This summer, I have been experimenting with new cultivars – both ornamental and vegetable. Below are my reviews of one of each:
Achillea Paprika:
Paprika. Nice and red.
This was purchased to attract hummingbirds. I planted it in a large, tall planter on our deck, along with some dwarf white cosmos and a new salvia cultivar, which I will review in another post.
The descriptions I read before buying it were enticing ( aren’t they all?): “large clusters of bright red flowers” “ruby red flowers” ” irresistible to butterflies.” At first, the color was indeed bright red. Finally, a yarrow that wasn’t muddy!
Paprika, one month later. Not so red anymore.
But alas, as the summer progressed, even with regular deadheading the flowers went from red to rust – a shade I am definitely not fond of. So in the fall, I will move it to the perennial bed at the side of the house. Maybe it will be redder there.
Tomato Orange Russian:
Orange Russian: big, beautiful and tasty!
I bought this plant at a spring plant sale. As I said, I do love experimenting, and I have found most of the Russian cultivars I have tried in the past to be both interesting and absolutely delicious. I harvested the first fruit a couple of weeks ago, and is it ever different-looking! It’s large and orange and heart-shaped, with red radiating from the tip up toward the stem. The flesh is mostly orangey-yellow, and it is meaty, juicy and succulent. I am only able to eat half of one for lunch at a time. That’s how big and heavy these tomatoes are. I like this plant a lot, and might even grow it again next year, if I can get my hands on it.
Digging RI 
ooo, save me some seed! that looks luscious!
LikeLike
I’ll see what I can do! I figured that you of all people would be interested in this one. Surprised you haven’t tried it already, though!!!
LikeLike
I agree with AB! Save the seeds of this heirloom and we can all grow them next year. I had to look them up; some folks say the plants are monstrous, growing to 8 feet and will produce heavily in the cooler weather. Did you find that to be true?
LikeLike
The plant is hefty, certainly, but I wouldn’t call it a monster. Maybe I’m doing something wrong. I will go and see whether there are any more mature fruits in there, and if there are, I will definitely collect the seeds!
The fruits are very dense and heavy in addition to being large. They are prone to bending the stems down to the point where they are touching the ground, so you have to make sure they are very well staked and tied.
LikeLike
That looks luscious.
LikeLike
Luscious describes it perfectly. ( I assume you’re referring to the tomato, not the achillea!)
LikeLike