■(TB) 'California Blue'

1929, Essig

'California Blue' (Edward Essig, 1929). TB, Early bloom. Color Class-B1M. 'Oriflamme' x 'Conquistador'.

See below:
californiablue01.JPGcaliforniablue02.JPGcaliforniablue03.JPGcaliforniablue04.JPGcaliforniablue05.JPG

References:

From Southern California Iris Garden catalog, 1929: CALIFORNIA BLUE (Essig, 1929) (Oriflamme x Conquistador). This is the most vigorous iris that we know and because of this as well as the size and color of the flower, and the great height of the stems, it should prove of great value in obtaining height and color in garden and landscape effects. This is especially true where color is desired in the early spring. The flowers are very large, averaging from 6 to 8 inches across; a rich bluish violet throughout, with a glowing cadmium yellow beard. The texture is medium; often there is a decided crepiness, especially in the early season, which usually disappears later. The stems are stiff, straight, well branched and from 4 to 6 feet high. The first seedling that bloomed in April, 1925, had two stalks—one 4' branched which carried 17 flowers and the other 3' branched which bore 12 flowers. The foliage is fine and large. One of the outstanding characteristics of this variety is its early and long continued blooming season, which usually begins in March or April with us and extends to the middle of May. Among the thousands of seedlings so far produced none has approached California Blue for the purposes for which it is recommended. The price has been reduced so that it can find an immediate place among the many blues already in the trade. $3.00.
From Iris City Gardens catalog, 1940: CALIFORNIA BLUE: (Essig). A most vigorous iris, fine foliage, long blooming season, large flowers, great height, well-branched and early. Rich bluish violet with a glowing beard. It is the most delightfully fragrant iris which we know. 4½ feet. 20¢.
 


Culture

Quick Summary of Cultural Directions

FURTHER CULTURAL INFORMATION Sort
Hardiness Zones 4-8 for most varieties, Some cultivars tolerate colder, others tolerate warmer zones (please comment in comment box with your location if this cultivar grows well in zone 3, 4, 9, or 10.)
Exposure Prefers full sun for optimal performance, may still bloom in half-day shade
Water: Prefers well drained good garden soil, Tolerant of dry conditions in established plants, Intolerant of swampy conditions.
PH Prefers Neutral to basic solis 6.1 to 8.5, quite toleranr of more extreme conditions
Fertilizer Prefers rich conditions on relatively inorganic soils.

BobPries - 21 Apr 2019

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-- BetsyHiggins - 2011-03-05

I Attachment Action Size Date Who Comment
californiablue01.JPGJPG californiablue01.JPG manage 458 K 03 May 2018 - 02:28 Main.TLaurin Photo by Nancy McDonald-The Pickle Barrel Collection.
californiablue02.JPGJPG californiablue02.JPG manage 491 K 03 May 2018 - 02:30 Main.TLaurin Photo by Nancy McDonald-The Pickle Barrel Collection.
californiablue03.JPGJPG californiablue03.JPG manage 785 K 09 Jun 2020 - 20:46 Main.TLaurin Photo by Nancy McDonald-The Pickle Barrel Collection.
californiablue04.JPGJPG californiablue04.JPG manage 177 K 09 Jun 2020 - 20:48 Main.TLaurin Photo by Nancy McDonald-The Pickle Barrel Collection.
californiablue05.JPGJPG californiablue05.JPG manage 170 K 09 Jun 2020 - 20:50 Main.TLaurin Photo by Nancy McDonald-The Pickle Barrel Collection.
This topic: TbAthruE > Main > TallBearded > TbCaliforniaBlue
Topic revision: 04 Sep 2021, Harloiris
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