I'm in North Carolina, and our weather pattern has been similar to yours. March was warmer here (mostly low 50s), but still cooler than usual. April began with a blast of heat (upper 80s to around 90), and we're just now beginning to see actual spring-like temps in the 60s and 70s. My earliest rabbiteyes began blooming in late February, and several of my Southern Highbush quickly followed. I didn't begin to see any active bees until late March, and then only a few. Nonetheless, I definitely have a lot of developing berries, so pollination doesn't seem to have been a problem. As was discussed in other recent thread, bumblebees are very efficient, and one can pretty much take care of an entire bush in a very short span of time. So, I wouldn't count your early bloomers out. There might have been a few active bees here and there that you didn't see.

Hi Brad, Just to be clear - are you talking about a tiny spot that is one and a half feet by sixteen inches? I understand hot and your zone. I lived that zone while in Ottawa for many years. You could try getting a purple coneflower. It would take a year to get taller if purchased from a garden center. May I suggest you may want to get a small bag of soil that is designed for hanging planters. The soil sold for containers and hanging planters is a mix that has moisture retaining stuff in it to help hold the moisture. The other thing I recommend is putting some sort of mulch on top of that little block to help keep the heat out,the moisture in and the roots of the plant cooler. This could be grass clippings piled up or even some gravel or small stone or pebbles. Another heat loving perennial is "gaillardia". There are many varieties - I suggest googling them. Are you looking for a specific height of plant? Colour? Or you could put a container over that spot which would give you the opportunity to put in seasonal plants. Or, you could even put in a small trellis and plant a vine flower like morning glory (it's an annual). There are many options available. May I suggest you look around your living area to see what is growing well in gardens. Don't be shy to ask people if they are in their garden what their plants are if you like any. Many gardeners are happy to share a piece of their plants for free. Walk around with a camera and take photos. Visit your local garden center and ask staff about plants. I do not recommend planting any shrub of any type. These are a few thoughts, Cheers, Peggy

I live for this--seeing more people discover gesneriads! Its almost like a "cause". Why? well, because they are such neat plants and because so few people grow them compared to the variety of gesneriads out there needing to be grown. Aeschynanthus are great plants and it sounds like your basic instincts are not too far off the mark. Epiphytes of the gesneriad family all grow in the same type of mixes. Depending on your watering style and other conditions they like anywhere from a "light mix" to a barky epiphyte mix. The first, would be like my standard mix for all gesneriads--three parts Canadian peat moss, two parts perlite and one to one and a half parts vermiculite. I am always changing these ratios and many use a 1-1-1 mix of these ingredients. But, you can also use a mix like this, with up to about 50% of a good potting mix. My friend Alan, who religiously believes in simplicity, uses straight Supersoil, and does pretty well. Aeschynanthus don't like to dry out excessively but will do well with light drying out between waterings. They generally like to be kept lightly moist and lightly fed all the time when in growth (warm season) with a little more dryness in their drought season (winter). So, I, who underwaters, use larger pots and still I sometimes dry them out too much. I use a lot of deep 6" plastic pots or regular "azalea" pots. Smaller plants go in 4 to 5 1/2 inch pots. Aeschynanthus come from Asia, whereas xmas cacti come from the mountains of coastal Brazil. So, aeschynanthus have widely varying needs for minimum temperatures. The most popular of the commercial varieties are somewhat more tender, coming from Bali. These would be lobbianus, pulcher, 'Pullobia', radicans. But, other species come from cooler mountain areas and grow very well all year outdoors. The most hardy are garrettii, gracilis, parasiticus, x 'splendidus', with all the other species and hybrids inbetween. Up here in cooler SF bay area, I grow mostly indoors but have the hardy ones outside, where they tolerate dips to slightly below 32. Garrettii can take even our big freezes. I really like nematanthus (the "goldfish plant") which comes in many varieties. They are native to mountains of coastal Brazil, and really do well for me as outdoor plants. And, they are not as water-needy as fuchsias, by a long shot. They have beautiful glossy small leaves and wonderful flowers shaped like little fishes. Nematanthus are epiphytes too, so do not generally do well planted out in the garden but make wonderful outdoor hanging basket and potted plants for bright shade. A few columneas are also hardy enough for all year growing outdoors (erythrophaea, schiediana, and 'Sundowner'). I am being a bit conservative in these recommendations. I have known people even in my area who grew many other examples of these genera outdoors all year long, with great results. You can also grow streptocarpus, chirita, petrocosmea, sinningia and quite a few other gesneriads outdoors. Its a big family. for sources, check out the "Suppliers" page on the AGGS web site. You will find links there to Lyndon Lyon, Lauray of Salisbury, Kartuz, and other specialists in gesneriads. Kartuz in located in Vista, so could be a nice excursion for you (call in advance). Also, check out the Gesneriad Reference Web for over 1500 photos of gesneriads. I will post the link below. Jon Dixon Here is a link that might be useful: Gesneriad Reference Web

..mmkay..I really tried at least..lol dimensions were easier as I knew what to look for..the prices were a serious, serious problem though, so I'll put some vintage finds in it too..good reviews..look into these shops, they customize and all..and also one pendant (reminding one of your options..but it has glass)-I think the light itself won't be enough..but the shop and service is amazing..the fixture I ordered needed no tweaking at all..just follow them, if nothing else and don't hesitate to tell me if you dislike something, then when I see something else I won't go after something that doesn't speak to you I won't post pics sorry, or it'll take me another hour..just links. links also give you opportunity to dig further..customization if possible, dimensions, etc. obviously some go against my own advice..they'll give out shadows etc. still, check them out https://www.aplusrstore.com/product/790/coral-pendant-light (very well known pendant. minuses-cost, shadowing, will there be enough light?) https://www.lightexture.com/product-page/chandelier-lighting-double-cut-boomerang (great shop. started small..now they collaborate with big merchants and whatnot. I picked by dimesions plus cheapest..)) https://www.etsy.com/listing/630647972/crystal-glass-lantern-brass-ceiling-lamp?ref=shop_home_active_19 (my favorite shop I told you about. Answer all the questions, even stupid ones I asked, very precisely and politely..packing, shipping is a dream..got it in 3 days-and I'm on West Coast...postal miracle lol. in any case..follow these guys.) https://www.etsy.com/listing/609118040/midcentury-pendant-lamp-teak-and-white?ref=sold_out-9 (not cascading but a group..should fit..never dealt with this shop before) https://www.etsy.com/listing/477404203/vintage-mid-century-modern-atlas (like it because of the colored shades, and shape is this soft modern..works almost anywhere) I can see you liking this one a bit more? ..I like it for a) milky glass b) customization. height, etc-they'll work on it if needed. but seem to fit as per my rough calculations) c) free shipping. made in US too, so new. even though small shop. maybe you like new better https://www.etsy.com/listing/611935851/stockholm-chandelier-black-brass-mid?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=&ref=sc_gallery-1-2&plkey=4877e3e73046c0ded1277bc03a7b5ee2d317717c:611935851 a tad bigger than what you have now, a tad smaller tan what you'd want. I love the shape and the hint on it being a plant..one either loves this type or doesn't. I'd ask more questions-what's the biggest bulb each globe takes, etc. if 40 might be too small. 60-you're fine https://www.etsy.com/listing/215353216/mid-century-tulip-walnut-wood-chandelier several like this for example. dealt with the shop..beautiful work. albeit takes some time (they're popular..lots of work) they'll customize if needed. check them out https://www.etsy.com/listing/76096376/porcelain-mushroom-ball now, check out these guys..beautiful cloud lights, different sizes, they can add gold or silver to it..great reviews. downside-price..still, check them out, see what they've got https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheLightFactory/items okay..now I just wanted to share this shop with you. he has some seriously cool stuff, imo. https://www.etsy.com/shop/RetroRaum/items?ref=pagination&page=1&section_id=15731794&order=date_desc okay..I need a drink:) (I looked at Anthro btw..it's not that they have nothing good-they do, it just becomes expensive. The moment I like it. Looked at Serena and Lily..nice Capiz globe I remembered, but won't be enough light I think..takes just one bulb..)