Re: Got the Blues

[Lori S.]

And, with respect to this posting:  http://nargs.org/smf/index.php?topic=285.msg2544#new  ... given the constant fascination that people seem to have with blue flowers, perhaps it would be appropriate to whet that interest by posting some?

I'll start with Gentiana verna:

[Lori S.]

Ahh, I just knew this topic would bring out the crowds.    

Oh well, if only for my own amusement...
1, 2, 3)  Penstemon nitidus, in bloom in the front yard.
4) Myosotis decumbens
 

[Hoy]

I used my blue poppy elsewhere and where I am now it is only a small, blue violet (Viola rupestris) in bloom. I am not sure my camera can capture it. Here the snow cover has just receded.

[Hoy]

I managed to take a picture of the violet. It is only 3.5 cm high. It is growing in the sub-alpine zone in short grass.
PS! The penstemon seems to be a plant to search for!

[Hoy]

Here's my version of Myosotis decumbens, a common native plant in the subalpine zone. The other is Ajuga pyramidalis, also common from the sea level to the lower alpine zone. The flowers are blue!

[Lori S.]

The penstemon seems to be a plant to search for!

It always seems to be offered in the NARGS seed ex from various donors (I am one  ).  I'll check if I still have seeds from last year and could send them if so, Trond... not sure it would like your wet climate, but with enough drainage... ??

[Hoy]

It always seems to be offered in the NARGS seed ex from various donors (I am one  ).  I'll check if I still have seeds from last year and could send them if so, Trond... not sure it would like your wet climate, but with enough drainage... ??

You know, when you read a seed list like NARGS's you get a wish list much too long! I try to find pictures of plants I don't know but haven't time to look for all. This forum open your eyes for new species.
When you speak of climate I have three places to put down plants and two of the places have dry climate, at least much drier than at home. So I would like to give it a try!
(I have looked at your weather here: http://www.yr.no/sted/Canada/Alberta/Calgary/time_for_time.html )

[Spiegel]

Moltkia petraea is one of my favorites.  I'd call it a sub-shrub.  The flowers are a good blue and last a long time.  It seems to be very cold hardy (Zone 4b/5a here, noone knows for sure anymore)

MMcD, NARGS Moderator:  Anne, I re-uploaded your image as it was curiously named "convolvulus compactus 012.JPG", surely a typo.

[Lori S.]

That's a beauty, Anne, and it's great to hear of its hardiness.  I tried it from seed this year... no joy yet, though.

[Spiegel]

Hi Lori,
I'd rather grow from seed also, but if you have no luck I think that Harvey Wrightman has this in his catalog.
It gets better and better each year, a worthwhile investment.  My garden is very dry so I never worry about anything getting out of bounds, but I think this is really a sub-shrub and will behave itself.

[Todd Boland]

Beautiful Moltkia Anne!  It is one of my favs too.  Mine is just starting to show buds.

Here are some of my current blues..the best is by far Gentiana angustifolia 'Frei', the others are Viola corsica and Viola cucullata.

[Spiegel]

Hi Todd, I agree that Gentiana angustifolia 'frei' is one of the best.  It definitely has staying power.  This year I'm trying G.angustifolia 'Iceberg' - do you know it? I heard from Cliff Booker that you were a long way from spring when he was there. This has just been a wierd winter with huge temperature swings and everything 3 weeks ahead of itself.

[Spiegel]

Another good one for the garden is Paederota bonarota. The blue is not as good in my garden as it is in nature but it's still a very nice color and an easy plant to grow.

[Hoy]

When I see the pictures you all take I understand that I have to buy me a new camera. My old automatic simply won't focus of what I want!
I have not tried Moltkia before and Paederota is quite new to me. Is it a dry climate plant?

[Todd Boland]

Anne, I have grown Iceberg...it is lovely but unfortunately it died this winter...heaved right out of the ground.  This has been one of the coldest springs on record for us.  Three days ago the temp finally reached above normal!  The trees are now flushing before my eyes.  Still have loads of daffs and tulips open...in fact, some tulips are still just green buds! The last place in North America to have tulips open....that is our claim to fame!