Blue hardy hibiscus

[helixturnhelix]

Looks like researchers at Texas A and M bred a blue winter hardy hibiscus!

http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/1912684/researcher_breeds_first_blue_hibiscus/

[Nievesgirl]

Ok I read article and it says blue but imo that is a dark purple ......

I still think its cool though the color is amazing.

[Charlie]

That's pretty nice, Chris. I may have to try it out one of these days.

Speaking of blue flowers, apparently the first blue orchid has recently been released. I expected a barely blue blue but was surprised at this very blue "blue". Here's what the article said, and photo below.

"Pot plant grower Silver Vase Inc. in Homestead, Fla., has introduced the first blue orchid, Blue Mystique. The orchid made its debut at this year’s Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition in Ft. Lauderdale. The long lasting electric blue flowers are produced on single or double spikes. Plants are available in 5-inch pots and thrive in low to medium light.
Silver Vase produces more than 2 million units in nearly 1 million square feet of greenhouses. It is the largest U.S. partner to Dutch breeder Floricultura."

Charlie

[helixturnhelix]

Wow Charlie, I checked out that orchid and it is really cool looking.  Great for the ornamental plant trade, as the blue color is retained and most orchids are discarded after they finish blooming.  Since in the description on their website says that the blue color is induced and "the process takes between 48 and 90 hours" I bet that is some sort of soluble pigment which is taken up into a white flowered variety.  So if the plant reblooms, and doesn't undergo the treatment it will probably have white flowers.  What is most supportive of this claim is the blue patterning in the flower corresponds with the flower vascular system.  Capillary action allows the dye to get into flowers and become deposited, identical to taking white carnations and sticking them in water with blue dye.  Over time, the dye moves up the stem it is eventually deposited into the petals making it blue.  Still really cool for an orchid since Phalenopsis blooms last for months, I am going to keep my eye out for one at the stores  

Attached is Capillary action in cut dendrobium orchids
    

[Charlie]

Chris, I should have known. I thought that bright blue color did not look natural. I see mums and other dyed flowers for sale around here but orchids? I guess I'm more of a purist and hoped they had achieved this color through hybridizing. Ah well - thanks for the good info!

[helixturnhelix]

Such a bummer, a true electric blue orchid would be a sight for sure, but they are still very pretty.  Hows the search for the electric blue hibiscus going?  Have any seedlings or crosses which might produce some? 

True blue flowers are possible, here in the PNW hydrangea blooms are electric blue.  This acidic soil here turns the blooms blue.  Interesting the same plant if in soil with a neutral pH blooms purple and at basic pH pink!  In southern cali, I was used to seeing pink hydrangea and up here they are all blue, the only difference is acidic soil and water.  Maybe My Blue Heaven will bloom this year and turn out really blue because of the acidic conditions here?