Since PBR there have been so many superb new introductions that I
have not kept up-to-date and am constantly making new favourites. The
'Universal Pansies' were a long time choice though last year I found,
probably belatedly, the fully double, shell pink Vinca at a local centre. So
double that each flower is like a pom-pom. Vinca will not grow for me!{
Janet can swear for me!!~~only teasing} It grows on the outside of a
boundary bank but has never let me tempt it in~~ and I have tried!
This last October I noticed, in an elderly lady's porch, a totally
double Azalea smothering the little bush with its flowers, in a 6"pot.
Each flower about three inches across with all parts peteloid so much so
that they appeared actinomorphic. Gardenia-like. Some carpels seem to have
survived but even the calyx is nearly petaloid. Each bloom is just
off-white but with the petal tips scarlet. Most attractive. It has remained
in full bloom for these last five months with new buds being produced. It
is new to me but possibly has been around a while. When did Azaleas venture
indoors with an all winter flowering season?
Plant breeders used to have to be satisfied that their names were
known but without compensation. Matters have improved since Russell,
Wallace and Burbank [my favourite]etc. Thank goodness.
Best Wishes Brian.

"Women become like their mothers~ that is their problem.
Men don't become like their mothers- that is their real problem" Oscar
Wilde?