Den. Red Emperor 'Prince'

[gnathaniel]

Nice pickup, orchidman! I love nobile-type Dens and that's a striking one.

Camille, winter rests can actually be pretty easy for these hybrids. I read in a recent AOS magazine (maybe from last spring or summer?) about just putting them in a refrigerator (kept above freezing) for a week or two to initiate buds. Watering can be kept regular except during the refrigerated period, as cool temps are the primary bloom cue (though some of the species may be more stressed by water during winter).

Hybrids that are predominantly moniliforme (Ise, Yellow Chinsai, etc.) are even easier, as many of them grow year-roud and will push out buds after a month or two of nights in the mid-60s F (which is where I keep my house in the winter anyway). Basically automatic bloomers, in my conditions anyway.

Sorry for the mini-lecture, I just couldn't resist!

--Nat