Finally, she blooms.
After very shyly unfurling,
giving us only peeks and tempting teases of what was to come,
today she quit being coy and fully revealed herself.
Wow. Everything else in my "greenhouse" right now is a very distant second.
Even tho this is my second year of seeing her bloom, I'd forgotten (in the many months in-between) just how very lovely she is... the color combination, the dots and stripes, (whoever said they don't go together?) the textures, etc., all create such a striking composition.
Now if only I could tell you her name. I do have the tag that came in her original pot but being a newcomer to orchids (remember I only ventured into this arena about two years ago), I'm uncertain how to read it. The tag lists two names:
Paph. Robert de Veer
Paph. Macabre
Any orchid enthusiast out there want to help me out?
Does that mean this orchid is a cross between those two?? If so, what do I call her (or him?) Both names is quite a mouthful.
I'd love to know. There's so much to learn about these exotic bloomers. Maybe it's time to order a book? I've resisted because I said I wasn't going to plunge into another obsession but I think I've been baited and trapped.
It's an exquisite trap in which to be ensnared ~ maybe a plant that produces a flower like this is worth capitulation....
Wow! That is truly beautiful, Kathleen! :-) You really have a way with orchids.
Posted by: Shady Gardener | January 05, 2011 at 11:25 AM
Truly a beauty. Did you look on the web sight for the name? Really is pretty.
The Amaryllis is Minerva on my header.
Posted by: Janet | January 05, 2011 at 01:15 PM
I believe your Orchid is called a Paphiopedilum Eustacenum commonly know as the slipper orchid as it looks like a little slipper. It's beautiful ! I had one a long time ago but it died. I now have only phalaenopsis which seem to survive in my house better than other orchids.
Posted by: maureen | January 05, 2011 at 04:37 PM
Whatever her name, she's beautiful, and certainly very photogenic! Clever you, getting her to rebloom.
Wishing you a Happy New Year filled with rich blessings, Kathleen! At least we're on the other side of the equinox and can now look forward to slowly lengthening days :)
Posted by: kerri | January 05, 2011 at 05:42 PM
Worth waiting for! I can't help with the label but will join in the applause. What a gorgeous flower!
Posted by: Sweetbay | January 05, 2011 at 08:51 PM
What a beautiful orchid, Kathleen! Is this the one your brother brought from Hawaii? Whatever his/her name is, it's a beauty!
Posted by: Ramona | January 05, 2011 at 09:12 PM
Wow. I don't know anything about orchids, but this one is beautiful -- the colors are almost iridescent.
Posted by: Kala | January 06, 2011 at 03:21 PM
Just beautiful. I'm hanging onto one orchid, hoping it will bloom again someday.
Posted by: Victoria | January 06, 2011 at 04:06 PM
I have no idea what this one is either, but I think it's exactly the kind of flower that the saying "a rose by any other name" was developed for (even if it doesn't smell).
Posted by: Eliza @ Appalachian Feet | January 06, 2011 at 05:22 PM
Hi Kathleen, congratulations on the rebloom. Usually, on the tags, the name of that orchid is first, followed by any crosses, usually with an *x*. It may be that the breeders crossed Robert back with Macabre (love that name). They do some weird sex with those orchids, but she/he is a beauty!
Posted by: Frances | January 07, 2011 at 04:43 AM
Kathleen, whatever it is, it's a beauty, and you are a great photographer!
Posted by: Tatyana | January 07, 2011 at 08:25 AM
Love the stripes and dots~a wonderful combination in an already good looking flower...gail
Posted by: Gail | January 07, 2011 at 12:34 PM