Luminous Landscape Forum

Equipment & Techniques => Landscape & Nature Photography => Topic started by: Bob_B on July 21, 2017, 03:44:02 pm

Title: Summer orchids: Rhyncholaeliocattleya "Helene Belas"
Post by: Bob_B on July 21, 2017, 03:44:02 pm

Here's another orchid from my collection that's in bloom. I developed Rhyncholaeliocattleya 'Helene Belas' in the mid-1990's, and have eight or so separate plants from the original flask of seedlings. This hybrid is a vigorous grower that reliably produces two to three large, highly fragrant flowers per spike twice a year (summer and winter). It is beyond measure the most fragrant orchid I own, and I personally find its scent to be out of this world, with a near-perfect blend of spices and sweetness. When it's inside and blooming, you can smell it from just about anywhere in my house. It's flowers strongly resemble those of Laelia species despite the heavy dose of Cattleya genes in its genome. (BTW, the cross is named in honor of my mother, who is currently 101.)

I hope you enjoy the photograph. C&C welcomed. Thank you for viewing.

Bob

Title: Re: Summer orchids: Rhyncholaeliocattleya "Helene Belas"
Post by: sdwilsonsct on July 22, 2017, 08:19:11 am

Nice portrait, Bob. I envy you your collection.

Title: Re: Summer orchids: Rhyncholaeliocattleya "Helene Belas"
Post by: Bob_B on July 22, 2017, 09:37:17 am

Thanks Scott.

Title: Re: Summer orchids: Rhyncholaeliocattleya "Helene Belas"
Post by: Jay Kaplan on July 22, 2017, 10:17:51 am

Lovely, I have seen many orchids up at Longwood Gardens but this one is new to me.

Jay

Title: Re: Summer orchids: Rhyncholaeliocattleya "Helene Belas"
Post by: Bob_B on July 22, 2017, 06:18:07 pm

Quote from: Jay Kaplan on July 22, 2017, 10:17:51 am

Lovely, I have seen many orchids up at Longwood Gardens but this one is new to me.

Thanks Jay. I believe my cross (Blc. Ruben's verde x C. schilleriana) is unique, although I may be wrong. Certainly, I am the only one in possession of the orchid at this time.

Title: Re: Summer orchids: Rhyncholaeliocattleya "Helene Belas"
Post by: RMW on July 23, 2017, 02:36:56 pm

Bob,
Thanks for this most painterly rendition of your gorgeous orchid.
I hope your Mom can still appreciate it.
Richard

Title: Re: Summer orchids: Rhyncholaeliocattleya "Helene Belas"
Post by: Bob_B on July 23, 2017, 06:26:34 pm

Richard, thank you for your kind words. Yes, my mother greatly appreciates her namesake orchid.