Some Neos are very regular in their variegation pattern. In types like Gojyo, Tenkei etc. there is not much variation in the striping.
In other types like Fugaku & Asahiden each leaf can be different. In really nice plants like Miyakohabutae each leaf & each growth can be VERY different.
"losing the variegation "
Light can make a difference, as well as time of year. Some types gain color in winter, others lose it.
" variegation only show on the new leaves. permanently set in each leaf."
In some of the Golden leaf types like Hanagoromo & Kinroukaku you may notice a change in color during the year. They can be a bright golden yellow at times, and then a dull pale yellow at other times. Tigers can be similar, gaining intensity at various times.
" bright a light as possible without scorching the leaves."
We grow ours outside in the summer under shade cloth, and behind some tall evergreens, so they are quite well shaded. Don't forget they grow in nature under deciduous trees. We get about 2 to 3 days of sun per month here in the winter. Last winter we tried some 1000W HID lights, and found these were too much for a lot of them. We raised them up almost 2 feet higher for this winter, and we cut the daylength back. We did see some unusual flowering with more star-shaped blooms.
From one of our customers:
*By the way, you might want to mention to your customers that think it's hard to grow neos without a greenhouse that they love T-5 lights. My neos rarely stop flowering!
"the intensity of colour in Benisuzume "
Color in these can depend on various things. Some plants are seed grown, so you can see variation in color. Most of ours are divisions, but do come from different growers in Japan. Temperature, light and plant health may also affect flower color intensity. We find Momohime is quite variable in color, while Shojyou & Shojou tend to be similar in color pattern from plant to plant.
When looking at pictures from some Japanese websites or books take the color with a grain of salt. You can sometimes notice the leaves and moss color doesn't seem quite right either!
Some really deep pinks/reds:
Fujimusume - magenta - flowers lasted for 6 weeks.
Koyo or Kouyou - same plant, different spelling.
Koukakouden - larger flower, more solid color.
Toyozakura - more of a solid coloerd flower.
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Basler Fasnacht is surreal enough on it's own. I can only imagine a similar event inspired by the work of Dr. Hofmann!
And I am sure we would have had fun...
sorry... 
Linear Mode
