The one I kept alive down in the basement over the winter in a huge pot is now about 22" tall and still no signs of buds. If I remember correctly they have to get fairly tall before they start blooming.

I know I've said it before here but if you see Cuphea 'Vermillionaire' from Proven Winners give it a go. The flowers look to be as large as David Verity however on a much smaller plant that trails instead of growing strictly upright (David Verity can get at least 4' tall for me in a pot). I'm looking forward to David Verity blooming so I can compare the blooms to Vermillionaire and of course observe the hummers to see which plant they prefer (probably both equally but we'll see!). :)

Here's a pic of Vermillionaire's blooms.

Thanks for the information, Robert. Guess I have to learn some patience :)

That Vermillionaire is really gorgeous.

Ha! Aint' nobody got time for patience! I want all my plants blooming now! Laugh.

I'm happy you're trying David but you should probably see Vermillionaire out there somewhere since it's a Proven Winner plant. I'm thrilled about that hoping lots of gardeners will try it this year (more food for the hummers!).

I second the Vermillionaire recommendation! My little plant is only about 6 inches tall and has maybe 40 flowers on it. Have only had it a couple of weeks and it is already a big draw.

Wow, gardengal. That sounds like my kind of plant!

Have looked on the internet for it. Lots of magazine stories, but I can't find a retailer. Apparently it's just out this year. Hardly ever get to shop locally, so I guess I'll have to pass on it this year.

It's a shame you don't live in Tulsa. ;) I've seen tons of them at a local nursery (Southwood). I don't know if you have any Ace Hardware stores around you but I found some Vermillionaire there as well. I hope you find some this year! :)

My husband goes to Ace twice a week, Robert. Will have him check, for sure!

It`s showing up all over the place here and I never see any salvias or cupheas anywhere, EVER!!!!!

David Verity update. Mine is a little over two feet tall and is just now starting to develop buds at the tips. Maybe it would flower sooner if I gave it more sun? Still hoping you can find Vermillionaire though! :)

Our Ace doesn't have Vermillionairei But have lots of hummingbird sages on the deck, and several other cupheas from Annie's

I picked up 2 Vermillionaire's Saturday. After reading about them I just had to get some.

Wow! Already in bloom. Wonderful.

Robert, thanks for the pic of a cuphea bud. Now that I know what they look like, my eagle eye found some tiny 1/4" buds both on David Verity and on Cuphea 'Starfire' from Annies.

You are most welcome. I've been eyeing some cupheas on Annie's site. ; ) Glad your David Verity has buds. Can't wait to compare its buds to Vermillionaire's. When I finally get hummers I'm going to put both plants next to each other and see if the birds prefer one to the other. :)

Finally getting some mature flowers on David Verity (left) and am able to compare them to Vermillionaire (right).

David is slightly longer but Vermillionaire is slightly fatter and its mouth is wider. Still these are just the start of David Verity so they might get fatter as well. I can say David is much more of a water hog than Vermillionaire but maybe after a year or two Vermillionaire will be a water hog and wilt without being constantly watered as well. :)

Thanks for the information and pictures, Robert. My David Verity is blooming now, tho it hasn't been visited yet.

I also got cuphea 'Starfire' from Annie's with pink and blue flowers. I think you mentioned it. Mine is mostly in shade, so that may be distorting it, but the flowers are sooooo small. Half the size and width of David Verity. So far, it's a nothing.

I read that cuphea root quickly in water, and they do== root in water in less than a week.

You're welcome. Yes. Cupheas do root easily in water. I hope your hummers start using your David Verity soon! The potted plant I had on the back deck was constantly being buzzed. The ones in the shade beds not so much.

Saw my Vermillionaire's get their 1st visit today.

I need to find a Vermillionaire plant. Does anyone know of a place that sells them online?

you can get one here cindip,

http://www.provenwinnersdirect.com/magento/?gclid=Cj0KEQjw-tSrBRCk8bzDiO__gbwBEiQAk-D31YSpi-HQbeg3LdkqVN1Svby-TaRBiv0JxzqfpT9z0_QaAqOI8P8HAQ

Thank you TominMichigan

Had another visit to the Vermillionaire today.The hummers do really like it. No problem cindip ,glad I could help!