The Infamous Paph Winston Churchills

[JMNYC]

Hi.

My having had (and shared on this site), the (sadly) brief privilege of owning a WC "indomitable,' having traded for it with Gene at Carter and Holmes way back....and also sharing my ongoing obsession with complex Paphs which resemble it....I finally delved to learn some of the history of the famous WCs:

Paphiopedilum Winston Churchill

FASCINATING!!!! This was a British hybrid! Moved to the USA during WWII to save it from the Germans!!!!
O M G!

Why the first wasn't obvious, simply from their names.....eludes me, but shame on me! Forget, Churchill.....actually resembled....yes! A Bulldog! Forget, in his tenacity....he might have been one!!!

[billc]

I've often wondered if the original "Indomitable" or "Redoubtable" are still with us.

Bill

[Fairorchids]

Divisions of both 'Indomitable' and 'Redoubtable' are readily available (I have both). I recently saw another clone offered on Ebay, but got outbid on that one. Not sure whether it was an F1 or F2.

Both 'I' & 'R' are nice, but they do show their age, when compared with more recent breeding. They are still used for breeding though, since they produce an incredible amount of viable seed.

---------- Post added at 07:40 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:33 AM ----------

Actually, when I reacquired WC 'I' this past winter, it gave me the opportunity to remake Frank Pearce (= Paeony x WC), so that pod is maturing right now.

[Ray]

Originally, England was the center of the orchid collecting world. With the advent of V2's and aircraft capable of bombing GB, pretty much all of those collections were packed up and shipped to the US, which, for a time, made NJ the center of the orchid collecting world.

[NYCorchidman]

As mentioned, both of the infamous cultivars of WC are around, and not that rare at all.
WC grows like weed and divisions are easily and frequently obtained from well grown specimens.

[JMNYC]

Originally Posted by Ray

Originally, England was the center of the orchid collecting world. With the advent of V2's and aircraft capable of bombing GB, pretty much all of those collections were packed up and shipped to the US, which, for a time, made NJ the center of the orchid collecting world.

I had no clue!!!!

---------- Post added at 02:03 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:00 PM ----------

Originally Posted by NYCorchidman

As mentioned, both of the infamous cultivars of WC are around, and not that rare at all.
WC grows like weed and divisions are easily and frequently obtained from well grown specimens.

I never doubted this, given their singular importance in breeding....but I remain convinced, if one could be found, it would be unaffordable.

Again, I almost don't want another one now! Well, I am gettin there.

---------- Post added at 03:03 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:03 PM ----------

Originally Posted by billc

I've often wondered if the original "Indomitable" or "Redoubtable" are still with us.

Bill

As Fairorchids and NYCorchidman say, you bet! And both are still being used as breeding parents with what remains atypical results.

I like spots, so I have no real lust for 'redoubtable".....tho, if I came upon one in the trash of my building, or found one on my doorstep would I turn it away? Is the Pope married?

[NYCorchidman]

If you really want one, you can always call a few well known nurseries who does active breedings with bulldog types.

With that said, there are many new spotted hybrids that are wonderful.

[JMNYC]

Originally Posted by NYCorchidman

If you really want one, you can always call a few well known nurseries who does active breedings with bulldog types.

With that said, there are many new spotted hybrids that are wonderful.

Indeed. But I want another one less and less......because of the veracity of the last part of your post!

I mean it, I believe my "new" bulldog has all the beauty and splendor of a WC, but has more balance and harmony, and with flatter segments!
__________________________
Edit: My last comment above echoes yours re they are both "showing their age." But I still love you have both!!!! Bravo!!!!!

Perhaps I will find one in the trash to soften my trauma of having lost mine. That will happen the second we halt the progression of Global Warming, and not a minute sooner.

Chances of my getting another swallow 'karen' are even slimmer.