Since the temperatures have cooled down (from approx 85-90F high/70 low to 70-75 high/ 60 low), this plant has recovered from the early September heat wave when the old leaves started dying off. New growth which was distorted immediately after the heat wave (I pinched out the buds that looked unhealthy) now looks shiny and lush, changing from red to green. Some new buds swelling up, I can't decide whether to pinch them - to encourage the plant to produce more roots - or to keep them, because it will probably be my last flush of blooms until spring and the scent is so fantastic. I fed it with some 50% strength fish and seaweed in the 3rd week of Sept and the food+better temps mean that growth has been massive, as though the heat wave caused dormancy and it's re-emerging. Probably an extra foot of cane over the past month, on some branches.

Once temperatures drop more significantly around Thanksgiving, I'll refresh the soil with a top later of fresh compost with slow-release organic low-nitrogen food. In January I'll defoliate to force dormancy (the winter isn't cold enough for leaf drop here, normally) and then prune in February.

This plant is less than a year old (purchased bare root, in February), but has consistently impressed me with its vigor, aesthetics (gorgeous blossoms which change color over time, lovely dark glossy foliage), and apparent resistance to pests and disease. Am hoping I can get to year 3 without having to do a full repot/root prune (it is in a 20" terracotta pot), because it's such an excellent performer so far I would hate to do anything to negatively affect it. It's also rated to zone 9 on this site but I am in 10b, so can attest to its ability to survive a 10-day heat wave.

Own root, 2013, maybe even 2012.