THE CLASSIC SPIDERS - What is a Classic Spider?
A cultivar classified as a CLASSIC SPIDER must
have very slender tepals (petals and sepals) with a length to width ratio
of at least 5.0 - 1 or higher, small closures (the measurement across the
heart of the flower where the tepals connect with the perianth tube) and
realtively flat faces. If the closure is too full (some collectors and breeders
prefer a closure of 1.5inches or smaller) is too full or the flower too
closed, it is referred to as a CLASSIC STAR (see Gallery Links below).
To determine the ratios, please click on this
link and wait a few moments for it to load for you. A window will open with
images and texts donated by the New York breeder of tetraploid Exotic Forms,
Bob Schwarz: MEASURING for SPIDERS
There are numerous cultivars listed as CLASSIC
SPIDERS which are, however, too closed in the heart, too full in tepal shape
or simply the more common star or lily-shaped flowers that the registrant
wished to have included in the category of rather rare forms. Even cultivars
published with Classic Pider proportions of 5.0-1 or more many not be true
Classic Spiders. (exmpl.: TYLWYTH TEG)
Please note the linear elegance of these true
Classic Spiders and compare them with the equally beautiful, less open CLASSIC
STARS in the gallery below.
WILDEST DREAMS
|
AABACHEE
|
ANDROID
|
FOL DE ROL
|
GARDEN PORTRAIT
|
TOMORROW'S SONG
|
KINDLY LIGHT
|
LACY MARIONETTE
|
CLASSIC STARS
This category may seem odd to newcomers to the
Spider Forms, but the expression "Classic Star" has been used
by collectors and breeder ever since Rosemary Whitacre began to research
the surviving spider-like and exotic forms in the 1980's. This category
was to illustrate the distinction between a slender flower form which is
closed somewhat inthe heart of the blossom and those (above) which are slender
but open in the heart. This opening of the flower form was measured in what
was referred to as "CLOSURE" i.e. the distance across the heart
of the blossom. Click on a few of the flowers below and then click on those
above and one will quickly ascertain the difference in expression and form.
Becasue the American Hemerocallis Society requires the cutting / disecting
of the flowers in order to measure them (MEASURING for SPIDERS), this important aspect of closure is
lost in the official registrations. In order to know if the particular cultivar
is a true Classic Spider, one has to also know if the flower, as standing
naturally, is flat and open. Click here for an illustration of CLOSURE.
- TYLWYTH TEG
|
- GREEN SPIDER
|
- PARFAIT
|
- CLEOPATRA
|