First Ladies and Their Orchids: A Century of Namesake Cattleyas

Description For as long as orchid hybrids have been made, breeders have been naming them after prominent women of the day. European royalty were often honored and included queens, princesses, empresses, and baronesses. By the early 1900s, Queen Victoria, Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Alexandra all had namesake cattleyas. Royal titles are not part of the American culture so, in the United States, orchids are named for the wives of presidents. From Woodrow Wilson’s second wife, Edith, who coveted “canaries, bourbon, and orchids” and was given a fresh orchid bloom every day by her husband through Doctor Jill Biden, who lives just minutes from the Chadwick home in Wilmington, Delaware and spent half an hour with Art discussing orchids in the green room of the White House, we now have nineteen consecutive first ladies with namesake cattleyas. Each hybrid is as lovely and interesting as the women themselves. The Chadwicks are responsible for much of this history. They acquired, bred, named, or presented the hybrids, got them awarded, corresponded with the first lady (or her children or grandchildren) then donated the entire collection to the Smithsonian for safe keeping. It is, after all, a National Treasure.  Reviews There are no reviews yet. Be the first to review “First Ladies and Their Orchids: A Century of Namesake Cattleyas” Cancel replyYour rating * Rate… Perfect Good Average Not that bad Very poor Your review *Name * Email * Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Related products Sale! Quick View Barware & Accessories La Dolce Vita Gold Coasters – Set Of 4 In Holder $95.00 Original price was: $95.00.$66.89Current price is: $66.89. Quick View Drinkware & Serveware Bamboo Small Salad Bowl in Blackberry – Set of 4 $53.89 Sale! Quick View Cloth & Linen Napkins Fretwork Cotton Dinner Napkins in Blue & White – Set of 4 $35.00 Original price was: $35.00.$25.99Current price is: $25.99. Quick View Drinkware & Serveware Lacquered Bamboo Salad Servers in Pastel Green – 1 Pair $17.99 Quick View Home & Garden Rive Gauche Cotton Tea Towel in Aqua – 1 Each $17.99 Quick View Home & Garden Foxgloves Aprons – 1 Apron $30.89 Sale! Quick View Books & Games Van Gogh Irises Bridge Tally Sheets – 12 Per Package $6.00 Original price was: $6.00.$4.99Current price is: $4.99. Sale! Quick View Cloth & Linen Napkins Foxgloves Cotton Dinner Napkins – Set of 4 $35.00 Original price was: $35.00.$25.99Current price is: $25.99. Quick View Capri Bamboo Small Salad Bowl in Pastel Green – 1 each $15.89 Sale! Quick View Cloth & Linen Napkins Trellis Cotton Dinner Napkins in Green & White – Set of 4 $35.00 Original price was: $35.00.$25.89Current price is: $25.89. Sale! Quick View Christmas Decor Trudon Classic Scented Candle – Cyrnos $135.00 Original price was: $135.00.$89.99Current price is: $89.99. Sale! Quick View Candlesticks Large Bamboo Candlestick in Medium Brown – 1 Each $50.00 Original price was: $50.00.$35.99Current price is: $35.99. Sale! Quick View Candlesticks La Boheme Tea-light – Clear $30.00 Original price was: $30.00.$21.99Current price is: $21.99. Sale! Quick View Cloth & Linen Napkins Garden Trellis Fuchsia & Orange Cloth Dinner Napkins – 4 Dinner Napkins $35.00 Original price was: $35.00.$26.89Current price is: $26.89. Sale! Quick View Drinkware & Serveware Classic Lacquered Bamboo Bowl in Ice Blue – 1 Each $55.00 Original price was: $55.00.$40.89Current price is: $40.89. Quick View Home & Garden Rive Gauche Cotton Tea Towel in Moss Green – 1 Each $16.89