Hidden Valley Hibiscus Forum

We finished May with a bang on the forum. Super photos and good info from lots of people and a new record of almost 114,000 pages opened by visitors during the month.

I'm up early on June 1 so will start the new photo of the day topic with:

Fifth Dimension - an old favorite shown here with orange edge before turning yellow. I grafted some of these recently.

Vin Extraordinaire - a slightly different, very tufted look on a second day flower

Tea And Crumpets - a new one that has been opening big 8 inch flowers recently

Wild Thing - rare and unusual flower with very heavy petals, parent of Heartbreak Hotel

Too Pretty - a simple but heartwarming flower

Hoping June is kind to all and brings forth many flowers!

Charlie

Some Thanksgiving blooms to look at.  Charlie, this one blooms nicely.  I didn't know if you noticed, (probably did) but the pads are quite interesting on this one.  They are bi-colored.  In all my year of tropical hibiscus growing ;) I have never seen this.  Is this unique?

And for David, my Desert Rose that is in Intensive care.  It has been bald for months.  Now it has plenty of new growth and 2 flowers on it!  Yay!

Nice display Charlie.  I love 5th!  And that Tea and Crumpets is quite lovely!  Happy June to you too! And what a crazy Vin.  I didn't think you get a second day from him?

Oh Charlie, I found another shot of the funny pads in my little camera.  Here it is.

I am definitely going to have to get Thanksgiving.

Two Cindy's Heart blooms today.
(http://i52.tinypic.com/2mx4j7o.jpg)
(http://i54.tinypic.com/2dvkdgh.jpg)

And my CH seedling at 4 and a half months.
(http://i52.tinypic.com/opbx44.jpg)

Jordan thank you for sharing pics of Space Oddity.  That cv is a lot of fun as it changes appearance so easily.

Doll those Cindy's Heart blooms are very pretty.  The colors are so well defined and jump out at you.

Charlie love the pics.  It seems that Fifth Dimension is a popular choice for hybridizers.  What qualities are most important to you and what does FD bring to the table for you?

Farmer D

Luv luv cindys heart    kristen...thanksgiving is really pretty....heres a few blooms from the last couple of days...Lynette...Delta rose I think is a dupont  that I got at a local nursery...charlie do you know much about this one??

and a couple more....

Today's blooms

Daisy Mae
(http://i56.tinypic.com/2vs2owo.jpg)
A pair of High Voltage
(http://i55.tinypic.com/2vjvtw9.jpg)
Cindy's Heart
(http://i51.tinypic.com/1zv7i49.jpg)
Voodoo Magic
(http://i51.tinypic.com/nmhxxu.jpg)

Ok here are some of Darren's garden ( take in may but I will post here lol)
Taken with my PNS powershot

(http://kerrysroxy.zenfolio.com/img/v22/p212186251-4.jpg)
(http://kerrysroxy.zenfolio.com/img/v20/p473569290-4.jpg)
(http://kerrysroxy.zenfolio.com/img/v22/p352668414-4.jpg)
(http://kerrysroxy.zenfolio.com/img/v22/p497312008-4.jpg)
(http://kerrysroxy.zenfolio.com/img/v22/p347181379-4.jpg)
(http://kerrysroxy.zenfolio.com/img/v20/p335896901-4.jpg)
(http://kerrysroxy.zenfolio.com/img/v26/p134514691-4.jpg)
(http://kerrysroxy.zenfolio.com/img/v21/p209292618-4.jpg)
(http://kerrysroxy.zenfolio.com/img/v25/p275836069-4.jpg)
(http://kerrysroxy.zenfolio.com/img/v26/p326061577-4.jpg)
(http://kerrysroxy.zenfolio.com/img/v19/p310902570-4.jpg)
(http://kerrysroxy.zenfolio.com/img/v22/p199650853-4.jpg)
(http://kerrysroxy.zenfolio.com/img/v20/p25094388-4.jpg)
(http://kerrysroxy.zenfolio.com/img/v20/p211624492-4.jpg)
(http://kerrysroxy.zenfolio.com/img/v23/p140642253-4.jpg)

here are mine

Deep P
(http://kerrysroxy.zenfolio.com/img/v17/p621722271-4.jpg)

HBH
(http://kerrysroxy.zenfolio.com/img/v20/p1009130884-4.jpg)

This is  renaissance blue offspring very dark like Black cherry :)
(http://kerrysroxy.zenfolio.com/img/v21/p862266336-4.jpg)
(http://kerrysroxy.zenfolio.com/img/v21/p799329467-4.jpg)

A mutated Creole Lady
(http://kerrysroxy.zenfolio.com/img/v21/p439103234-4.jpg)

My brain not working well this morning Kerry, whats HBH, love that rusty colour.

Pretty wild viewing my own garden pics without being the one who took them.  Awesome job Kerry.  How fortunate I am to have someone from our own forum taking care of the hibs.

Kerry I love HBH which I'm guessing is Heartbreak Hotel.  Also your RB is amazing.

Lynette your blooms are beautiful too especially Dancing Dragon and Deep Waters.

DayveDayve your Seminole Pride and NightRunner both have such deep color - beautiful.

Farmer D

Sharp eye there, Kristen. I think I've seen similar before but never matched them to a specific variety. I'm very glad you documented this with photos (awesome, btw) and made note of this so we can consider it as we see new varieties in the future.

Charlie

Thanks  Charlie.  It has been a regular for every bloom thus far.  I actually just shot another of the latest bloom just now that is very unlike the others.  It looks like Creme de Cacao for some reason.  The parents are CDLC right? huh...

Kerry, I love that RB offspring!  Holy cow, what cool colors!!

So I just got home to work... and we had a wind storm... guess who fell down a story from the deck railing???  Yep, only my most prized, protected, and loved CV!  Cindy's Heart... she took it like a champ, pot smashed to oblivion.  Matt had picked her up and put her in a spare pot out of harms way.  Not a scratch on her!  So I had to re-pot her, the desert rose that is finally making a comeback... and others who tipped over were unharmed.  I think CH was better off falling on the outside to the bottom deck because if she fell on the deck itself (although it would have been a shorter fall) the bunnies JackJack & Betty would have had her for dinner.

Wow, so many nice photos!

Kerry, holy you-know-what on the RB seedling.  What awesome colors!  Is this one of your hybrids?

And the Cindy's Heart photos are making me jealous; I have been trying to get my hands on this cv for a long time!  Sounds like not only is she good with heat and hot sun-- she can fly!  :)

  I think its the heat.  We hit 102 yesterday.  108 heat index.  The two blooms I had yesterday were small and I lost a few buds.   I watered the plants again in the evening and gave and extra misting to the leaves to maybe help with some of the heat stress.  They are shaded thru the day but even the shade is hot now.

David , Darren is right its heartbreak hotel.

Kristen , I bet Cindy's heart will be fine lol I will post pictures of what my dog did to a new addition I just got. She chewed it in half vertically. Its doing fine healing also and growing new branches .... 7 years of growth gone in just 60 seconds :(

Great photos, everyone! Darren, you asked about Fifth Dimension and hybridizing. 5thD has been around for quite awhile now. Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, but as I recall it won Hibiscus of the Year in the '80s and is one of the few HOTY winners to actually still be around a couple of decades later. The reasons for this are the unique colors and the tendency to bloom a lot. Locked away in its genes are just about all the unusual hibiscus colors - the blues and grays and browns as well as the tendency to pass along a bright orange edge. Unfortunately, it is not a very robust bush. In ideal conditions it can live long and flourish but I've seen many bushes of it that were doing well in greenhouse conditions die the first year they were planted outdoors. I do know of one bush of it planted in Florida that lasted 10 years or longer and grew fairly large so the potential is there but it seems that is succumbs to other problems more often than not. In any case many of its direct offspring also have bush problems. Space Oddity is one that has a much stronger and better bush than its parent 5th Dimension, as well as superb colors. It tends to have a wild looking reflex to the petal that it did not get from 5th Dimension but it's still a sweet bloom. Below are photos of both varieties.

Charlie

Some photos from today.  We're in the midst of some stormy weather here in northern California...  really late this year!

Black Dragon, a special 6-petaled Space Oddity, and Stormy Rainbow bloomed today.

June began and my Antique Lilac (?) start to bloom for another:
(http://s43.radikal.ru/i102/1106/3e/d1dca3d64164.jpg) (http://www.radikal.ru)

Beautiful blooms everyone!  :o

SvitLana - Very pretty mystery bloom  ;)

Kristen - My Pocahontas had small yellow polka dots on her pads the other day, too (wonder if it's a weather/temperature thing?)

First set of blooms - Pretty yellows on Friday: Cosmic Gold & Pocahontas

Second set of blooms - neon brights for Saturday: Maui Masterpiece, Erin Rachel, Cosmic Gold & Albo Lacinatus

Deb  ;D

Jordan, SvitLana & Debi those are such pretty blooms.  Awesome all the way around.

Here is today's offerings...

Acapulco Gold
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01769.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01770.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01768.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01767.jpg)

Chariots of Fire
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01771.jpg)

Flickering Flame
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01772.jpg)

Farmer D

WOW, its only the 4th and i am so behind in comments and photos.

blanket outstanding photos and plants everyone.

been so busy of late. my plants are still in the GH, i am afraid to put them out. too many deer this year.

my new plants from hvh are staring to bloom. today we have a very nice black dream, first bloom on confection perfection and a family photo of electric red and electric orange. both of them keep the blooms for at least 3 days with no loss of color.

louis


(http://www.imagesct.com/web/hib-misc/6-4-11/black%20dream.jpg)


(http://www.imagesct.com/web/hib-misc/6-4-11/confection.jpg)


(http://www.imagesct.com/web/hib-misc/6-4-11/red-orange.jpg)

Nice to hear what's happening with you, Lou. Confection Perfection, though a slow grower, should just keep on cranking out big pretty blooms all summer if our experience means anything in your conditions.

We get questions about deer from time to time, and never have a good answer. We don't have deer to deal with in southern CA but I know they can be pests in areas where they are protected. My father lived in a lakeside community in TX where they overran the place and nobody's garden was safe.

I've seen those sprinklers advertised that combine a motion detector. Something comes near and they start shooting out water that in theory is supposed to scare the critter away. No idea if they work.

Charlie

Lou and Charlie, I just read an article on Dave's Garden the other day that says they put some chicken wire fence down around the garden.  Just lay it on the ground and tack it down.  They hate to walk on it.  It feels unstable on their feet.  Give it a try.

First Apricot Cookie bloom
(http://i54.tinypic.com/33dv4i8.jpg)

Saffron's first indoor bloom - An interesting golden orange color with a soft pink halo... And another fabulously fluffy Cosmic Gold with orange highlights.  :D

Incredible blooms and photos everyone.  I finally have some energy to post a few.
Heart of my Heart late afternoon on our first 100 degree day followed by Wakanisha, Denim Revolution, Stormy Heart, and Foxy Lady.

Here are a few more. Bon Temps finally!!! First blooms, plant purchased Nov 2008. The bush has always been beautiful and now at last it's blooming.  Also Island Queen, Tangerine Dream with newly opening Saffron to the right, Wild Allure, and Fabulous.  These are from May, finally getting posted.

Darren I placed my Bon Temps on my desk in front of the computer screen with the wonderful photos of your Bon Temps displayed.  Maybe that shamed mine into blooming.  Now I need to do the same for my Flickering Flame I guess. LOL

dave

hello dave,

great looking plants and photos. truly eye candy :)

louis

Haha thats funny Dave.  Great shots I must say.  Nice collection!!

Thanks Louis and Kristen.  I have several doing very well now and of course some spider mites issues as well, especially this morning. Spent a couple of hours washing several plants.  Hope I can afford that Kontos some day.  cheez

dave

Good one, Dave!

I'm going to try that trick with Pocahontas and see if she can duplicate one of David Wood's beautiful Pocahontas blooms... We're about to get a few days of tropical heat (low to mid 90ºs) and she's been getting actual sun, so that might help... *crosses fingers*  ;)

P.S. - The Kontos will be worth EVERY penny you pay for it... Started treating my hibiscus for mites in February, and by early April the little buggers were history (try eBay for best price)!  ;D

P.S.S. - Awesome blooms, by the way!

Wow Dave, I am so happy for you!!!  I think you might have just opened up a whole new field of study in plant biology.  It's like the force in Star Wars or something similar but plants are so effected by something they can sense.  I always thought of you when posting any BT pics knowing yours was twice as old and hadn't bloomed after reading your post last year so this is best news scenario.

By the way, the rest of your pictures are amazing.  Each one a beauty and if it's any consolation I really admire/envy your Foxy Lady.  I've had mine since last summer and it is still just 4" tall with two little tiny leaves.  Problem is it is planted outside so getting the computer out there...maybe I'll laminate a printout!  This ought to make for an interesting picture...

Enjoy the fruits of your hard work and hopefully this ridiculous weather here in Cali will end sometime soon...

I've been so busy since getting back so there are a lot here - hope you all like!

1st bloom of Midsummer Night
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01774.jpg)

2nd day
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01811.jpg)

All That Jazz
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01816.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01809.jpg)

Scarlet Beauty
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01815.jpg)

Sea of Tranquility
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01810.jpg)

Valentines Day
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01819.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01789.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01785.jpg)

Here is your Flickering Flame photo Dave
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01798.jpg)

Picante
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01802.jpg)

Chariots of Fire
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01793.jpg)

A boatload of Black Dreams
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01806.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01781.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01782.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01780.jpg)

Sunrise Dance
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01818.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01805.jpg)

Bon Temps
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01807.jpg)

Whew! Farmer D

Darren, your hibiscus bloom like crazy!
Sunday and Monday the temp hit 105 here!
Compassion
(http://i54.tinypic.com/2e1x81w.jpg)
And a pair of High Voltage
(http://i56.tinypic.com/14j5aw6.jpg)

My Valentines Day opened today, bit surprised really as the cv had to be repoted and its still in shock. Still I can see what a beauty it will become and its going to be a great addition to my collection.

David you will really like this cv.  It grows really easily and is a full bush.  The blooms are very pretty and they are always a little different so lots of variety.

Bon Temps
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/BonTemps6-7.jpg)

Valentines Day
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/ValentinesDay6-7.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01791.jpg)

Farmer D

Cosmic Gold
(http://i53.tinypic.com/f9qya8.jpg)

Saffron - Definitely feeling more "orange" today, but still displaying that pretty pink halo.

Deb that Saffron has such a deep color.  Just gorgeous, it probably changes the ambience of the entire room.  I look forward to many more pics of that beauty.  Still one of my favorites.

Doll that is an unexpected look for Cosmic Gold.  Really pretty pastels and blends of colors.  Thank you for sharing that special bloom.

Here in So Cal we have entered into the June Gloom days of overcast marine layer clouds for most of each day with some afternoon sun.  At least the temps stay even and mild but not as much sun.  Makes for easier picture taking though.

Sea of Tranquility
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01834.jpg)

Daisy Mae
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01833.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01832.jpg)

Valentines Day
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01830.jpg)

All That Jazz
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01829.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01828.jpg)

Bon Temps
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01827.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01826.jpg)

Black Dream
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01824.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01825.jpg)

Farmer D

Awesome blooms today Darren... That Black Dream is just to die for!  :o

Got my best Black Dragon today ever.  It was HUGE and the center was so dark.  Awesome.  Apparently my camera thinks that red=purple though.  Too bad.  It was the most velvety-burgundy color.

Illuminati and Silver Memories bloomed as well.  :)

Most of the time I cant see Daren's photo's, I just get the name of the cv and a big blank space underneath. I think it must be to do with my Internet connection and his photo's maybe to large for me to see. Doll shows it the same way [ not a thumbnail] and I can see them ok.

Creole Belle
(http://i54.tinypic.com/2zox9w8.jpg)
Voodoo Queen
(http://i52.tinypic.com/xe39eu.jpg)

One more for today.
Voodoo Magic - slow to open and sometimes needs help opening fully.
(http://i56.tinypic.com/fuv2g1.jpg)

Doll, beautiful blooms!  Mine are all chillin out right now.  Temps have been like a yo-yo lately.  Last week it was chilly for days, the week before it was hot.  This week it is 95º and super humid.  Poor little things.

David, I hate to hear that you're missing out on any pics.  I wonder if anyone else is having the same issues.  Here are 4 pics all different sized megapixels.  Let me know what you can or can't see.

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01838.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01837.jpg)

Farmer D

Doll that Voodoo Magic is amazing.  I have never been a huge fan of that cv but that one some wonderful colors.  Congrats and thanks for sharing!

A few from today's June gloom...

Acapulco Gold
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01835.jpg)

Valentines Day
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01838.jpg)

Black Dream
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01836.jpg)

Chariots of Fire Plant
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01839.jpg)

Farmer D

Hi Darren
It must be his internet because I can always see all the pictures .
Doll I sure like that Voodoo Queen I need to get one of those !

Voodoo Queen is a lot like Creole Lady. It starts out with really vivid color and then fades as the day progresses. You can look on the Voodoo Queen info page to see an excellent example.
http://www.hiddenvalleynaturearts.com/acatalog/voodooqueeninfo.html

As far as David not being able to see Darren's pics, it might be that photobucket is a blocked site in his country. He mentioned once that some sites are blocked in Vietnam. I upload mine to tinypic.

Wonderful pics as usual Doll, you seem to capture them so well [ still remember Passion from last year which to my eye was perfect]. I am fairly certain the problem with me sometimes seeing Darren's is the size, if my connection is good I will see it straight away but if its poor I either wont see it all or have to wait ten mins for it slowly to come.

Thanks Darren, I can see all them very clearly this morning [2 here and 4 above, allthough the one directly above was a bit slower, maybe 20 seconds], in fact not sure if you have done something different but they look much sharper, very nice, mind you I can clearly see those from the other day now as well.
 Saying that the ones Dave [mphquicksilver ] left showing the 3 in a pot was still a struggle [took a couple of mins to load], so its my connection not being to good is the problem.

In case Farmer D or anyone else is interested, budded up Voodoo Magic in 6 inch pots will be back in the online store this weekend.

Charlie

Maui Masterpiece and 2nd day Saffron outside for a photoshoot in the evening sun.
It wasn't until I was looking at closeups of the photos that I realized that Maui has learned a new trick: This bloom has nine stigma pads (two pads divided into three pads each).

Hot Pepper triplets and my cutting of Acapulco Gold.

Deb those blooms are wonderful, meant to be together for sure.  If that doesn't say summer I don't know what would.

David, it sounds like the internet connection for sure.  The pics I post are usually 2 megapixels which I post from photobucket.  Maybe I'll give tinypic a try.

If all else fails I'll go to tera gold cheap website ???

Farmer D

David - love the Hot Pepper triplets.  Those have some really warm orange colors to them.  A joy to look at!

Today's blooms...

Black Dream keeps blooming multiples each day, today 6 new blooms looking rather elegant.
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01858.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01856.jpg)

Tahitian Cherry Blossom - 1st bloom really amazing pinwheel pink & red
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01848.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01850.jpg)

Acapulco Gold
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01860.jpg)

Chariots of Fire - when you see these blooms in person they are day glow colored, just jump out from across the yard
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01861.jpg)

Valentines Day
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01859.jpg)

Farmer D

Electric Red
(http://i53.tinypic.com/2j2dhsj.jpg)
Voodoo Queen - taken later in the day than the previous pic I posted a few days ago.
(http://i53.tinypic.com/anfrjq.jpg)

Darren - Amazing Black Dream(s)... Loving that shade of red!

Doll - All I can say is "Wow!"

My bloomers today: Black Dragon, Psyche, and Pocahontas

Deb  ;D

Came home to Island Girl today

Nice, Chris!  How are you liking her these days?

Doll, great colors on that Electric Red!  And nice to see the different looks of Voodoo Queen!  I just acquired one myself. 

Darren, you always have so many blooms to share!  Such pretty Black Dream flowers.  I'm so jealous.  :)

Really good colors on that Island Girl, Chris. She must like the gentler sunshine of the northwest. She's a good bloomer so expect many more to come. Be interesting if you can get seeds from her.

Charlie

I really like her colors alot, a nice blend of both parents.  I put some CDLC pollen on her pads so we will see :)

A nice Stolen Kiss bloom
(http://i52.tinypic.com/2lky7fs.jpg)

Chris your Island Girl is very nice - looking forward to more pretty blooms.  It has some really interesting colors blending together.

Doll (is it John D?) that Stolen Kiss is probably the best SK bloom I've seen yet.  They eye is really amazing, thank you for sharing that!

Today's offerings...
Acapulco Gold just opened
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01890.jpg)


Rainbow Sherbet - 1st bloom this season
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01887.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01888.jpg)

The Path
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01885.jpg)

Tahitian Cherry Blossom Twins
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01876.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01877.jpg)

Chariots of Fire - no more individual shots for this one
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01874.jpg)

Black Dream
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01873.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01891.jpg)

Farmer D

Darren, Stolen Kiss is a tough cultivar. Mine survived 2 nights outside unprotected last winter when it got down to 25. It was planted in the ground. I finally dug it up when it was predicted to get down to 16.

 John

Rainbow Sherbet
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01897.jpg)

Acapulco Gold Twins
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01898.jpg)

Midsummer Night - just gorgeous red veining combining with a plum color
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01900.jpg)

Farmer D

(http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/mphquicksilver/Picture4-3.png)
here is a Erin Rachel for today
(http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/mphquicksilver/Picture5-1.png)
And a Beanvinue with a lot more yellow than usual .

Voodoo Magic twins
(http://i56.tinypic.com/2gxlf02.jpg)

nice blooms everyone...I just luv electric red and darren your alcapulco gold is georgeous..and I also have midsummer night ..but has not bloomed yet...very pretty...here are some blooms from the last few days....lynette ;D

and some more....

and the last..

Linnett the Heavy Metal is a beauty and I really wish I had bought Wild Allure now.

Daisy Mae - the heat doesn't fade the colors on DM
(http://i56.tinypic.com/zj6yb8.jpg)

I thought I had posted these photos yesterday, but cannot find the post. hmmmm, memo to myself, take a few days off.

Nevertheless, here are a few photos from yesterday:

A very nice black dragon, a bright electric red, my first bloom of ephemeral, this is a second day bloom.

nice bloom and tall bush.

And also, for me, an unknown plant that is labeled tsunami but might be voodoo magic, can anyone positively ident it.

thanks,

louis

(http://www.imagesct.com/web/hib-misc/6-13-11/black%20dragon.jpg)

(http://www.imagesct.com/web/hib-misc/6-13-11/electric.jpg)

(http://www.imagesct.com/web/hib-misc/6-13-11/ephemeral.jpg)

(http://www.imagesct.com/web/hib-misc/6-13-11/unknown.jpg)

Louis, that sure looks like Voodoo Magic.

Stolen Kiss
(http://i52.tinypic.com/veopc2.jpg)

Lynette you have quite a collection of hibiscus going there.  Really pretty blooms all around for you.  That Heavy Metal is glorious!!  And the Pinot Noir is an absolutely amazing shade of purple.  Bet it's going to darken quite a bit - keep them coming!

John that Daisy Mae is just wonderful.  I'm in love with mine and it is easy to see that the blooms are strong and the plant just wants to grow and grow.  This one is a special cv.  I hope you like yours as much.

Louis your Black Dragon and Electric Red are so colorful.  It is so nice to see the depth of color and perfect form.  You set the standard Louis...

Mike I love your blooms, the colors just jump out of the screen.  That Bienvenue is really amazing.  By far the best bloom of that cv I've ever seen!!!

Today's blooms...

Chariots of Fire
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01912.jpg)

All That Jazz
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01909.jpg)

Black Dream Twins
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01914.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01915.jpg)

Acapulco Gold
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01908.jpg)

Bon Temps
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01913.jpg)

Farmer D

(http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/mphquicksilver/Picture4-4.png)
It's a blistering 100 degrees here today but I came home to a bunch of flowers , I like that angles wings it is huge .
(http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/mphquicksilver/Picture3-5.png)
(http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/mphquicksilver/Picture2-5.png)
sunny wind
(http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/mphquicksilver/Picture1-9.png)
rum runner
(http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/mphquicksilver/Picture5-2.png)

Here are todays blooms. 

Dragon's Heart
Even with the heat the Tahitian Princess was a large bloom.  The sun was to bright to get a good pic so I brought it in.
Love Story
and Purple Magic

That Purple Magic is fantastic.

Wow Mike, more beautiful blooms.  Angel's Wings is very easy on the eyes but Rum Runner has my attention.  Great combination of colors, no wonder it is used a lot by hybridizers.

Dayve your blooms are really impressive.  The Tahitian Princess is always so unique and a blend of sophisticated colors.  Thank you for sharing.

Today I have a couple of first time blooms that I've been waiting for...the theme is bright summer colors.  Right up my alley...

Surf City
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01932.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01933.jpg)

Melon Melange
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01924.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01925.jpg)

Scarlet Beauty
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01930.jpg)

Acapulco Gold
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01927.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01926.jpg)

All That Jazz Twins
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01935.jpg)

Bon Temps
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01937.jpg)

Daisy Mae
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01936.jpg)

Black Dream
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01915.jpg)

Farmer D

daren,

wow on your blooms. how do you keep up with them.

everyone has outstanding blooms and photos, impossible for me to comment on each one.

kudos to all on a great job

louis

Agreed, so many lovely blooms there aren't enough good adjectives to describe each one! 

Louis, I don't gamble but I'd bet a lot of money that you have a Voodoo Magic there.  VM is one of my favorite cvs, and the cv that got me into collecting hibiscus.  I've had 4 different VM specimens, and would recognize it anywhere.  :)

So nice to see so many beautiful blooms.

Sunrise Dance - started off orange but faded to yellow due to the heat.
(http://i53.tinypic.com/2582cfd.jpg)

Eye candy all the way around!

Lou, it's Voodoo Magic. Another way to tell is that Tsunami fades a lot from opening to end of day. If that bloom did not fade much it would point toward Voodoo Magic which is what the photo looks like to me.

Farmer D, love seeing the venerable and delicious Melon Melange and the new and vivacious Scarlet Beauty.

Great flowers everywhere!

Charlie

thanks everyone for identifying my mystery bloom as VM

this is a great place :)

louis

Louis I dare not tell you what my days have been like lately.  But no complaints the results are more than satisfying so far.

Charlie thank you again for creating such great plants.  Each day something new to learn about and/or enjoy. 

After a day in the sun Scarlet Beauty attained some pinkish purple highlights - really pretty.
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01946.jpg)

And wow this one's a 9"er
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01947.jpg)

Daisy Mae pretty impressive too...
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01948.jpg)

Melon Melange just got prettier as the day went on...
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01938.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01939.jpg)

Farmer D

Hi all
 
I am Ela from Moscow Russia.
I am very excited looking at your hibiscuses.
HVH varieties are so cool!
 
Here is my last time blossomings:

Dark Nebula hibiscus

(http://www.chinclub.ru/flowers/stuff/Dark-Nebula-1.jpg)

Creole Lady hibiscus

(http://www.chinclub.ru/flowers/stuff/Creole-Lady-1.jpg)

Renaissance Blue + Envie + Pink on the Mountain + Congo

(http://www.chinclub.ru/flowers/stuff/bouquets/Les-Hibiscus-Hypnotique-bouquet-14.jpg)

Very pretty flowers, Ela. Dark Nebula is a rare beauty I have not seen in awhile. Excellent color on your blooms!

Charlie

hello ela,

welcome to the forum. your plants are outstanding as are your photos. its so interesting to see blooms from around our little planet. most of which are not available here., please keep them coming.

louis

Cinnamon Splendor - many varieties seem to have smaller blooms in the hot weather but CS has been consistently 8 inches.
(http://i54.tinypic.com/315jpfr.jpg)
Creole Belle - CB tolerates heat very well.
(http://i54.tinypic.com/2lmw0hv.jpg)

Today's theme are some of my darker blooms...well darker for someone like me

Midsummer Night - quite the bloom today!!
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01949.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01951.jpg)

Black Dream
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01962.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01960.jpg)

Scarlet Beauty
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01956.jpg)

Valentines Day
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01963.jpg)

All That Jazz Twins
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01964.jpg)

Chariots of Fire
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01965.jpg)

Surf City - a lovely softer look day 2
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01958.jpg)

Daisy Mae - saying so long June 16
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01944.jpg)

Farmer D

WOW!!!!!! darren
That Midsummer night's looks great I have a small one it's growing good but it will be a wile before it blooms . Also like that Daisy Mae vary bright .

Meet James Bond, this is one stunning plant and bloom. This is my first bloom and its 9 (NINE) inches in diameter.

Thank you Charlie for this masterpiece. Its a new favorite.

Louis

hi darren, i ditto that coment about midsummer, that is one great looking flower.

louis

Wow everyone!!!  Loads of stunning pics. I missed a few days on the forum and am way behind.  I have just a couple, Rebel Rouser and Raging Bull.

James bond is awesome!  I keep missing that one, any in the works Charlie?

Louis that James Bond is all about sophistication and pizzaz...great bloom!

Today's offerings...more of an orange theme today - cool!

Flickering Flame
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01984.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01983.jpg)

Daisy Mae
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01982.jpg)

Picante
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01980.jpg)

Acapulco Gold
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01978.jpg)

Hot Pepper (1st bloom this season)
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01976.jpg)

Chariots of Fire
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01971.jpg)

Sea of Tranquility
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01969.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01970.jpg)

Valentines Day Quads
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01966.jpg)

All That Jazz
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01968.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01967.jpg)

Farmer D

hi daren,

thats a strange Acapulco Gold
 that you have. very fine feathery leaves. i must get one like that.  ;D ;D ;D ;D

your flickering flame is to die for. grreat bloom and photo

louis

A nice Creole Belle
(http://i56.tinypic.com/29y11ex.jpg)

And my favorite cultivar Cindy's Heart
(http://i53.tinypic.com/179th0.jpg)

hi everyone, here are three from yesterday and today.

this is the second day of james bond and there is no change in color or form, however the bloom is now almost 10 inches. on the third day it closed up. great plant.

also a nice rocket's red glare and ephemeral, the last being almost 9 inches in diameters.

enjoy,

louis

John I can't get enough of Cindy's Heart, always a pleasure to see

Louis thanks for the compliments on FF, not only an outrageous bloom but the plant is really pretty too.

Today's blooms...

Acapulco Gold
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01985.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01986.jpg)

Flickering Flame - day 2
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01987.jpg)

Farmer D

Darren, I love that Acapulco Gold. I hope mine starts blooming soon.
I am trying to get my CH to be as big and lush as your bushes are.
Here is a pic of my CH bush. It's only 2 feet tall but very full.
(http://i56.tinypic.com/qn1xsl.jpg)

John what has really helped me out significantly this spring has been the HVH booster (hadn't used it before).  My plants pretty much lost all of their leaves (except COF) due to winter cold so they are in the process of growing out new leaves and branches.  I would seem to barely water them and the leaves would yellow pretty quickly with not much water and slow growth all around.

When I added the booster along w/ my regular doses of special blend fert all of a sudden my plants could take in so much more water (and fert along with it) and boy did they ever green up (and it has been very cool here all spring long).  No more yellow leaves and a heck of a lot more new growth and blooms. 

I also do daily sprayings of supernova to instigate new branch growth for fuller bushes.  I'm chicken to prune them down a lot to get a nice full bush on some of the more skyscraper type cvs instead trying to create new branch growth down low as well as up high just with spraying.  Seems to be working so far.

My goal is to get all of my plants if possible looking like my COF bush.  So far so good.  Adding the booster has definitely been the difference maker for me.  For those that have potted plants watch the amounts & frequency of the booster for salt burn.  In ground seems ok as the water tends to leach down the ferts continuously so not as much an issue.

It is a big time commitment, but hopefully once they have the right branching it's just a matter of monitoring their strength and frequency of feeding.  This season I'm making the big push to get them all around 4 ft tall.  End goal is to get them like the pics on the world gardens page from Australia.  So a few more years to go there.

I planted them all last April and only a few were not 4" babies last year.

Farmer D

What ratio are you using with the HVH Fert and Booster?
Thanks, John Piper

Alright
I've got to start by saying that the ratio I use is really strong and I have done my best to have soil that drains pretty well so my plants hopefully won't get any fert burn. 

At the same time I am really trying to find out what the max point is for my plants so I've been increasing the dosages to the following:

2 heaping spoon fulls each of both special blend fert & booster with 2 gallons of water every other day.  I also mix in one capful of supernova as well for root growth stimulation with this mix. 

So far no burn at all and the plants are loving it.  Question is how much might I be wasting that gets leached down with the water past the root ball?  Again all of this with cool weather.  I'm curious to see what happens with the plant growth when we finally get some warmer weather here.

Hope this helps, my advice is every location has it's own requirements so you got to keep experimenting until you get a result that stands out.  This has definitely stood out for me so far this season.

Today's theme: Multiple Blooms

Flickering Flame
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01988.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01991.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01989.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01990.jpg)

Chariots of Fire
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01992.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01997.jpg)

All That Jazz Quads
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01993.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01994.jpg)

Acapulco Gold
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01995.jpg)

Black Dream
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01996.jpg)

My Happy Plumeria loves the hibiscus booster too!
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC01999.jpg)

Farmer D

Wow Darren, you garden is going to town!

I would say you really need to cut the amount of fert you are using. That is ALOT of fertilizer every two days, so much so that I would say your plants arent even metabolizing it.  Nitrogen is very water soluble so it is going to trickle down into the water table.  The Phosphorous (along with nitrogen) is going to follow any excess water and organic particulates out to the storm drain.  In Los Angeles this directly inputs into the ocean and causes massive algal blooms which cause hypoxic events, fish kills, shellfish poisoning, etc.  This is called Eutrophication and it is very bad, there is more information here:
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eutrophication

The cool weather is likely the reason you haven't experienced any nitrogen burn yet, but as more water is taken up during hot weather the fertilizer regime you are currently using will likely cause nitrogen burn even in your plants in the ground.  They are likely regulating the amount of nutrient uptake via temperature like you mentioned.  In fact the pseudo-misnomer that you should not fertilize during hot weather is derived from the rationale that too much uptake of fertilizer will cause burn.  

Please decrease your fertilizer dosage simply for the environmental reasons if nothing else.  Your plants will still look great with a more modest fertilizer regime, in fact you probably wont even notice the difference!  If you plot the rate at which plants can uptake nutrients, you get a max metabolism.  This is the value you want to shoot for, at the rate you are applying is much higher and you are wasting alot of it. Check out http://www.epa.gov/agriculture/tfer.html too

Whoa I would cut back like chris said. I would not put heaping spoon fulls of both booster and special blend. The new directions on the containers say 1/2 teaspoon. I use one full teaspoon because I been using this for the past 2 years and no problems ( and this was the old directions) . I added the booster because my plants where not fertilized during the winter. I am now cutting back on booster and will just give them special blend. The super nova is ok to Over dose some because its just sea weed extract.

I would use Bart's recipe ( I modified it some )
2 teaspoons Special Blend
2 teaspoons Booster
in 5 gallons water
I added 5 teaspoons of super nova

My plants loved this mix so much.  I will start this up once I make sure their is no salt burn.

I use 1 teaspoon Special blend 1 teaspoon Booster and 1 teaspoon Super nova per gallon when I water. I water plants any where from 5-7 days each time.  Doing every other day will insure salt burn.

After 2 years of waiting finally got Stand !!!!!
(http://kerrysroxy.zenfolio.com/img/v21/p642362426-4.jpg)
(http://kerrysroxy.zenfolio.com/img/v20/p730993735-4.jpg)

2 heaping spoon fulls each of both special blend fert & booster with 2 gallons of water every other day.  I also mix in one capful of supernova as well for root growth stimulation with this mix.

When you break down what Darren is doing, apart from the fact he is heaping the teaspoon he is giving whats highly reommended by this site by Charlie.

1/2 teaspoon of fert and half teaspoon of booster per gallon per day, it sounds a lot because he is mixing 2 galllons at a time and feeding every other day.

Maybe he should not heap the teaspoon but you cant get away from the fact he is having some fantastic results so I am at a bit of a loss as to what is the problem.

David,

If you do the math 1/2 teaspoon per gallon, would be 1 teaspoon per 2 gallons. Therefore, following your computational skills 2 tsp per 2 gallons would not be equivalent to the recommended dose, but double it. I do not understand how double the recommended dose is "giving whats highly recommended by this site by Charlie"  

Also if you reread the response, we are simply trying to provide advice so that Darren does not run into problems with salt burn.  In addition, over-fertilization of soil causes massive environmental problems and again are stated in the previous response.

Mine get with every watering:

1/2 tsp per gallon HVH acid blend
1/2 tsp per gallon Supernova
1/8 tsp per gallon iron chelate
1/8 tsp per gallon seaweed extract

Also, every two weeks they get 1 tsp per gallon Fulmag magnesium or 2 tsp per gallon HVH booster.  (I alternate between weeks, so I'm giving one of these each week)  They really seem to love this mix.

It's interesting to hear what everyone is doing. As far as what is the best program, well, the proof, as they say, is in the pudding.

One factor that needs to be kept in mind is that growing in the ground provides the maximum buffering effect for nutrients added to the soil. Growing in pots provides less buffering and growing hydroponically in water provides the least amount. Buffering dilutes the effects of the nutrients, meaning that in the ground they will be less potent and more can be used. The same amount added to a hydroponic solution could very well fry the plant.

According to chemical engineer and hibiscus enthusiast Constantino Garcia, the amount of potassium nitrate (Booster) that can be used increases with continued use. He theorizes that hibiscus can develop a tolerance to it and so in his growing he starts with lower amounts and increases them as the season goes on. Of course the end result of that, if you do not stop increasing at the right time, is that you can defoliate your plants through too much use. With the right amount you get superb growth and blooms.

Growing is both art and science. There are so many variables and so many microclimates in any growing situation that one has to discover what works for you in your conditions. Spending a lot of time with your plants, and learning how to observe their subtle changes, goes a long way toward developing the art of growing.

My two cents,

Charlie

I can now see the mistake I have made and can see Darren is using double whats recommended by Charlie, it still took me about half an hour to work that out and maybe Chris you should take into account that some of us have been a long time since school.

Ok guys, don't make me pull this car over..............................






Now it's time for some pretty flowers!!  Buttercup, Sleeping Beauty, Splash!, and Illuminati

Stunning set of pictures, Sleeping Beuty is wonderfull.

Charlie, Constantino has been a great resource in understanding the chemistry of fertilizer and is an interesting person to interact with.  

Jordan, great blooms!  Your plants always look great!

David, Sorry but there is nothing wrong with proposing a logical defense.

ALL I KNOW IS THAT DARREN IS DOING SOMETHING RIGHT ::)...AND DAVID AND AM NOT GOOD AT MATH EITHER....OH WELL BEAUTIFUL BLOOMS EVERYONE... ;D :D...HERE ARE A FEW OF MINE...LYNETTE

AND A COUPLE MORE...

That's a great looking plant stand, Kerry. I bet the hibs are gonna do very well on it.

Jordan, such great colors you are getting now. So nice to see.

Lynette, isn't African Princess a different kind of bloom? I'm really taken by it and so yesterday brought a big 6 inch pot home to watch bloom in our living room windows. Probably sneak some pollen on them, too!

Darren, I think these most recent Flickering Flame photos are the first ones that I have seen that show off the real colors of FF that I see in ideal greenhouse conditions. It's why I kept that one, plus the pretty bush. Could be summer coming on or very likely the potassium nitrate (Booster) effect that it is famous for.

Charlie

Thanks Charlie, this is by far the deepest colors yet I've had for FF.  So far so good.


Hey Folks,

This forum is a wonderful place for us where we can exchange information and ideas.  I have learned so much since being a member starting last summer.  

Each one of you has posted some wonderful things that have really helped me out for quite some time now.  Even with my last post I understand that the amounts of fert and booster are extreme and can cause the reactions that we have seen.

I encourage everyone to contribute their ideas and knowledge cause I'm sure I don't know everything and all I want is the best results for my plants and maybe some new ideas for yours.  

At the same time I am glad to be made aware of environmental impacts as that is important to me as well.  I also didn't know that with increasing temps this might work against me with the very high levels of ferts.  This is how I learn and I'm not embarrassed to make mistakes - that is how it goes sometimes.

Bottom line is I enjoy each one of yours' input on a weekly basis and ask that we all use a little extra patience and thoughtfulness when posting.

It means a lot to me to be able to share the joy and beauty of these special plants that obviously mean a lot to us.  When you think about it there aren't that many of us who post pics on a regular basis so let's remember that.

Happy Monday & thanks for all of your inputs...

Darren
Farmer D

YES CHARLIE..I LUV AFRICAN PRINCESS!!.IT IS SO EXOTIC LOOKING...KINDA HAS A GREEN TINT TO IT..LUV LUV LUV

Kerry congrats on the plant stand.  I'm sure your plants are partying all day now.  That is a big step up!!

Wow Jordan your blooms are breath taking!!  They are all so colorful and Illuminati is just beyond spectacular.  Great set of pics, thanks for sharing those.

Lynette you're right on about African Princess.  I really love the way it pinwheels and swirls.  Your blooms are all looking so good, great spread of colors...

Today's blooms...

Daisy Mae Twins
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02007.jpg)

Black Dream
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02006.jpg)

Acapulco Gold (Just got the Spinosad today so no more thrips soon)
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02004.jpg)

All That Jazz
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02003.jpg)

Flickering Flame
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02001.jpg)

Sea of Tranquility
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02000.jpg)

Farmer D

I'm falling in love with African Princess too, Lynette. The greenish main color, the dark veins, and then eye is a shimmery mix of purple and deep pink. The camera doesn't pick up all the shimmery colors, but I really love them! It's kind of a simple, clean flower with those blended colors, like some of those rainforest butterflies that look like brown in one light, and other colors when they fly.

Great description cindy...and yes she is much prettier in person...and it seems that some hibs are more photogenic than others... ??? ::)....nice to here from you!!!!!!

Sublime blooms everyone... {{{Whooo hoo!}}}

Hi Cindy! So awesome to see you on the Forum again :D

Lynette - Those are some very pretty AP blooms...

My Princess is confused and wants me to ask: Why are the leaves on Lynette's African Princess different than hers? Aren't all AP's part of the Farout and Groovy Fascinating Foliage collection?

Happy First Day of Summer Everybody! 8)

The Path
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02014.jpg)

Daisy Mae
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02013.jpg)

Valentines Day
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02012.jpg)

All That Jazz
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02010.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02011.jpg)

Acapulco Gold
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02009.jpg)

Tahitian Cherry Blossom
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02008.jpg)

Farmer D

High Voltage and Cindy's Heart
(http://i54.tinypic.com/1234ftj.jpg)

Amazing color change from morning to afternoon
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02009.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02015.jpg)

I am really impressed with The Path.  I know Charlie has used it a lot for some awesome creations including my fav Bridal Path.
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02016.jpg)

Farmer D

great blooms everyone....yash my african princess has the fancy leaves just a lot larger.....charlie...does porceline doll have the 3 lobed leaves????  cause some of her new leaves are...just wondering...lynette....darren..your acapulco gold looks so good....mine has been blooming a lot but my blooms ar not as nice as yours..... ???...lynette

I just wanted to chime in and let you all know that first of all, your blooms are rocking!  But I wanted to tell you that I visit the forum a few times a day.  I am joansin to take and post some photos to share with all of you, but I have been so swamped with photography work lately that I cant even take space to edit more photos....  I have a 6 bloom Saffron I took with my iPhone the other day!  (I know, my iPhone, really...) I want to show you, but it will have to wait till I get these wedding photos done.  Sorry, but I just wanted to say thanks, the forum has been breaking up my days of editing, making me smile!  You all rock!  :)

Darren I was watching something on tv yesterday about how the farmers use of fertilizer on crops are killing coral reefs  :( They said all these chemicals are being washed into the ocean and killing wildlife in rivers,lakes and the ocean. I as I told you I used to have reef tank if I every get another I will only get aquaculture and tank raised fish to help save the reef. ( right now I am going on a Goldfish adventure 60 gallons with Orandas LOL)

I have my plants in pots and its not an issue yet but I will be using a organic fertilizer once the HVH blend is finished. When I was like 16 and started this hibiscus craze lol I used chicken poop and seaweed extract and some other organic fertilizer. I got great results.

Yeah Kerry,  I think organics are great, I used to use bioblizz and got great results with my hibiscus.  I am afraid of salt burn and salt-based fertilizers really wreck havoc on the micro-communities of bacteria and fungus in the soil.

I really want to try out mycorrhizae on my hibiscus, but I need to switch to organics first, so I don't kill them!

Interestingly enough, where I (Cindy) lived in Washington, one of the main sources of pollution in the Columbia River was pure, natural cow manure, straight off of all the farms in Eastern Washington. Nitrogen is still nitrogen in any form, and algae love it. Chicken poop actually has one of the highest nitrogen contents of any fertilizer, and will burn the heck out of plants. I don't think it matters what source you use for your nitrogen nearly as much as how carefully you use it.

CHARLIE i DIDN'T KNOW IF YOU SEEN MY POST ABOUT PORCELINE DOLL...DOES SHE HAVE ANY OF THE 3 LOBED LEAVES AT ALL...BECAUSE MINE HAS A FEW??....HERE ARE SOME BLOOMS FROM THE LAST COUPLE OF DAYS...MY BELLE HAD HER FIRST BLOOM OF THE YEAR AND MEASURED 9 1/2 INCHES....GOT A LITTLE FADED FROM THE NEAR 100 DEGREE TEMP....OH WELL ;D..LYNETTE

AND THE REST....

I hear you Kerry,  I've seen quite a few of those programs showing the hundreds of miles of dead zones around major river deltas.  Love going to the local farmers markets here where the vendors are all local farms that grow organic.  It's nice to meet the people who actually grow the things you eat.  I hope it continues to grow in this direction.

Good luck with the new aquarium, knowing you it will be really nice.

Farmer D

Wow, Lynette your blooms are amazing!!  What a great line up, I love them all.

How many plants do you have now?  Every time you post there are always new ones to enjoy.  And I'd love to see your Acapulco Gold,  I'd feel really bad if anyone doesn't want to show their pics.  All that hard work deserves to be rewarded with a little publicity.

Loving Confection Perfection, one day mine will bloom too (little dinker almost a foot tall but with a couple buds).  Also Dancing Dragon has some spectacular colors that I was not expecting.  How big does that one bloom...don't we wish they were all as big as Belle...

Farmer D

Sea of Tranquility (ran out of room to blossom)
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02025.jpg)

Lynette - My Porcelain Doll has the lobbed leaves also... I think PDoll inherited the trait from Key Lime Pie. Loving all your blooms, by the way... Delicious Confection Perfection!

Deb
(Sorry, not Charlie) :D

There is a big difference between natural and chemicals. If there was not then why are so many people going organic ?  

I didn't get any salt burn or ill effects with organic fertilizer like I did with chemical fertilizers.  

Yes of course cow manure will pollute a river. Its not natural for it to be there lol ...... If the cows are raised on a prairie like in a similar situation as bisons then its good for the earth. I highly believe if humans where not involved with the course of mother nature everything would be balanced. But unfortunately we need food too and farming has destroyed a lot of environments.

People can use whatever fertilizer they want but I am going to start using organic ones  :)

Of course everyone is free to fertilize or not fertilize their hibiscus, but I can say that after growing 1,000,000 plus hibiscus plants over 20 years that the difference between using a good fertilizer and not doing so is night and day. Anyone can prove this for themselves - take a hibiscus that has not been fertilized for several months and treat it to a good fertilizer and notice the difference - it is astounding. More, bigger, and brighter flowers to say nothing of the improved growth and health of the plant.

Fertilizer is not some big bad ogre - it is food for plants. Some ingredients in it are absolutely essential for plant survival, other ingredients while not essential for survival still play a major role in helping a hibiscus reach its genetic potential. So called "organic fertilizers" rarely if ever contain the right ratios or amounts of major and minor minerals that are carefully formulated in good fertilizers.

This is not to say that I do not recommend adding rich humus and other organic material into pots or garden soil for the benefits that come from these. Of course we highly recommend this and always have. However, I believe that a strong base of plant nutrition in the form of essential and non-essential minerals is of critical importance to growing hibiscus the best it can be grown.

The topic of hibiscus nutrition should not be confused with pollution issues, which are an important but different topic of discussion.

Charlie

We will have to agree to disagree on organic fertilizer and how you think fertilizing has nothing to do with pollution.... I remember you carried some but since its not HVH brand and not available its not recommended any more. People can do their own experiments and research I guess.  I done mine  ;)

Anyways here is my pic of the day
Here is a bad picture I took with my cell
(http://kerrysroxy.zenfolio.com/img/v21/p436578459-4.jpg)

nice blooms today

Muffin Man: probably my new favorite brown, blooms have great form, texture and color.

Creme de la Creme: looking just like a brown Rum runner today

Beautiful blooms from everyone. Nice to see Dancin' Dragon and Solar Eclipse, Lynette. Very rare varieties that are favorites of mine. Sea of Tranquility is always a pleasure to see, Darren. Kristen, can't wait to see your 6 bloom Saffron pic.

Charlie

Does anybody recognize this one? Lots of talk about it as a seedling and the forum came up with the name of Summer Shore. It sold out very quickly back in January but there are some more 6 inch pots of it that will be ready soon. Below is a bloom close-up and a photo of it on its bush, an FF type. Flower size 7 inches yesterday.

Charlie

Kerry, about the organic fertilizer we once carried. This was a European made liquid fertilizer suitable for use in pots and was the only organic fertilizer we could find that had an acceptable NPK ratio. It was quite good but when we tried to re-order it our main national distributor said they could not get it anymore. We found a second wholesale distributor based on the east coast who told us that the manufacturer in Europe had significantly raised the price of this product and that the distributor had decided not to carry it based on that. So, it's back to the drawing board.

The typical organic fertilizer available here has a low NPK value and very low potassium levels. They are not water soluble and are best used to improve garden soil but are not that suitable for use in pots.

Charlie

Spot on, Deb. Porcelain Doll can show this type of foliage inherited from Key Lime Pie. My observation of the Fascinating Foliage series and others like Porcelain Doll is that the leaves will vary a lot. There are a couple, Jungle Fire comes to mind, that have an even more extreme version of these leaves and show them more consistently. Time will tell with these new varieties.

Charlie

I keep missing out on this one, and James Bond.  Though with this look it might be too similar to Sea of Tranquility, which I have.  How would you compare these two?

They are similar. Sea of Tranquility reflexes more often than Summer Shore which tends to remain flat. Some people like the reflex look while others do not. Sea of Tranquility changes color after opening to that brighter yellow edge which does not happen with Summer Shore. Sea of Tranquility also has a great dark look on cooler overcast days.

I like them both and find them unique enough to want to keep both around..

James Bond impressed me enough this spring to hoard the remaining plants so that we can offer more of it next year. I really like its opening colors which can be fantastic, and find the second day colors only so-so. Nice big flower, too.

Charlie

Thanks Charlie for that explaination, Summer Shore with that orange edge is hard to beat!  Plus it has a nice bush and those nightrunner genes. 

James Bond is great!  I really like those pics Louis posted. 

Well I am sure I usually only get to see the cool bright color blooms up here.  It is a almost July and the high temperature for today is 60,  Plants outside look fine, but aren't going to grow too fast in this weather. 

Love all the beautiful pics everyone has posted.

Voodoo Queen is at its best on cloudy days.
(http://i56.tinypic.com/2mabk1.jpg)

John you're right on about Voodoo Queen.  Very nice on those cloudy days.

Got a nice variety of blooms today.

Crystal Pink (1st bloom this season)
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02034.jpg)

Midsummer Night
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02037.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02038.jpg)

Valentines Day
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02040.jpg)

Picante (early morning)
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02042.jpg)

(mid day)
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02050.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02051.jpg)

All That Jazz
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02045.jpg)

Acapulco Gold
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02048.jpg)

Chariots of Fire
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02049.jpg)

Farmer D

DARREN... I LUV BRIDAL PATH ALSO...I HAVE A SMALL ONE JUST BUDDING UP FINALLY....LGROVE ,,GREAT PICS OF HER...DARREN MIDSUMMER NIGHT IS SO PRETTY...CANT WAIT FOR MINE TO BLOOM...AND DARREN I HAVE 70+ PLANTS ALSO...MOSTLY IN MY GARDEN IN POTS AND SOME IN THE GROUND..I JUST LUV THEM...HERE ARE SOME BLOOMS FROM TODAY.. ;) ;D..LYNETTE

AND THE REST...

OOPS AND THE REST....

Lynette your blooms are awesome.  The colors are really intense and pretty.  Your Valentines Day is really unique, in fact I'm wondering if it is VD?  Those colors are amazing, they are day glow and so bright.  I've never seen a VD like that!

My Bridal Path is probably the slowest of all my plants as far as coming back from winter.  I did move it once during winter to make way for more cvs so I'm sure that set it back a lot unfortunately.  Extra TLC for it...

Sunrise Dance
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02053.jpg)

Acapulco Gold
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02054.jpg)

Farmer D

darren she had just opened...i know it was really bright...but as the day went on she faded a little..but not a lot...

Cindy's Heart twins
(http://i52.tinypic.com/jhwis1.jpg)
From another angle
(http://i53.tinypic.com/23jr6eo.jpg)
High Voltage
(http://i55.tinypic.com/6f08dy.jpg)

Today's Blooms....

Rainbow Sherbet
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02076.jpg)

Crystal Pink
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02068.jpg)

Black Dream
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02072.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02071.jpg)

Chariots of Fire
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02070.jpg)

Farmer D

Cinnamon Splendor
(http://i54.tinypic.com/25s6f5j.jpg)

Crystal Pink
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02077.jpg)

Melon Melange
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02078.jpg)

Flickering Flame
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02082.jpg)

Chariots of Fire
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02083.jpg)

Valentines Day
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02085.jpg)

All That Jazz
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02087.jpg)

Acapulco Gold
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02088.jpg)

Farmer D

"Key Lime Pie" and "Dainty White" (love those fuzzy white pads) :D

Wow. The grass IS greener in California... Even the dandelions are beautiful :o

Gorgeous blooms Darren!

John Doll, it's interesting which varieties are still blooming in the high TX temperatures. Cindy's Heart, High Voltage, too, and Cinnamon Splendor in that group.

David, what's blooming in Vietnam these days?

Farmer D, I'm looking forward to seeing what Crystal Pink will do as summer temps warm up along the coast. Being a daughter of Chariots of Fire, expectations are high for lots of bud and bloom. The flowers get more interesting, too, as more white markings come out on Crystal Pink the warmer it gets.

Deb, are all your flowers from indoor blooms? Amazing how well they do.

Charlie

Here are 2 photos of Saffron last week with twins for that day.  There were 6 other buds waiting to open.  Sorry about the quality, they were taken with my iPhone...

Those Saffron blooms are wonderful.

Another High Voltage
(http://i56.tinypic.com/k188yw.jpg)

Hi Charlie! Yes, all the hibiscus are indoors... The weather has been too erratic (storms/wind/temps) to even let the garden varieties stay out and play.

Kristen! Those Saffron blooms are HUGE & such a vibrant color... Looks like they're full of seed pods, too!  :D

Another "Dainty White" and an "Albo Lacinatus" today. Lots of buds forming elsewhere... Hope the sun keeps shining!

Deb your blooms are so clean and serene.  I think if I were there in person I would just be quiet and take them in for a long time.  I love the name Key Lime Pie too, that light green is fabulous but it makes me sad cause no one here in LA makes a good Key Lime Pie.  Maybe that's a good thing?

Kristen those are text book perfect Saffron blooms.  Wow, that is some rich color and energy protruding from those two.

Today's blooms...

Daisy Mae
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02103.jpg)

Black Dream
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02101.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02099.jpg)

Acapulco Gold
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02095.jpg)

Chariots of Fire - 16 open blooms today
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02091.jpg)

Funk bug - never seen this guy before...
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02102.jpg)

Farmer D

Loving that Dainty White!  Is that a Garden CV?  Good bush?

yash I think I also have dainty white...very delicate looking...kristen saffron is beautiful...darren really nice black dream bloom!!...here are some blooms from the last couple of days..lynette

darren that looks like a weird fly..yuc...

and the last... ;D

Hi Chris!  “Dainty White” is the sport of “Dainty Pink” (which bears an uncanny resemblance to “Albo Lacinatus”)... I think it is closer to being an ancestor than a garden-variety hibiscus. The “Dainty’s” growth habit is similar to El Capitolio and Schizopetalus, and it has all the vigor of an ancestor: fast, upright grower-- tends to have a weeping form, but is branching nicely without pinching/pruning. Mine is staked, as it has shot straight up for the lights, and I don’t want it to get any “wild” ideas. It’s full of buds-- loves the fluorescents, and I suspect the heat as well (Schizopetalus, the El Capitolios and Albo Lacinatus have also been budding up like crazy in the heat of the western exposure sunroom).  It’s the only pure white hibiscus (except for pollen) that I’ve met, from petals to pads.   ;)

Hi Darren! I like serene. But I don't mind exciting, er... sometimes.
I was enjoying your exhilarating blooms very much. Then, I came to the way-too-realistic photo of Mr. Hollywood Funky Bug (Whoa)!
Photo caption: "I'm ready for my close-up, Mr. D"  :D

Thanks Deb, I am intrigued by the white pads, never seen that one a hibiscus before!

I wouldn't worry about the quality of the photo, maybe a problem with your hand though Kristen hihi, it seems very small in that photo.

Lynett that Luck be a Lady is a real beauty.

Hi Lynette! We certainly seem to have the same taste in CVs... Beautiful blooms! (Really love "Dancin' Dragon") :D

Creole Belle
(http://i52.tinypic.com/1zwnomw.jpg)
Saffron Moon - a double that does well in the heat
(http://i51.tinypic.com/2w74mmq.jpg)
Cindy's Heart
(http://i53.tinypic.com/247fd.jpg)

yash..to bad we did not live closer...oh well :-\ :-*

John that is a beautiful Cindy's Heart!!

Wed's blooms....

Acapulco Gold
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02108.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02109.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02110.jpg)

Rainbow Sherbet
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02106.jpg)

Midsummer Night
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02105.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02104.jpg)

Farmer D

Great pics as always Darren, any of your other CVs start blooming yet?  Lots of pics of your big three Chariots of Fire, Acapulco Gold, and Black Dream.

First bloom of Dress Blues, tall upright bush, looks to be vigorous as well.  I would classify this as a cool weather bloom, our high temperature today is 63. 

Hey Chris, why the negative comment?  Are you getting tired of seeing those cvs?  I do my best to post pics of the others I have blooming and mix it up best I can.  I wonder if anyone else feels that way too?

I think you know I have quite a few other blooming cvs I share on a regular basis so that's unfortunate. 

Farmer D

I wish I did too, Lynette!  :D

Nah, I think Chris was just curious. For me, I've been saving some of my favorite forum photos onto my hard drive and as I was doing it this morning I noticed the different angles and bloom presentations of the many photos and appreciated all the variations. Chariots of Fire in particular shows a lot of different ways to bloom a bunch all at once! Keep posting - the forum page openings are exploding in number this month, must be doing something right.

Charlie

I am sorry if you misinterpreted my comment Darren, I was just curious since you have alot of other CVs.  Perhaps I need to decrease my participation on the forum as my posts have been interpreted as negative lately.  It is not my intention to cause problems and think that it is best to remove myself from this situation.

I have enjoyed the pictures all have posted, Muffin Man twins will be it from me.

Chris, I hope you decide to stay. I have enjoyed everyone's contribution to the forum.

Chris, You are a very valuable member on this forum.  And have been for years.  You are so smart and so helpful to us all.  It was just a misunderstanding.  Please stay.

A little feast for the senses today...

*Blooms - "H. Schizopetalus" and a couple slices of "Key Lime Pie"
*Some incredibly sweet dinner guests
*And some exquisite fragrance to virtually share
  (Jasmine Sambac - to clarify the mind and uplift the spirit)

Deb  ;)

Wonderful Deb.

Cute quackers, Deb!

Below are some recent blooms from the greenhouse where we have started most days with overcast that burns off by late morning. This allows the flowers to fully open without much loss of color. In the case of My Blue Heaven, it produced the darkest version of this flower I have seen. It is usually a very pleasant blue color but here it is almost black.

Charlie

Deb those ducks are just adorable.  How wonderful it must be to get visitors like that!!!  Also love your jasmine too.  I have a hedge a Star Jasmine that the afternoon wind blows all the blooming fragance into our home each day.  Such a wonderful smell those Jasmine.

Charlie those are some nice blooms.  Right on about the weather here.  The blooms have been able to keep their colors for a couple days at a time.   Looks like that is about to change...

Here are my last blooms for June taken yesterday.

High Voltage (1st bloom this season)
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02128.jpg)

Acapulco Gold
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02126.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02125.jpg)

Apricot Cookie (1st bloom)
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02124.jpg)

All That Jazz - loving the two ringed eyes with a very lush red now
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02123.jpg)

Flickering Flame
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02120.jpg)

Midsummer Night - this one is amazing
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02118.jpg)

Chariots of Fire - this plant just keeps getting better & better
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/darreneminian/DSC02115.jpg)

Farmer D

Your Chariots of Fire never ceases to amaze me!

Creole Belle - CB has turned out to be as heat tolerant as High Voltage and Cindy's Heart.
(http://i51.tinypic.com/avj7s4.jpg)

Darren your blooms are always georgeous....I repotted my alcapulco gold into a bigger pot ...hopefully she will look as good as yours,,and i just luv flickering flame...here are some blooms from the last couple of days ;D :D..lynette

and a couple more..oops this should have been july ...oh well

That Creole Belle is very nice Doll, you say its heat tolerant, can I ask how much sun is it getting a day.

David, it is in full sun for 6-7 hours. And I just read yesterday that this June was the hottest June on record for Houston.

I like that Apricot Cookie Darren, its going to be great over the next few weeks seeing  the new cv's we all bought back in January.

Thanks Doll, I will add that cv to the heat and sun tolerant list I started. You know I am always amazed at how you manage to keep your leaves that lovely deep green colour.

David, I use chelated iron as part of my regular feeding.

The thing is so do I, but any cv I have that sits in the sun the leaves will soon pale, and I mean pale not burn, maybe its because I am near the equator and the affect from the sun is different. I am going to try and increase the Iron and see if I can make a difference.

David, another factor might be the ph of your soil. If it is too alkaline it could be preventing your plants from absorbing all the the nutrients in the soil. Also, I think insecticides can cause the leaves to be a faded color.

Just had a good read and for sure I am not giving enough Iron, my other cv's that are not in the sun are ok, certainly much greener but not with that lovely glossy look that you get, so maybe my PH may be a bit wrong, trouble is my super duper PH meter is still stuck up next doors tree, maybe when they next collect the coconuts I will ask them to get it back for me.