I have no idea why, but the first year bloom on this plant is the best year of bloom since I have had the plant. Subsequent year blooms have not been as nice and blooms sometimes have trouble opening up. Dry weather really does affect this bloom as well. It is a lovely bloom when open and I like the size of the bloom and the fact that scapes are tall. The plant's pollen is fertile and I have been able to set some pods on it as well. I probably will keep this plant because when the bloom is spot on, it is very nice.