December 2009 Archives
December 31, 2009
Another one gets away!
Seeing how it is New Year's Eve, you may be thinking I'm talking about the year 2009, but I'm not. I'm talking about another darn Cuban Tree Frog! Who knows, this could be the same one I've let escape a few times already this year.
With eyes like those looking at you, how on earth could you snuff this poor guy out???? If you followed my earlier posts you know they are an invasive species
that is working its way up the state. When found, we are supposed to
destroy them. Actually, when I was taking these pictures it did not register with me that I was shooting a Cuban Tree Frog. When I downloaded the pics to my computer I knew right away what it was. The big toe pads are a dead giveaway.
Unfortunately the next time I see him it may the last as well...
With eyes like those looking at you, how on earth could you snuff this poor guy out???? If you followed my earlier posts you know they are an invasive species
that is working its way up the state. When found, we are supposed to
destroy them. Actually, when I was taking these pictures it did not register with me that I was shooting a Cuban Tree Frog. When I downloaded the pics to my computer I knew right away what it was. The big toe pads are a dead giveaway.Unfortunately the next time I see him it may the last as well...Ending the year with an unusual Angel Trumpet bloom...
On this final day of the year I thought I would feature a rather unusual looking Angel Trumpet bloom. It is from a brugmansia seedling from the cross of Sassy x Tiara. I have had several seedlings from this cross bloom so far this year and each one has had a completely different look. I would not be surprised if the next blooms on this brugmansia seedling have a different look as well.
December 30, 2009
A golden Angel Trumpet orphan
Today's featured Angel Trumpet is an orphan, meaning I have no idea who its parents are. I wish I knew because this brugmansia is a real beauty.
This is just one of many brugmansia seedlings I have that are either missing a tag, or the cross was unknown when I grew the seeds out. Although knowing the parentage is great, it is not a deal breaker when it comes down to deciding which seedlings are going to be carried forward in my breeding program.
This seedling is certainly one i will carry over to the new year. The blooms are perfectly formed and start out a nice butter yellow color. As the blooms mature the color ages to that of a fine cheese. The blooms are thick textured and long lasting, great traits to have down here when summer rolls around.
I'm looking forward to using this one in some crosses and I already have pollen ready for the next set of blooms!
This is just one of many brugmansia seedlings I have that are either missing a tag, or the cross was unknown when I grew the seeds out. Although knowing the parentage is great, it is not a deal breaker when it comes down to deciding which seedlings are going to be carried forward in my breeding program. This seedling is certainly one i will carry over to the new year. The blooms are perfectly formed and start out a nice butter yellow color. As the blooms mature the color ages to that of a fine cheese. The blooms are thick textured and long lasting, great traits to have down here when summer rolls around.I'm looking forward to using this one in some crosses and I already have pollen ready for the next set of blooms!
Frosted Brugmansia
Yesterday morning it dropped down to 34, cold enough to generate some scattered frost amongst my Angel Trumpet seedlings. This sort of caught me off guard because I did not see any frost warnings in the forecast. I could have easily scheduled the overhead sprinkles to come on in the wee hours of the morning, protecting my plants from frost.
The damage was only to the upper most, tender growth. I did not see any damage to the stems or to the more than 100 seed pods currently developing on the plants.
I have been looking at installing a personal weather station out by my brugs and this close call will push that up my priority list for the start of the new year. This will allow me to better monitor the temperature and dew point when cold weather moves in.
The damage was only to the upper most, tender growth. I did not see any damage to the stems or to the more than 100 seed pods currently developing on the plants.
I have been looking at installing a personal weather station out by my brugs and this close call will push that up my priority list for the start of the new year. This will allow me to better monitor the temperature and dew point when cold weather moves in.
December 29, 2009
Time for another Angel Trumpet two for Tuesday!
Today I'm featuring Angel Trumpet blooms from two separate seedlings from the same brugmansia cross of Gemini x (Susanne x Rothkirch). The first one has a rather wild looking snow white bloom and was obviously influenced heavily by its mother, Gemini.
The second brugmansia seedling from this cross had a greater influence from its father, a seedling from a cross of brugmansia Susanne x Rothkirch, both single pinks. Gemini was still dominate in this second seedling providing the double/triple bloom form.
I'll let them both hang on for another season to see how they develop.
The second brugmansia seedling from this cross had a greater influence from its father, a seedling from a cross of brugmansia Susanne x Rothkirch, both single pinks. Gemini was still dominate in this second seedling providing the double/triple bloom form.I'll let them both hang on for another season to see how they develop.December 28, 2009
A toad on detention...
This toad must be on double secret detention because it is just sitting there with its nose pressed against a sand covered pot...
Another double yellow Angel Trumpet swings into 2009
Here is the second Angel Trumpet seedling to bloom from a cross involving brugmansia Mon Amour de Mureuil x (Angel's Flight x Charming). Last week I posted photos of the first seedling from the cross to bloom. You'll notice quite a big difference in blooms between the two.
This photo was snapped before the bloom was fully mature. The inner skirt did drop down further the following day. I wanted to cross this one back to its sibling, so right after I took this picture I sliced this bloom open to pollinate it. As a result I could not take a good photo of the fully mature bloom.
The white bloom you see in the picture above is from a completely different seedling that happened to be blooming at the same time.
This photo was snapped before the bloom was fully mature. The inner skirt did drop down further the following day. I wanted to cross this one back to its sibling, so right after I took this picture I sliced this bloom open to pollinate it. As a result I could not take a good photo of the fully mature bloom.The white bloom you see in the picture above is from a completely different seedling that happened to be blooming at the same time.
December 27, 2009
A flamboyant Brugmansia shows off its blooms
Today's featured Angel Trumpet seedling features large, flamboyant style, soft pink blooms.
This floriferous seedling is from the brugmansia cross of Painted Lady x Adeline. The blooms pictured here are cool weather blooms, which often tend to be lighter in color than those produced in warm weather.
The blooms have a nice flounce to them and are long lasting. The plant has been a vigorous grower and has remained pest free. I'll watch this one into next summer to see how it performs.
This floriferous seedling is from the brugmansia cross of Painted Lady x Adeline. The blooms pictured here are cool weather blooms, which often tend to be lighter in color than those produced in warm weather. The blooms have a nice flounce to them and are long lasting. The plant has been a vigorous grower and has remained pest free. I'll watch this one into next summer to see how it performs. December 26, 2009
Brugmansia Rubirosa x Little Miss Lili, pushing the red barrier..
Today's featured Angel Trumpet seedling is from a cross between brugmansia Rubirosa x Little Miss Lili.
The bloom is thick textured and long lasting with a pleasant fragrance.
The coloration deepened the day after I took this picture to a very
deep reddish pink. I'm certain that trait was inherited from the
father, Little Miss Lili, one of the darkest reddish pink cultivars I
have in my collection.
This one is still a little rough around the edges so I will continue to watch it to see how it develops.
red
The bloom is thick textured and long lasting with a pleasant fragrance.
The coloration deepened the day after I took this picture to a very
deep reddish pink. I'm certain that trait was inherited from the
father, Little Miss Lili, one of the darkest reddish pink cultivars I
have in my collection. This one is still a little rough around the edges so I will continue to watch it to see how it develops.
red
December 25, 2009
Time for a change...
I decided to remove some of clutter of my blog design and go for a simpler look. If you frequent my blog often you may need to refresh this website by hitting F5. That should clear your cache for the old look.
Celebrating an Angel Trumpet White Christmas
In celebration of Christmas Day, I figured it would only be appropriate that I feature a nice white Angel Trumpet. Today's featured Angel Trumpet seedling is one that I started way back in late 2007 that finally started blooming this fall. The cross is brugmansia Ecuador Pink x Creamsicle.
When you make brugmansia crosses involving double varieties, you often end up with several double whites in the group of seedlings. Because of this, they really have to be special in order to grab your attention. This one had a bloom style that was rather unique so it garnered a second glance.
This seedling sort of grew on me the more I saw it bloom. It had to have the longest lasting blooms of any double white I'm currently growing. Many of the blooms lasted over 7 days before they started to brown on the edges. It is also a prolific bloomer and has not been without blooms since it started looming more than a month ago. This one will be a watcher for sure!
When you make brugmansia crosses involving double varieties, you often end up with several double whites in the group of seedlings. Because of this, they really have to be special in order to grab your attention. This one had a bloom style that was rather unique so it garnered a second glance. This seedling sort of grew on me the more I saw it bloom. It had to have the longest lasting blooms of any double white I'm currently growing. Many of the blooms lasted over 7 days before they started to brown on the edges. It is also a prolific bloomer and has not been without blooms since it started looming more than a month ago. This one will be a watcher for sure!December 24, 2009
An Angel Trumpet shows off its pigtails
Today's featured Angel Trumpet seedling has the cutest pigtails at the end of its tendrils. It is a cross between brugmansia Mon Amour de Mareuil x (Angels Flight x Charming).
As you can see, these blooms are fat and stubby, allowing them to last longer than most Angel Trumpet blooms. I do remember this one having a nice fragrance as well. I have another seedling from this cross coming into bloom in a couple of days and it will be interesting to see how the blooms compare.
As you can see, these blooms are fat and stubby, allowing them to last longer than most Angel Trumpet blooms. I do remember this one having a nice fragrance as well. I have another seedling from this cross coming into bloom in a couple of days and it will be interesting to see how the blooms compare. December 23, 2009
The Blue Jay of Happiness?
While everyone knows of the Blue Bird of happiness, well I've encountered the Blue Jay of happiness. This cutie has been hanging out in a group of my older brugmansia seedlings for a couple of weeks now. It tends to hang out near me when I'm out there and as you can see, it does not seem to be afraid either. Could this be love???
Angel Trumpet Orange Sunshine warms up my day
One of my primary hybridizing goals when I was making crosses last season was to try and create some new double orange and yellow Angel Trumpets. I'm finally starting to see the results of those crosses and my pool of double yellow/orange seedlings to work with is starting to grow, Within this group I'm hoping a few winners will surface, even if it takes a couple more generations of crosses to achieve this goal.
Today's featured seedling is one that may show some potential in future crosses. It is from a cross between Brugmansia Orange Sunshine x Angels Moonlight. It is not what I would call a winner right out of the ground, but perhaps in subsequent blooms, or crosses, a winner will surface.
In an ideal world, when you make crosses you are hoping to carry forward the best traits from both parents into its children. This one's mother had beautiful blooms with great coloration, but I encountered fungal issues with Orange Sunshine so I eventually trashed it. On the other hand, Angel's Moonlight has been a vigorous grower and bloomer here in Florida that does not seem to be attractive to many pests.
I'll have to grow this one out for a year or two and see what it does. I like the fact that it has short tendrils too because here in Florida long tendrils seem to melt in the heat.
Today's featured seedling is one that may show some potential in future crosses. It is from a cross between Brugmansia Orange Sunshine x Angels Moonlight. It is not what I would call a winner right out of the ground, but perhaps in subsequent blooms, or crosses, a winner will surface.
In an ideal world, when you make crosses you are hoping to carry forward the best traits from both parents into its children. This one's mother had beautiful blooms with great coloration, but I encountered fungal issues with Orange Sunshine so I eventually trashed it. On the other hand, Angel's Moonlight has been a vigorous grower and bloomer here in Florida that does not seem to be attractive to many pests.
I'll have to grow this one out for a year or two and see what it does. I like the fact that it has short tendrils too because here in Florida long tendrils seem to melt in the heat.
December 22, 2009
An Angel Trumpet on LSD
No I'm not referencing the acid LSD, I'm talking about another form of LSD. LSD is the abbreviation for the Angel Trumpet Ludger's Summer Dream, a nice single yellow/orange introduced by Brenda Delph. It was just one of her many "monkey crosses" she grew from seed from brugmansia crosses made by Ludger Schneider of Germany.
This seedling is from a brugmansia cross involving Ludger's Summer Dream x Creamsicle. When you first glance at this flower bud you would think the plant was having a bad acid trip when it produced it.
It did not look much better once it opened, but it colored up nicely as you can see below. This plant has a bunch more buds forming, but it is too early to tell if the blooms will continue to be shredded in appearance, or if the seedling got its act together and will start producing normal looking flowers.
Update (12/24) - Bloom number two looked just like the one above and bloom number three appears to be a normal bloom. If it is worthy of sharing, I'll post picture of the normal bloom in a future post.
This seedling is from a brugmansia cross involving Ludger's Summer Dream x Creamsicle. When you first glance at this flower bud you would think the plant was having a bad acid trip when it produced it.
It did not look much better once it opened, but it colored up nicely as you can see below. This plant has a bunch more buds forming, but it is too early to tell if the blooms will continue to be shredded in appearance, or if the seedling got its act together and will start producing normal looking flowers.Update (12/24) - Bloom number two looked just like the one above and bloom number three appears to be a normal bloom. If it is worthy of sharing, I'll post picture of the normal bloom in a future post.Itsy bitsy teeny weeney Angel Trumpet revisited
This is a follow-up post to the Itsy bitsy teeny weeney Angel Trumpet post I made a few days ago. I wanted to wait until the second bud opened to make certain this seedling was going to continue to produce miniature blooms, and it has! I'm totally psyched! This seedling is going to perform an important role in my future breeding program. Here is a bloom from Naughty Nick x Cleopatra fully open:
As you can see, the blooms are triples and there is even a tinge of color in them. I do not think this seedling will be a shy bloomer because it currently has at least six more buds in various stages of growth. The plant itself is medium size, about 3 1/2 feet tall. It is still in a one gallon pot, but it has fully rooted itself into the ground.
Here's another picture using my rugged old hand for size reference:
As you can see, the blooms are triples and there is even a tinge of color in them. I do not think this seedling will be a shy bloomer because it currently has at least six more buds in various stages of growth. The plant itself is medium size, about 3 1/2 feet tall. It is still in a one gallon pot, but it has fully rooted itself into the ground.
Here's another picture using my rugged old hand for size reference:
December 21, 2009
Angel Trumpet Brugmansia Ludger's Windsong x New Orleans Lady
It is always a surprise when I find a new Angel Trumpet seedling in bloom and reach down to grab the tag to see who the parents are. Who would have thought that a brugmansia cross involving Ludger's Windsong x New Orleans Lady would produce this bloom.
I was really hoping for something yellow or orange, not another single pink. Oh well, I've already had some good results from this cross and still have a few more that have yet to bloom. Maybe there still is hope for that triple yellow?
I was really hoping for something yellow or orange, not another single pink. Oh well, I've already had some good results from this cross and still have a few more that have yet to bloom. Maybe there still is hope for that triple yellow?
December 20, 2009
Twin Angel Trumpets that will scare you
In keeping with this weekend's blizzard like weather, I thought I would introduce you to one of my scariest Angel Trumpet seedlings to bloom this winter. These snow monster type blooms are from a brugmansia Velvet Rose x Creamsicle seedling. Just imagine seeing an entire bush covered with a flush of blooms like these!
December 19, 2009
Florida snow!
While much of the east coast is covered in snow this weekend, many of my brugmansia were dusted with what can only be called 'Florida Snow'. This snow is actually a shower of stamens from a couple of nearby giant eucalyptus trees that happen to be in bloom right now. At least this snow will not harm my plants!
Angel Trumpet Seedling Ludger's Windsong x Tootsie
Looking at today's featured Angel Trumpet seedling, you would have a hard time guessing who the parents were. This bloom is from a cross between brugmansia Ludger's Windsong x Tootsie. I'm certain the salmon color comes from Tootsie's ancestry. This is not what I had in mind when I made this cross, but that is why hybridizing is so interesting.
December 18, 2009
Itsy bitsy teeny weeney Angel Trumpet
This has to be one of the smallest Angel Trumpet blooms I have seen this season. It is from an Angel Trumpet cross involving Brugmansia Naughty Nick x Cleopatra. Of course with this being the first bloom on this seedling, you never know if it is just an anomaly or if this is going to be the norm for blooms on this plant. I'm sure this bloom is going to be a triple. I plan to slice it open
tonight and check for pollen and perhaps cross it back to another brug
seedling with miniature blooms .
Last month I posted photos of blooms from another brugmansia Naughty Nick x Cleopatra seedling. The blooms were much larger and almost appeared like a large pom pom mum from a distance. I'll be watching this one with interest!
Last month I posted photos of blooms from another brugmansia Naughty Nick x Cleopatra seedling. The blooms were much larger and almost appeared like a large pom pom mum from a distance. I'll be watching this one with interest!
December 17, 2009
Sibling rivalry amongst Angel Trumpets
Yesterday I posted photos from another Angel Trumpet seedling from this same cross involving brugmansia (Tiara x Susanne) x Earth Angel. Had I known this one was in bloom at the same time, I would have posted these pictures in the same post. Anyways, here is the 3rd Angel Trumpet seedling I've had bloom from Brenda Delph's cross of brugmansia (Tiara x Susanne) x Earth Angel.
I spotted it last night while I was out making my rounds. I'm forever amazed as to how I can miss some of these beautiful seedlings during the day, yet at night they jump out at me. I think it is because when you have thousands of plants growing together in close proximity to each other, everything blends together. At night your field of vision is concentrated on a smaller area making it easier to spot these Angel Trumpet jewels.
This seedling is lighter in color than the previous one, but it is equally as impressive. The blooms have a bit more flounce to them as well. It will definitely be in my watch zone this spring to see how it evolves.
I spotted it last night while I was out making my rounds. I'm forever amazed as to how I can miss some of these beautiful seedlings during the day, yet at night they jump out at me. I think it is because when you have thousands of plants growing together in close proximity to each other, everything blends together. At night your field of vision is concentrated on a smaller area making it easier to spot these Angel Trumpet jewels.
This seedling is lighter in color than the previous one, but it is equally as impressive. The blooms have a bit more flounce to them as well. It will definitely be in my watch zone this spring to see how it evolves.
December 16, 2009
An Angel Trumpet rises to the top of its class
When I look back at all the single pink Angel Trumpet seedlings that bloomed this season, this one has quickly become one of my favorites. It's a seedling from a brugmansia cross of (Tiara x Susanne) x Earth Angel. It has been blooming for the past month and every time I study it, I like it more and more. The picture below was taken the second day after the bloom opened. By day three the color deepens and travels up the corolla tube. I feel this one has great potential and I have already used its pollen to pollinate a bunch of blooms. It is also carrying several pods of its own with hopefully more on the way. I just dusted four more it's blooms with pollen last night.
Last month I posted photos of a second generation bloom from one of it's siblings. It had similar coloring but the flower is a double/triple. Check it out.
Last month I posted photos of a second generation bloom from one of it's siblings. It had similar coloring but the flower is a double/triple. Check it out.December 15, 2009
A tail of two Angel Trumpet Chiefs
Actually I'm referencing two siblings from The Chief, a legendary but short lived Angel Trumpet. Today's featured Angel Trumpet seedling is from a cross between brugmansia seedling (Jacayna x The Chief) #6 x (Jacayna x The Chief) #7. Jacayna x The Chief #6 was recently registered and named as 'Orange Zest'.
When it comes to plant breeding, incest is common place. By crossing seedlings from a single cross back to each other you improve the odds of achieving whatever it was you were hoping for when you made the cross. You would also do it to refine a certain quality in a bloom or plant that you wanted to expand upon. I have many more seedlings from this same cross yet to bloom and I'm sure I'll find a great diversity in the blooms.
When it comes to plant breeding, incest is common place. By crossing seedlings from a single cross back to each other you improve the odds of achieving whatever it was you were hoping for when you made the cross. You would also do it to refine a certain quality in a bloom or plant that you wanted to expand upon. I have many more seedlings from this same cross yet to bloom and I'm sure I'll find a great diversity in the blooms.December 14, 2009
Another European Angel Trumpet immigrant...
Today's featured Angel Trumpet seedling is the result of a marriage between two European cultivars, brugmansia Joli x Langenbuscher Garten. It's currently lacking in the color department, but that could change over the next couple bloom cycles when cooler winter weather settles in. The blooms are much smaller than either Joli or Langenbuscher Garten, and have been long lasting. I'm terrible when it comes to keeping track of fragrance so I have no report on that right now.
I have already crossed this seedling back to both Joli and Langenbuscher Garten so we'll have to wait at a least a year to see what the second generation brings.
I have already crossed this seedling back to both Joli and Langenbuscher Garten so we'll have to wait at a least a year to see what the second generation brings.
December 13, 2009
Alright Ms. Angel Trumpet, whose your daddy?
Here's a nicely colored bloom on an Angel Trumpet seedling from one of Mother Nature's crosses involving brugmansia Southern Charm. I'm certain the father was either Ludger's Windsong or Jazzy, as both were growing within 10 yards of Southern Charm.
I would cross it back to Southern Charm but I do not believe I still have that cultivar. I'll try some brugmansia America pollen on the next bloom and see what the results are. It sure would be nice to have this color transferred over to a double or triple bloom.
I would cross it back to Southern Charm but I do not believe I still have that cultivar. I'll try some brugmansia America pollen on the next bloom and see what the results are. It sure would be nice to have this color transferred over to a double or triple bloom.
December 12, 2009
A cantaloupe influenced Angel Trumpet
Today's featured Angel Trumpet seedling has a rich cantaloupe color. It is a seedling from the cross of brugmansia Pink Perfektion x Cassies Curls. The blooms are slightly fragrant and long lasting.
Seeing how this is the first seedling from this cross to bloom, I'll let it hang around for a while just in case I need it to cross back to its siblings. Compared to some of the other "oranges" I have in my watch zone already, I'm not sure this one is special enough to move up to the watch zone.
Seeing how this is the first seedling from this cross to bloom, I'll let it hang around for a while just in case I need it to cross back to its siblings. Compared to some of the other "oranges" I have in my watch zone already, I'm not sure this one is special enough to move up to the watch zone.
December 11, 2009
Decision time for yet another Angel Trumpet
Today I'm featuring another Angel Trumpet seedling that was carried over from my 2008 watch zone. It's a beautiful double pink Angel Trumpet from the Brugmansia cross of Adeline x Rosalie. This particular seedling was labeled #4, meaning I had several from this cross bloom last year.
What makes this Angel Trumpet stand out from the other double pink brugmansia seedlings I have in my watch zone is the lush, dark green foliage. The leaves are large and slightly serrated, and the blooms large, fragrant and long lasting. This plant is less than four feet tall and currently has 8-10 of these beautiful large blooms on it. That's more blooms than its mother, Adeline, has had on it in the entire three years I have been growing it. Rosalie on the other hand, almost always seems to be in bloom. My guess is that the plant will double in size and end up topping off at 6-8 feet tall like both its parents. This plant was one that froze back to the pot in last year's freeze and as a result ended up being a late bloomer.
When you have so many seedlings in your watch zone, as I do now, it makes it more of a challenge for a new seedling to prove itself worthy of keeping and registering, or one that should be carried forward in my breeding program. It was not long ago that practically any double pink seedling that had nice blooms was registered. For me it takes more than just a nice bloom for an Angel Trumpet to even be considered to be brought into my watch zone. My guess is that I had at least 25 new double pink brugmansia seedlings this year. So far this year only a half dozen or so double pinks have been relocated to my watch zone to be carried over to 2010. Another 6-8 are tagged as potential candidates and have a few more weeks to prove themselves worthy of watching.
I see no reason why this Brugmansia Adeline x Rosalie seedling should be dropped from the watch zone. Don't be surprised to see it offered for sale in my online store next summer!
What makes this Angel Trumpet stand out from the other double pink brugmansia seedlings I have in my watch zone is the lush, dark green foliage. The leaves are large and slightly serrated, and the blooms large, fragrant and long lasting. This plant is less than four feet tall and currently has 8-10 of these beautiful large blooms on it. That's more blooms than its mother, Adeline, has had on it in the entire three years I have been growing it. Rosalie on the other hand, almost always seems to be in bloom. My guess is that the plant will double in size and end up topping off at 6-8 feet tall like both its parents. This plant was one that froze back to the pot in last year's freeze and as a result ended up being a late bloomer.
When you have so many seedlings in your watch zone, as I do now, it makes it more of a challenge for a new seedling to prove itself worthy of keeping and registering, or one that should be carried forward in my breeding program. It was not long ago that practically any double pink seedling that had nice blooms was registered. For me it takes more than just a nice bloom for an Angel Trumpet to even be considered to be brought into my watch zone. My guess is that I had at least 25 new double pink brugmansia seedlings this year. So far this year only a half dozen or so double pinks have been relocated to my watch zone to be carried over to 2010. Another 6-8 are tagged as potential candidates and have a few more weeks to prove themselves worthy of watching. I see no reason why this Brugmansia Adeline x Rosalie seedling should be dropped from the watch zone. Don't be surprised to see it offered for sale in my online store next summer!
December 10, 2009
These slimy guys are relentless...
Look what I found when I was making my rounds tonight. These darn slugs are relentless in their quest to eat all my brugs!
Although I applied snail and slug bait in my primary growing areas, I did not treat all the independent brugmansias growing in my yard. That's where I found these guys eating away tonight. Unfortunately for them it ended up being their last supper...
Although I applied snail and slug bait in my primary growing areas, I did not treat all the independent brugmansias growing in my yard. That's where I found these guys eating away tonight. Unfortunately for them it ended up being their last supper...Rothkirch shows his influence in this Angel Trumpet
Today's featured Angel Trumpet seedling is one I carried over from 2008 to watch. It is from a cross of brugmansia Genevieve x Rothkirch. Rothkirch is a legendary brugmansia whose genes have enriched dozens of named cultivars. What I like most about this particular cross is the rich pink color and that the color runs all the way up the corolla tube. I plan to cross this one back to several of Rothkirch's siblings to see what the next generation brings.
December 9, 2009
The many faces of an Angel Trumpet cross
As I have mentioned before, the Angel Trumpet cross between brugmansia Orange Sunshine x Pink Smitty is one where I am growing out an entire seed pod so that I can document the wide variety of blooms a single cross will produce. I can't remember the exact count, but I know I have well over 100 seedlings from this cross growing. So far most of the seedlings that have bloomed from this cross have been single or double whites. None have earned a spot in my keeper zone, but a few are worthy of saving for the spring plant sales I plan to sell at next year.
Today's featured brugmansia seedling from this Orange Sunshine x Pink Smitty cross is the first to show some strong color. It is not a real bright orange, but it's cream center makes it stand out. I like the ruffled look of the bloom as well. I'm not sure if it is special enough to keep, but it is worth watching for a while.
I have plenty more seedlings from this cross left to bloom. I'm anxious to see if I get more color with the seedlings that bloom later. I've been wondering if the white seedlings are more vigorous growers and hence the reason why they bloom first?
Stay tuned next year when I crunch the numbers.
Today's featured brugmansia seedling from this Orange Sunshine x Pink Smitty cross is the first to show some strong color. It is not a real bright orange, but it's cream center makes it stand out. I like the ruffled look of the bloom as well. I'm not sure if it is special enough to keep, but it is worth watching for a while.
I have plenty more seedlings from this cross left to bloom. I'm anxious to see if I get more color with the seedlings that bloom later. I've been wondering if the white seedlings are more vigorous growers and hence the reason why they bloom first?
Stay tuned next year when I crunch the numbers.
December 8, 2009
Leave my Brugmansia Bud alone!
That's what this little tree frog appears to be thinking as he hangs on to his very own Angel Trumpet bud.
I'm sure he's enjoying tonight's muggy summer like weather.
I'm sure he's enjoying tonight's muggy summer like weather.Wow, this Angel Trumpet made me think Santa came early
If you asked Santa for a nice double pink Angel Trumpet for Christmas, you would certainly be pleased to receive this one. For a first bloom, this one was awesome.
The color of this bloom was an unexpected outcome from a cross between brugmansia (Jacayna x The Chief) #5 x America. The JACH5 seedling that produced this seedling was a bright yellow-orange single and America is one of my favorite double whites. Here's a photo of the two parents together.
This is why hybridizing brugmansia is so exciting. Although you may have certain expectations when you make a cross, you really never know what to expect when the seedlings bloom for the first time. Here's another shot of this beautiful new double pink angel Trumpet.
The color of this bloom was an unexpected outcome from a cross between brugmansia (Jacayna x The Chief) #5 x America. The JACH5 seedling that produced this seedling was a bright yellow-orange single and America is one of my favorite double whites. Here's a photo of the two parents together.This is why hybridizing brugmansia is so exciting. Although you may have certain expectations when you make a cross, you really never know what to expect when the seedlings bloom for the first time. Here's another shot of this beautiful new double pink angel Trumpet.December 7, 2009
Some Angel Trumpet Monkey Business
Of course I'm referencing Angel Trumpet Jamie's Monkey Business, who happens to be the mother of this fine seedling. This seedling was the first one to bloom from a batch I have growing from the cross between brugmansia Jamie's Monkey Business x Angel's Moonlight. At one point all the tendrils were pointing straight up, but now they are becoming a bit more relaxed.
I'm awaiting a big surprise this week when this seedling's neighbor, a seedling from Jamie's Monkey Business x America, first bloom opens. It is a double for sure and it appears it is going to be orange, Woo Hoo!!!
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=9afbd2d1-19ab-42b9-a075-f22f6b11fb18)
I'm awaiting a big surprise this week when this seedling's neighbor, a seedling from Jamie's Monkey Business x America, first bloom opens. It is a double for sure and it appears it is going to be orange, Woo Hoo!!! December 6, 2009
Cajun Hibiscus Red Beans 'n Rice
Exotic hibiscus can really surprise you at times with their transformations. You can take a photo of a bloom in the morning, and then take another in the afternoon, put the photos side by side and you'll have a hard time convincing people it is the same bloom. Environmental conditions also have a major influence on what a hibiscus bloom will look like
Here's Cajun Hibiscus Red Beans 'n Rice last week.
And here is a bloom on the same plant six weeks earlier.
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=e7adf51d-8634-4274-9541-fd072a0e4a63)
Here's Cajun Hibiscus Red Beans 'n Rice last week.
And here is a bloom on the same plant six weeks earlier.This Angel Trumpet has flare!
This new double Angel Trumpet seedling has an unusual flare to its blooms. It is the first seedling to bloom from a cross I made between brugmansia Painted Lady x (Haik Vixen x Creamsicle #4). The bloom is above average size with the inner skirt being slightly larger than the outer skirt. This first bloom should color up a bit more as well. I shot this picture the first day it was open.
Below is photo I shot last night, the second day the bloom was open.
The second bloom on this seedling is just starting to open and appears to have the same form.
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=6560b066-3a22-4aa4-9130-d05f225120af)
Below is photo I shot last night, the second day the bloom was open.The second bloom on this seedling is just starting to open and appears to have the same form. December 5, 2009
An Angel Trumpet postcard?
If was going to create an Angel Trumpet postcard, this could be it. The picture features a bloom from a seedling of a cross between brugmansia (Jamaica Yellow x Inca Sun) x Mon Amour de Mareuil. The bloom is nothing special but it makes a nice picture.
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=82c0b170-3486-4981-92b6-bed1e4076082)
December 4, 2009
A look of confidence
This toad is confident he is going to have a nice meal today. These guys are my friends because some of their favorite foods are snails and slugs. Unfortunately for my plants there are plenty of snails and slugs around for them to eat. I just wish I could propogate toads as easily as I do brugmansia!
This Angel Trumpet has piqued my curiosity....
This Angel Trumpet seedling's bloom has a striking resemblance to the first blooms of another seedling involving The Chief that I recently registered. That cross was featured here back in October. I named it Lizzy and it was an offspring from a cross involving brugmansia Rubirosa x The Chief.
Today's featured Angel Trumpet is from a cross of Brugmansia Pink Smitty x The Chief. It is too early to tell if I have another winner on my hands. The first bloom, pictured below, was a triple. It was really nothing special but the second bloom that should open soon, already has a much improved form. I will be watching this one closely.
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=fd0c2a81-2ea1-4319-a3ff-fe600e68d315)
Today's featured Angel Trumpet is from a cross of Brugmansia Pink Smitty x The Chief. It is too early to tell if I have another winner on my hands. The first bloom, pictured below, was a triple. It was really nothing special but the second bloom that should open soon, already has a much improved form. I will be watching this one closely.
December 3, 2009
This Angel Trumpet was doubling up to impress me...
These pictures do not do really show how beautiful this Angel Trumpet seedling really is. It is a carry over seedling from 2008 from a cross between brugmansia Butterfly x ((Tiara x Susanne) x Earth Angel).
The blooms are large, long lasting, and quite showy.
This one is quickly working its way up to my keeper zone. Don't be surprised to see it named and introduced in 2010.
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=df6cf92d-78a2-440a-89d1-88370286d354)
The blooms are large, long lasting, and quite showy.This one is quickly working its way up to my keeper zone. Don't be surprised to see it named and introduced in 2010.December 2, 2009
This Angel Trumpet graduates to "keeper" status
Here's a beautiful Angel Trumpet that has earned a spot in my "keeper" zone and is now awaiting a name so I can register it. I grew this beauty from brugmansia seeds I purchased from JT Sessions at Country Gardens. The cross is brugmansia Goldfinch x Peanut.
The blooms are more petite than most doubles with a color that is hard to describe. The cooler the weather, the darker the blooms.
As the blooms mature the tendrils appear to wrap even tighter towards the bloom. This plant has remained on the smaller side so it should be an ideal container plant.
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=e4f6ecc4-525a-4633-b0a3-82219aeef15a)
The blooms are more petite than most doubles with a color that is hard to describe. The cooler the weather, the darker the blooms. As the blooms mature the tendrils appear to wrap even tighter towards the bloom. This plant has remained on the smaller side so it should be an ideal container plant. December 1, 2009
An Angel Trumpet two for Tuesday
When you have multiple Angel Trumpet seedlings growing from the same cross, it is not uncommon to have different seedlings come into bloom at the same time. Today's featured brugmansia seedlings are both from the same cross involving brugmansia Rubirosa x Adeline. The first seedling's bloom was a real eye catcher.
After a couple of days the bloom became more flouncy as you can see in the picture below. Since that photo was taken, the color also worked its way up towards the calyx.
The second seedling from this cross started out the same way as the first, however it never graduated from the stacked look it had below. It has another bud just starting to open so we'll see what happens.
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=7f597c8a-34df-4b26-9031-8cc29a058bd2)
After a couple of days the bloom became more flouncy as you can see in the picture below. Since that photo was taken, the color also worked its way up towards the calyx. The second seedling from this cross started out the same way as the first, however it never graduated from the stacked look it had below. It has another bud just starting to open so we'll see what happens. 