James Bateman (1811-1897)

Among the pioneers of orchid-growing, we must pay tribute to James Bateman, an English horticulturist who lived from 1811–1897. He was instrumental in advancing successful methods of growing orchids, at a time when most of these unfortunate plants were dying in hothouses. Sir John Paxton, as well as James Bateman, endeavoured to learn about their natural environment and by managing to duplicate the correct conditions, they grew many orchids with great success.

Bateman was the person who started Mr. George Ure Skinner on his glorious quest for orchids. He wrote extensively: Orchids of Mexico and Guatemala; A Monograph of Odontoglossum; A Guide to Cool Growing Orchids. He also authored many of the texts in Paxton’s Botanical Magazine and The Gardener’s Magazine.

Many plants were named after Bateman. Actually, that is the reason why I looked up the information about him. You see, one of my favourite orchids happens to be called Sophrocattleya Batemaniana. Yes, it is a hybrid with a Latinized name. That used to be permitted in 1886, when the Veitch Nursery registered the cross between Soph. coccinea x C. intermedia and named it in honour of James Bateman. Some of us have learned that Sophronitis and its hybrids can be a challenge to grow. This species can be up to 15 cm tall, has brilliant red or orange (even yellow) flowers and needs a very special environment. C. intermedia is somewhat larger, has mostly pink flowers (or white) and has the untidy habit of climbing out of its pot, even passing that on to their offspring. The reason for this climbing habit is the fact that many of the original plants were found growing by the seaside among shrubs and in order to stay alive, they had to get on top of the debris which accumulates on the beaches. Why would anyone make this cross? But exactly 100 years later it was made again. This time, an experienced hybridizer chose to use the peloric form of C. intermedia var. aquinii. In a peloric flower, the pattern on the lip is repeated on the petals, sometimes resulting in “splash-petal” forms. The modern Sc. Batemaniana has these splash petals and so do some of its offspring.

When you see these plants without flowers, you will pass them by – they look very modest. They are also a bit difficult to grow. But wait until you see the little charmers show off their white, pink or lavender flowers with varying red or purple stripes and splashes, you will be smitten as I was. We will search for them and if we are lucky, someone will have grown some, just for us. And then we will again remember Mr. James Bateman whose dedicated research resulted in the rescue of many orchids from the Stove- or Hot-houses.

Ingrid Schmidt-Ostrander - Canadian Orchid Congress