This month I would like to present Paphiopedilum Deperle (Paph. primulinum x Paph. delenatii).

Paphiopedilum Deperle was originated and registered by Marcel Lecoufle in 1980.

Paphiopedilum Deperle comes in two different color variations as does its parents: white form using Paph. primulinum flavum and pink form using Paph. primulinum purpurascens.

Although Paph. delenatii first time was discovered in 1924, several color form are relatively new: Paph. delenatii f. albinum (1998) and Paph. delenatii f. vinicolor (2007).

Previous Awards:

There are 21 AOS awards for Paph. Deperle for both color form. First award - in 1983, latest - in April 2022. 10 AOS Awards (for 8 cultivars) granted for pink form, all other belongs to white form.

Description:

The candidate has 1 flowers and 1 bud on one unstaked inflorescence.

The plant has multiple growths. It grows in a 8 cm square black plastic pot.

Flower Measurements:

NS H - 8.8 cm; NS V - 7.9 cm;

Dorsal Sep. W - 3.5 cm; Dorsal Sep. L - 4.0 cm;

Petal W - 2.3 cm; Petals L - 5.3 cm;

Lat/Synsepal W - 2.6 cm; Lat/Synsepal L - 3.5 cm;

Lip/Pouch W - 2.1 cm; Lip/Pouch L - 4.0 cm.

Judges' Comments

Phyllis Prestia (Accredited Judge, Pacific South Judging Center)

It’s a pretty flower for sure. And an interesting cross. My apologies if my comments are due to virtual judging without being able to manipulate the flower angles. However, for me, in this representation there is something a little wonky about almost every segment. I would not nominate it. If someone did nominate it, my score would reflect subtractions for each, reducing the score to under 75.

Phyllis

Al Messina (Accredited Judge, Northeast Judging Center)

One well-formed, nicely colored, smallish flower, better than prior coloratum AM's.

Dorsal sepal, petals, pouch, staminode quite harmonious and complementary.

Should qualify for mid level AM.

Note to exhibitor: As the second bud just begins to open, water heavily daily for a week.

Measure natural horizontal/vertical spread. Record daily measurements.

Objective: To reach a larger natural spread above median of 9.5cm.

Flower has potential to be best awarded Paph. Deperle.

Pamela Noll (Student Judge, Alamo Judging Center)

The flower's measurements were comparable to AM awarded pink flowers of this cross, and counted heavily in my score, however, this flower appears to tilt slightly and the labellum seemed a bit small compared to other awarded pink forms. The sepals, petals, and pouch were of nice colors, similar to the awarded 'Laramie'. I would like to see the petal color darker, more intense. The minimal number of flowers on this plant were a consideration and the inflorescence is not perfect. If nominated by a Judge, by my count this flower would be in the mid-HCC range.

Sincerely,

Pamela Noll

Mary Cash (Student Judge, Alamo Judging Center)

Paphiopedilum Deperle

(Paph. primulinum x Paph. delenatii)

One flower and one bud on one inflorescence; flower base white, flower semi-flat; dorsal sepal elliptical, tilted forward; petals elliptical; overlaid wine red; tips white; proximally white; lip white; midlobe proximately purple, distal lobe white canescent; side lobe flairing upright; mid half citreus yellow; substance unknown; texture unknown.

Student Judge’s Opinion

Orchid is well formed, slightly narrow pouch;

Dorsal sepal tilted forward, coloration flows gently and evenly;

Pleasant eye coloration.

Suggestion: Would go to judging. 75-80 pts.

Deb Bodei (Associate Judge, Northeast Judging Center)

Paphiopedilum Deperle (Paph. primulinum x Paph. delenatii)

Considering the size of the plant and one inflorescence, we can only look at this candidate for a possible flower award. Some of the leaves could have been trimmed and the flower staked for better overall presentation.

The color, markings, and texture are all good. Size of segments are on par, but the NS is smaller. The overall form is where the candidate falls short even with some of the segments like the dorsal and staminode having a nice appearance. Staking may have helped the flower from appearing less twisted. The symmetry is off with the pouch and dorsal not aligned. The petals on this cross tend to twist in different directions, but the candidate's petals are to the point of distraction if you factor in the undulations, inconsistency between the petals and not being on plane with the rest of the flower. For me, the issues in the form do not allow this candidate to measure up with the most recent awards beyond 2014 for this color form.

I would not nominate it for a flower award on this flowering.

Thank you,

Deb

Trevor Yee (Accredited Judge, Australian Orchid Consul, Sydney, Australia)

The overall shape is what would be expected of this cross and consistent with many of the AOS awarded clones, but this flower is on the smaller size. Shape is somewhat symmetrical and balanced, though the petals are have not opened flat or contributed to a more symmetrical flower...this could be the element that lets it down. The dorsal is somewhat reflexed - prefer it to be more flat or concaved.

Colour is pleasing and uniform across the lower sections of the flower and contrasts nicely with the creamy coloured dorsal.

I'd give it higher consideration if the other bud was open so that we can assess if both flowers are consistent.

Considering all the elements of shape and colour, I would probably not nominate it for an award on this flowering.

Stefano Bioni (Associate Judge, Società Felsinea di Orchidofilia, Bologna, Italy)

Paphiopedilum Deperle - one flower and one bud on one stem on a compact plant. The shape of the flower is not very symmetrical and below expectations, the strong point is the wide and well positioned dorsal sepal, interesting the two-tone effect that sees the dorsal sepal clearly distinct from the color of the other flower parts. In general, I don't think it can reach the minimum score.

Alejandro Capriles (Accredited Judge, Società Felsinea di Orchidofilia, Bologna, Italy, retired AOS Judge)

The late Don Herman didn’t appreciate this type of coloration…for him, this would be considered “muddy” and undesirable. I always argued that pink is not “muddy red” or cream is not “muddy yellow”, but in this case, I think I would have to agree with him - at least in the petals. The gradation on the pouch I find appealing and the contrasting dorsal is delightful, but the coloration on the petals could have been better defined. The overall shape is more-or-less what you would expect from the cross - it would be unrealistic to expect flat petals from this cross, or perfect symmetry for that matter, but I would have expected a more harmonious ensemble. My score wouldn’t have reached 74,5 points.

Tom Mirenda (Accredited Judge, Hawaii Judging Center)

Here on the Big Island, we've been aware of the remake of Paphiopedilum Deperle for a few years now and it is very welcome with much improved color thanks to the use of deeper color forms, particularly of the delenatii used. Classic Deperle is an exquisite cross with a unique color with a silky elegance that is maintained and improved upon in this remake by Lehua Orchids (assuming) I have however, seen examples of the classic and remake with slightly fuller flowers and since the grex makes for incredible specimens over time, I'd also like to see what happens on these younger plants as they mature. While this flower has very nice color and reasonable flatness...I fear this one has some issues with symmetry, especially in the petals...always a challenge on Paphs. This plant looks very well grown and I suspect that as it matures will make larger flowers. I would also like to see more examples from the remakes before awarding this one. My personal plant has smaller but slightly darker blooms. However, if the team chose to score it I could see it getting a 77 to 78 point HCC.

Sergey Skoropad (Associate Judge, Northeast Judging Center)

Paphiopedilum Deperle (primulinum x delenatii).

Paph. Deperle is an old cross and probably when Marcel Lecoufle created this cross he used original Paph. delenatii which been in cultivation for a long time. After that, several new color form of Paph. delenatii has been discovered and form of the flower has been improved.

We can find two color form of Paph. Deperle - white and pink. I like them both but, generally I found flower of pink Deperle is more desirable, more full and symmetrical (especially petals).

Our candidate has very nice flower, color is good. However, I think form (especially slightly asymmetrical petals) is not as good as awarded examples. Also size is a little smaller then awarded clones. I believe that primulinum take out some fullness from delenatii but give possibility to produce multiple flowers per inflorescence. And that we are missing here.

I think this plant has a great potential and can produce up to 3 flowers per inflorescence (as we can find at the several awarded clones). I believe shape of the flowers can be improved (and size too) when mature.

I will not nominate this flower at this flowering and suggest bringing plant next time when it will produce more flowers.

Thanks

Sergey

Exhibitor - Laura Newton, FL (Accredited Judge, Florida North Central Judging Center)

Grower's Advice

This Paphiopedilum grows in bright diffused light with constant air movement and frequent watering. Nourishment given twice a month with addition of time-release fertilizer pellets. It is growing in the same mix that I bought it in, bark mix with large chunks of sponge-rock. Temps can be upward of 100 degrees on our blistering hot days even with the wet wall running and low temps get into the 40s in the winter. This one is a reliable bloomer for me and it was purchased from Quintal Farms in Hawaii several years ago.