C. Beaufort (tetraploid)

You might call this little flower “the orchid that started a revolution!” For clearly, Sc. Beaufort has had a greater impact on the world of miniature and compact cattleyas than any other single orchid hybrid. And yet it took a while for hybridists to understand its value. The cross is Cattleya coccinea x Cattleya luteola and was registered way back in 1963. But the first hybrid made from it wasn’t registered until 1983, fully two decades later! Once tetraploid forms were available, carrying better form, color and substance, its true value as an orchid parent became clear. There are now more than 500 registered hybrids that trace back to Sc. Beaufort, and a disproportionately large number of them are outstanding. There are beautiful and frequent blooming minis such as C. Dream Catcher and C. Jungle Beau, and full, well shaped compact hybrids such as Rlc. Little Toshie. Once, yellow, red and orange we uncommon colors in Cattleyas. Now, these jewel tones are everywhere to be seen. We are using this gem, and some of its progeny in our own breeding efforts, and will offer some outstanding and surprising hybrids in the future! Stay tuned!