Calanthe discolor
two-coloured calanthe
A terrestrial orchid with oblong, evergreen or semi-evergreen leaves up to 30cm long. In spring it produces sprays of up to 10 brown and white flowers, variably-flushed with green or pale pink
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Brown Green Pink White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Calanthe are evergreen, semi-evergreen or deciduous orchids that may be terrestrial or epiphytic. They have corm-like pseudobulbs and basal clusters of pleated leaves. Loose racemes of showy flowers with 3-lobed lips may appear, on erect stems, in spring, summer or winter
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Japan, Korea, China
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass grow in terrestrial orchid compost in bright, filtered light with high humidity. Outdoors grow in coarse, well-drained, humus-rich soil in a sheltered site in partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by division or cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- City and courtyard gardens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to mealybugs, orchid scale insect, glasshouse red spider mite and aphids under glass; outdoors protect from slugs and snails
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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