Lobivia 'Pink Ice'

We've had this plant for a long time and used to offer it for sale. But, honestly, we just have a problem growing it well. But as scruffy and ugly as the plant may be, the flower makes it worth keeping it around. It came to us as Lobivia 'Pink Ice'.

Lobivia (Echinopsis) 'Aracnacot'

We're not sure of the heritage of this hybrid. Perhaps it's a hybrid by Harry Johnson. It's of the form of what is traditionally called Lobivia and the flower isn't as large as the photo might indicate, but the flower is very impressive. Currently we only have a couple in our personal collection.

Lobivia (Echinopsis) hybrid by Kara

This is a hybrid that Lynn-Marie created a few years ago. It's doing its thing right now and showing of its wonderful flowers.

 

Another one of the Lobivia (Echinopsis) hybrids was flowering yesterday, and it has about 8 more blooms to go. The only name we have on this one was what was written on the original label: 'Beautiful Pink', which could very well be simply the previous owner's description. An apt description.

Weather now is the summer weather we wait for and enjoy here in Oregon. Night time temperatures into the mid to upper 50sF (13-14C) and daytime temperatures right around 80F (27C). Ideal.

Enjoy your plants!

Lobivia (Echinopsis) hybrid

This is an unnamed hybrid we've had for a while. But names do not make the plant and this one does quite well all on its own. And right now, it's its turn.

It's definitely summer now, with today's temperature getting to 87 F. The plants are loving it.

Lobivia (Echinopsis) 'Easter Bonnet'

The top photo is of a seed grown plant (Lobivia 'Easter Bonnet' x L. 'Easter Bonnet') which is a cross of two Easter bonnets that Lynn-Marie did. (We usually propagate by offsets rather than seed since seed from hybrids isn't always consistent or stable.) The result is as you see it. Easter Bonnet is always a bit variable in color and the two toned color may also vary. The spines are finer on the hybrid. Interesting.

There are a few other differences as well.

Lobivia 'Red Velvet'

We originally received this plant many years ago from Grigsby Gardens in Vista. We've had one planted out near our street with soil that's not the best and it's "survived" two winters with no protection from the rain and cold...and "survived" is the right word. It hasn't thrived. The plants themselves aren't that exciting, but the flowers are worth it. I took this photo this afternoon after we went for a drive with Ladybug and the dogs. I plan on planting one in a bed with excellent drainage this winter and see if it does better. Here's hoping!

Chamaelobivia 'Rose Quartz'

This is an upright growing "giant peanut" type plant with iridescent rose flowers. A hybrid from Renee O'Conell, I guess it could now be called Echinopsis 'Rose Quartz', since both of the parent plants (Chamaecereus & Lobivia) have been swallowed up by the same genus, Echinopsis.

Some people are always asking how to get these plants to flower. A good beginning point is to remove the straw flowers that are often glued to the tip of the plant by some growers. (An aggravating practice at best!) This plant bloomed on Saturday without any special assistance from anyone.

Lobivia 'Blaze'

This is another one of those "old time" plants which keeps on keeping on. And no wonder with this fantastic flower. It's Lobivia 'Blaze'.