 |
A large, long stemmed flower developed for the cut flower industry, but now less widely grown. Most of the plants in cultivation are inferior seedlings, and this is probably one of them! Roy Coombs says: "'The Czar' (Graham, 1863). FCC RHS, 1865. Deep purple 86A-B with stems long enough for cutting. FGree-flowering. Strong scent. An historic violet, the use of which in hybridising has resulted in many of the finest cultivars being produced. Also listed as 'Purple czar'." Grace Zambra says: "Here is a good purple colour, with blooms very sweetly scented. It has long stems, but our particular grudge against it is that it gives too many stringy runners, and therefore makes an untidy plant. We also find it very subject to any disease that may be prevalent at the time. It is a very old favourite, and bears quite good blooms." In an article in 'The Guardian' online, Louise Curley says: "'The Czar' In his 1893 book Flowers Of The French Riviera, the French botanist Henry de Vilmorin noted that this large dark violet was in great demand at flower markets, where violets were supplied "in ready-made bunches… collared with fresh green leaves". |
|
| 5th April 2006 | ||
