I know many of you are way ahead of me especially those in the south and west coast but I have some blooms that are trying to open[ at least one] that long thin stem right in the middle of the bloom forget what its called, maybe the stamen, it a bit early but looks like this first flush is going to be a beauty and all the work Ive done for the aphids will be worthwhile, hoping. We've had more than our share of rain , now need a few days of sunshine to really make em pop.

Steve
Martinsville, In
Heat zone 6
Sunset zone 35

No open blooms yet on any of mine ...one was cut back with very few leaves but has leafed out and is budding now. the other is also budding but the thrid is still a little too small yet. Still raining here and now the next possible frost advisory

Penny
Niagara Falls, NY
USDA zone 6a/6b
Heat zone 4
Sunset zone 39

Mine are blooming now but I really can't remember when they did last year...the hummers that were here I don't think were interested in flowers yet...still I am glad to see them in bloom and ready for any hummers to taste!






Carol
Milford, CT
Zone 6

My 'Alabama Crimson' is blooming, at last. I'm in zone 6, southwestern PA. These flowers that are blooming now are probably from clusters that I sprayed a few weeks ago with Safer Soap when they were still small and green.

I've noticed that as each new cluster forms, it is tightly wrapped in green leaves, and those darn aphids waste no time getting right in there and wreaking havoc. The Safer Soap kills them, but a certain amount of damage is already done, even at that very early stage. It's hard to keep ahead of them. I think as the weather warms, and predators like ladybugs increase, this will become less of a problem. By the way, I saw my first ladybug the other day, and she (well, I guess it could have been a he! ) was on my 'Alabama Crimson.' I may hold off on spraying and see what she and her friends can do.

Kristin--- Luckily I caught my infestation quickly and my plant was not wrecked like last year when I waited too long. I have tons of blooms and some starting to open. Yes you are correct the aphids will hide in those newly formed leaves and buds and do their dirty work. Everywhere I see a closed shoot I open it and blast em out, you especially have to keep a close watch toward the bottom and deep inside of plant. I will say 98% of my plant has healthy leaves of green and I have removed some of any curled leaves which I dont think helps a plant. Dont know if you get those jap beetles but I do and that will be the next battle coming soon in june.

Steve
Martinsville, In
Heat zone 6
Sunset zone 35