Amazing Butterfly Cluster In Pacific Grove

Occasionally, I'll post non-flower photos on this site. These are Monarch butterflies at the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary in Pacific Grove, Calif. © Glenn Franco Simmons. If this photo appears blurry, please click on it and it should be clear.

 

Moth Orchids Displayed in San Francisco

All moth orchid photos © GTFS.

Moth orchids (Phalaenopsis) are one of my favorite genus of orchids. "Orchids in this genus are monopodial epiphytes or lithophytes with long, coarse roots, short, leafy stems and long-lasting, flat flowers arranged in a flowering stem that often branches near the end," according to Wikipedia. "Orchids in this genus are native to India, Taiwan, China, Southeast Asia, New Guinea and Australia with the majority in Indonesia and the Philippines.

"The genus Phalaenopsis was first formally described in 1825 by Carl Ludwig Blume and the description was published in Bijdragen tot de flora van Nederlandsch Indie. The name Phalaenopsis is derived from the Ancient Greek word phalaina meaning 'a kind of moth.' The genus name is abbreviated Phal. horticulturally."

I photographed these orchids in San Francisco, Calif.

Cherry Parfait A Floribunda Beauty

The Cherry Parfait rose is a beautiful red and white bicolor rose invented by Alain A. Meilland. It received a U.S. patent in 2000.

“A new and distinct variety of Floribunda rose plant is provided which forms attractive large bicolored blossoms that are relatively stable in coloration,” according to the patent.

Some rose-lovers might be disappointed to know that this 35-petal beauty is stated to have no fragrance in the patent. However, Dave’s Garden, a popular gardening site, offers you some hope, because it says Cherry Parfait is “slightly fragrant.” HelpMeFind, a website popular with rose-lovers, says it has a “none to mild, sweet fragrance.”

Cherry Parfait generally grows to a height of 24 to 36 inches.Cherry Parfait is hardy and compact with a dense but bushy growth with a lot of blooms. It is also listed as “disease-resistant.” This Floribunda would be good for containers, landscaping, borders, in a garden or as a stand-alone.

You will not be disappointed. That is, if you live in USDA zone 6b or warmer climates. Cherry Parfait is hardy and compact with a dense but bushy growth with a lot of blooms. It is also listed as “disease-resistant.”

All photos taken at the San Jose Municipal Rose Garden by The Flower Photographer of Silicon Valley. © Glenn Franco Simmons. Sharing on social media is allowed. Commercial use is illegal and prohibited.