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HouseplantsConservatory Greenhouse

Spiranthes × bightensis 'Chadds Ford'

lady's tresses 'Chadd's Ford'

A clump-forming terrestrial orchid to 60cm tall with broadly linear leaves to 20cm long and a plentiful number of white flowers, scented of vanilla and jasmine, about 1cm long with a yellow mark on the lip, arranged spirally on spikes to 65cm tall, appearing from late summer until autumn

Synonyms
Spiranthes cernua var. odorata 'Chadd's Ford'
Spiranthes odorata 'Chadd's Ford'
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Green
Summer Green Green
Autumn Green White Green
Winter Green Green
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing

Exposure
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Orchidaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Spiranthes are small terrestrial or epiphytic orchids with tuberous roots and basal rosettes of papery or fleshy rounded leaves. Spiral racemes with tiny white flowers are borne along upright stems

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Plant this frost hardy cultivar outdoors when dormant in moist, fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil in a sheltered spot with part shade and provide a deep, dry winter mulch in frosty areas. If grown under glass use terrestrial orchid compost and locate in bright filtered light, water freely in the growing season and use orchid fertiliser every third watering; keep dry and frost free when dormant

Propagation

Propagate by division of tubers when dormant; plantlets form in winter on root tips and can be removed when manageable

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Susceptible to aphids and glasshouse red spider mite if grown under glass

Diseases

Generally disease-resistant

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