This week’s Orchid Wise Orchid of the Week is… Cym. Coningsbyanum
Parentage: This week’s Orchid of the Week is a cross between Cym. hookerianum x Cym. insigne
Registered: 1914
The reason why it’s our Orchid of the Week:
As you will well know, Cymbidium primary hybrids are one of my most favourite topics! And flowering in my shade house right now (August 2026) is my favourite primary of this season – Cym. Coningsbyanum.
Registered way back in 1914 by George Hamilton-Smith, this plant is not commonly found, however, is still turning heads today! I can’t count the number of people that have commented on it, both online, but also at the July meeting of the Cymbidium Orchid Club of South Australia, where I exhibited it. Two long semi arching spikes of 11 and 9 blooms, 12 odd cm in size was a decent result, but as it grows it should produce a better show.
In fact, the sister division of this plant is also owned by a member of the Cymbidium Orchid Club of South Australia, and this plant is even bigger with longer arching spikes and 15+ blooms on each. So this plant is capable of some great flower counts! But given the parents, I guess that is to be expected!
Cym. Coningsbyanum is a Wonderful example of a Primary Hybrid
Coningsbyanum is a parent to 66 registered offspring, but the plant fell out of favour with breeders long ago…..in fact there have only been 3 new registrations in more than 60 years. However, for those with an interest, a couple of years ago I remade Cym. Inverleith, (Cym. Coningsbyanum x Cym. lowianum) albeit with a different lowianum cultivar and flasks are available now on special order, whilst I have a very limited amount of material left.
The parent used in that instance was a different cultivar, unfortunately since lost, but pictured here.
Also, and even more exciting, I will be remaking a few of the very old Cym. Coningsbyanum hybrids this year, but more importantly, creating some brand new progeny for this very important primary hybrid. So watch this space!
Finally, tracing the plant’s heritage through Orchid Roots reveals its primary species ancestors are obviously only Cym. hookerianum and Cym. insigne.