beckygardener said:I wished this one was more of a sev, instead of a dormant. I've looked at the blooms in photos of this one numerous times .... wishing! Beautiful in photos! Anyone notice if it has some rust resistance?
See answer on rust below. I am in zone 8b.
I've had Big Smile since 2019, when I purchased two single fans. Both have increased some since then; two fans are now seven. Big Smile bloomed well in both 2020 and 2021 for me. This year it started blooming on May 31 and as of July 17 (today), it is still blooming with two buds yet to open. The scapes are tall, over 30" this year. I love the blooms on this one; the pink edge is most visible in the early morning and then fades later. I have it growing in full sun.
I've had two problems with this plant. For one, the buds have been chewed on by a large green grasshopper-like insect. (Katydid?) I wish I had taken a picture as I have often shooed it away. Some of the flowers were spoiled as a result. Second and more serious is rust. Big Smile came down with rust twice this summer. I just cut the foliage back for the second time. I think I am going to have to replace it, much as I like the plant.
