Ay Caramba

[farmer d]

Well I wasn't planning on creating a topic for this CV but as soon as it bloomed yesterday and today I owe it to this one.

Wow, if you like multiple shades of orange blending together in a pretty swirling pinwheel pattern this one delivers.  Going by the picture from the online store I thought it would be a good bloom to have against the light backdrop color of my house as it would easily stand out to passer byers on the street.  I also really like the parents Saffron and Aztec Treasure too - definitely a good combination.

The bush is very lush with soft, delicate leaves that are dark green in the shade.  The shape of the plant is also a really nice oval full solid green look that seems to really like to be sprayed with Supernova as often as possible and it tolerates lots of water too.

Unfortunately the spot mine got planted in is a hot afternoon sun spot during the warm months.  At least it is partially protected by my sun ravaged hydrangea that shields it for the most part.  During our heat wave last week Ay Caramba did suffer quite a bit from the temps and sun.  The leaves yellowed and had some drooping on the worst days.  I changed my sprinkler set up to make sure it does get automatic daily watering in hopes of reducing such impacts and give me a break from being on water patrol too often...

The good news is it sprang back very quickly and only lost one bud during that stretch.  My hope is to put a heat loving low grower CV in front of it to protect it in the future.  The other side of this planter has The Path in front with Electric Orange behind and it is working out perfectly.

I love this CV a lot already and it is showing signs early on of good bud count too.  I also like the yellow heat spots that are a nice light accent to the blooms.  Can't wait for more and will post more pics as they bloom.

Farmer D

[Charlie]

Nice presentation, Farmer D! Ay Caramba shows well in photos but it's one of those whose full impact only comes when seen in person. That's how it ended up being named Ay Caramba - it sort of surprised us when we first spotted it and somebody said "Ay Caramba"!

Charlie

[farmer d]

Charlie the name is perfect for this CV.  Every time I see a new bloom my first reaction is that these are such rich and strong orange and red colors.  When I view my garden from the sidewalk Ay Caramba is the furthest back and hardest to see yet these blooms stand out so well.  And again a really attractive bush that definitely prefers shade to sun.

Farmer D

[Maureenpm00]

This cv is stunning!  Farmer D your pics of this are amazing. I'm sold, i have to have this one. I don't think i have any "orangey" hibs. 

off to update my wish list.

[Denise]

Argh! I can't decide between this and Prosperity!

[farmer d]

Here is an updated shot of the plant.  It is looking much darker again now that the temps are mild again.  During heat waves it didn't like it much at all so I will be planting a heat lover in front of it to protect it in the future.

Farmer D