Cindy:
I didn't realize how many of Nicole's intros I owned till I joined ATP several yrs. ago, and started posting pictures of my summer blooms. I love Nicole's intros, especially her earlier intros when she first started hybridizing around 2008. Maybe because she had something to prove in a world dominated by male hybridizers, or just because she demanded perfection in her plants, or because she could produce all those double and triple edged frilly wonders, I was intrigued by her work. Here are a few of Nicole's daylilies that I really love in my garden: 'Red Velvet Elvis', 'Susan Elinor', 'Jump Up and Kiss Me', 'Dust and Gravity'. Now, you asked, Cindy, which are the heartiest in my zone 4b garden.? First, never buy a SF of Nicole's plants if you live in a cooler zone. It will take yrs for it to increase and mature. Personally, Cindy, I have never lost a Nicole plant. They thrive here in VT. Now, you may be wondering about those gorgeous edges in Nicole plants. Last summer, we had a much warmer summer than this year. Edges were extremely colorful and distinct. This summer, coming out of a horrible winter, has the entire garden acting strangely. Some plants have fewer bud counts, other blooms have strange color mixes, and still other plants that have never bloomed before are thriving and blooming this summer. To try and answer your question, about my heartiest Nicole's blooms..... All these have increased to well over 6 fans in several years.
Red, Hot, and Boom
Nicole's Elephant Ears
Carla Ruth
Count Your Assets
Force to Be Reconded With
Glamoureyes
Other Nicole plants that have increased from 3 to 5 fans are
Follow Your Fancy (didn't bloom last summer, but produced 2 more fans this year - now 5 fans, and has a ton of buds ready to bloom any day)
Dust and Gravity - I love this plant. Gift plant from Nicole that I probably would never has purchased. Did not bloom last summer. Sent up 3 new fans this year, however, and will bloom shortly. Loaded with buds.
Susan Elinor- Another fav of mine. Color and substance are amazing. Blooms every yr., but slow to increase because of it's location in the garden. Need to relocate it.
'Dovelicious' - purchased as a SF several yrs ago, and this yr increased to a DF, and will finally bloom.
If I were still buying Nicole plants, and from time to time I do, I would look for the older plants 2011 and before. Only buy DF or TF in our cooler zone. Prices should be very 'reasonable' on the LA for these 'older' plants. And believe me some of her earlier plants are really gorgeous. Fertilize, fertilize, fertilize, with alfalfa and mulch for the winter. Plant in a sunny spot in your garden to enhance edge quality and color. You should be able to grow just about any of her unique creations, Cindy.
