All very beautiful Donna. My aphrodite is blooming now also. I haven't heard from my apple blossom this year. I think it's on vacation or something. Louana

These new late bloomers came from the new stems, it seems to me. Long stems with 10 to 12 pairs of leaves. When I took the shot, some hasn't opened fully yet but it is quite big now too. I'm the extreme of you Jen, I don't cut any flower from my ES. I just prefer them on the shrub. The older blooms are still beautiful, they are papery but still alright, attached to the plant. Thanks, I'm looking forward to see your ES pictures too. Next year, let's do an update on our ES here again! Isn't it fun and exciting?

plumeriafl, Yes my leaves look very similar to those. The tree I have is quite a bit older than that one. It was also pretty neglected at the nursery where my son bought it. I say that because the only picture I can find looks pretty sad as far as the leaves go. Hopefully I can nurse it into better health and it will look as green and lush as yours. Had quite a bit of rust when I got it. Take care, John

Thank you all! Irisgal yes it seems to thrive here in New England, we've also had an unusually wet spring and summer. I was worried being on the west side of the house would fry him up! (The east side is cornered by trees and shade unfortunately) but he seems to be thriving! even the JFK that's covered in shade most the day is growing well. Arguably the healthiest of all of them but modest in size