Hey Jude

Columnea 'Jude' grown by Ron

            This spectacular Columnea grown by Ron in Canada and shown at various Gesneriad shows had a tough journey to my greenhouse.

            The picture of Ron’s plant grown in his home always attracts a lot of ‘Wows’.  And, where can I get that?

            I met Ron years ago, at National Gesneriad conventions ---- he has an encyclopedic knowledge of Gesneriads and is a skilled grower.

            When I asked, Ron offered to get me stock of Columnea ‘Jude’ for commercial production.  Now, for persistence --- The first batch of cuttings sent in November froze, the second batch in March froze (every leaf fell off) but the meristem was green.  I propagated and hoped for one cutting to establish itself.  I got one or two.  Ron then saved the project by hand carrying his show plant to the Delaware National Gesneriad Convention in 2016.  After winning an award, he gave his plant to me.  Finally, a stock base.

            My goal is grow stock baskets ---- when tips are budded, direct stick into 9.5 cm (4”) pots, 3 cuttings per pot.  By the time they root, the cuttings are flowering ---- sell.

           

            Will they look like Ron’s specimen plant?  Highly unlikely.

            But, it is a good clone.  The salmon pink flowers at every leaf last for weeks.  It’s not a wimpy hybrid.

            The fatal flaw of Columnea is that cold water and sun burn the leaves, which is why they are not seen often.

            But, Columnea ’Jude’ is worth the effort.

Columnea 'Jude' grown by Gary's Specialty Plants