That's a really great tribute, Hostanista. The bowling ball is a wonderful personal touch, just wait 'til the 'Big Daddy' pair get bigger and their leaves reach to, and partially cover your dad's bowling ball. I think it'll look really neat. : ) My Dad also was lost to cancer, Denis, at age 47, three weeks shy of my 9th birthday. He passed on February 21st. Also my daughter's birthday. Funny how the same date can remind you of the wonderful, and the heartbreaking, at the same time. I suppose maybe that's how someone came up with the term 'bittersweet' eh? Maybe. That's a wonderful idea, Hostanista. A very great memorial. Regards, Don B.

I planted a runty two-leaf Big Daddy three years ago, he is finally beginning to look like something. Knee high, now. If it keeps going like it is, I hope I left enough room for it! Sandy

How cute! Big Daddy is playing the part. Those are seedlings. It must have dropped some seeds last fall. They aren't attached to the main plant. You can gently lift them out and pot them or move them to another location if you want them to continue grow. Pam

Have one I planted last year and just purchased 4 more, One of those has been planted, which may have been a mistake, as we have had no measurable rainfall in 2 months and am expecing draconian watering restrictions to be implemented any day by the local water dept. They are macrophylla's and non-remontant (only blooms on last years growth). In your Zone, they would need winter protection to reliably produce blooms. My yellow leaf macs, Lemon Daddy & Lemon Zest, did not suffer any foliage damage during the Easter weekend sub-freezing temperatures(25°F.) and apparently little or no flower bud damage, as they are beginning to bloom. Some of the nearby macs, with typical green leaves, were completely defoliated, are slow to recover and will not bloom this year. Big Daddy suffered some foliage damage, but is now covered in emerging blooms. Since I am in Zone 7. this may not be very helpful to you, but if you can grow macs and get them to produce blooms, these will perform likewise. Rb