Karen, thanks for the advice.
i just planted several last week, and we've had 30 mph winds every day. We're also very dry here--humidity most days is 30% or less. I planted them in filtered morning light in half soil, half peat moss, so I will try to withhold water for a few days to see if they do adjust. Our nights in the summer don't cool off much. We're at that point in the summer where we don't have dew in the morning. Your hydrangeas look lovely. My Annabelle, Endless Summers, Lady in Red, Quick Fire, Pinky Winky and Limelight from the last few years are doing ok. It's the poor Blushing Bride who has her pretty white blooms dragging in the dirt, and Invincible Spirit who is slinking along the ground that have me aggravated. The Twist and Shouts are half crispy too. Let's Dance pooped out. Oakleafs do ok here, and White Diamond and my new Deja Bloom seem to be holding up
without trouble. I think part of it is, they get shipped in from cool climates into our stores where they are mistreated and set out in the sun, so they start out unhappy before I even get them planted.
Sometimes I wonder why I keep buying plants that really aren't suited for my climate. Maybe it's the challenge. I will try weaning them off the water sooner. I do have really good soil and they should be able to put down some deeper roots.
That vanilla orchid is quite the find, Tobee. It's my fantasy to someday be able to travel and bring back supercool plants like that AeAe and orchids. I would be happy to travel and bring back photos even ! i don't think I've seen vanilla like yours even in a botanical garden. Wow!
Cindi
