My mystery pink (Ross Estey?), Banana Republic, Erin Rachel quads and Golden Dust.

Hawaiian Salmon and Hawaiian Orange Kokio.

very special  treat to for me today 1st bloom Pinot Noir.
Great Heartbreak twins hotel Farmer D and I like Tony the Tiger and Rocket fuel.
Bill I like how you have such a variety of new and older flower like those Hawaiian Salmon and Orange Kokio

Congrats Kyle!  Now that is a first bloom to get excited over - lovely!!!!

Farmer D

First bloom on Maui Artist - I am in love!!!  One of those blooms where the colors really separate out more throughout the day...the lavender band of color is just wonderful!

Farmer D

Prosperity quintuplets today - I miss having these blooms clusters.  Hopefully more to come going forward...9 open blooms right now

Farmer D

White Hot is a mesmerizer!  Twin DMs & TXs

Farmer D

Farmer D

Farmer D

Kyle - Outstanding Pinot Noir bloom!!!

Darren - Maui Artist is a work of art. WOW!!!

Friday's blooms: Black Dream, Jeanette Elliff, Noche Buena and best bloom so far on Snowfire.

Midsummer Night, Janys, Make A Wish, Fall Harvest, Meteorite and Spin The Bottle (Cosmic Dancer).

Goin' Steady, Tahitian Burning Sands, Erin Rachel quads and my mystery pink (Ross Estey?).

Voodoo Magic, Cajun Blue, Hawaiian Salmon and El Capitolio.

had a little visitor hanging out today

Kyle, what a nice first bloom on Pinot Noir--many more to come.
Bill, lots of nice photos. I haven't seen Snowfire before and it is quite nice.
Darren, I remember when your Prosperity bush looked like a collection of bare sticks. To say that it has come back nicely is a bit of an understatement. T. Star Queen Nebula and T. Magenta Double Star are both outstanding. I don't recall ever seeing Tangerine Fusion before--very nice. Also I think your last photo of Crystal Pink is the best you have ever posted from that cv.
I had a nice big Pinot Noir bloom today and a small flower on Night Runner. Also Slapstick and two of the prolific bloomers--Daisy Mae and Rocket's Red Glare.

Night Magic just keeps getting better with age. And what a prolific bloomer. It's now on my "highly recommended" list. Also Valentine's Day, Rodeo Drive, Hot Cocoa, and the huge Vin Magnifique.

Pocahontas, Wild Grape, Nightfire, Love Story, and Chai Tea.

Black Dragon, Cinnamon Splendor, Summer Fun, Butterscotch Bliss, and White Hot.

Coy Beauty, Tahitian Pink Princess, High Drama, Dragon Moon, Attitude of Gratitude, and Tahitian Orange Rainbow.

Erny every time I see your Slapstick bloom I go out and talk to my plant telling it to bloom already...it is my fault as it is in a very hot and dry spot that until recently was under watered.  Can't wait to see that here!

Farmer D

The prefect Prosperity bloom!  TP & VD twins

Farmer D

DD triplets with the first one being ridiculously awesome.  This is one of my ATFs by far.

Farmer D

Farmer D

Farmer D

Farmer D

Erny - Fantastic Vin Magnifique and White Hot and I love Slapstick.

Darren - Bright Horizon and Tony The Tiger seem to get better with each bloom.

Today's blooms: As is usual with my Saturday work schedule, I can only get photos early in the morning and early evening, so some may be a bit dark. Had my 1st bloom on Island Queen (didn't see it until late) and I see why Daren raves about it. Also, 1st bloom on Tahitian Taui and Midnight Dream.

Queen of Sheba and Purple Magic.

Ay Caramba (early morning - closed when I got home), Electric Blue, C'est Bon, Pocahontas, Forever Young and Lila.

Creole Lady, Kiss 'N' Tell (Creole Lady), Spin The Bottle (Cosmic Dancer), Fall Harvest and Tylene.

Erin Rachel, Voodoo Magic, Golden Dust and Silverberry twins.

I received this plant at the end of May - great size in a 4 in pot.   I got my first flower today!
7 in across.  i took a couple pictures of it as it was opening and then fully open.

Bill congrats on your 1st IQ!  Loving your Queen of Sheba and Purple Magic.

Jen that is one perfect Black Dream bloom.  That one is spectacular in cooler weather as it darkens a lot more.

Farmer D

Farmer D

IQ looking like a tornado of hot tropical colors

Farmer D

Farmer D

Farmer D

Farmer D

Interesting BD bloom missing a petal.

Farmer D

Farmer D

Merkity - Fantastic Black Dream!!!

Darren - Great color on Heartbreak Hotel and Night Runner and I'm really liking Persian Princess.

Sunday's Blooms: 1st blooms on Princess Ka'iulani and Bonnie Lass. Also, Susan Schleuter.

Acapulco Gold, Solar Soul and Stolen Kiss.

Living Legend, Black Dream, Christie Blue and Voodoo Magic.

Goin' Steady twins, Merci Beaucoup, Caribbean Magic Jewel and Erin Rachel twins.

Tahitian Taui and Queen of Sheba (both day 2), Yuletide, Cajun Blue, Golden Dust and Cajun Princess.

flowers from the last few days.
5thdimension, am I blue, space oddity, cranberry zing
Am I blue changes color with season and nutrients, in the spring colors of Vin Extraordinaire are more dominant.

2nd day high voltage, Tahitian Frosted Flake, Goin Steady

Bill, lots of great photos. I like your Princess Ka'iulani. Susan Schleuter is also a very pretty flower.
Kyle, great color on Am I Blue. Your pictures of Space Oddity are stunning.
Jonathan, love your T. Frosted Flake and your photo of High Voltage shows that it retains excellent form and color on day 2.
Some from this morning: Fifi, Happy-Go-Lucky, Cherry Ice, Over The Rainbow, Vin Extraordinaire, and Andante.

Erny

Voodoo Magic, Wild Grape, Pocahontas, Voodoo Queen, and White Hot peeking out behind Plumeria Scentsational.

White Hot, Ay Caramba, Titian Venus, Slapstick, Daisy Mae, and a group shot showing the adjacent bushes of Slapstick, Daisy Mae, and Angel's Wings.

Burnt Saffron, Silver Memories, Sweet Caramel, and Creole Belle.

Night Magic, My Blue Heaven, Hollywood Starlet, and Valentine's Day.

Kilimanjaro, Living Legend, Crimson Kiss, and Curt's Gift.

Red Cadillac, Tahitian Pink Princess, Out of the Ashes, California Beauty, Dragon's Breath, and Rum Runner profusion.

Erny welcome back!!

Wow that is a lot of blooms being posted here today - I love it! 

OK - here are a bunch more...

Farmer D

Island Queen making me go insane with delight again!

Farmer D

HM after mowing the lawn

Farmer D

Erny you recently mentioned that my Crystal Pink bloom was the best one yet.  I agree and that is after hundreds of blooms off this plant.  They are really big now and impressive as with this one today.  Great observation!

Farmer D

Acapulco Gold is starting to crank up the bloom machine again - 9 today!  And they are all very large at 9" on average.

Farmer D

Farmer D

Tony the Tiger has been a very impressive bloomer since getting it as a 6" in April. 

Farmer D

Insane Cosmic Energy bloom and Luminescence always impresses

Farmer D

Farmer D

CG starting to also get really busy

Farmer D

Farmer D

Kyle - Great color on Am I Blue and fantastic Space Oddity twins!!!

Jonathan - Love your Tahitian Frosted Flake.

Erny - I really like your Happy-Go-Lucky and love the photo of the bee sipping some nectar from Night Magic. Great Silver Memories (one of my favorites).

Darren - Fantastic Island Queen blooms and Cosmic Energy gets a WOW!!!

Monday's blooms: Huge and best ever bloom on Black Dragon, big Pinot Noir and Ay Caramba. Darren, I have to agree that Ay Caramba has some of the most intense color of any cv.

1st bloom on Wizard of Oz (I really like this one), Voodoo Magic, Grand Opening and the unusual bloom and colors of Allen Sue.

Another stunning bloom on Marianne Charlton, Lila, Creole Lady and Fifth Dimension.

1st bloom on Electric Pizzazz, C'est Bon, Spin The Bottle (Cosmic Dancer), Yuletide, Goin' Steady and Time Shift.

My mystery pink (Ross Estey?), Cajun Blue, Solar Soul, Hot Wired? (yellow sport on my High Voltage bush), Hawaiian Salmon and a view of part of my garden where most of my larger bushes reside.

Darren, it looks like you are getting your share of blooms as well. I'm beginning to suspect that you kind of like Island Queen and I don't blame you. That Tahitian Charlie is also quite impressive.
Bill, that Black Dragon is a super flower. If yours is anything like mine it is much more impressive in person as the photos never seem to capture its beauty completely. I had C'est Bon for several years but replaced it about a year ago when I did a major renovation in the garden to make room for some of the newer cvs. If my C'est Bon flowers looked as nice as yours I would have kept it.
Here are a few from today that don't show up too often on the Forum: Raku, Corazon, and Chads.

The always perfectly formed flowers of Heartbreak Hotel, High Voltage, Electric Orange, and the huge Vin Magnifique.

Kilimanjaro in sun and shade. Likewise for Confection Perfection. Also Cinnamon Splendor and Chai Tea.

Love ur high voltage erny.

Erny it is good to see Raku again.  I really like that one and glad you have it!  All your blooms look awesome and I agree with Jonathan on your HV.  That is one unique look for it - very pretty!

Farmer D

Stellar VD bloom!

Farmer D

Farmer D

Very very impressed with RF - and the plant is growing very nicely too!

Farmer D

Also very very impressed with OOTA

And two wonderful classics SP & CP which are some of my ATFs!

Farmer D

Also very very impressed with TTT

Farmer D

Farmer D

Farmer D

AC has some of the prettiest pigments of color I have seen on a flower.  The camera struggles to capture it...

Farmer D

Erny - Magnificent Vin Magnifique and a killer Kilimanjaro!!! Great to see Raku. You are right about photos of Black Dragon. That bloom was really black with a dark burgandy edge. It was an overcast morning, so those photos were better than most.

Darren - That is the best Valentine's Day bloom that I have seen. Stunning!!! Love the Prosperity profusion and Tony The Tiger gets a WOW.

Tuesday's blooms: Nice Bon Temps, Night Runner (opening), Rum Runner, Kiss 'N' Tell (Creole Lady), Mango Tango and an odd Meteorite without many meteors.

Some day 2 blooms. The unique color and flower of Allen Sue, Black Dragon, C'est Bon and Marianne Charlton.

Mystery Pink (Ross Estey?) twins, Goin' Steady, Caribbean Silver Sophistication, Cajun Blue and Erin Rachel twins.

Interesting bloom on Louisiana Flash, fragrant white Hawaiian hibiscus, Hawaiian Salmon and Fiji Island White.

Bill these are some of the best bloom I have seen from you yet.  Your Bon Temps and Night runner are looking awesome!!!  This is a great time of year for the blooms!

Speaking of which I might have to say today might be some of the nicest blooms I have ever had from my garden.  My hat is off to you Charlie for such beautiful creations!!!

Farmer D

Love Sonnet is just something else with this large purple/lavender zone and the fancy ruffles and tufts....

Farmer D

Bridal Path - 10"

This planter I have been battling spider mites for 3 months now.  You can see the defoliation on the bottom 1/3 of the plants.  Still seeing a couple yellow leaves per day.  The battle continues as this planter faces south w/ all day sun and lots of dust when the neighbor's gardeners leaf blowers blow all their debris through the bamboo fence.

Farmer D

Farmer D

Farmer D

Farmer D

Darren - WOW!!! That is the best collection of blooms that I've seen from you. Your Appassionata bloom is unbelievable. Great color on Sweet Persuasion, Love Sonnet and Stormy Heart.

Wednesday's blooms: 1st bloom on Marooned 'n' Blue (I really like this one), Bon Temps, Jeanette Elliff, Bonnie Lass, Mango Tango and Stolen Kiss.

Erin Rachel twins and Hawaiian Salmon triplets.

Darren, I have to agree with Bill--that is one impressive set of photos.
Bill, I had one further thought on your mystery pink---if the bush grows like a weed, it is most likely to be Ross Estey
I wish I could capture the true colors of Soul Mate on film. None of the photos I've taken thus far do justice to this cv. This is only my second flower so I'll keep trying until I get it right. Also nice blooms today on Butterscotch Bliss, Venetian Brick, and Dragon's Breath.

Jason is one of my favorites of the older cvs because of its subtle beauty and the distinctive eye and halo. Also Vin Beaujolais in sun and shade, Slapstick, and Valentine's Day.

Heartbreak Hotel, Kilimanjaro, Fifi, High Drama, and Grand Fiesta.

Dragon Moon deserves to be listed with the giants if it isn't already. Its flowers are a consistent 9-10". Also Peanut Butter, Palm Springs, and High Voltage.

Bright Hope, Rocket's Red Glare, African Princess, Fly Me To The Moon, and Meteorite.

Thank you Bill & Erny for the big compliments.  To celebrate those lovely blooms I had some wine, tried to catch the falling glass, nearly severed my index finger - but if my hibiscus won't quit then so won't I!  Up and at them today...

Island Queen twins making me insane with their beauty

Farmer D

Farmer D

Farmer D

Farmer D

Do you think the last bloom is Hot Pepper?  It is on an unlabeled plant I received recently from another grower.

Farmer D

Fifi, Electric Pizzazz, and Summer Fun.

Butterscotch Bliss with a visitor. Also Over the Rainbow and Tahitian Queen.

Illuminati, Ruby Tuesday, Saffron, Slapstick, and Night Magic.

Heartbreak Hotel, High Voltage, Melon Melange, and Cinnamon Splendor.

Bill and Erny your blooms are looking the best yet this growing season.  Beauty abounding!!!

Erny I confirmed today that one of the two main nerves in my index finger is completely severed and will have surgery on it next week.  Should make for some interesting gardening challenges after that...

But if my hibiscus won't quit then neither can I!

Farmer D

1st bloom of the season on Rainbow Kiss and 1st nice blooms on Jolie this season too.

Also 1st blooms I have had on Cherry Glow that are starting to show some splashes! 

Farmer D

1st bloom of the season on EM & VB twins

Farmer D

I super like Cosmic Energy - quite a unique bloom and the plant is super vigorous

Farmer D

Farmer D

Farmer D

Exuberance going off

Farmer D

Farmer D

Island Queen triplets - what a sight!

Farmer D

Farmer D

Erny - Thanks for the info on Ross Estey. It's hard to know how big my mystery pink would get since it's in a pot but it does extend out quite a bit and grows up thru the other bushes around it. You can see this in the 1st photos I post tonight. Also, the blooms always last two days and three days in cooler weather. Love your Soul Mate and that's a fantastic Attitude of Gratitude bloom.

Darren - I didn't realize the severity of the injury to your finger from your previous post. Hope the surgery turns out well for you. Outstanding blooms on Dapple Dandy, Maui Artist and Cosmic Energy.

Daddy's Angel (faded), C'est Bon twins, Gabriel, Goin' Steady and Barry's Awakening (day 2).

Christie Blue, Cajun Princess, Golden Dust, Star of India and Aussie Queen.

Hawaiian Salmon twins.

Yeah it will be interesting to see how this works out - one arm gardening for a bit.  

Farmer D

Farmer D

Farmer D

Farmer D

Farmer D

Farmer D

Farmer D

Farmer D

Farmer D

Farmer D

Farmer D

Farmer D

Farmer D

Marianne Charlton, Porcelain Doll, Robin Hood, Creole Lady and Delicia Amoris.

Mystery pink triplets, mystery yellow, Erin Rachel, Hawaiian Salmon and fragrant white Hawaiian hibiscus.

Darren, good luck on your surgery this week. It doesn't look like the injury is slowing you down. Another great set of photos today. I'm especially impressed with Sweet Persuasion and Wild Orchid. Great look on Unforgettable as well.
My second bloom on Sheer Pleasure--better than the first. Also Coy Beauty, Midsummer night, Fifi, and Vin Extraordinaire.

Polar Bear qualifies as a giant with its 9-10" flowers. Also White Hot .

Venetian Brick, Wild Grape, Cindy's Heart.

California Beauty, Cherry Blue, Space Oddity, My Blue Heaven, Valentine's Day, and Island King.

Darren, here is a photo of my Hot Pepper to compare to the one you showed a couple of days ago. Confection Perfection always lives up to its name. Also Butterscotch Bliss and a small profusion on Glitz & Glitter.

Angel's Wings, super bloomer Daisy Mae, Bon Temps, Secret Heart, and Daddy's Angel.

Erny - Superb blooms on Polar Bear, Space Oddity and Island King

Today's blooms on the last day of August: 1st bloom on Gold Mine, biggest and best yet bloom on Miss Congeniality, Robin Hood, Time Shift and Ay Caramba (Darren, you are so right about the depth of color on this cv).

Hibiscus Storkii, Hawaiian Salmon and El Capitolio (yellow).