Blooms last year were very poor - shape was bad, markings almost non-existent ... I was about ready to trash the plant, worried it was diseased, but some OB members encouraged me not to - telling me that cultural issues may have been responsible for the "ugly" blooms. I'm glad they did
This year, two spikes - first spike to open blooms looked much better than last year's, tho still not nearly as nice as blooms looked when I first got the plant in the fall of '08 (but I was quite happy to see they had improved).
The second spike shows further improvement! Not nearly as many blooms, and presentation isn't great (probably because I didn't stake the spike, and just kept turning the plant)
Shape is much better - Color and markings are improved. (the color is better than shows in photo, tho could still improve a bit). This has been growing outside exclusively, except for the very coldest nights when it's been in the garage - plant definitely looks 'rough', and perhaps can get better blooms if grown inside ? idk - was keeping it isolated from other plants, and had no where inside to do that -
But, I'm quite happy to see the improvement! Thanks to everyone who gave me advice and opinions on the ugly blooms last year!
first photo is from last year, second photo is the first spike to bloom this year, and the last photo is the most recent
thanks for looking
Vuyl. Melissa Brianne 'Shady Lady' - much improved from last year
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