Q. Hi Peter: I was recently at the Seymour Botanical garden in Tacoma, WA and saw a Valentine Hoya. It had heart shape leaves and a black blossom… very unusual, but I have to have one. Would you know where I might find one? I would appreciate an email response. Thank you, Shirley Owens – Olympia, WA
A. I contacted the Conservatory and with help from Susan Hulbert
Communications Manager and Mary Anderson and found that they don’t sell the Valentine or Sweetheart Hoya (Hoya kerri) at the conservatory but they are available online at plantsforkids.com. Mary also mentioned that Hoya publicalyx is entwined with the Valentine Hoya and it has a deep red (almost black) flower. So you may have been enamored with this Hoya and understandably mistook it for the Valentine Hoya, which has creamy pink flowers with a dark chocolate brown center. Many Hoya flowers are fragrant as well making them extra special in my book. Mary is looking into local sources. If any one reading knows of any local sources you can contact me and I will pass on the info and post it on my website. If readers would like to see what all the excitement is about they can visit the conservatory, which is located at 316 South G Street in Tacoma’s Wright Park. Operating hours are Tuesday through Sunday from
10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Conservatory is closed on Mondays.