This week’s Orchid Wise Orchid of the Week is… Cym. Larry Bussell
Parentage: This week’s Orchid of the Week is a cross between Cym. tracyanum x Cym. bicolor
Registered: 2000
The reason why it’s our Orchid of the Week:
This week, I’m turning the spotlight on a primary hybrid I don’t yet grow — but absolutely would love to!
As something of a primary hybrid specialist, I’ll admit it’s a little embarrassing not to have this wonderful plant in my collection already. Then again, the world of primary hybrids runs so deep that no one collector could possibly grow them all, so perhaps I can forgive myself!
What makes Cym. tracyanum x Cym. bicolor so compelling is the genuinely interesting combination these two species produce together. Rising on an arching spike, the large intermediate sized flowers sit more tightly spaced than one typically expects from Cym. tracyanum — and yet, encouragingly, the flower count remains impressive, exactly as you would hope from two such floriferous species working in combination.
Turning to colour, the result delivers precisely what this cross promises. Predominantly brown tones dominate the flower, while a wonderfully spotted lip adds real character and visual interest. Overall, Cym. tracyanum clearly drives the aesthetic here, stamping its traits firmly across the flower — with the notable exception of size, where Cym. bicolor pulls things back to a more manageable scale. Together, the two parents strike a balance that feels both natural and visually rewarding.
I need to add this plant to my collection!
Ultimately, there isn’t a great deal more to add this week — except to say, quite simply, that I want one! If anyone out there grows this cross, do get in touch. Some plants speak for themselves, and this is absolutely one of them.
Tracing the plant’s heritage, as registered, using Orchid Roots, its primary species ancestors are obviously only Cym. tracyanum and Cym. bicolor.
The above image was borrowed from the Cymbidium Thailand Facebook page.