Expert: C.L. Fornari - 9/7/2009

Question

Whaaa!

I need your help!  I can NOT get my Diamond frost plant to bloom. I have been growing it in a large pot, all spring & summer, on a concrete patio, it is at least 4 ft in diameter, 10 to 12 inches tall and hangs over the pot to the ground 18 inches.  

I have hacked it back a couple times.  The plant is crazy with buds and in the center there is a large cluster 8 to 10 inches of center branch that is almost no leaves and packed with what I'm thinking are buds.  I have tried letting it dry out and feeding it,(plant food sticks and a 12 12 12 fertilizer).  

Nothing!!!

Internet seaches all talk about how it blooms all year. It's Sept. and I would like to see one flower before the frost gets it.  Any suggestions?    

I live in Salt Lake City, Utah.  Wet June, hot dry July, average August.  

Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Barb


Answer
Barb,
I haven't seen this problem before - all I can suggest is the following: This plant likes it hot and not constantly wet. I'd let it dry in between waterings but not to the point of wilting. Also, when you water it, don't get the foliage wet if you can help it and never water it when the hose has just been turned on - I've seen diamond frost with fried flower buds from sun-warmed hot water from the hose.

Grow this plant in full sun or as bright a spot as you can - it needs at least four hours of direct sun including the noon hour when the sun is strongest.  

Other than that I'm not sure what else to suggest,,, these plants should be propagated by cuttings, so it's unlikely that you'd have gotten a random changeling, although with plants you can always get one that reverts or is a "dud" in other ways.

Let me know if it finally blooms, ok?
C.L.