That is really nice - I like both the bloom and the variegated foliage. I'll have to consider this one next time I put together an order from L.L.'s. Thanks for posting your photo, Joanne (makes no difference to me which side you posted it on!) ;-)
Anne

That's beautiful, Joanne! Is the variegation also pink?

Best,
Judy

Hi Judy, seems it is a Russian hybrid. The variegation is subtle shades of cream and pale pink. To Anne, I recommend it.

This post was edited by fortyseven on Thu, Nov 13, 14 at 23:45

Very pretty.

Reminds me of Optimara Modesty a bit ...

Very pretty.

Reminds me of Optimara Modesty a bit ...

That was why I wanted it!
The blooms are more vibrant than O Modesty, it suddenly is growing more. The only Optimara that ever died on me was an Optimara modesty.
For a long time, I was looking for a blue double in a true blue color with variegated foliage. Lyon's had a famous one, Private Dancer, that was similar but more of a violet color and darker. It did not do well for me, but I was not skilled in those days. Joanne

This post was edited by fortyseven on Sat, Nov 15, 14 at 16:33

thank you Joanne it is gorgeous. I have been looking for real blues too, I love royal blue and the double flowers are just perfect .... if I can get it in Canada I will get one. :)

Hi Silvana,
There seem to be lots of hybridizers and vendors in Canada. The one I posted is a Russian variety. So it might be larger than what you are looking for.

Hi Joanne .... :) ..... I started my memberships with the idea of mini av's and micros and then learned how very hard they can be. I will be getting some from Rob's next year anyway but now i've started dreaming of large floor violets against a purple wall ... and this deep blue scarab would be spectacular ...

I know Rob can ship to Canada and I know we have another vendor in Quebec but I don't know of any others, yet.... but on the other hand I don't have much space and maybe it's better if I don't know of them. :)

But I want a Scarab .... so I guess i'll have to track one. :)

Hi
Do look into Lyndon Lyon's, if they will ship to CA. They
are very reliable. They have a plant called Private Dancer
that many people like a lot. It is probably very similar to
Scarab. The blooms are double with fantasy and variegated
leaves. Joanne

Very pretty! Love variegated leaves and top that off with blue . . . LOVE IT!

Thanks Joanne ... will do :)

Thanks, Joanne. I was wondering about a blue double that was like this one. I will make a note of it.

Joanne, I just came across EK Scarabei on the Violet barn website - it looks a fair bit different from your plant though, do you know if it is supposed to be the same hybrid?

Karin

Here is a link that might be useful: Violet Barn, Russian Hybrids

Karin,
Nope, mine has not "smurfed" yet. No wild coloration, but this is its first bloom. The plant now has three blooms, all the same, mid-tone dusky blue. However, it did grow out a very nice whorl of leaves. If anyone plans to order it, I suggest waiting until Spring then seeing if Lyon's offers it. They were the original importers of this Russian variety and are most likely to send the strongest starter plants.

As one garden writer said, the commercial photos of plants bear no resemblance to any actual, living specimen!!
Silvana, Sounds like you might be an "artiste!"
I'm always looking for African Violet art and ideas, too !

This post was edited by fortyseven on Thu, Nov 20, 14 at 12:59

I like your scarab better Joanne.... but i will order one from Rob's since i do have others to get from him and Lyons doesn't ship to Canada ... according to their site.

Hopefully under my conditions (window light) it will look more like yours.

If i can find a Private Dancer in Canada I will try that one too since i think it's more like yours than Rob's EK scarab is.

love your quote!!!! lol... thank you .... it helps so much ....

"Well, as one writer said, the commercial photos of plants bear no resemblance to any actual, living specimen!"

Hi Silvana,
A "word" of advice. When ordering from Rob's for the first time, experiment with a smallish order, say, 4 to 6 plants. They probably won't ship until Spring, anyway.
Their own hybrids are quite good.
Joanne

How come, Joanne? You have to remember that for each international order, you pay for a separate phyto, so if it were me, I'd get a dozen friends to add their orders and split the phyto and shipping - which would then be a very large order indeed....

To test the waters with an unknown vendor it might be a good idea to start small . However if there are not a lot of sellers who will ship to CA , there are other considerations . Another suggestion is to search the forum with the vendor 's name and learn of other experience. The main issue I have had with several smaller sellers is their making substitutions without notifying me or mislabeling or not returning email.
The ones I prefer do not do any of the above and won't send immature plants. They have a reputation .