EARL OF ESSEX
- To: Multiple recipients of list <i*@rt66.com>
- Subject: EARL OF ESSEX
- From: C*@aol.com
- Date: Fri, 10 Jan 1997 16:10:26 -0700 (MST)
In a message dated 97-01-10 14:54:28 EST, Lloyd Zurbrigg wrote:
<< I am sending this to all, Graham, in case some might be interested. EARL
OF
ESSEX does not rebloom as early as ENGLISH COTTAGE, but reblooms fairly
readily. I cannot recall anything about its fragrance. It is not closely
related to ENG. COTTAGE. Parentage involves SKY QUEEN, GRAND BAROQUE
(TWICE),
CRINKLED IVORY and ATUTUMN SENSATION in the pod parent. The pollen parent
was
VIOLET CLASSIC, one of my introductions with excellent form, but modest in
regard to its rebloom. If I missed something, write again! >>
In many ways, the lovely EARL OF ESSEX, is an anomoly among cold climate
rebloomers, in that it is one of the very few that includes warm climate
rebloomer in its genetic makeup, i.e. SKY QUEEN. It is the only one I know
which also includes an aril iris in its makeup, i.e. through SKY QUEEN. I
have in the past referred to it as the best of the "mixed" type, involving
both warm climate rebloomer and cold climate rebloomer. Most efforts at such
crosses are, shall we say, less than successful. Only an iris breeder of
great experience and knowledge could have created EARL OF ESSEX! The "dean of
iris hybridizers", i.e. Ben Hager, has used EARL OF ESSEX extensively in his
own breeding programs, as have many other. My respect for Dr. Zurbrigg is
great indeed. Clarence Mahan in VA
