What's the report on 'Li'l Georgie'?

Sinninigia 'Li'l Georgie' - 'Mini' Plant for Miniature Gardens

Story # 104,


What’s the report on Sinningia ‘Li’l Georgie’?


      So where are we in the distribution of Sinningia ‘Li’l Georgie’?


      From the very beginning with the observation that ‘Li’l Georgie’ was a breakthrough in the micro mini Sinningia category, supply of plants has been the limiting factor.


      Production by tissue culture was the answer and by trial and error, hundreds were grown to finished flowering plants for sale.  Over 600 have been sold locally.


      Sales have been underwhelming.  Is it because we don’t have the right story yet?


      One ‘Li’l Georgie’ was bought at Longwood Gardens at Christmas and grown as a specimen plant that won a Blue ribbon in the Springfield African Violet Show in April.


      Another ‘Li’l Georgie’ fan has one and was searching for five more to give as gifts.


      A woman responded to a mention in the Philadelphia Inquirer that a very unique tiny flowering plant was available at Longwood Gardens Plant Shop.


      Is this how it’s going to be?


      The supply is still limited and distribution is very local.  I don’t see any showing up on eBay.


      There is currently a break in my tissue culture stream but I expect that it will be solved.


      When we can project 1000 plants per month, then we will find out if this ‘Mini’ flowering plant for Miniature Gardens will make people happy.

Sinningia 'Paper Moon' is coming back!

Sinningia 'Paper Moon' grown by Gary's Specialty Plants

Story # 28,


      Sinningia ‘Paper Moon’ is coming back!


      Actually, ‘Paper Moon’ was never here in the first place.


      This hybrid Sinningia selected by John Boggan is a cross of S. pusilla ’White Sprite’ and the species S. schiffneri.  S. schiffneri is described as getting few flowers, so ‘Paper Moon’ must have gotten all of its flower power from ‘White Sprite’.   I see flower clusters of 6 – 8 flowers per leaf axil.  This should allow for a very long flowering period.


      In most series of promoted plants, white is the weak sister ----you need some but not many.  White Petunias are the staple to go against red Geraniums, but solid white is seldom used.  An exception is made if somehow a gardener learns that white Impatiens are the last color to fade into the evening’s darkness.

 

                Remember ------- Nothing is sold until it has a name and a use!

      S. ‘Paper Moon’ has a main stem with the flowers coming out from under the canopy of leaves.  It is a cute little plant that may find its place in Table Top Gardens, planted with more shocking colors.

Sinningia 'Colorado Sunset' ---- Orange flowers on dark green foliage.

Sinningia 'Colorado Sunset' grown by Jon Lindstrom

Story # 26,


      Sinningia ‘Colorado Sunset’ ----- Orange flowers on dark green foliage. 


      Sinningia ‘Colorado Sunset’ was selected for production to be a showstopper.  Orange is a bright color.  Bright is good!  It is capable of getting many flowers open at once and putting on a show to attract the eye from a distance.


      In a Table Top Garden this bright orange can be contrasted against green ferns and bronze Begonias.  If we had white it would even be brighter.


      Sinningia ‘Paper Moon’ has been overlooked because it is a neutral off-white and it is seldom seen.  Maybe it should be revived and used in combination plantings with ‘Colorado Sunset’ or the red ‘Prudence Risley’