Hi Kevin, thank you
Yes, spindly scapes is something to worry about..
How they do in the hot sun is not that much of a problem where I live:
over here we call 5 consecutive days with temps of 77F or higher, of which 3 are max 86F or higher a "heat wave"
This year we already had 1...
It not getting warm enóugh might be more of a problem!
A bud count of 16 - 20 is ok with me, if I REALLY like the flowers and if I have enough plants to make a nice display.
My borders are very small compared to those you all have, so big clumps would make it look crowded
Mayo
