Hi Rose, the reason why I asked is because when I got the very same plants, I took them to a very reputable person who understands plants issues and he told me it was a leaf disease, not my fault. It came with the plant. Thinking botrytis? I had the same issue with a dozen begonia from them and all died within months...Or some other fungus affecting the leaves which was not my fault. It also attacked my african gardenia, and brovadia which I think the brovadia they no longer carry. I lost all these plants to the same disease, what ever it was no matter how well I cared for them. When I was there in person, I noticed at that time, all of the Randia had the same issue with the leaves, so I left them there. So take heart, it's not your fault, and neither mine. I would search elsewhere for the same plant. I did manage to find my african gardenia that does not have this issue from another source and I love them. I do get most of my plant from Logee's in great condition, and they are on the top of my favorite list, but just a select few I now know to stay away from. Mike

Don't forget to add BRUNFELSIA right next to No# 1, next to Bouvardia! The best thing about Brunfelsia is that it is much more hardier than the Bouvardia. Great job with this list considering I am well on my way to having them all:-) Mike

Could you also set your strawflowers and dark red vinca aside for me, if they havent gone already! Thank you - emailing you with contact details... J

Hello Rootball, I'm growing two in the Toowoomba district at 700m, subject to frosts. Both got knocked back by a black frost 2 Winters ago, but survived and are now fully recovered. If you have buildings and paving all around, my guess is that those would hold a lot of heat and overcome the frost issue. My older one is about 4 years old now and only about 2m high. They don't seem to like the hottest direct northern sun - bleaches some leaves. The leaves are a beautiful glossy deep green. My older one has had a few flowers over the last two years, but flowering has yet to get into full stride. The scent is definitely the same as the exotic Gardenia, though not as strong. But maybe when they flower properly, all the flowers together will have a more pervasive scent. The shape of my trees is very good. I have not bothered to tip prune - it does not seem necessary at this stage. I have not seen any fruit from the flowers - maybe that will come later too. I think the Randia chartacea gets red edible berries. I'd be interested to know if anyone else has had fruit on their R. fitzalanii and what the fruit looks like when mature. Incidentally, the R. chartacea is a coastal Qld plant and I have tried to grow it twice, but it does not seem to like the local conditions. I think it cannot withstand any frost. Cheers, Frank