DRACULA DIANA

The Ides of August marked the Festival of Torches, a three-day Roman celebration to honor the goddess Diana. More than two thousand years later, Diana remains closely associated with the moon, from classic mythology to modern spiritual traditions. Southern Pines now has its own connection to that legacy with Dracula diana f. xanthina ‘Southern Pines Lunar Eclipse ‘ AM/AOS, awarded on June 15, 2024.

Dracula diana is a species from western Colombia that grows in cloud forests at elevations around 4,000 feet to 5,250 feet where temperatures rarely exceed 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Arguably the most attractive species in the genus, Dracula diana is typically recognized for its creamy white flowers accented with golden-yellow overlays and maroon markings. The xanthina (yellow) form replaces the usual creamy palette with glowing yellows and oranges that make the flowers look like they are ablaze.

Horticultural color forms of different orchid species are inherently exciting as they allow you to re-imagine what’s possible. Some varieties can also be very hard to find or rare. Although ‘Southern Pines Deity’ remains the highest-scored award ever granted to the species, ‘Southern Pines Lunar Eclipse’ stands apart for an entirely different reason; its exceptionally rare xanthina color form. Alba forms lack anthocyanin pigments, while xanthinic flowers retain carotenoids that produce yellow and orange coloration. Regardless of the science and vocabulary, these flowers are absolutely spectacular. In addition to being visually striking with stripes and spots, the flowers invite a gentle touch with their soft, fuzzy texture.

Sometimes the rarest of flowers don’t redefine a species, they simply reveal another side of its beauty.