Paph. Sierra Scene

Gcroz · Jul 19, 2012

Ok, so this is the resulting flower. The picture was taken just before the flower reached full maturity. I damaged the flower a bit, so I'm glad to have this picture. This is the plants first flowering. I purchased it from Piping Rock and I believe the original cross was a Nick Tannaci

I'd like to use this as a means of discussing it's faults, as I was hoping to have it judged, but now am not sure. Here are the problems I see with the flower:

1. stem is weak causing flower to droop a bit.
2. Flower is cupped, although not as bad now as it is with the picture.
3. The lower spots are washed out, ie not as sharp and crisp as those higher on the flower.

I like it, and it is a pretty flower, but I'm hoping it will improve, otherwise it is going to be sold.

I welcome discussion so that I can learn more about pre-judging plants to bring to a judging center. Hope you all enjoy!

labskaus · Jul 19, 2012

With the damage there no point taking it to judging. Reflower it.

Weak stem is to be expected, some cupping is fine. I prefer a certain degree of cupping since it gives a rounder, fuller overall impression. Colour is uneven in the petals, but in this case it is so pronounced that I like it. Size matters, what's the spread?
There's a pic of an AM/AOS plant on the internet, and somebody has shown an example of this cross on slippertalk before. How would you rank yours?

Gcroz · Jul 19, 2012

labskaus said:
With the damage there no point taking it to judging. Reflower it.

I wasn't going to on this blooming anyway. I try not to submit anything on its first blooming.

The picture of the AM/AOS 'Sweetbay' shows a lovely flower, more open but less round. I like the yellow tone on that flower as well. As for the spread, I'll have to go measure, but first need to locate my misplaced tape measure.

I'll get back to you on how I would rank the flower. Thanks for the input!

tim · Jul 19, 2012

i like yours and well worth it getting judged on the next blooming. stem is not too important for brachys in my mind. the flower is balanced and round - the cuppiness contributes to the roundness but I agree it is a little excessive. i find the pattern on the lower halves of the petals very attractive - lightly colored but still distinct. yes plz bring it in in the future!