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| Fredclarkeara After Dark |
One of the most dramatic orchids at
Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh, PA this week is the dark-flowered
Fredclarkeara After Dark. They have two varieties hanging in pots in the Orchid Room near the exit. Be sure to seek them out if you get to make a visit!
They are unusual for their dark blooms, but also for their pointy pseudobulb. They are potted up in bark with perlite, cork and sphagnum moss. When conditions provide high light and low moisture, female
flowers are produced. Male flowers grow in conditions of shade with higher
moisture. (More info at
Orchids Wiki)
The breeder who created these beautiful orchids is Fred Clarke of California. In addition to having a genera of orchids named after him, he also owns and runs
Sunset Valley Orchids in Vista, California and is a popular speaker about orchid all over the work. His "orchid boutique" has many other cultivars of the After Dark series available, including maroon and yellow
Fredcarkeara After Dark 'Sunset Valley Orchids', lighter red
F. After Dark 'SVO Black Cherry', and the jet black
F. After Dark 'SVO Black Diamond'.
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| Pointy pseudobulb of Fredclarkeara After Dark 'SVO Black Pearl' |
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| Darkest bloom of Fredclarkeara After Dark 'SVO Black Pearl' |
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| Tropical scene from the Orchid Room at Phipps. I really prefer its natural setting for displaying orchids. |
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| Cascading blooms of Fredclarkeara After Dark |
Read more on
Phipps Conservatory on WMG.
Wahhhh, she's so lovely !!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Virginie! It is a dramatic series of orchids for sure. I am really finding joy in orchids this winter while it is snowy and very cold outside, 15 F (-9C) today!
DeleteOhhh, gorgeous! And so unique! You've reminded me that I need to take a trip to a conservatory soon--to chase away the winter chill!
ReplyDeleteIt is worth the trip!! Especially with the cold temps right now. We were nearly overheated in the glasshouse... Such luxuriant humidity!
Delete~Julie
I love this dark purple color... And it looks especially nice on an orchid:) Lovely pictures!!
ReplyDeleteDramatic indeed.
ReplyDeleteThat is seriously dark, orchids are such beautiful flowers, thanks for sharing your visit with us!
ReplyDeleteOrchids are beautiful. I would like to try some, but someone her has her, but she has to light on all of them most the time. Sheila
ReplyDeleteTHANKS FOR THE TRIP, I ENJOYED IT!
ReplyDeleteMarybeth
Pretty! Love that dark color.
ReplyDeleteI am really enjoying orchids so much more...this one has unusual colors...lovely
ReplyDelete