This week’s Orchid Wise Orchid of the Week is… Cym. Wollar ‘Strawberry Weave’
Parentage: This week’s Orchid of the Week is a cross between Cym. Balkis × Cym. Remus
Registered: 1961
The reason why it’s our Orchid of the Week:
For this week’s Orchid Wise ‘Orchid of the Week‘, we’re taking a nostalgic journey way, way back in time—to the golden era of Wondabah Orchids in New South Wales.
Back then, Wondabah stood as a true powerhouse in Cymbidium orchid breeding, registering over 100 hybrids between 1960 and 1986. Their dedication to quality and creativity produced an incredible legacy that still shapes collections today.
Over the years, Wondabah introduced many outstanding and now-famous crosses. Several of these proudly grow in my own collection. These include Cym. Culpaulin, Cym. Wallamurra, Cym. Wallacia, Cym. Terama, Cym. Kiata, Cym. Wallara, and one I still wish I had—Cym. Melinga.
In addition, they bred Cym. Coraki, a classic variety that continues to appear on show benches even today. And of course, no mention of Wondabah would be complete without the legendary Cym. Sensation. A name every Cymbidium enthusiast knows well. And one that has influenced red breeding for a long time.
Beyond these well-known hybrids, Wondabah’s registration list features countless other notable plants. It’s hard to overstate just how influential Wondabah was in shaping the Cymbidium world, especially here in Australia.
This week, one of their memorable creations—Cym. Wollar. This fascinating cross combines Cym. Balkis, one of my old favourites, with Cym. Remus. Cym. Remus in turn traces its lineage to Cym. Ceres as a grandparent on both sides. This cultivar, known as either ‘Weave’ or ‘Wave’, I’ve seen it referred to as both, is a striking splash-petal peloric that captures attention instantly.
Because these peloric mutations rarely clone successfully, they remain highly sought after.
They often fetch impressive prices whenever one becomes available. I was fortunate to photograph this stunning plant in full bloom earlier this year (2025). The display was exceptional. Large standard flowers carried on an arching spike that had bent gracefully under the weight of its blooms. Despite being unsupported, the arching spike only highlighted the flower’s beauty and strength. It might not be an award winning flower these days, but I doubt you’ll fnd anyone that says they wouldn’t want one in their collection!
To top it off, Cym. Wollar ‘Weave’ or ‘Wave’ has received an Award of Distinction from the Australian Orchid Council, a fitting recognition for such a recognisable hybrid.
Tracing the plant’s heritage using Orchid Roots, its primary species ancestors are Cym. insigne, Cym. i’ansonii and Cym. lowianum.