Lc. Cynthia 'Model' AM, FCC/AOS

[NEslipper]

Original plant from Waldor, who got it from Vacherot and Lecoufle in France, this is a virus-free division from 1927. Registered by Charlesworth, the cross is C. Schroderae x C. Enid (1898). It's an absolute beast of a plant, and the flowers are huge with a gorgeous velvety purple lip and golden throat. Flower count and form is a little disappointing this year; only 3 flowers on one inflorescence (last year it had 7 flat overlapping flowers on two inflorescences, link HERE). However, it's still earning its space on my windowsill.





Here's a more accurate representation of the color:

 

[Ozpaph]

nearly 100 years old!!

 

[NEslipper]

nearly 100 years old!!

I still believe some of these 'old timers' are some of the most vigorous growers and bloomers, they just don't make them like this anymore!

 

[southernbelle]

Amazing you are able to grow cattleyas on windowsills. Great exposure, obviously. I’m jealous. My windows are all eastern exposure. Great for phals and Paphs, but cattleyas become foliage plants if left there. I’ve really come to appreciate the historic plants. This one is gorgeous!!

 

[CharlesD]

Wow! Lovely flower. I do wonder if the ‘unnatural selection’ process was a little different before flasking was used