Wednesday, May 12, 2010

The Excitement Continues

Hello Daylily Friends,

It has been several days since my last post when I showed the magnificent, two new, "toothed seedlings." I doubt that these will be topped by any other seedlings anytime soon. Jumps like 1-336 and 1-337 only happen perhaps once in a summer. Nevertheless, today I was surprised to see Seedling 1-348 bloom with what appears to be a tendency to want to double, or show some other similar form of appearance, along with a number of "white teeth." There are growths on each of the petals that I have not seen before in my gardening. Seedling 1-348 is beautiful being 36" tall, with 3-way branching, 14 buds, and a 6" flower. I have decided to cross 1-337 and 1-348. Hopefully I can lock down on those teeth.

One area with which I have had difficulty has been in the creation of lavender daylilies. I have tried and tried, but with little success. Then, suddenly, there she appears. Seedling 1-341. A cross between SPINEY SEA URCHIN and one of my seedlings. I am so pleased. Even when I watered in the Greenhouse this afternoon, Seedling 1-341 continued to look strong. It has good substance, and is very tall. Indeed, 1-341 is 34" tall, 5-way branching, 22 buds, and a 7" flower. I have big plans for 1-341. It will soon be a parent of a long line of lavenders.

Seedling 1-343 is perhaps an unusual cross, and here is the parentage: ((Heartbeat of Heaven x Jennifer Trimmer) x Tet. Star Child) x Lydia's Regal Robe. I was surprised at the color, but I am trying to create new daylilies that are different from those normally seen. I would note that 1-343 was planted in late September, 2009, so it is not at its full growth potential. Currently it is 30" tall with a 5 1/2" flower. There are only nine buds with no branches, but there is one proliferation. I would expect branches when 1-343 is at its full maturity.

When 1-338 bloomed I was quite guidy with excitement. I previously had Seedling 1-334, which is the same cross, but 1-338 is much more alluring and beckoning in its appearance. The burgundy eyes are so large that there is only a little lavender self on the petals. When there are eyes that practically claim the entire appearance of the petals, this is indeed an attractive feature. Then I would note that the lavender color on the petals is matched in the lavender color of the sepals. Just a very unusual color pattern. Two good parents have produced a beautiful new addition to my garden. 1-338 is also not at its full growth, but like Seedling 1-343, it has good height which is important.

I have shown a number of purples, and I suppose I make them because I like them. This new daylily will be called Seedling 1-330. I thought when it bloomed that it was the most beautiful purple that I had yet seen. I suppose that I always think this with a new daylily. Anyway, 1-330 is 29" tall, it has 3-way branching, 10 buds, a 6" flower, and one proliferation. Well, it is late Wednesday afternoon, and I am going to Church for supper. So, I sign off with no more news for today.

Bill

6 comments:

  1. I really enjoy all of the seedlings that you are showing, especially the one with the large eye and the last purple one. My seedling has a scape on it, as well as many other plants in my garden. You should come and see it soon. Marietta full house has the darkest, largest fans I have ever seen! The leaves are atleast 2.5 inches across.
    Luke van de vate

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  2. Luke I have to agree as to the strength of MARIETTA FULL HOUSE. I found it to be the "toughest yellow" that I have ever grown. It has height, branching, bud count, and best of all, it is DORMANT. I will get over to visit again soon.
    Bill

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  3. Hey, Bill!
    I'd love to stop by on Wednesday, May 26 when I fly into Atlanta for the National. Are you still going to be home then? My flight is in at 11am...let me know!

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  4. Sure. Come on by. Would be so glad to have your visit.
    Bill

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  5. 1-348....HOLY MOLY! I definitely want one of those in my yard! What a beauty!

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  6. I'll give you a call next week to confirm a visit! Thanks so much! ~Nikki

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