Den Lorrie Mortimer - a compact long blooming den

[jerrymeola]

Here is another orchid I recommend for newbies that want to expand into some easy to grow orchids that are not the common DenPhals from the grocery store.

Here is the description from the University of Hawaii.
(UH1577) . Light lavender petals on a yellow-green base, purple lip with dark purple veins. Sprays last 3 to 4 months. Short stature plant. Blooms from December to May. The lavender color fades with age, resulting in attractive yellow-green petals



The Orchid is named after the wife of the president of the University and they picked a winner for her. Personally I love orchids that change color over the life of the flower.

The University took the plant from seed to flower in 18 months. I purchased and sold 200 seedlings over the last 2 years and have been patiently waiting for the first flowering (I guess I should not sell all the best and keep the runts).

This type of hybrid is called Twisted or Antelope because of the twisted pedals. My wife things it looks like a rabbit. It is a large flower 3 inches on a compact plant only 12 inches high. It grows into a tight bushy plant.

I was surprised to have it flower this month but that is the luck, since I passed and did not buy more this season it was bound to flower.

As an aside - how do you like the insert of the full plant in a photo of the flower.

[Tobi]

Jerry,
Very, very lovely flower. The color pattern on the lip is so beautiful. I've
always been a fan of the antelope type Dends.

[kmarch]

Love the Antelopes Jerry, what are the parents of this little charmer?

[Sharyn]

Originally Posted by jerrymeola

As an aside - how do you like the insert of the full plant in a photo of the flower.

Thanks Jerry for posting this pic. Only had mine for a few months, but it's doing well. I'll be anxiously awaiting a bloom The insert of the full plant is very nice - gives a nice perspective of the entire plant/flower size.

[sandra]

Wish I would run across these when I'm out looking for more orchids. I see the rabbit resemblance too! A very pretty plant.

[Vivienne]

I'm not a Den fan but this one could definitely change my mind. I LOVE IT!!

Jerry - I really like the inset of the 'total plant' with the bloom close-up. I think I may have to adopt that practice in the future!

[Leisurely]

A beautiful flower Jerry. The Antelope flower Den. just happens to be my favorite orchid but they seem to be very difficult to find. I really want this plant. Can you direct me to a possible source?

[Anton]

Jerry, I have always been one for wanting to see the whole plant along with the flowers for size perspective, great idea, might steal it from you.

So, making it public that I am going to be guilty of plagerism.

[jerrymeola]

kMarch for the full U of Hawaii release description and parentage see

http://www.hfloral.com/General/UH/1577.html

I love to read the University releases they give such good detailed information as to parantage, growth rates, and more.

[kmarch]

I suspected a strong dose of either antennatum or stratiotes and as it turns out it contains both in the form of Den. Samarai! Great little cross. I like the compact plant size and the comparitavely large volumne of flowers.

[chefatplay]

Jerry, that is gorgeous! You said they bloom December through May but you have them blooming now? I like that a lot. I, for one, really like the insert idea. I'm pretty new, so being able to see the whole plant means a lot to me.

[NancyG]

Hi Jerry,
Beautiful and unusual orchid.

I like the picture within picture but I would still like to see the blooms by themselves. They are just more dramatic that way.

NancyG

[berkeleysgr8]

*Bump* Jerry, do you have any more of these available (or a Dendrobium stratiotes)??? I think I've fallen for antelope Dends!