Sometimes reviewing the previous season's blooms isn't all fun and games. Sometimes it's serious business. Because sometimes it leads to a pronouncement that a particular plant's time in the garden or seedling bed must come to an end. It can be difficult and even painful to reach this conclusion, but these tough choices have to be made. And once made, followed-through on.
Take this plant previously designated as a keeper. It pains me to say it but it's time as a keeper must come to an end. This photo is the clinching evidence:
The blooms can be very nice-looking, but in truth I don't think they're particularly unique. There are so many really great reds introduced that have a similar look, that I really feel the bar is quite high for me to introduce another one. And there shouldn't be flaws like I'm seeing here.
Notice the fading and slicking on the petals. It's not a particularly hot day and yet it is quickly fading rather badly. I'm inclined to not accept this poor sunfastness.
And see the canoeing going on with the petals. Canoeing is not always necessarily the kiss of death but I don't like the way it looks here. And it's happening way too often. That's another flaw.
After adding in some additional factors about the plant I am reaching the verdict that it must go. I can do better than this. I will focus on the promising seedlings under development that will become worthy of taking this one's place!
