Rhyncolaeliocattleya Perfect Choice ‘Purple Lady’ BM/JOGA, HCC/AOS

Large flowered purple Cattleyas, once common, are difficult to find these days when the focus has been on “art shades” so we decided to stock this beauty that received a Bronze Medal from the Japan Orchid Growers Association and a Highly Commended Certificate from the American Orchid Society. The five inch flowers are borne in clusters of three on mature plants, typically in spring, but there are also some fall bloomers in its family tree, such as Rlc. Memoria Crispin Rosales, so a fully mature plant may flower twice per year under good care. The sepals and petals are dark orchid pink, with darker flares at the tips and the lip is dark magenta with a golden throat. The award description mentioned a diamond dust texture, which means the highly fragrant flowers will sparkle in direct light. These are still young plants filling up 2.5” pots, so expect about two years of growth needed to achieve the first flowering, but something to acquire and boast that you grew it up yourself when you show your friends the stunning flowers!