I was just looking at user photos on MyViolet and the Optimara facebook trying to be certain that I do have Pennsylvania! The thing is that it was in a 6" pot and mostly it is not supposed to be a 6" pot one. I would not have called the leaves round. It does appear to be Pennsylvania. On June 12, the Optimara photo of bloom types also shows Pennsylvania and Delaware side by side and there is a definite color difference and also a difference in the blossom shape. I would call Pennsylvania burgundy red (to my eye). Clementine looks shaped just like Pennsylvania in that photo. Delaware always looks a little more "ruffly" in photos anyway. That is helpful, Joanne, but they sure omitted a good many :) I see some ruffled one at Lowe's but since I don't collect reds, it doesn't matter. Maybe I see more than one ruffled one for that matter. Diana

Justin, Does your plant have a name? If it is a trailer, it is supposed to be multi-crowned. I don't grow trailers but maybe someone who does can offer an opinion as to whether it's a trailer or not. Usually soil mealies will leave a silver-blue marking on the inside walls of the pot. Dump your soil and see if there are any. It's pretty obvious and you should be able to see it clearly. There are other insects that can live in the soil that are not harmful so you don't want to treat indiscriminately. As to fertilizer-make sure you are leaching your pots, (as well as regular re-potting), as fertilizer salts can build up over time harming your violets no matter how much you use. But, it doesn't look like it's too much fertilizer. Personally, I think fertilizer is a tricky issue. I've had root burn, crown loss, bunched centers (like yours) and now I think my pH is wonky. But, as I said, it's a learning curve! I hope this helps. Linda P.S. The foliage on your plant is beautiful Some grow variegated violets as foliage plants.

No, it isn't a trailer, Nancy. The plant right in front of it is but this. I have 3 minis in one container. Possibly the leaves of the trailer are getting in the way. Thanks for any help. Dar S.

Hi Judy, From Lyndon Lyon's, or LLG, I get consistently large plants, often in bloom, in 2 1/2 in square pots in a good potting mix that does not have to be changed for at least six months. They come with plastic stakes that have the plant name printed on them so I can move them when I repot. The plants grow rapidly and do not sucker. The company has excellent customer service and ships promptly. For me, it is worth it to pay slightly more to get consistently larger, premium quality plants. For all the trouble of ordering live plant material across country, I want to get the best I can for my money. They have good quality control and accurately label the plants. They are my first choice. I only go elsewhere if there is something I want that they don't carry. They also keep their web catalogue updated, so if they are out of stock, they won't list the item. So, no surprises and no substitutions. They usually have enough of a particular type to choose from. For example, they will offer five different reds or five different whites or more. Their own hybrids are exceptional, vigorous and strong. I primarily raise Lyon 's own hybrids. They also have a wide selection of many other hybridizers. They are a large enough company to be able to introduce new hybridizers. They first opened up the Russian market and offer a wide range. They seem to pick the best choices of other hybridizers, so if they offer a plant , I feel it has been preselected for good performance. If something is new in the plant world, chances are they developed it. They are consistent in what they offer, it is usually possible to find the same plant year after year, plus new ones. I like to be a loyal customer and give them my business. They have been at this for sixty years, I appreciate they are still in this business. I feel they are excellent, so why not do business with them? When I place an order with them, I already know what to expect, so I can safely order a dozen. But they will accept an order of any size. When I want to try out a new grower, I place a small order. Usually, about four. Joanne This post was edited by fortyseven on Tue, Aug 12, 14 at 10:56