Orange Slc. Dream Catcher

[greenbean]

Beautiful intense color!

I'd guess that the color variation due to temperature is because red pigments develop more and break down slower at cooler temps, thus the deeper color.

[ronaldhanko]

Thanks for the info, Evan. I mentioned something similar on an old post and someone took issue with it and insisted that temperature could not affect flower color.

[greenbean]

Really? I've learned in several of my horticulture and plant physiology classes that anthocyanins (the group of pigments responsible for red, purple, and blue coloration) are produced more in cool conditions with strong sunlight. They also break down easily in high temperatures. That's part of why flowers with those colors appear faded in hot climates but are generally more intense in cooler climates like the Northwest. It's also partly why deciduous leaves turn red in autumn, although the chlorophyll has to break down for these pigments to be visible. The yellow carotenoids are mostly present during the summer and are symply revealed as the chlorophyll breaks down, but the anthocyanins actually increase with the onset of cooler temps.

At least that's what I've been taught.

[ronaldhanko]

That certainly jives with my experience. Under the same lighting the flowers will be more intensely colored in fall and winter than in summer.

[silken]

In my horticulture certificate classes I learned the same thing about cool temps causing more intense colours.

[FairyInTheFlowers]

!!!

[Eyebabe]

Very stunning and well shaped bloom!
I absolutely LOVE the veining in the sepals and petals!

[ronaldhanko]

Thanks, Cody and D. Is that your tongue dragging on the ground, Cody?

[WhiteRabbit]

ohmy! I'm a sucker for orange blooms - and these are so charming!
Looks like another for my ever expanding wish list

[ronaldhanko]

Thanks, Sonya. I'm going to divide it either now or in the spring. Do you want a division? That goes for you, too, Cody.