The 17th annual Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden has a Singapore theme — and a celebrity twist.
Making its colorful debut is a new hybrid orchid, Vanda Awkwafina, named for the breakout star of “Crazy Rich Asians.” The box-office hit is set mostly in Singapore, where the national flower is the orchid, and whose lush, vertical gardens inspired this year’s flower extravaganza.
Marc Hachadourian, who curated the show, calls the vibrant, deep-red bloom “a perfect orchid to carry the name,” especially since Awkwafina — who was born Nora Lum, in Queens — is a lifetime New Yorker.
The actress was clearly tickled by the dedication. “THIS IS SO COOL,” she tweeted, adding that the Bronx conservatory holds a special place in her heart. “One of my first memories ever is when my mom would take me to the @NYBG — am truly honored!!”
On view through April 28 at the New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., The Bronx; NYBG.org