It is too early for me as all I have are japonicas but I have been taking notes the last few years looking for early blooming sasanquas that others have so thanks for the news! It usually means that we will no longer be stuck in a cycle of 100-degree weather any longer. My camellias must be saying 'Aaaaaah', hee hee hee.

well, congrats, to you on the first b loom of the season.Isn't it exciting to see that first bloom of the season.I don't have any yet, but,most any day now,I should be seeing my first bloom also.I have scapes and buds every where and some that's near blooming.Your first bloom is really a pretty one, too.hope to see more soon. jean

Dean: Pandora's box usually, most times, has up to a dozen blooms at once.and even 15 blooms ONCE. I need to repot it this fall and give it fresh new soil for next year.It grew so much the first few years I had it,till I had to keep repotting it and divideing it up,I have give several pots away and still have three pots of it,I think.I plan to either put it all in a huge planter or find a good place to plant it. Chris and maryL. I don't claim the kitten as my own,its just a stray that comes here for a meal and the mother also comes to get some thing to eat.I will feed any stray cat that acts like its hungry when it comes here. jean

The following is based on growing in New Hampshire (Zone 5)but if you live in a higher zone there may be more options for early-blooming cut-flowers. Dorinicum or Leopard's Bane is one of the first perennials to bloom in the spring. It produces tall, good-sized bright yellow daisy-like flowers and makes a great cut-flower. It's very reliable and comes back for me every year in NH. Larkspur would be another good early bloomer as it does best in cool weather. As for Zinnias . . . it may be THE BEST cut-flower for size, color, and production. Yes, everyone grows it. Look for the unusual types. Baker Creek Seeds has some great varieties most other seed companies don't. Try to grow specific colors rather than mixes. Snapdragons start blooming relatively early and continue throughout the season. It's my 2nd favorite cut-flower. Most other annuals will start blooming later than June, but once started they continue till frost. Iris start early, are reliable and produce great flowers, so that may be a source for cuts. Delphiniums start blooming here by mid-late June so that may be a good source. Some of the Primroses make good cuts. A number of Dianthus bloom early for smaller, but fragrant cut flowers..