Another VIew

Very pretty light blue! Is it an Optimara do you think?

Diana thought it might be O. Manitoba. I am inclined to agree. I bought it at BBS (Big Box Store) so unless there is an Optimara semi-miniature that is very similiar, it is most likely O. Manitoba. Very compact with large, light blue flowers. Very cheerful plant for a narrow window sill.

It's a standard although not a huge plant. The leaves are somewhat narrow compared to most of the other ones. (O. Manitoba)

Diana in PA

I was going to say Manitoba too. I have one in bloom right now but it's almost done.

It is a "classic." A local store has several Manitoba, so it must be what Optimara is offering this season. I have never seen Connecticut that I am aware, at least not recently. I am very glad to be able to get this variety again. It is Number 2, I think! Hybridized in 1987 by Reinhold, Sr. All very good. It is patented and registered. Connecticut has an earlier registration number and patent, but it was a later development, no. 68. Also Hyb by Reinhold, Sr. They must have decided belatedly to also patent no. 2.

Joanne

Optimara Manitoba (6569) 05/25/1987 (Holtkamp) Single light blue two-tone/darker center. Medium green/dark red back. Standard

I'm not sure if they ever take this one out of production. It seems to be almost always available. The leaves are darker than many others described as "medium green" and somewhat narrower, not big and round. It's a standard although not large like Clementine which seems as though it's going to be a big one.

Optimara AnnaBelle (10651) 02/28/2014 (R. Holtkamp) Single light blue sticktite bell. Dark green, pointed/red back. Standard

I have babies of this one. Perhaps I'm wrong, but I have the sense that it's not as tolerant as Manitoba. From the photos, the blossoms should be more cupped (the bell). I think I may have had it briefly from Home Depot but those plants were in bad shape and it didn't make it. OTOH, that was pre2014 so either I'm wrong or they just hadn't registered it yet. I think it was just a later registration date because I think these have been around for awhile.

Diana in PA

I love, love, love Manitoba! So simple but so pretty. The bloom color is so peaceful and happy. You have to see a healthy plant in person to really appreciate it.

Thanks, Diana, for the info. I had one that got large but not too large. Now that I have it again, I will never be without it. A friend of mine just got Annabelle at a plant sale, so she will keep us posted as to how it grows. Agreed, Melody, with your thoughts about Manitoba. My sentiments exactly! It has a lot of sparkle with a full head of bloom. The color looks a little different in daylight vs. artificial light. The leaf contrast is nice and nicely shaped with the pointed tips. I don't think I have ever seen Connecticut in person. Joanne

Hope everyone had a good weekend!!!! I did,,,daughter is here from Tennessee and she didn't leave today she is staying one more day YAY!!!

Am sending her home with a small pan of leaves, got her into violets also!

Just bought another violet---I think it is Optimara Michaelangelo--large pansy 5 petal flowers--top two petal white and bottom 3 petals are thumbprints of rich purple. Really very pretty! She will get a leaf of that also!!!!!

Will try to get a pix posted. This one came from Meijer.--Rosie