Dense clusters of orange or yellow flowers are displayed on short, thick flower stems and last for months. The Chesapeake series was jointly created by Robert J. Griesbach of the U.S. National Arboretum and the late Fred Meyer of New World Plants Inc. of Escondido, Calif., as a new line of potted plant types combining the dense floral display and large flowers of O. thyrsoides , the compact habit of O. multifolium and intense orange color and short stature of O. dubium . Following the production of interspecific hybrids facilitated by a process known as embryo rescue, and extensive intercrossing, the three cultivars were selected. Bulbs are vegetatively propagated by tissue culture.
Plants remain in bloom for several months.
Plants reach 10-12 inches tall in pots. A 4-inch pot with one bulb per pot is recommended. Bulbs are summer-dormant and require both heat and cold treatments before forcing. Most bulbs will have been pre-treated before being sold. Provide medium to high light levels throughout the duration of the crop.