• Image of Calanthe discolor taken at Juniper Level Botanic Gdn, NC by JLBG
    Juniper Level Botanic Gdn, NC by JLBG
  • Image of Calanthe discolor taken at Juniper Level Botanic Gdn, NC by JLBG
    Juniper Level Botanic Gdn, NC by JLBG
  • Image of Calanthe discolor taken at B. Yinger Gdn, PA by B. Yinger
    B. Yinger Gdn, PA by B. Yinger
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Calanthe discolor

Discolor Hardy Calanthe Orchid

This plant is not currently for sale. This is an archive page preserved for informational use.

Shop Available Calanthe

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.