Calanthe discolor
Discolor Hardy Calanthe Orchid
Item #: 2617
Zones: 6b to 9b
Dormancy: Evergreen
Height: 10" tall
Culture: Part Sun to Light Shade
Origin: Japan
Pot Size: 3.5" pot (24 fl. oz/0.7 L)
Calanthe discolor is a Japanese woodland orchid that emerges from the pseudobulb with 2-3 heavily pleated, 6" long x 2" wide leaves. As the bulb offsets, the clumps can get quite thick. The foliage of Calanthe discolor, which is evergreen to 15 degrees F, is topped in mid-spring with 10" stalks of tiny mahogany flowers with pure white lower lips...a very easy-to-grow addition to that special spot in the woodland garden.
The Calanthe are terrestrial orchids, many of which are winter hardy in zone 7. They are showy in bloom and the foliage while not show-stopping is quite handsome most of the year. Rosettes of broad green foliage are a bit like a small Hosta though the leaves of Calanthe are pleasantly pleated. They want the same cultural conditions that would suit a Hosta. Calanthes can be propagated by division. Like other orchids only the current years pseudobulb produces foliage. The dormant back-bulbs remain forever dormant unless they are separated. So when dividing Calanthes, separate each back-bulb and replant. They will put up new growth from the now liberated dormant buds.
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Other Attributes
Genus: Calanthe
Flower Color: Brown/Tan , Multicolor
Leaf Color: Green
Bloom Time: Spring
Container Role: Fillers
Garden Themes: Fairy Garden Plants , Gnome Gardens , Living Wall , Rock Garden Plants
Other: Cut Flower Plants , Drought Tolerant Plants , Dry Shade Plants , Hummingbird Plants , Pollinator Plants , Plants from Japan , Tropical Looking Plants