i have had Aphro for 15 years .. and all the other multi-petaled versions ....

if i got flowers in 2 years.. it would surprise me ...

ken

I was unfamiliar with the term "bud blast" until you used it. As I understand it, it refers to buds drying up without opening. I didn't find any hosta references, but in other plants the things blamed seemed to be growing conditions, insects, or fungus.

Frost and drought are often mentioned as issues... certainly a period of no water could affect hosta scapes.

With Aphrodite in particular, I usually get some open buds, but not all of them. And the ones that open are usually uneven, opening only part way with some petals sticking together. The problem isn't usually drying up buds, though... it is like the bud wants to open but gets kind of stuck-together. I've heard of people actually helping the buds open by gentle peeling.

None of the other hostas in that same bed have that problem, all the other plantagineas are fine so I don't think it is water, as they get plenty of that, or fungus, or insects. It just seems to be Aphrodite. The buds turn brown and don't open. I am hoping this year will be the charm, I see the scapes peeking up from the bottom so we will see what happens.

With Aphrodite, it does need more water than other hostas at flower time to get the buds to fully develop and fully open. Since you are seeing scapes develop now, start deep watering it every few days and then try to water every day as the flowers open. It will make a big difference on how well it flowers.

Hello,

Your post reminded me of an article that I came across:

http://www.wnyhosta.com/hostanlNov09.pdf

(on page 4)

Hope it helps!

Interesting article. Ok, increase the water (The ostrich ferns in that bed will love that!) and I'll see if I can find a light for it. Warmth and humidity should be no problem with near triple digit temperatures in the Ozarks and humidity to the saturation point! I really would like to see this plant bloom! Thanks!

I've had mine for 4 or 5 years... noticed scapes on it for the first time this year, we'll see what happens.

I have heard that if the temperature falls below 50 degrees Aphrodite will not bloom. I also saw an article about bud blast (I've attached a link). In any case it looks like my buds will not open this year. I have 5 huge white buds, but none has opened. The hosta expert at Sunrise Gardens about 60 miles south of here said Aphrodite regularly blooms in the greenhouse, but not consistently outdoors. Mine grows in full sun and has ample water.

Mark

Here is a link that might be useful: Bud Blast Article

My buds aren't opening. It's the first year I've been really aware of Aphrodite.

I even tried pinching them and they are SUPER tight!

Well my aphrodite blasted the first few buds, they didn't even develop. There are now big, fat buds on the stems the size of limes that look like they may open any day, one has actually had one petal open for about a week now. They keep getting bigger, so we are still waiting. This is the fartherest they have ever gotten towards opening. I have increased the water so they are just about soggy, but they are taking FOREVER!!!!! I have tried pinching them and tweeking them a bit at the tip, and they are loose but not opening! AARRGH!