Ningbo Narcissus Cymbidium Variety Characteristics and Care Methods
This Cymbidium variety was selected and bred by Li Zhaohua, a native of Ningbo, Zhejiang, in 1986, and is also a famous Cymbidium cultivar. Its leaves are slightly drooping and slanted upright, the bud sheaths are brownish purple, and it has narcissus petals. The three outer petals have constricted bases, flared angles and tightly rolled edges; the soft silkworm-moth stamens and large round lip are emerald green in color with a translucent quality. The whole flower is delicate and exquisite, like a colorful butterfly dancing, or like a bluebird frolicking in spring.
In the spring of 1986, Mr. Li Zhaohua of Ningbo dug it up in the mountains at the border of Ninghai and Xinchang, named it "Ningbo Narcissus," and it won awards multiple times at orchid exhibitions. In 1996, Mr. Jin Dingxian of Shaoxing purchased this flower. Mr. Jin Dingxian asked Mr. Li Zhaohua where it had been collected from the mountain, and Mr. Li Zhaohua said it was dug up at "State-owned Mountain" (at the time, local mountain villagers called the production team's collective mountain "State-owned Mountain"). Due to the dialect differences between Ningbo and Shaoxing, Mr. Jin Dingxian heard "State-owned Mountain" as "Guanyin Mountain" and called this flower "Guanyin Mei"; in fact, the two names refer to the same variety. The flower shape is extra large, tender green, with the three outer petals having constricted bases and flared angles, soft pocket-like stamens, and a large ruyi lip.
