Sunday, October 28, 2007

Late Bloomer

Chamaelobivia x 'Fire Chief'


'Fire Chief' usually finishes its flowering by mid-September, but as with many of my plants, it broke its pattern this year and continued blooming off and on, producing this flower earlier this week. Another bud will open in a week or so.

This Harry Johnson cultivar is a hybrid cross of Echinopsis and Chamaecereus sylvestrii. The cactus stems are long, thin, and somewhat floppy, growing in many directions. I love the tissue-like, brilliant orange flowers that haven't lost their intensity over the long bloom season.


Cactus lovers owe a lot to Harry Johnson. He was a California cacti specialist who produced numerous Echinopsis hybrids in the 1930s and 1940s. He became famous for his gorgeous hybrids with spectacular flowers, many of which are still as popular today. Other hybridizers have developed striking Echinopsis hybrids, but Harry Johnson was the pioneer in this field.
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25 comments:

  1. JulieOctober 27, 2007 at 10:53 PM

    Is this your most beautiful cactus bloom, in your opinion? I really think it is so gorgeous!!!
    Julie

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  2. AiyanaOctober 27, 2007 at 11:54 PM

    Julie,
    Of the orange shades, this is one of my favorites. I like the shape of the petals as much as the color. There are many Echinopsis flowers that are spectacular. Other favorites are 'Flying Saucer', a salmon color, 'Candlelight', a bright yellow, 'Danse Macabre', a pink, orange, peach mix, and 'Lochinvar' a beautiful, pale lilac. I'm waiting for flowers on these. They are still young.

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  3. MaryOctober 28, 2007 at 12:21 AM

    Awesome photo and the cactus and flower are magnificient. I am not real familiar with cacti, as I live in southern Ontario.

    Enjoyed reading about these beautiful plants.

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  4. thisOctober 28, 2007 at 12:56 AM

    My sister SMSed me to come on over as her cactus that only flowers once a year was in flower and I had to see it. She's mad about them and has a three shelf stand 2m by 3m with pots of them (to spare the dogs LOL).

    Such a pretty flower. I do hope it flowers more often than my sister's cacti.

    They also have a cacti garden and display at the Mt Cootha Botanic Gardens (Brisbane) which is full of interesting plants.

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  5. AnonymousOctober 28, 2007 at 1:11 AM

    I've never done well with Catus for some reason. I do like them though. Lovely flower! It's amazing what a great variety of flower types cactus' can produce.

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  6. maiylahOctober 28, 2007 at 1:41 AM

    that's so beautiful!
    I've never seen one with a flower as gorgeous as that!

    happy GTS

    My GTS post

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  7. AnonymousOctober 28, 2007 at 3:59 AM

    What a beautiful flower and as you say the petals are like tissue paper so delicate and pretty.
    Another great cactus flower. I am learning so much about these plants. I never realised how beautiful they were until I started reading your site, so thank you. Sara from farmingfriends

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  8. AnonymousOctober 28, 2007 at 4:54 AM

    The flower is very lovely - such a bright orange and it does look paper thin. I like how you framed the photograph with the cactus itself.

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  9. kmlOctober 28, 2007 at 6:15 AM

    What a gorgeous bloom on the cactus!

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  10. Silly GooseOctober 28, 2007 at 7:19 AM

    Wow! Love the blossom on this cactus. Beautiful.

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  11. MarkOctober 28, 2007 at 8:44 AM

    I can see why it is called 'Fire Chief', is it bloomin late due to the strange weather we havew had this year or is it just one of those things.

    Cheers Mark

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  12. Laurie and ChrisOctober 28, 2007 at 8:51 AM

    The color of the flower is so pretty! Happy GTS!

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  13. AnonymousOctober 28, 2007 at 9:03 AM

    Great photo of a beautiful flower. I love the name 'Fire Chief' for a flower - and have enjoyed learning about Harry Johnson. Very interesting! TopVeg

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  14. verobirdieOctober 28, 2007 at 9:04 AM

    Gorgeous flower! I like the orange color, brings such an energy!

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  15. Ann M.October 28, 2007 at 10:39 AM

    So beautiful! You are definitely making me wish I lived somewhere warmer :)

    Happy GTS!

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  16. MuumOctober 28, 2007 at 12:08 PM

    I always enjoy seeing the exotic cacti and other plants you show us!

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  17. MaryOctober 28, 2007 at 3:37 PM

    Please stop by my blog. I have a treat for you.

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  18. AnonymousOctober 28, 2007 at 3:43 PM

    I love that color.

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  19. AnonymousOctober 28, 2007 at 4:54 PM

    Aiyana, that is one amazing looking bloom - kind of hisbicus/camellia look to it. Do the flowers appear all over the plant?

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  20. AnonymousOctober 28, 2007 at 5:42 PM

    I don't have the patience for cactii, but they sure are pretty when they decide to bloom!

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  21. JoyismygoalOctober 28, 2007 at 8:14 PM

    such a gorgeous flower on a prickly cactus.... sounds like some people I know they are all rough.. then do the kindest things:>

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  22. SarahOctober 28, 2007 at 9:27 PM

    That is such a beautiful blossom. I don't think I've ever seen a cactus flower before; thanks for sharing.

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  23. Gardenmomma ChrisOctober 28, 2007 at 10:04 PM

    Hi there!
    I think all flowers are like miracles...God smiling on us, you know? But when something this beautiful blooms on a cactus, it's even more incredible! Great Shot! Thanks for stopping by and Happy GTS to you! Chris

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  24. Kylee BaumleOctober 28, 2007 at 10:52 PM

    Oh my goodness, what a luscious color that is!

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  25. Mommy LutchiOctober 29, 2007 at 1:16 PM

    thanks for the comemnt, love this flower. I have couple and their precious to me. Happy green thumb sundauy!

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