A Step-by-Step Guide.
Have you ever created a Cymbidium orchid hybrid and wondered how to give it an official name? You will need to register a Cymbidium hybrid with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) — the International Cultivar Registration Authority (ICRA) for orchids. It is the way to make your creation part of orchid history.
Whether you’re a seasoned breeder or just starting your exiting journey with breeding, understanding the registration process ensures your Cymbidium hybrid is properly recognised, traceable, and proudly yours.
Why Register a Cymbidium Hybrid?
From time to time, people ask me, “Why should we bother registering a new cross?”
Well, there are several good reasons!
Creating a new Cymbidium hybrid is exciting and deeply rewarding. It’s not just about the joy of seeing your new seedlings bloom. It’s about officially recording your work so it becomes part of the international orchid registry.
By registering your hybrid, you:
- Ensure your new Cymbidium is officially recognised by the RHS
- Preserve naming consistency for breeders and collectors worldwide
- Avoid duplication or confusion with existing crosses
- Create a simple, recognised name that’s easier to label and track
Without registration, complex lineage names can get unwieldy. Imagine trying to fit something like this on a tag:
Cym. ((Anna Szabo × Wallamurra) × (Portuguese Passion × Patsy Bauman)) × Cym. Yellow Valley — it’s quite a mouthful!
An official grex name not only simplifies things, but it also adds a touch of prestige to your breeding efforts.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Register a Cymbidium Hybrid?
Registering a Cymbidium hybrid with the RHS is straightforward once you know the steps. Here’s how to do it properly.
Step 1: Confirm Your Hybrid Is Unique
Before you start filling out any forms, check whether your hybrid has already been registered.
You can do this easily by searching the International Orchid Register on the RHS website.
If your exact cross doesn’t appear, congratulations — you have a unique hybrid ready for registration! Remember to search for your cross both ways round…..pod parent and pollen parent.
Step 2: Prepare Your Submission Details
Next, gather the information you’ll need for your application. The more accurate your details, the smoother the approval process will be.
You’ll need:
- Proposed Grex Name – The name you’d like your hybrid to have
- Parentage – The genus and species or grex names of both pod (seed) and pollen parents
- Date of First Flowering – If your hybrid has already bloomed
- Photographs – At least two clear images (front and side views) showing the flower’s shape and color
- Description – Include plant size, flower dimensions, color pattern, and any distinctive traits
- Permission – If you’re not the originator, you’ll need consent from the person who made the cross
Take time to write a clear and descriptive summary. Well-documented submissions often process faster and become more valuable to future breeders.
Step 3: Submit Your Application to register a Cymbidium hybrid
The best way you can register your hybrid is online
- 💻 Online: Use the RHS Orchid Registration Portal.
Step 4: Pay the Registration Fee
A small fee applies to each new hybrid name:
- 💷 £12 per registration
Digital certificates are provided by the RHS at no additional cost once your hybrid is officially registered. It is a wonderful keepsake and proof of your contribution to Cymbidium breeding.
Step 5: Await Confirmation
After submission, the RHS Orchid Registrar will review your application.
Once approved, you’ll receive your official certificate of registration, confirming your hybrid’s place in the International Orchid Register.
This process can take a few weeks, depending on the number of applications being handled. However, in my experience, it is usually just a few days. Once approved, your hybrid name will be visible worldwide — proudly listed among other officially registered Cymbidiums.
Need Help to register a Cymbidium hybrid?
If you have any questions or need assistance with your application, the RHS Orchid Registrar is always happy to help.
Contact:
📧 Email: orcreg@rhs.org.uk
🌐 Website: RHS Orchid Registration
Final Thoughts
Registering your Cymbidium hybrid is more than just a formality — it’s a way to preserve your creative work, contribute to orchid breeding history, and ensure your name lives on through your plants.
Whether you’ve just made your first cross or your hundredth, taking that extra step to register with the RHS gives your hybrid the official recognition it deserves.
✨ Tip:
If you’re serious about Cymbidium breeding, keep a detailed record of your crosses, flowering dates, and photographs. It’ll make future registrations — and your own breeding legacy — much easier to manage.