to my surprise my first moonflower blooms have been bright blue. it's a vine, grown from what was supposed to be regular (white) moonflower seeds that I got at Meijer of all places. they only bloom at night, really late, so I only see them as their closing in the morning. once totally closed they actually look lavender from the outside. is this the kind you are saying is extremely rare?? I feel very lucky as this is my first time successfully growing moonflowers, last year they never bloomed as I planted them too late. so how weird is that? -sasha

I don't think we really are much for stretching out and floating. The 55" round tub is the same basic size as our existing Japanese soaker style whirl tub ( 27" deep and fully recessed) The Blue Moon is 22" (to overflow) so it is deeper than a standard tub, which DH wants. We both prefer more upright seating. We don't really use the tub for daily baths- it is more of a spa feature used after the sauna and steam. I'm just curious about how the Blue Moon actually works and if anyone knows much about the quality of Duravit whirlpools. They win all sorts of applause for design, but I never hear if the baths are as loved by homeowners as they are by interior decorators, you know. I have a couple of odd questions. While my husband uses the whirl features, I often use our existing tub more as a soaker, often with bubble bath or something. I sometimes crave quiet over massage. We are thinking about getting the combi (air+whirl) tub... it has 24 air jets in the floor. I'm wondering if it is uncomfortable to sit on the jets, if they are not in use... They seem to have small nozzles, not just holes like some air tubs. That sort of stuff. I'm just curious about quirks. Thanks for thinking about it! I talked to Duravit and the only showroom near me (6 hours away!) that has a Blue Moon is in Austin, TX... and they only have the larger, outdoor version. If anyone knows anything about ANY Duravit tub system, please chime in! Stephanie

I haven't tried that particular variety -- and I'm currently only growing miniatures in pots -- but I've successfully grown Margaret Merril (4'x3') and By Appointment (3'x3') in 24" containers. Heirloom Roses says that Blue Moon is only 3'x3'? I'd think you could totally pot that baby! My favorite method for pots is a layered lasagna. 4"-6" compost & native soil, then 1/4 cup blood meal, then 1/4 cup bone meal, then compost/soil; repeat until the pot is filled to the very top. My roses love it. :-D

My mom grew Blue Moon for years and years, I remember it being very healthy with big fat mauve blossoms, in a cooler shade of mauve rather than warm. Your location will probably be the biggest indicator of health as disease pressure varies by climate.