Overview

Caladenia flava is a plant with a clump-forming habit in the genus Caladenia, part of the Orchidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Caladenia flava grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include ornamental.

About

Caladenia flava, commonly known as the cowslip orchid, is a clump-forming deciduous plant within the Orchidaceae family. It thrives in full sun on a south-facing, sheltered aspect, preferring fertile, well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH. Hardy to UK zone H5, this ornamental cultivar is notable for its interest during spring and summer. Propagation is achieved through seed or division, making it suitable for gardeners seeking a distinctive orchid for well-prepared sites.

About the genus

Caladenia, commonly known as spider orchids, is a genus of 350 species of plants in the orchid family, Orchidaceae. Spider orchids are terrestrial herbs with a single hairy leaf and a hairy stem. The labellum is fringed or toothed in most species and there are small projections called calli on the labellum.

Wikipedia contributors, "Caladenia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Caladenia

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Caladenia

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained

Aspect

South-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Caladenia flava size, habit and characteristics

Habit

Clump-forming

Foliage

Deciduous

Suggested uses

Ornamental

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Caladenia flava

Propagation

Seed, division

Pest resistance

High

Disease resistance

High

Frequently asked questions