- First described
- 2022
A famous venosa cultivar with a complex history: Mike's original clone (slow, difficult, spectacular) lost in his 2014 move; a current circulating clone (Jeremiah-Harris-sourced) is more vigorous and likely a sister rather than the original. Mike's pre-2014 BB × Woolworth-venosa F1 cross resurfaced in 2024 as 'Big Fib' (Mike Barnard's clone, traced via Jonathan Kui). 18 photos (2022-2024).
Standout traits
- Original clone (Mike pre-2014): slow, difficult to keep alive, but spectacular shape + color
- Current circulating clone (Jeremiah Harris source 2021): more vigorous, slightly different shape, easier to grow — likely genetically distinct from original
- Mike's pre-2014 cross: original Brunswick Beauty × Mike's childhood-Woolworth venosa → all looked like Brunswick Beauty but vigorous
- One of those crosses re-discovered as 'Big Fib' (per Mike Barnard 2024): linked to Jonathan Kui who got it from Mike Wang in 2008 → matches original Brunswick Beauty look + super vigorous
- Dark winter color (Mike 2022-12: dark dormancy expression)
- Cross-link: Mike's vigorous BB × venosa cross was widely distributed in mid-2000s
Cultivation
- Greenhouse-to-outdoor acclimation tricky for the Jeremiah- Harris-sourced current clone.
- Slow start in establishment (Mike noted it took years before settling in) — once established, grows well.
- In Mike's NorCal climate, purpureas do almost nothing all season then put on bulk growth in fall.
Photos (18)
Naming
Established cultivar name. Mike had the original ~20 years before this thread; lost it in 2014 move. Re-acquired a current-circulating clone in 2021 from Jeremiah Harris.