The Peach and Pink Groups of Clivia: Genetics, Classification, and Modern Breeding
Just as there are multiple genetic types of yellow-flowered Clivia, there are also distinct genetic groups responsible for peach and pink flower coloration. Understanding these groupings is essential for accurate breeding predictions and long-term line development.
Genetic Background: From Yellow to Peach
The well-known Chubb Peach strain falls within the Type 1 Yellow genetic class. For clarity, this can be referred to as Class Y1. When discussing peach coloration specifically, this same genetic background is designated Class P1.
This distinction is important, as peaches arising from different yellow genetic types behave differently in breeding, despite sometimes appearing similar in flower colour.
European Peaches: A Distinct Genetic Group
A separate and clearly defined peach group exists, commonly referred to as the European Peach group. These peaches form a single genetic entity that is distinct from both Group 1 and Group 2 peaches.
The following clones and strains are all part of this European Peach group:
Victorian Peach
Welgemoed Peach
Tipperary Peach
Cameron Peach
Anderson’s Peach (Australian clone – not the American plant of the same name)
Tessa
Ellexa
Sunrise Sunset
It has been conclusively demonstrated that these peaches must be crossed among themselves or selfed in order to reliably produce peach-flowered offspring. Crosses outside this group generally do not yield consistent peach results.
Group 1 Peaches in Our Collection
Our collection includes a strong foundation of Group 1 peaches, which are particularly valuable due to their predictable inheritance patterns. These peaches breed true to type and are dominant over Group 1 yellows when crossed.
Our most well-known Group 1 peaches include:
Chubb’s Peach
Vico Peach
Chiba Peaches (giant forms)
Lotter Peach
Over many years, I have carefully selected breeding plants within these lines for superior flower shape, colour clarity, and overall presentation.
Advancing Vico Peach Breeding
We have taken Vico Peach breeding to a new level by outcrossing with Chiba Yellow, a giant yellow bred by Nakamura. This has resulted in exceptionally large, bold peach forms.
Notable examples include:
Vico Peach Romance
Vico Peach Love Story
These represent a new generation of oversized, high-impact peach Clivia with outstanding horticultural presence.
Group 2 Peaches
Our collection also includes Group 2 peaches, most notably:
Cransley Peach
Cransley Peach × Hirao crosses
These peaches add valuable genetic diversity and are used selectively in our breeding program to combine colour, form, and additional traits.
European Peaches in Our Breeding Programme
We maintain and actively breed with several European Peach lines, including:
Cameron Peaches
Victorian Peaches
Tipperary Peaches
As noted, these peaches must be bred within their own group to reliably express peach coloration. They play an important role in expanding the peach spectrum and refining subtle pastel and blush tones.
Green-Throated Peaches
Within our collection, we also have unique Group 1, Group 2, and European peaches featuring green throats. These plants are exceptionally rare and highly prized.
They form a cornerstone of our current breeding programme and are being used extensively to develop refined peach and pink lines with added visual depth and distinction.
Visser’s Peach: A New Direction
We are currently breeding with an exciting new peach known as Visser’s Peach, a Group 1 peach bred by a close friend, who has generously donated several plants for breeding purposes.
These plants are split for Group 1 and Group 2 genetics and have been carefully selected for flower colour and shape.
The primary objective of this breeding line is to develop:
A peach with shorter, broader leaves
A more compact plant habit
While retaining exceptional flower quality
This represents an important step toward combining refined aesthetics with improved plant architecture.
Poorman’s Peaches
Our collection also includes a selection of classic Poorman’s Peaches, which are Group 1 peaches. The most famous of these is undoubtedly ‘Nella’.
We maintain several clones of well-known Poorman’s Peaches and actively incorporate them into our breeding programme to preserve and enhance these historically important lines.
Pink Clivia from Peach Lines
In addition to peaches, we have successfully bred beautiful pink Clivia from our Vico Peach lines. These pinks are now being registered on the International Clivia Register, reflecting their genetic and horticultural significance.
Our unique range of Vico peaches and pinks is highly sought after and remains extremely popular on our seed lists each year.
Conclusion
The peach and pink Clivia groups represent a complex and fascinating genetic landscape. Through careful selection, informed crossing, and long-term vision, we continue to expand and refine these colour groups.
The plants described here represent only a small selection of our breeding stock, but they illustrate the depth, diversity, and direction of our ongoing work with peach and pink Clivia.
