Description
As the bud expands and bursts on Hokutosei the outermost petals open first. These are broadly triangular and a nice intense shade of quite bright pink. There can be 10-12 outer petals (even more in well established plants) and these sit around and behind a tightly rolled-up sphere of the un-expanded inner petals.
As the inner whorl expands and develops, so it unravels itself to reveal deep-purple, spoon-shaped segments, composed of mutated anthers. These are the colour of radicchio (red chicory). This inner whorl is well delineated from the outer whorl and is quite different in colour and shape. The two remain very distinct.
The central button remains tightly compacted still and only on full maturity does it open to reveal that it is green toning to a paler shade at the base. By the time this is fully opened, the inner segments have also developed a touch of sympathetic greenish feathering and the overall effect is stunning. In effect, this is three blooms within one.
I would say on this however, that if you wish to see it in its full glory, then you need to be patient as it needs to be established before producing flowers which show its complete, complex, character.
