Phragmipedium (abbreviated Phrag.) QF Makole is an exciting new complex hybrid red Phrag. It was registered in 2019 by Quintal Farms. The pod parent, Phrag. Red Rocket, is red besseae hybrid Phrag. Twilight × Phrag. Jason Fischer. (Phrag. Twilight = Eric Young x Living Fire and Phrag. Jason Fischer = Memoria Dick Clements x besseae). Phrag. Peruflora's Cirila Alca is a primary hybrid with Phrag. kovachii and Phrag. dalessandroi. Phrag. kovachii has created quite a frenzy among orchid enthusiasts since it was discovered in 2001 in northern Peru. Its flower is an impressive showy pink to purple up to 8 inches wide and is the largest in the genus. It is currently considered a critically endangered species due to overcollection in the wild. Phrag. kovachii has a reputation of being rather difficult and slow to grow. However, its hybrids are much easier to grower and have hybrid vigor. Phrag. dalessandroi is found in Ecuador at elevations of 3,000 to 5,000 feet. It is very similar to Phrag. besseae except it has less shapely flowers with narrower petals. It is a sequential bloomer with 8 to 10 bright orange flowers opening in succession on erect inflorescences ranging from 2-3 feet. The best traits of both parents are present in this amazing cross. Phrag. kovachii contributes to the bright bold color, increased flower size, and improved shape. Phrag. dallesandroi contributes to the robust growth, ease of culture, and increased flower count. The Phrag. dallesandroi parent gives Phrag. Peruflora's Cirila Alca a long flowering period; it is a sequential bloomer that blooms and blooms, and it is common for mature plants to bloom for three months or more.
First-bloom seedlings of Phrag. QF Makole are blooming out with 5 inch flowers. Its massive flower size is attributable to Phrag. kovachii and its bright red color is attributable to Phrag. besseae and Phrag. dalessandroi. The plant is stocky and compact. It is a sequential bloomer with a long flowering period.
Its genetic composition is 31% Phrag. besseae, 25% Phrag. kovachii, 25% Phrag. dalessandroi, 9.5% Phrag. sargentianum, and 9.5% Phrag. longifolium. It will make a big bold statement when fully mature. Phrag. QF Makole is an excellent choice for beginners or someone new to Phrags. Easily grown on a windowsill or under lights, sitting in a saucer of an inch or two of water. Flower color can vary with temperature; color will be darker if grown cooler. Note: it is normal for Phrags to expel its flower when it is done blooming while the flower is still in good shape. We’re expecting to see many awards from this new hybrid. Very Highly Recommended! As these plants are seedlings, each plant is unique and may differ from the photo.
PLEASE NOTE: Since this is a Seedling Population (not a Mericlone which produces exact duplicates), the picture is for illustration purposes only. No two plants will be the same from this cross, and they will flower in a range of possibilities coming from the two parents.