Orchid of the day: Paphiopedilum delenatii 'Karin Schon' AM/AOS

Paphiopedilum delenatii 'Karin Schon' AM/AOS

Our Paphiopedilum delenatii 'Karin Schon', which awarded the Award of Merit (AM) from the American Orchid Society (AOS) on March 10th last year, successfully flowered this year in late March and until today, Easter Sunday. This slipper orchid which originates in the cooler regions in Vietnam, was named after the French orchid enthusiast, Delenat, in the early 1900s. Our clone is named after my mother in-law, Karin Schon, who still resides in Halmstad, Sweden.

A) By March 5, the two flowers stems are about 34 cm (~13.4 inches) in height.

B) The four developing flowers up close.

C) March 18th, the weather was nice enough for us to take this specimen out on the deck.

By March 18th, the temperature was warm enough for us to take our P. delenatii 'Karin Schon' out for some fresh air! In (C), one of the buds had opened to reveal the beautiful pink and white colours. The patterns on these variegated leaves are also very beautiful. 

D) Another angle to compare the fully opened flower to the other three buds.

E) Anthony taking the opportunity to smell the flowers. Such a gentle boy!

F) Two flowers in full bloom, on March 25th.

By March the 25th, two flowers were fully opened but we didn't have to wait long until all were in full bloom by April 9th. (see G).

G) All in bloom, April 9th.

H) Today, Easter Sunday, April 16th.

Today, Easter Sunday in Baltimore, it is 75^oF or 24^oC. Pleasant weather, sunny and a beautiful day to enjoy our Paphiopedilum delenatii 'Karin Schon' outdoors. Until my next post, have a great week everyone!