Catasetum 'Frilly Doris'

The Catasetum Frilly Doris is a fascinating hybrid, registered by F. Clarke in 2002, that truly earns its name with its wonderfully ornate blooms. It’s a cross between Catasetum Doris's Choice and Catasetum Donna Marie. Now, to understand the "why" behind those frills, we need to trace the lineage further back to the species that give this hybrid its unique characteristics:

Catasetum Doris's Choice is a complex hybrid itself, tracing back to several species, but notably includes Catasetum pileatum, known for its large, flat, and often fimbriated (frilly) lips. Ctsm. pileatum is native to Venezuela, Colombia, and Trinidad, growing as an epiphyte in seasonally dry tropical forests at low elevations. It experiences warm temperatures and a distinct dry season.

Catasetum Donna Marie is also a multi-generational hybrid, and its influence contributes to the overall vigor and floriferousness of 'Frilly Doris'.

Catasetums, as a genus, are quite remarkable for their unique growth cycle and often fascinating flower mechanics, sometimes even "shooting" pollen. 'Frilly Doris' is no exception, bringing a touch of playful drama to its presentation.

The flowers of Catasetum Frilly Doris are typically around 3 to 4 inches across and are indeed notable for their pronounced frilly edges on the petals and sepals. The color palette usually features a base of cream to bright yellow, heavily adorned with intricate burgundy to maroon spots and freckles. The lip, often the most striking feature, is similarly patterned and can have a deeply fimbriated or ruffled margin, adding to its "frilly" appeal. Many clones are also pleasantly fragrant, often with a sweet, lemony, or clean citrus scent that is most noticeable in the morning. This hybrid is known for being floriferous, producing multiple upright spikes that can carry a good number of blooms.

Botanically, Catasetum Frilly Doris is a deciduous orchid. It develops stout, succulent pseudobulbs, which are designed to store water and nutrients during its dormant period. During the active growing season, it produces broad, strappy, plicate (pleated) leaves that can reach lengths of 10 to 15 inches. As the growing season progresses and the pseudobulbs mature, the leaves will naturally yellow and drop off, signaling the approach of dormancy. The flower spikes emerge from the base of the mature pseudobulbs, often appearing as the leaves begin to drop or after they have completely fallen, typically in late summer to fall, but can bloom multiple times a year under ideal conditions.