Overview

Calanthe alpina is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Calanthe, part of the Orchidaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Calanthe alpina grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include ornamental.

About

Calanthe alpina is an evergreen, clump-forming orchid cultivar within the Calanthe genus, known for its corm-like pseudobulbs and pleated basal leaves. It thrives in partial shade, particularly on north-facing, sheltered sites with moist, neutral loam soil. This cultivar produces loose racemes of prominent flowers with three-lobed lips during spring and winter. Suitable for ornamental use, it is hardy to UK zone H4 and is best grown in specialist orchid compost with bright, indirect light. Propagation is achieved through division.

About the genus

Calanthe, commonly known as Christmas orchids, is a genus of about 220 species of orchids in the family Orchidaceae. They are evergreen or deciduous terrestrial plants with thick roots, small oval pseudobulbs, large corrugated leaves and upright, sometimes arching flowering stems. The sepals and petals are narrow and a similar size to each other and the labellum usually has spreading lobes.

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

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Calanthe

Sunlight

Partial shade

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist

Aspect

North-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H4

Plant details

Calanthe alpina size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Herbaceous Perennial, Conservatory Greenhouse

Habit

Clump-forming

Foliage

Evergreen

Suggested uses

Ornamental

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Calanthe alpina

Propagation

Division

Pest resistance

Good

Disease resistance

Good

Frequently asked questions