I have never seen it, but have kept my eyes opened for a Hulthemia seedling showing the blotch on the petal reverse. Is it possible?
Nearly always, the petal reverse on Hulthemias is lighter than the petal upper surface. Rarely, I have seen a darker reverse, but never a blotch on the reverse.
In the photo below, it appears that there is some of the blotch showing through. Is this sufficient evidence that a reverse blotch is possible? Probably not. Nevertheless, I will remain on the lookout. I think that a cut flower type rose would look extremely interesting with a reverse blotch on the outside part of the petals.
The petals in the next photo are from what is probably the best 'Double Knock Out' Hulthemia seedling that I have had so far. It appears extremely clean, sets hips well and germinates well. I am hoping to move this along in crosses to produce better cleanliness and better blotch conformation.
'Eyeconic Lemonade' is my favorite of our Hulthemias that have been released so far to the market. I like it's color, habit and fragrance. That being said, it could use some improvements. Though it is fairly floriferous, the plant is never completely covered in blooms. This is because the blooms do not last very long. Although the fresh blooms look quite nice, they fade fairly quickly on the 2nd day, and then begin to shatter on the 3rd day. Also, the blotch is not as large as I would like. Seen below is 'Eyeconic Lemonade' with a more recent seedling that exhibits a deeper yellow color and a larger blotch. It also holds onto it's petals longer so that there are more blooms on the bush to present a better display.
But that seedling is not my current favorite yellow Hulthemia. My favorite is the one shown in the photo below.
The blooms on this one are a bit larger and hold their color the best. But wouldn't you know it, it is growing in a 7 gallon pot with two of it's sister seedlings, and none of them are marked with identifying information, so I do not know it's parentage. I am hoping that this winter when I separate the seedlings and replant them that I will find an identification tag.
This seedling is seen again below with one of its' sister seedlings. Blotch size varies significantly among seedlings from the same cross and is often absent in many of them.
