Getting strong color in miniatures has always been very difficult. Except for the pink cups N. dubius appears to wash out the orange-reds, so in 2008 I decided to switch to some of the smallest jonquil alliance as parents. We are seeing some of the results this year. Most do not have perianths as smooth as I would like but there are some deeper colors now. As you will see from the rule these all fit comfortable in the miniature range about 1.5 inches.
The first of these is from ‘Biometrics’ by N. assoanus. Quite a flaring cup but great color.
The second is from ‘Pentire’ x N. assoanus. I was aiming at a mini div. 11 but will not complain. This is the smoothest perianth so far although the depth of color is not quite as good as I might have liked. ‘Pentire’ is a reluctant breeder for me but I do pollinate every flower.
Third flower is ‘Biometrics’ x N. willkommii. Here the perianth also has a slight orange flush.
Lastly, we have ‘Equation’ x N. fernandesii. Again I was aiming for a mini split and this is a sibling of ‘Itsy Bitsy Splitsy’. Quality is not as good this year as usual but this one has quite a long cup. This is the largest and is on the borderline this year. Usually it measures about 1.75 inches.
Hope you find these interesting.
Harold
Nice color on all of these, Harold, and great perianth overlap on ‘Pentire’ x N. assoanus! That one deserves a blue ribbon!