City Slicker

[nina]

A total disappointment for me. The original plant has not bloomed for two years. I have several young ones, no blooms either. All are grafted. All are well fed and receive a lot of sun.

What do I have to do to make it bloom? Is it so reluctant bloomer elsewhere?

ciao, Nina

[nina]

Nobody!? Come on, tell me your experience on City Slicker. Still no buds.

I have read a description on Dupont's web page, it says "a good bloomer".

[Charlie]

Well, it does bloom pretty well when the temps are mild and there is some shade. I've seen a few hundred growing together at another commercial growers greenhouse, and they all had the same problem - just as they got old enough to bloom the tall stems started falling over. That is probably fixable with time and pruning but I doubt if it will ever be an attractive bush. And they fade badly, but in the right conditions the opening color can be very striking. I will probably drop it as one offered by HVH after next year due to its flaws but will keep a few older plants around for enjoyment anyway.

Charlie

[nina]

Well, thank you, Charles.

If only I had known that two years ago.

ciao, N

[Charlie]

I wish I had known, too. With the fast pace of hybridizing many varieties are making it to market before they are adequately tested. It is partly the fault of commercial growers but on the other hand the growers are responding to the public's preference for what is new.

That is one reason for this forum, it gives people a chance to ask for more info about cultivars before buying and to see photos of the varieties in different conditions, first and second day flowers, cool vs hot climate flowers, and so forth. As you know, too often only one photo is shown by a seller and it often shows only the best possible appearance for the flower. I have always liked it when we get feedback that says "the flower is even better than the photos" because in truth the real flowers are better than their photos unless the photos are exaggerated by software enhancements.

Charlie