Fredclarkeara Gemstones
 

This one is darker than my Fdk. After Dark "Sunset Valley Orchids" but looks similar, somewhat smaller flowers. Which is a bit surprising. This one is Mo. Painted Desert x Ctsm. Orchidglade. Fdk. After Dark is Mo. Painted Desert x Ctsm. Donna Wise (Ctsm. tenebrosum x Ctsm. Orchidglade). So Fdk. After Dark has an extra very dark ancestor (Ctsm. tenebrosum) in the mix. That DID produce very dark flowers for some of the grex (like 'After Dark') but 'SVO' is more spotted burgundy with with just a very dark lip. (Posted in the thread Fredclarkeara After Dark 'SVO' spike watch) The spots on Fdk. Gemstones are darker and larger. And the lip is quite black. I like it a lot.

Oh wow, that's a cool one!

that color is fantastic! as much as I love pitch black some of the spotted ones have more "character"!

Thanks... this one really is nice. The lip is very black, the spots are big and bold. So intriguing contrast.

I was hoping to see newer generations of FDK breeding, not sure if fertility can be an issue. I was told however that there seems to be a general lack of interest in newer FDK hybrids which to me is mind-boggling! The quality from SVO is just so good for a BS/NBS seedling that might run just 20-25 bucks! even their newest Catamodes were only like 30 and every one I've seen has been anywhere from 'really good' to 'exceptional'

Those flowers are beautiful!

Fred starts with outstanding stud plants. Add to that his knowledge, and some fantastic things result. New directions keep the creative juices flowing... many of the recent hybrids use some unusual species. He's definitely not one to rest on his laurels.