CTT. Big Ben 'Blue Mountain' HCC/AOS

[Fairorchids]

While I am not a big fan of coeruleas, I have acquired a few. This one due to the parentage (Ctt. Portia x C. mossiae), where Portia = [labiata x bowringiana].

With 4 flowers on one inflorescence from a first bloom plant, I think this one has justified it's not inconsiderable price (as I recall it, NBS retails for $60-$75 from Waldor Orchids).

[smweaver]

Very nice. I actually like the classic droopy petals (now considered undesirable) of Cattleya mossiae, and it's good (at least to me) to see a bit of that trait in this hybrid. Did the blooms also inherit mossiae's wonderful scent?

Steve

[Fairorchids]

It is fragrant. I have not bloomed a true mossiae in something like 45 years, so I do not have a frame of reference for comparison.