Description
The Australian species, Dendrobium kingianum, is an addictive orchid to grow. These plants are easy, hardy (to the extreme), fast, floriferous, and fragrant. Of course, it comes as no surprise that numerous hybrids have been made with kingianum, and Den. Jonathan’s Glory definitely stands out in a crowded field.
Genetically, Den. Jonathan’s Glory is about 47% kingianum, 28% tetragonum, 13% falcorostrum, and 13% bigibbum. All of these species hail from Australia, with tetragonum being the most “exotic”, having a four-sided cane!
The breeding goal here was certainly to create a more impressive kingianum-like flower. The problem with Den. kingianum blooms is that they are rather small, about the size of a dime, and as well, most varieties bloom out a standard whitish-pink. (Other varieties of this species bloom out pure white, and white with a purple lip, or dark violet — all very, very desirable to collectors!). As a hybrid, Den. Jonathan’s glory was definitely a great success, as this particular cultivar, ‘Dark Joy’, hit every mark.
We were able to photograph a ‘Dark Joy’ bloom side by side with a kingianum bloom so you can see the difference in size and color. As you can see, ‘Dark Joy’ has a bloom much bigger than its progenitor, and a much richer color.
The ‘Dark Joy’ bloom inherits its lovely fragrance from kingianum as well.
Den. Jonathan’s Glory ‘Dark Joy’ would be an exciting and highly desirable addition to any orchid collection!
