Re: Re: TB: Frank Adams

Hi,

Here is my two cents worth.  Jeff I think that you have figured out the 
basic difference between the two, even though nobody made a direct 
comparison.  Here is a direct comparison to supplement.

'Accent' is a brilliant contrasting yellow over brownish red variegata of 
the same basic form, habit, and markings as many of the early generation 
"Dominion" type hybrid TB cultivars (not to mean 'Accent' is one of those, 
but it resembles them).  The buds are contrastingly marked before they 
open with the same colors as well.  The falls are distinctly yellowish 
beneath except toward the margins.  The name 'Accent' is apt; when in 
flower the plant stands out as a brilliant beacon of color.  There are few 
(if any) bright old form variegata TB's that match it in substance, size, 
heat resistance, etc.  Most old variegatas favor the I. variegata ancestry 
and are more delicate in several ways.

'Frank Adams' is very similar in performance, and in flower form, and 
markings of the flower are nearly identical (black and white photos might 
be difficult to separate); there is I think a bit more ruffle to the edges 
of the tepals in 'Frank Adams'.  The color is quite different though; in 
'Frank Adams the standards (and the underside of the falls toward the 
centers) are more of a yellowish buff, and there is a definite hint of 
pink; not the brilliant yellow of 'Accent' at all.  The falls of 'Frank 
Adams' tend to have a bit more of a purplish hue, even though they still 
appear basically brownish red.  As I recall, the buds are not so 
contrastingly marked, but I don't remember if they have the same swirled 
bicolor affect.  Not nearly as brilliant as 'Accent', but still very bold 
and attractive.  Actually 'Frank Adams' has a lot in common with 'Rameses' 
too, but 'Frank Adams' is nicer I think.  The color saturation is not as 
good in 'Rameses', and the substance is I think not as good.

For those of you looking for contrasting old TB variegatas, another 
suggestion might be 'Rajah'.  It is as bright as 'Accent', but never quite 
as good here in New Mexico.  I here it does quite well in Great Britain, 
so it might be a good choice for a somewhat moister and cooler climate. 
Even though it does not perform as well as 'Accent' here, and the stalks 
tend to be a bit floppy in some situations, 'Rajah' is one of those that 
grabs everyone's attention, and almost everyone who sees it here at the 
botanic garden asks what it is and where they can get one.

Dave
central NM
Albuquerque at Rio Grande Botanic Garden - USDA Zone 7a, Heat Zone 8/9
home se. of Belen - USDA Zone 8a, Heat Zone 8
both in Sunset Zone 10

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