Hidden Valley Hibiscus Forum

Hi Charlie
I received my plants this week all arrived in good shape . On the care of Vin Extraordinaire I was wondering if there is anything special that would help to keep it in good shape. I read on the forum that it likes extra iron & Magnesium so I just bought some Fulmag Chelated Magnesium + I use the extra potassium . I also read it likes warm weather, being down south I have plenty of that .I would like to know if their is any other helpful advice on keeping it healthy .

Im with you on this one Mike.  I don't want to mess this one up!

Its not that it requires special treatment, more that it is less forgiving to "bumps" or mishaps and does not rebound as readily as other CVs.  You just need to make sure that it doesnt get cold, too much sun, too much fert, etc.. or it will sulk.  If you have grown accustomed to good bloomers and robust plants, VE is not.  It doesn't bloom alot compared to all the other CVs of Charlies I have grown and the plant and, although upright, is a persnickety grower.  It is definitely a collectors plant and I would not recommend to anyone just starting growing hibiscus.  That being said the blooms, although few and far between, are very delicate and pretty.  It also holds good potential for hybridizing. 

I would also transplant it into only a slightly bigger pot, maybe even leave it in the pot in came in for a few months, as it is a slow grower.  Hopefully my experience will help you, good luck.     

I agree with what Chris said, but I also think those who can give it more warmth than Chris can in Seattle will see faster growth and more blooming. It's not too slow or stingy with blooms in my heated greenhouse but definitely does not do well in colder temperatures in winter (under 60F). It is also highly recommended to keep the spider mites off of VinEx as it does not recover quickly from a bad attack. I have several plants of VinEx that are over 5 years old now and hopefully that indicates they can last for a decade or more.

Charlie

Mine thus far has had a yellow leaf or two after shipment and due to its adjusting to my climate, but that's all.  Hot, dry, ugh...  kind of weather.  102 degrees here tomorrow.  I can't wait to see what Vin will do for me.  It is in partial sun.  It gets about 4 hours of sun in the morning and shade in the afternoon.  I've done fine with Black Dragon, so my plan is to treat VE the same and hope for the best.  :)  Charlie, I'll let you know how VE likes the central valley.

Good luck with her Jordan! 

Haha, I killed Black Dragon... don't know what I did...  But my Vin looks excellent, even has a bunch of buds on him.  I can thank Charlie for that one though, he made them before he sent Vin to me. ;)  But it is a beautiful happy looking plant.

Great cv for CT.  Growing nicely in our hot summer.  Only had it for about a month or maybe 2 now and have had 3 blooms on it.  2 more to come.

What great color you're getting!

Charlie

Stunning Vin Krysten. Love the dog as well.

Charlie, I've had 3 blooms on him.  The first two were in the crazy heat and intense sun, the third was in the gloomy rain and cool evenings.  I took him in during the blooming period so I can enjoy it without burning.  The color was the same intense for all three, with barely no fading!  Im so impressed.  Also impressed with its chile Ruby Tuesday!

Thanks David.  He is a great dog!