Tropicals & Tender Perennials: 3 favorite Hoyas, 1 by markroy68

markroy68 wrote:
I thought that since we're about to do a Hoya Swap and ordering from David Liddle, this would be a good time for everyone to point out their favorite Hoyas, and say a few words about them. Here are my three favorite, in no particular order, and a photo of australis ssp. australis 'Brookfield' (just in case you all aren't sick of seeing it yet).

1- the above mentioned clone of australis, 'Brookfield', is one of my very favorites. David Liddle calls this clone "the best", and I agree completely. The new growth is a dark bronzy purple, the older leaves are a rich dark green. It is a very vigorous grower and bloomer, displaying these pristine 3/4" flowers all autumn and sporadically the rest of the year. They smell wonderfull, and can fill up a room come dusk.
2- H. compacta, for its strange stems of blackish-green twisted leaves that really do look like a rope (a common name is "Hindu rope plant") and golfball sized clusters of soft pink flowers. The scent is very similar to carnosa, I think a little sweeter. It blooms throughout the year.
3- DS-70 (syn H. burtoniae and H.tsangii), for its delicate inch long leaves, olive green or rusty-margined in strong light, with a very soft nap. A very delicate appearing plant overall, with rose red clusters of flowers throught the year. Smells of butterscotch, like many Acanthostemma Hoyas (hueshkeliana, wayetii, davidcumingii, etc.) but apparently this one has the strongest perfume. This also blooms on and off all year long.

P.S. I have tried to grow H. subcalva several times, with little luck. I'm ordering one from David Liddle soon, and if I ever get it to do well, I think this one will bump someone off this list.