Finding Rare Cymbidium Hybrids: Midwest Nurseries & Vintage Grex Search

Derick's Quest: Cymbidium Khyber Pass 'Strawberry Pink' (1956)

Derick seeks a legendary 1956 hybrid—Cymbidium Khyber Pass 'Strawberry Pink'—and Midwest nursery sources. The search reveals why vintage orchids are elusive.

Midwest Commercial Orchid Nurseries

• Windy Hill Gardens (Labadie, MO) — Marilyn LeDoux, www.orchidmall.com/windy.hill
• Orchids by Hausermann (Villa Park, IL) — Large, diverse inventory
• Orchids Garden Center & Nursery (Waunakee, WI) — Combines Ackers & Oak Hill Gardens
• Orchids Limited (Plymouth, MN) — Species & hybrid specialist

Orchid Quest 2013: Madison, WI Show

Major Midwest event: Alliant Energy Center, Feb 2–3. Vendors, displays, seminars. Keynote: Tom Mirenda (Smithsonian orchid curator). Details: orchidguild.org or (608)231-3163.

The Vintage Cymbidium Challenge

Khyber Pass 'Strawberry Pink' was registered by Santa Barbara Orchid Estate (Gripp family) in 1956. Finding it today faces hurdles:

• Cymbidium Mosaic Virus (CymMV): Plants this old almost certainly infected
• Virus reduces vigor, flower quality, lifespan
• Meristem culture can produce virus-free clones—but requires lab
• 12+ subsequent hybrids used Khyber Pass as parent (40+ years ago)

Best Search Strategies

1. Contact Santa Barbara Orchid Estate directly (Gripp family)
2. Search Orchid Mall "Plant Sources" for Cymbidium specialists
3. Request mericlone (virus-free lab propagation) if original located
4. Consider modern hybrids with similar breeding/color

Reality Check

Vintage awarded Cymbidiums are collector items. Most commercial growers focus on modern, virus-free, easier-to-grow hybrids. Derick's best bet: Gripp family or specialist auction.

Midwest growers have excellent nurseries and shows. For this specific ghost from 1956? Prepare for a treasure hunt.