Cattleya Amabilis (1904)
 

Over the years, I have often wondered about what the original early breeding hybrids looked like, and whether we might do better with line bred parents (or at least superior plants identified over the subsequent 100+ years).

Most breeders are not interested in going this route, but occasionally you find someone giving it a try. Two years ago, at Dave Off's backyard sale, I found some seedlings of Cattleya Amabilis (1904).

When I checked on the RHS web site, I found that there are two hybrids with this name (one was originally a Lc.), so they are now identified with their individual year of registration.

These seedlings were produced with: C. warscewiczii, forma alba, 'Kimberly' x C. labiata, forma semi-alba, 'Buddy' (I have to check with Dave to find out who the breeder is). The first just bloomed; the top sepal recurves, but otherwise a nice flower.

Beautiful! Some pesky thing had a bit of a chew on the lip. But ------ really nice colours and shapes seen here.

Wow, that's beautiful! I'm glad there's renewed interest in remaking these old primaries. I can't wait to scoop some up for myself.