This week’s Orchid of the Week is… Cym. Pearl-Balkis
Parentage: This week’s Orchid of the Week is a cross between Cym. Pearl-Easter x Cym. Balkis.
Registered: 1962
The reason why it’s our Orchid of the Week:
We’re going back in time for this week’s Orchid Wise Orchid of the Week for a plant that is quite famous. Bred by McBean’s, a famous UK based nursery, founded back in 1879. The above photo is courtesy of the McBean’s website.
That said, I’m not sure McBeans is still what it once was. However, back in their prime they produced some great Cymbidiums, and many were important or significant. McBean’s have over 500 Cymbidium hybrid registrations to their name, including the Primary Hybrid Cym. Doris, back in 1912, and another famous hybrid, Cym. Grand Monarch in 1931.
Given some of the plants in the background, I have to say I was surprised to lean Cym. Pearl-Balkis only has 44 registered progeny. Cym. Alexanderi dominates the make up of this plant with a 60% share, with it being found on both sides of the ancestry tree.
It seems there isn’t much love for it as a parent, but it is a very attractive flower , and with the contrasting red spotted lip and yellow calli, it is a flower my wife enjoys seeing! I can also think of a few plants I’d like to try and cross it with, but, alas, I don’t have the plant, and time has certainly passed it by…
Tracing this plant’s original species ancestors using Orchid Roots, Cym. insigne, Cym. eburneum and Cym. lowianum are the major contributors. Cym. insigne alone make up 40% of this plant!