Hoya pubicalyx 'Bright One'

The hoyas are blooming...but then, when aren't they? This one is Hoya pubicalyx 'Bright One'. What's not to like about these plants? Oh, I know, they drip and the scent can be overpowering. OK, I'll concede; the sticky drip from the flowers can be a little messy. But it's a small price to pay for such outstanding flowers which have a big plus...the have a wonderful aroma!

Hoya kerrii (pubescent leaf)

This is one of the hoyas we've had in our collection for many years and highly prize. In this fairly rare version of Hoya kerrii the leaves are large and heart-shaped, like the other versions, but they are also pubescent (fuzzy or hairy). The flowers are outstanding, but - as in the older flower on the right - they will drip a caramel smelling and sticky "sap" on whatever is below it. So...don't hang it over something you don't want it to drip on. This is a common characteristic of hoyas, which some people find annoying. In my opinion, though, it shouldn't keep you from having these wonderful plants in your home.

Hoya obovata

It's been a while since I've posted any hoyas and, unfortunately, I failed to take many pictures this year. It's a shame, because we have so many different kinds and the flowers are so striking.

This is Hoya obovata, a wonderful plant that flowers over a long period of time with these gorgeous flowers. We don't grow these commercially and yet we must have at least 25 or thirty large plants.

Hoya carnosa 'Krinkle 8'

This is a nice, easy to grow plant, Hoya carnosa 'Krinkle 8'. The leaves have eight "dimples" on them, giving it it's name. This has been blooming in our kitchen window for a few days.

Hoya flower

I tried. I really tried. The light was hitting the flower just right through the kitchen window and I wanted to catch the glimmer of light through the nectar droplets on the flower. Not very successful. I even tried to find the tripod, but it's never where you want it when you need it! So...a jiggly photo.

Oh well, you get the idea...

Hoya purpurea-fusca

Look closely. You'll see the nectar dripping in profusion.  That's one reason it's hanging outside on our fence. The other is, I think they're enjoying the fresh air. In fact, I'm sure they are. The flowers on this Hoya are velvety.

And what a beauty!

Hoya compacta 'regalis'

This isn't the first time I've posted this flower, and if it seems like I keep repeating myself, it's because it keeps flowering so often. It just hangs there above our kitchen sink (except when it goes outside as it will soon) and keeps on flowering and flowering.

And yes, I'm back from the succulent society sale. The weather was better this year than last year and it was good to see some of you there. It didn't seem like it would be very successful at first, but it did pick up and I think the club will get a decent return. (Thanks to Lynn-Marie for the photo.)

Hoya compacta 'regalis'

Today wasn't the day to get out into the greenhouses to take photos. Too many other things had to be done. So...out of the archives comes this photo of the well-known variegated Hindu Rope plant, Hoya compacta 'Regalis'. They do seem to be very attractive to mealy bugs, but other than that, they're exceedingly easy to grow...tolerant of a lot of neglect. And as soon as the weather permits they all go outside where they'll be hit with a good blast of water from the hose and "bye-bye" mealies. And the flowers...wow.

Hoya compacta 'Regalis'

Our Hoyas have been outside all summer and enjoying it tremendously, rewarding us with some wonderful flowers. This on is the well-known variegated Hindu rope plant (Hoya compacta 'Regalis').

And for those who might have speculated about the origin of the name of the town of PeDee, Oregon ... speculate no more. An unincorporated community southwest of Monmouth, Oregon with a population of about 25, it was named by early settlers from the Southeast part of the U.S. for the PeeDee River, which was in turn named for the PeeDee Indian tribe. Now you know.