I have a real penchant for Coelogyne species and hybrids. This particular one is truly lovely. Its parents are Coelogyne speciosa var. incarnata (the green form of the species) x Coelogyne rumphii (a species that I grow, but haven’t bloomed yet, as it is a little young. The plant looks very much like both its parents, with each hen’s-egg-shaped and sized pseudobulb bearing a single broad leaf which persists for several seasons. The overall size of the plant is rather larger than a straight C. speciosa, so I imagine that this is inherited from C. rumphii. I have yet to encounter for certain an adult C. rumphii, although I am told it is rather a large plant. I have not yet persuaded the plant to make multiple growths, despite having made a back-cut some months ago. Perhaps I am simply impatient. A full plant with multiple growing points would be an impressive sight. The flower spikes seem a little better at staying upright than either those of Coelogyne speciosa or many of its hybrids, and that is very much an advantage in this type of hybrid. The flower is large and well formed, well in proportion to the size of the plant. The colouring is not bright, as you would expect from its parentage, but then that isn’t something we generally look for in Coelogyne. There is a delicate scent which is surprisingly pleasant. Quite often the scent of Coelogyne speciosa, which I find quite unpleasant, is carried through to its hybrids, though, thankfully here it isn’t strong. Instead, Coelogyne Rebecca Howe has inherited the scent of Coelogyne rumphii, which is quite pleasant for the first few days after the flower opens, but does seem to become rather more ‘chemical’ in nature after that. The flowers last for around three weeks in good condition and are produced sequentially, one flower dropping as the next opens, so while flowering is never spectacular, the flowering period is extended. The hybrid is a strong, though not fast, grower and it enjoys warm or hot temperatures, high humidity and constant moisture at the roots. All in all, I can recommend this hybrid although it may not be easily sourced.