Definitely looks like flower buds.

Looks as though you have possible bugs on the undersides of those leaves? Worth a check.

Rick

Agree with Rick, I would treat for the bugs

Show us when they bloom

I dont see any bugs but big leaves...and BUDS on that plant..

Thanks for the alert - had a check with the lens and I think it's only small bits of sand and dirt thrown up from recent heavy rain, but I'll give it the treatment just in case. Look forward to seeing these open at last, and sure I'll post some pictures.

Hello Geoff. Glad to see that the buds have been spared by the bird and have now opened for you. It's a great achievement to get your seedlings to the flowering stage, you appreciate them more I think. I waited 8 years for the first flower to open on mine, others dropped off 3 years in succession prior to this summers blooms. They weren't spectacular by any means, just singles, but they were good. One was pink, the other pale yellow. Must say, I do admire the doubles, there are some fantastic plants shown on the forum as you have already noticed!

What kind of mix do you grow them in over in HK? Do you have to be careful of the rains there? I know it can rain hard, I've been caught out in HK rain a couple of times myself. The warm temps must be good for them as yours have flowered at 12 months.

Gill

Cute flower, congratulations! Only one of my seedlings flowered so far, I know the feeling! I like the color, it will be beautiful plant as it grows :)

Congrats Geoff!! Lovely flowers!! Hoping you have many more soon!

Wonderful news, Geoff. It is quite something with your own seed grown plants blooming. Congratulations on a superb bloom and plant.

Rick

Thanks for the comments - yes, I'm hooked. Got nearly 100 seedlings growing, so I hope the next year or two will be productive.

In response to the question about mix, I'm afraid i break the rules and use what I have freely available - dry leaves from Acacia trees in the nearby road mixed with soil from the garden and sand from the beach. Here in Hong Kong the humidity is very high and mould and rotting are a constant threat. I made the mistake of not protecting seedlings from a sudden very cold and wet period last year and lost a lot. Sometimes I sterilise the mixture in the microwave before planting. I would suggest you do not follow my errant ways!

The blooms look very big.

Sand mix also good for drainage too.

Marie

Well, two nice surprises. First, my first ever seedling bloomer had some more flowers to show off:

Secondly, one of the seedlings from Sinha in India has survived and is now apparently healthy - I thought all five had come to grief