Hidden Valley Hibiscus Forum

I would like to start the new month off with a great new bloom. This is Raging Bull and this is my second bloom. The first bloom got scorched in the sun and I was not able to get a photo. I have since moved the plant to a shady part of the bench.

the colors are accurate and the size is 8 inches. plant is still small, about 18 inches so i have hopes for a bigger bloom.

louis

Gorgeous colors on your Raging Bull, I really like that flower it has lots of personality.  I hope and pray that mine will one day have some blooms like that Louis.  Thank you for sharing...seems that when you have pics to post I always have a bloom ready too. 

You're my good luck charm Louis...


Bon Temps
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/BonTemps4-42.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/BonTemps4-4.jpg)
Farmer D

Lou, it's nice to see Raging Bull somewhere else than here. Sometimes the petals lay backwards as it is opening in a way that looks wild, perhaps like a bull's ears if you use your imagination.

Farmer D, one day we can pull together a year of Bon Temp photos that show all the changes it goes through. Seems to be a good bloomer for you no matter the season.

Charlie

Bon Temps seems to be a good one from the Cajun Series.  Voodoo Magic, Stolen Kiss and Creole Lady also seem to fit the bill.  Has anyone grown Cajun Cocktail? 

Louis,  that is an awesome bull! :)

Relative to the ones Lou mentioned, Cajun cocktail is terrible. Bad bush and blah colors except when the weather is very hot and the spots come out. A neighboring commercial grower had a few hundred of them for sale last year and still has most of them left over.

Charlie

Bad bush and bleh colors! how did it ever make it to propagation? I guess each grower has different ways of evaluating plants. 

Here is a different look for Chariots of Fire.  Still very attractive.
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/ChariotsofFire4-6.jpg)

Farmer D

Dark of Night starting to bloom again.

Oooh!  DON!!  Thats pretty.  And unique!  Nice one Dave.

First Wild Grape bloom of spring
(http://i54.tinypic.com/160c2km.jpg)
Creole Belle
(http://i52.tinypic.com/16i5xc1.jpg)

Very nice, Doll! We'll have some more 2 gallon Creole Bells later this year. Your weather must be warming up a lot now or have these been growing indoors?

Below are photos of some varieties that we haven't seen lately.

Maid of Honor - much requested but never delivered since it did not root.
Berried Treasure - one of my favorite lavender/blues, big and well formed flowers
Zulu Warrior - also much sought after but it does not root nor grow fast nor branch well, it's all flower and no bush, darn! Big flowers up to 10 inches.
BTW, the above 3 were grafted this year and will appear in the online store in a couple of months.

Rockin' Robin - hard to show the extraordinary color of this one. Good rooter, increasing supply.
Vin Beaujolais - Excellent flower for this color range. Roots and grows well.

At HVH, we are working 7 days a week to ship out all the plants that are ready. It will take 2 months to get it done but after that I hope we will see some photos here on the forum!

Charlie

The weather has been warm here. I've had all my plants outside since March 1st.

Wow Great pics! 

Still waiting for Maid of Honor and Zulu Warrior, heck I would grow all of those!

David your Dark of Night is both sophisticated and mysterious.  Really unique.

Doll your blooms are so colorful, what a great way to start off spring.

Here is another different look to Chariots of Fire, every bloom seems to do it's own thing lately.

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/ChariotsofFire4-7.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/ChariotsofFire4-72.jpg)
Farmer D

great blooms everyone...I love wild grape.....I've been oohing and awing over all the beautiful blooms....I had my first Renaissance Blue open today..will post a pic later...a lot of blooms forming...so excited..finally ;D.....Charlie will there be any wild grape available anytime soon???...Lynette...oh and I love berried treasure!!

I really like Maid of Honor.

I always find it interesting to see how a bloom changes from first opening to end of day.
Early morning
(http://i54.tinypic.com/160c2km.jpg)
Late afternoon
(http://i51.tinypic.com/219anth.jpg)

charlie, great plants and photos. and guys, your blooms are stunning.

so many and so little room.  :'(

louis

Hi Lynette,

Glad to hear you've got buds forming. I look forward to seeing your Renaissance Blue flowers - that one is quite variable depending on temperature and fertilizer.

Wild Grape turned out to be such a good overall variety that we didn't offer it this year so we could build up some stock for the future. It is doing well and we should have 4 inch pots later this summer.

Charlie

Here is Renassiance Blue and Heavy Metal....both a little small ..but I am sure they will improve as the weather warms up....regardless...they still made me smile ;)...lynette

First bloom for Maui Masterpiece, measuring just under 8"
(Not bad for a houseplant, eh?) Loving those HVH fertilizers!  :D

Really beautiful Maui Masterpiece!

April Showers
(http://i55.tinypic.com/2uro2sl.jpg)

Deb, pretty impressive size on that Maui Masterpiece that must be growing indoors still!

Doll, those colors in the April Showers are why I kept it in the first place. So pretty!

Charlie

I want Wild Grape!  What great colors!

 Your hibiscus is really excellent! (http://s4.rimg.info/3dac96de6803d637fcc72bc4d0603195.gif)

Welcome to the forum, SvitLana. Do you have some hibiscus growing at home in Ukraine?

Charlie

Oh, I'm sorry that I forgot about the welcoming .. When you look at these beautiful plants, you can forget about everything ... (http://s17.rimg.info/33877cb017bcabe2938465c511aa389e.gif)

Climatic conditions of Ukraine allow to grow hibiscus only in an apartment or house, but not in the garden. I have a little hibiscus flowers in my house, and really like it.
If you want I can show you pictures of hibiscus flowers that grow in my house. Of course, they can not compare with yours.

(Excuse me for my english.)

Another Wild Grape today after a brief morning shower.
(http://i55.tinypic.com/v67qsz.jpg)

Wild Grape is wonderful!

(http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/mphquicksilver/Picture4.png)
Here is a simple pleasure for today

Welcome SvitLana!

We look forward to seeing your plant pictures soon.

Doll that Wild Grape is just gorgeous, so much going on with that bloom.

Mike I love SP, textbook fun and bright colors.  That is getting me ready for lots of energetic summer colored blooms.

Here is a sunset special from today...Bon Temps bloom on it's second full day.
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/BonTemps4-112.jpg)

Farmer D

Svitlana we would love to see your indoor hibiscus. Growing the plants inside the house is new to most in the USA and we like to see how people do it.

Our plants are available now in the Ukraine - last year and again this year. Did you find them available online?

Charlie

Yes, of course! I love your hibiscus! They are the best!

This is some photos of my hibiscus flower growing inside the house :)
some variants of flowering:
(http://i054.radikal.ru/1103/94/5fe669a0a5f0.jpg)(http://i030.radikal.ru/1103/c0/7ec0e7831b0c.jpg)(http://s41.radikal.ru/i093/1103/1c/f8502c931f69.jpg)
(http://s015.radikal.ru/i331/1103/06/5f164980ea20.jpg)(http://i076.radikal.ru/1103/2d/d6a9dbe1cdda.jpg)(http://s03.radikal.ru/i176/1103/20/fe9da4c13453.jpg)

(http://i030.radikal.ru/1103/e7/77ce9a5c1891.jpg)(http://i030.radikal.ru/1103/51/c9e75dede603.jpg)(http://i048.radikal.ru/1103/72/5dd9ba78198f.jpg)

Very nice, Svitlana! I've grown all of these varieties at one time or another. I particularly liked Bedroom Eyes. It is a small double but the colors can be wonderful. Also very rare, I'm surprised you have it. That these varieties have spread around the world will help preserve some of the older but worthwhile hibiscus.

Charlie

I love this hibiscus too! And many of your hibiscus are just a dream for me! (http://s20.rimg.info/08a3f93a2e8e3d2eeb53fbd21c253047.gif)

Sunshower
(http://i52.tinypic.com/2epsnma.jpg)
A pair of Wild Grape today.
(http://i55.tinypic.com/wiq62b.jpg)

Doll I like that Sunshower, I dont remember seeing it before, very nice.

David, I'm not sure if Charlie still offers Sunshower. I got mine at a local nursery.

April Showers with much softer colors today.
(http://i53.tinypic.com/30ms40k.jpg)

Deep Purple
(http://i56.tinypic.com/ncdp3c.jpg)
High Voltage
(http://i53.tinypic.com/2wcpm6u.jpg)
Cindy's Heart
(http://i56.tinypic.com/2co5rip.jpg)

My first Black Dragon Bloom!  What a beauty!  The color was so intense I couldn't believe my eyes!! Neither could Noodle!  :)

It bloomed about 2 weeks ago, I just have been dragging butt getting around to making them smaller....  The plant has given me 2 more blooms since.  Not as robust red as this one, but seems to be a great bloomer so far.  The plant is tiny!

More blooms to come from a bunch others.  I think the spring warm up has been making my babies happy!!  Stay tuned!!

wow kristen....beautiful.... ;D :D....lynette

John D - it's nice to see some blooms coming from Houston again! Deep Purple is a serene one, High Voltage and Cindy's Heart are energizing. Reminds me of the traditional remark JAP, shorthand among hibiscus hybridizers for "just another pink". It may be that pink blooms are common but really good pink blooms are very rare.

Kristen, you captured the many shades of red in Black Dragon as well as I've ever seen it done. Red is the most challenging color, seems to me, but some of the hibiscus blooms have the most extraordinary red shades that deserve to be brought out in photos. Nice work!

Charlie

Thanks Charlie!  And Lynette!

 Here are some more.  This Simple Pleasures is one that I have not seen before.  Typically I have the softer shaded.  More of a lemon yellow on the edge, a nice pink, then maroon eye.  This bloom made my head spin!  It starts off with an orange yellow edge, then a hot deep pink, to an almost black eye.  It looks a lot like Heavy Metal.

Here is some of Gabriel's deep purple colors, edged with a peach.  This plant has bloomed two times this winter.  Both with twins.  Is that typical for Gabriel?  Twins?  And I got messed up female parts on both of them.  I have been getting these with a couple blooms lately... Is that because of light or temps?  Really strange.

And then there is my ole faithful, Saffron.  Charlie, I love this plant.  It is such a good performer for me.  Always in bloom.  Very strong too.

First Compassion bloom
(http://i54.tinypic.com/2h4fcjd.jpg)

I thought it was fitting that I had an Enlightenment bloom today as well, since Enlightenment is the father of Compassion.
(http://i55.tinypic.com/161j11t.jpg)

kristen are you growing yours inside?????....I also have a gabriel ..and it is outside..kinda slow growing...yours is beautiful...I am setting up a small area in one of my spare rooms to try growing some in side...I think I might move gabriel inside...im a little nervous...mainly the spider mite thing....I'll just try to keep them real clean and spray them with hort oil and soap weekly...wish me luck ;)..Lynette

Beautiful pics Kristen.

A few more from today.
Pocahontis
(http://i52.tinypic.com/j7ugjk.jpg)
First Song Sung Blue bloom
(http://i53.tinypic.com/102wf0g.jpg)

Very nice Kristen, a lovely purple colour. As for the messed up female parts well Darren had it on a few of his last year and I also had it a couple of times, I thought it may be Thrips doing mine so gave it a good spray with Spinosad, I now spray weekly with Spinosad and I have had no deformities since.

Wow, what wonderful colors.  Spring has arrived for sure.

Doll your sure started off with a bang, something about Cindy's Heart that makes it special.

Kristen, man those are some serious colors you got there.  I'm not even sure if you can classify Gabriel as purple, it is so dark and mysterious.  What a sight your SP is, that is the darkest one I've ever seen.  And of course Saffron...classic.

David, great memory!
I never did get a clear cut answer on the misguided female parts.  I can say I don't believe I've ever had thrips.  The one fact that stands out for me is that this did not happen until the weather and season went to winter temps.  After several cold rain interludes I got the funky sets of pads and it was on several different cvs.

Let's see if this persists into late spring and summer...I bet it will go away soon.
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/HotPepperMutantStem12-7.jpg)
Farmer D

Hi Lynette,
  Yes, they are all inside.  Crammed in one room up against a fantastic south facing sliding glass door.  They all have been pretty happy.  I can not move anyone outside until May 15.... that is the cut off date for frost in Connecticut.  Although we have been seeing some 70º days now and then, the nights are still in the 30's.

Hi David,
  I have never seen a thrip...  I have never had one.  It is freezing cold at night and I think that they are not a big fan on CT.  Louis, have you ever had any thrips?  I haven't.   Plenty of Spider Mites to share if any one wants any though....  I think that Darren is right about the cold weather causing this bizarre affect.  Both of the Gabriel twins had it.  I pollinated them anyway.  We shall see if they still work :)

Thanks everyone for the nice compliments too :) :)

Doll, that Enlightenment is AWESOME! 

For sure it is the environment that causes flower reproductive parts to develop or function poorly. It's also related to particular varieties with some being more affected than others. How this actually works I don't think anyone has ever tried to figure out but it makes sense that plants that evolved in the tropics would have unusual responses to cold temperatures. Usually the plants involved will straighten out when conditions improve although there are a few varieties that are sterile and always show twisted staminal columns and misformed pads.

Charlie

Doll, I'm curious about the size of Enlightenment and your first Compassion out of the box. In our conditions Enlightenment runs about 6 inches and Compassion usually 8 inches. First flowers that open within a week after shipping are often smaller or don't show normal color. I don't know why that is but I've seen it even after local truck deliveries that take only 1 day. Everything settles down within a week or so of arrival.

Charlie

Charlie, Enlightenment is normally around 6 inches. This first Compassion was around 7 inches. I have noticed that those first blooms right after shipping are smaller and less colorful. High Voltage seems to be one of the few varieties that doesn't seem to be affected from the stress of shipping.

Now this is what I'm talking about...arrived yesterday, blooms today.

To me this is the quintessential look of what probably most people think a hibiscus looks like.  Bright, happy and full of warm colors.  I really like the white veining, adds an unexpected element and the contrast between colors is so sharp.

Enjoy...Daisy Mae!
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DaisyMae4-163.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DaisyMae4-16.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DaisyMae4-162.jpg)
Farmer D

Darren, your Daisy Mae is beautiful. The one I received Thursday should bloom tomorrow or Monday. Thanks for sharing.

Charlie,

  Does a twisted column mean sterile?  My Roman Candle twists, and on day 2 it bends in on itself towards the petals.  I have tried to pollinate it several times with no luck...

~K

Some more new arrivals with blooms the next day...twin Deep Waters.

The pictures don't quite capture the subtle grey and purple within the white rings.  Very soft and gentle colors that are relaxing to look at.

Enjoy.
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DeepWaters4-164.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DeepWaters4-163.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DeepWaters4-162.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DeepWaters4-16.jpg)
Farmer D

Kristen, I never say never with hibiscus but so far I've not had any luck getting viable seeds from flowers with twisted columns or misshapen staminal pads. Some show this occasionally but a few varieties appear to always have this problem.

Charlie

First Electric Orange bloom - love the bright orange color
(http://i53.tinypic.com/s2v0j7.jpg)

Wild Grape - If it holds up to the summer heat, could be a candidate for the tried and true list.
(http://i53.tinypic.com/2qtfqdh.jpg)

Black Dream
(http://i52.tinypic.com/2jeyddt.jpg)

Ah Wild grape is quite the beauty :)  I really like the white swirls, spots and shades of pink and purple. 

Ahhh... Springtime in Lower Michigan (Not!).  Guess the hibiscus won't be going outside anytime soon. :'(

I feel for you Yash!  Us Northerners can get a bit cranky by late April with this back and fourth hot cold BS!  Keep your head up, the summer is coming! ;)

Farmer D, thanks, really got a lot of enjoy from watching!

A few from today.
Cosmic Gold
(http://i53.tinypic.com/2130sbt.jpg)
April Showers
(http://i53.tinypic.com/wtg6rs.jpg)
Compassion
(http://i53.tinypic.com/w1v695.jpg)
Voodo Magic
(http://i51.tinypic.com/2w1vygx.jpg)
Black Dream
(http://i54.tinypic.com/2hnyh3t.jpg)
Sunshower
(http://i51.tinypic.com/jhui3a.jpg)

Svitlana thank you for the complement, it's great to share this beauty with those that really appreciate it.

Doll - what a line up of blooms.  April Showers is just breath taking, that is a master piece to me.

Farmer D

All I can say is WOW!!

My first 2 blooms came on Sat when it was 96, today is cloudy and 66 = what a difference the weather makes on the colors.  Side by side and look at the difference.

This blows away the pic on the online store for Deep Waters...

WOW!
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DeepWaters4-18.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DeepWatersTwins4-182.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DeepWatersTwins4-183.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DeepWaters4-182.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DeepWatersTwins4-182.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DeepWatersTwins4-18.jpg)
Farmer D

That's incredible! It will probably look a little different at 76 and 86 also.

Very nice Darren, there hasnt been one plant where the in person bloom, was less spectacular than the online picture.  What other new ones are getting ready to bloom for you?

Farmer D, really a surprise! 2 colors on one bush - it's super! (http://s20.rimg.info/0087e245783523af5f071c4136182f59.gif)

Doll, Your hibiscus is excellent! (http://s4.rimg.info/3dac96de6803d637fcc72bc4d0603195.gif)

Thanks SvitLana

A second day Cosmic Gold - This is the only variety I have that lasts more than one day in the Texas heat. Yesterday and today have been in the low 90s with the wind blowing at 20mph all day.
(http://i55.tinypic.com/25yw1u9.jpg)

A friend of mine(Luis) received his first order from HVH last week. He had a beautiful Simple Pleasures bloom today and gave me permision to share it in the forum.
(http://i54.tinypic.com/zyizib.jpg)

Very nice Doll, I bet your friend is so happy.
 I am quite looking forward to getting Cosmic Gold, everytime you see it its a slightly different shade and if I get the odd second day bloom that will be a bonus. Same as you its to hot here most of the time for second day on most cv's, but I do get them on a few, High Voltage Hot Pepper and Dark of Night always and recently sometimes Pocahontas if its cloudy.

Doll, lovely Cosmic Gold.  I really like that cv too.  You're all going to laugh when you see my first CG bloom.  It is getting pretty close to opening and it looks like it will be about 2-3" across.  Then again the plant is only about 5" tall.

OK, I thought I was impressed with yesterday's Deep Waters but behold today's first bloom of Sea of Tranquility.

Again all I can say is WOW!

Also 2nd day of Deep Waters, I put it in the sun to acclimate the plant to it's future permanent spot so that definitely softened the colors but still special...
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/SeaofTranquility4-193.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/SeaofTranquility4-194.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/SeaofTranquility4-192.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DeepWaters4-19.jpg)
Farmer D

I also couldn't resist posting these two blooms...best so far for both Bon Temps and Chariots of Fire so far this year for me.
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/BonTemps4-192.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/BonTemps4-19.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/ChariotsofFire4-192.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/ChariotsofFire4-19.jpg)
Farmer D

Whoa :o

Those are some GORGEOUS blooms Doll & FarmerD!!!

Kristen - I loved your beautiful blood-red "Black Dragon" and your awesome kitty's "Me-Yowza" face! And thanks for the pick-me-up ;)

My hibiscus have decided that they want real sunshine (palm tress, ocean breezes, paparazzi). And, just so that I know what they really mean, they keep singing "California Dreamin'"...  And now, this:

(Hmmm... Looks like someone's been sipping the HVH Special Blend and perusing the Forum while I'm at work 8))

WOW!  Great blooms!

Check out my first Creme da le Creme, it sure is a winner :)

It's really beautiful, Chris! Is this a new "baby"?  :D

Not too new,  I think I got it last summer.  It didnt do too much growing after I moved, but it decided to make a huge vivid bloom!

Total lol, that made my day!!! 

Tell me what other type of flower can wear shades so well and also have so much personality???

None compare...

Farmer D

You have to love spring. Everyone has such beautiful blooms to share.

First Daisy Mae bloom
(http://i55.tinypic.com/28tufyr.jpg)
First Love
(http://i56.tinypic.com/2my6k21.jpg)

Two more from today.

Electric Orange
(http://i52.tinypic.com/35hmeqg.jpg)
Wild Grape - The heat doesn't seem to affect it.
(http://i56.tinypic.com/2d8ovmu.jpg)

Nice blooms Doll!!  You have a great variety of colors going there.

Second day Sea of Tranquility
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/SeaofTranquility4-20.jpg)
Farmer D

excellent hibiscus at all!

and Creme da le Creme - my dream!

Everyone, wow!  I can't wait for my plants to start blooming again.  Chris, your CDLC is exceptional!  I hope mine will bloom with those colors when I start feeding booster again.

And Farmer D, it's great to see Depp Waters as I have one coming in a few weeks.  :)

Came in from work (another cold, dreary, wet day :P) and immediately saw these two glowing cheerfully from across the room... Instant attitude adjustment (Ahhh :D)
Maui Masterpiece (2nd bloom, 8.5") and second day Pocahontas (6.5")

Yash, great blooms.  Glad you got them and have them to cheer you up.  Michigan mush be rough.  New England is starting to see some spring.  It has been in the 50's all week.  Lots of rain, typical April.  But thanks for sharing.  Love those two blooms.  Getting a MM in the mail at some point.  Really excited!

Kristen - You're going to love "Maui Masterpiece"... I cannot wait to see the photos that you'll be taking - With your camera & your skills, they will be awesome! :o

Awe, thanks!  your sweet.  And for the record, I cant wait either!

Sunshower in the hot Texas sun
(http://i51.tinypic.com/fyo7ev.jpg)

Deb that is such a happy Maui Masterpiece.  Forget California Dreamin, I say keep going another 2500 miles west and a little south.

Doll that Sunshower looks like a supernova exploding.  Quite the fanfare of colors.

Today is another wonderful Deep Waters with pastel like rainbow pattern

Whoever named Sea of Tranquility really hit it right on.  I didn't quite get the name until I saw this third day bloom and I'd swear that looks like the spot on the moon with the big crater and surrounding impact spray.  I know this bloom has raspy edges but that grey/white is quite the site.

Chariots of Fire is also a third dayer looking rather fresh still...
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DeepWaters4-21.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DeepWaters4-212.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/SeaofTranquility4-21.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/ChariotsofFire4-21.jpg)
Farmer D

hi kristen,

no on the thrips, never did see one. dont want to either.

as far as mites,(knock on wood) i no longer have them. have not seen one in a couple of months.

and your plants and photos are breathtaking.

great job with the new camera.

louis

chris,

your creme is great.

i think i will ask santa for one. :)
louis

hello everyone,

all your photos and plants are outstanding. here is a blanket ...........


FOR EVERYONE

louis

Hahaha, thanks Lou!!  Your photos are quite exquisite too!

Darren – Good call!  I was there briefly (once upon a time, a million years ago), and it made a lasting impression. 

I’m really liking “Sea of Tranquility” – I agree that day-three bloom looks like a lunar impact crater (Tycho, actually)

Beautiful blooms!  :D

It was tough taking these pics with the wind blowing at 25mph.

Bon Temps
(http://i54.tinypic.com/2imajvp.jpg)
First Love
(http://i55.tinypic.com/23t2m4j.jpg)
White Wings
(http://i52.tinypic.com/ve85jd.jpg)

This is a special day for me as I only got one bloom out of this plant all of last year and it happened when I was out of town of course.

This year looks much different as this plant is loaded with buds.

Flickering Flame
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/FlickeringFalme4-22.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/FlickeringFlame4-223.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/FlickeringFlame4-224.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/FlickeringFlame4-222.jpg)
Farmer D

Compassion - Holds color well in the heat.
(http://i54.tinypic.com/10z4xf5.jpg)
High Voltage
(http://i56.tinypic.com/2lu98y1.jpg)

Flickering Flame 2nd day

New Sea of Tranquility bloom

First Tahitian Pink Princess bloom
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/FlickeringFlame4-23.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/FlickeringFlame4-232.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/SeaofTranquility4-232.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/SeaofTranquility4-23.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/TahitianPinkPrincess4-234.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/TahitianPinkPrincess4-232.jpg)
Farmer D

Farmer D, great pics as usual. Flickering Flame can be slow to get blooming but once it does start it's good. Love that Sea of Tranquility photo.

BTW, thanks for starting all those cultivar topics. The original idea was for a topic to be started for each variety but I haven't been able to get them all done and am more than happy to get the help. In April and May there's little time to sit back and enjoy the flowers but later this summer I'll be able to post more photos and comments.

Doll, that is good to know that Compassion is holding its color in TX - it's a soft and pretty flower but I wouldn't want it to lose too much color or it would be washed out.

Charlie

Cindy's Heart in the full sun
(http://i55.tinypic.com/e0upk.jpg)

First Love - I have been surprised how dark the color has remained despite the heat.
(http://i51.tinypic.com/21oy6hx.jpg)

First time Tahitian Purple Splendor bloom...quite big at over 7".

Chariots of Fire is really starting to ramp up the blooms, there are so many buds now I've lost count at over 30.

Sea of Tranquility - the blooms are just so different and stunning.  I'm absolutely loving this plant way more than I ever thought - 2nd day on bloom.
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/TahitianPurpleSplendor4-24.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/TahitianPurpleSplendor4-243.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/TahitianPurpleSplendor4-242.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/ChariotsofFireTriplets4-24.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/SeaofTranquility4-24.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/SeaofTranquility4-242.jpg)
Farmer D

Nice dull overcast day here today, so treated to a darker Pocahontas.

David, You have a beautiful Pocahontas!

I have been treated to a Cindy's Heart double play along with another dark Simple Pleasures.  Also, I have been experiencing a ton of bud drop in the office.  Everything from newly open blooms (I've included a photo of the Space Oddity that fell off the bush, it is sitting on Simple Pleasures)  to formed buds are dropping like fly's.  Don't know what it is, Chris suggested temp change.  It is warming up here a bit... not too much, they are all inside.  They are getting less light now that the sun is higher in the sky, so no direct sunlight for them anymore...

And notice on SP & SO the messed up lady parts again!

A few from today
Compassion
(http://i51.tinypic.com/29dkb5t.jpg)
April Showers - I really like the colors on April Showers
(http://i53.tinypic.com/9fy5qa.jpg)
Black Dream
(http://i55.tinypic.com/33lifkj.jpg)
High Voltage
(http://i55.tinypic.com/1zwm5mo.jpg)

Kristen that Cindy's Heart is always a show stopper.  Just beautiful.

Doll wonderful blooms and colors and that April Showers is absolutely wonderful.  I think I would just find any excuse to do my work by it all day if I could.

All That Jazz 1st bloom this yr
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/AllThatJazz4-25.jpg)


Black Dream
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/BlackDream4-25.jpg)


Daisy Mae
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DaisyMae4-25.jpg)


Flickering Flame
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/FlickeringFlame4-25.jpg)

Deep Waters
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DeepWaters4-25.jpg)

Sea of Tranquility - 3rd day
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/SeaofTranquility4-25.jpg)

Flickering Flame & Chariots of Fire bush
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/FlickeringFlameFriends4-25.jpg)
Farmer D

Good idea showing the Daffodils Kristen, it makes the cv's look even bigger, I think you might have picked them wild from the woods, very nice.

Wow :o

So many beautiful blooms... I've run out of adjectives to use to admire them! :D

Well, I've fretted, cajoled, pampered and tried to be patient for the past nine months… Finally today, the first HVH exotic I "adopted" has its first bloom (and yes, definitely worth the wait!). The red of the bloom is so intense, the camera/software I’m using doesn't want to express it-- So, I added a shot of recognizable reds for reference.

Anyway, here’s "Heart of My Heart"

Yash!!!!  SO PRETTY!!!! Lucky you to have such a sweetheart of a bloom.  I have not seen this one.   Love it!

Darren, You are getting bombarded with blooms right now!  Your yard ROCKS!

Heart of My Heart is beautiful.

Here are a few from today
Cosmic Gold
(http://i51.tinypic.com/2ykjsz6.jpg)
Passion Play
(http://i56.tinypic.com/or8haf.jpg)
High Voltage - should nickname it old reliable ;D
(http://i53.tinypic.com/34t4uie.jpg)

David - Pocahontas is just gorgeous.  Great for a cloudy day!

Deb your Heart of my Heart is really surprising.  That red will light up any room.  Wow, I'm impressed.

Tahitian Pink Princess
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/TahitianPinkPrincess4-262.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/TahitianPinkPrincess4-26.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/TahitianPinkPrincess4-263.jpg)

Bon Temps - opened up all the way on it's own
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/BonTemps4-26.jpg)

Flickering Flame 2nd day
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/FlickeringFlame4-26.jpg)
Farmer D

Darren, your Tahitian Pink Princess is stunning. My last Bon Temps opened all the way on its own also. Go figure.

Doll, my hope for Bon Temps is that as we get more into the season and I give it lots of SN and HVH fertilizer maybe the buds will tend to always open on their own when there's good weather.  2nd yr plant that is strong - hopefully!

I will be giving Charlie wood later this summer from my Tahitians in hopes he can work his magic and make some killer creations down the road.  I have a feeling this one will just keep getting better on it's own in the mean time (I hope!).

Daisy Mae 3rd day
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DaisyMae4-26.jpg)

Chariots of Fire
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/ChariotsofFire4-26.jpg)
Farmer D

Thank-you, Doll... And thank-you very much for express shipping some of that early summer Texas heat our way! Looks like we're in for quite a storm later, so I'm going to enjoy it while it lasts. Gorgeous blooms, as always! ;D  

Darren - That is one exquisite Princess!!! "Roaring Bonfire" is looking mighty hot as well!  ;)

Kristen -  :-* (Thanks!)

So many lovely blooms...heart of my heart...so pretty...sea of tranquility...wow!....luv daisy mae....and I have to get a cindys heart......well finally I have a couple to share from this week....and so many more buds....soooo excited ;D..lynette

and a couple more....

Thanks David,

  I didn't think of it before, but those are actually mini daffodils, haha.  So the blooms really look big!

~kristen

I quite like that Moonstruck, not quite sure what colour that is but its nice.

Lots of nice blooms today

Cindy's Heart
(http://i54.tinypic.com/i3hpol.jpg)
Bon Temps
(http://i56.tinypic.com/2z4l5q1.jpg)
Passion Play
(http://i52.tinypic.com/9ub2x5.jpg)
First Rainbow Sherbert bloom
(http://i52.tinypic.com/14e4fg0.jpg)
First Sunrise Dance bloom
(http://i54.tinypic.com/15zqas7.jpg)
Compassion - Looks quite similar to Bon Temps
(http://i54.tinypic.com/ieqhhy.jpg)

Nice blooms!  I especially love the Rainbow Sherbert!

Winter light twins

(http://kerrysroxy.zenfolio.com/img/v24/p492318937-4.jpg?sn=)
(http://kerrysroxy.zenfolio.com/img/v25/p29018131-4.jpg?sn=)

Wow! Those Winter Lights really sparkle. I hope mine will start blooming soon.

Awesome Kerry!

Doll great pictures.  You can never go wrong with Rainbow Sherbet.  Also good to see the first pics of Sunrise Dance.  I got one coming soon too.

Kerry those Winter Lights twins are truly special.  I'm sure you're enjoying them all day long.  Good to see some pics from you - I'm sure you got lots more blooms coming.  Can't wait!

OK, I apologize ahead of a time - it is a lot of pics but I can't decide which ones not to share such colors with.  I am such a sucker for bright colors...

First bloom for Tahitian Raspberry Star...WOW!
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01125.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01131.jpg)

Flickering Flame
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01121.jpg)

All That Jazz starting to gain some nice color now
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01117.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01116.jpg)

Bon Temps now getting a lot of pink in the bloom
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01111.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01110.jpg)

Deep Waters
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01108.jpg)

Tahitian Pink Princess 4th day - even with the raspy edges the now delicate petals and changed colors are a late surprise
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01132.jpg)
This shot shows the spring growth occurring reversing the effects of winter
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01120.jpg)

Black Dream Twins - really maintaining that very dark red color unlike last year.  I'll add some potassium salt soon to keep them extra dark
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/BlackDreamTwins4-28.jpg)
One more T Rasp Star for good measure
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01126.jpg)
Farmer D

Darren, your Bon Temps is really looking great.

Today's blooms
High Voltage - I have this one growing in the full sun.
(http://i51.tinypic.com/zs976.jpg)
Passion Play
(http://i54.tinypic.com/t5mybb.jpg)
Sunshower
(http://i56.tinypic.com/ayoq3q.jpg)

Doll that Sunshower really is an interesting bloom.  It has so much going on - you could look at it for 10 minutes and still see something new.  NICE!

Black Dream twins got even better as the day went on...
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/BlackDreamTwins4-282.jpg)
Farmer D

hello everyone,

can i give you all a group WOW !!!!.

your photos are outstanding as are your plants.

darren, i really like your raspberry star, love the color.

louis

Louis thank you for the complement.  This bloom is getting prettier as the day wears on.  A couple more to enjoy...
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/TahitianRaspberryStar4-2811.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/TahitianRaspberryStar4-2810.jpg)
Farmer D

So many colorful blooms as spring arrives! It's like a mini-vacation for me to take a look and then back to shipping.....

Doll, btw, that Sunrise Dance first bloom looks kind of anemic. Should soon become big flowers with strong bold orange petals surrounding a bright pink eye.

Keep em coming, guys!

Charlie

Charlie, that Sunrise Dance got bigger and much more colorful later on. But it was so windy that day I couldn't get a decent picture with my phone camera.

Voodoo Magic
(http://i51.tinypic.com/2wdvzsw.jpg)

Angel Wings
(http://i52.tinypic.com/35miblz.jpg)
Deep Purple
(http://i54.tinypic.com/2n7f32g.jpg)

Tahitian princess is just georgeous!!....Darren where did you get that one?????...Winter light is sooo pretty....I never paid much attention to it  untill you (kerry I believe?)..posted those pictures...now I will have to think about that one...very nice..Lynette

OH and deep purple is so nice!...I keep missing that one.. :-[

Cherry Appaloosa bloomed for me.

Another photo, for some reason it wouldn't allow me to load all 4 photos at once...

Wow kristen that is really pretty.....and kerry does the winter lights grow fast or slow??>>I just checked the online store and there is only 4in available...I usually prefer 6in....thanks

And Charlie and Cindy...I want to thankyou for my beautiful new plants...I had a shipment come yesterday of I think 18 plants...I came in around 9 last night and my porch was covered in boxes...I took them all out and they are so nice...I wanted to work on placing them in my garden today but we have those nasty santa ana winds today....but they all look great..thanks!..Lynette

Cherry Appaloosa is awesome.

High Voltage really stands out on cloudy days.
(http://i53.tinypic.com/6z0kqv.jpg)

Also had a pair of Sunshower blooms today
(http://i56.tinypic.com/dylved.jpg)

Doll, your photos make both of those blooms look so fun!

Doll those are the best pics of Sunshower yet - tons of fun!

Kristen, I've never been a fan of Cherry Appaloosa but that might be changing now.  Such vibrant colors, really enjoyable.

Today's blooms kind of span the spectrum here.

Good ol' Erin Rachel getting ready for her Mother's Day trip
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/ErinRachel.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/ErinRachel4-302.jpg)

Deep Waters showing yet another different look which is really nice
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DeepWaters4-302.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DeepWaters4-30.jpg)

And Sea of Tranquility...this is as down and dirty of a bloom as I've ever had.  Looks like an oil spill on the moon. I LOVE IT!!!
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/SeaofTranquility4-302.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/SeaofTranquility4-30.jpg)
Farmer D

Darren, Your blooms are beautiful.  Im glad you are having so much fun with SOT!

Here is my first Eye of the Storm bloom.  Still super small, but so far, CRAPY BUSH!! Is this the norm for this one Charlie?  I pollinated it with Cindy's Heart.  I also Pollinated CH with Cherry Appaloosa.