Flower massive, sometimes appearing “wild” due to twisting of some inner petals, but still very impressive, to about 5¼ inches (13 cm) across. Petals very broad, inner and intermediate petals with a pair of strongly developed ruffles and several small irregular ones, colored in lovely pink tones and a basal coppery area. Filaments pink, bases of outer stamens forming apparent white ring at apex of throat. Throat green. Stem barrel-like, to 4¾ inches (12 cm) in diameter; spines to ⅞ inch (22 mm) long. ‘Southern Belle’ was named by Bob’s wife, Aiko, who says “the full, ruffled petals of ‘Southern Belle’ are reminiscent of the full petticoats worn by plantation belles of the pre-Civil War era, such as Scarlett O’Hara in the movie classic, Gone with the Wind”. Rooted cuts of HBG 89133, Schick 1674-42. $9.50.
Published in the Cactus and Succulent Journal, Vol. 75 (2), March - April, 2003