Overview

Calanthe discolor is a orchid in the genus Calanthe, part of the Orchid family. Calanthe discolor grows best in partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and humus-rich soils and acidic to neutral pH. Suggested uses include shade garden and woodland garden. It is native to Japan, Korea and China.

About

Calanthe discolor is a terrestrial orchid from East Asia, known in cultivation by its two-coloured common name and for mildly fragrant flowers. It grows in partial shade and suits east- or north-facing, sheltered spots. The plant requires moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil that is acidic to neutral. In the UK it flowers from May to July.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Calanthe discolor

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

In the garden

Calanthe discolor is a terrestrial orchid native to Japan, Korea and parts of China, grown for its seasonally conspicuous, mildly fragrant blooms. As a woodland species it favours dappled light and protection from strong winds, which suits many shaded corners of a UK garden. Place this orchid where it receives partial shade on an east- or north-facing aspect and where exposure is sheltered. Use a rich, humus-heavy substrate that retains moisture yet drains well, keeping the root zone consistently moist through the growing season; the soil should range from acidic to neutral. Avoid full-sun sites and exposed, windy ridges where leaves and flower spikes are more likely to suffer. Two-coloured calanthe works well beneath deciduous trees or at the rear of a shaded border in a woodland garden, contributing seasonal interest when it comes into flower. Expect flowering in the UK from May to July, with the mildly fragrant sprays appearing on erect stalks; position plants so the scent and blooms can be appreciated at close range rather than from a distance.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Calanthe

Sunlight

partial shade

Soil type

well-drained, humus-rich

Soil pH

acidic to neutral

Soil moisture

moist

Aspect

east, north

Exposure

sheltered

Plant details

Calanthe discolor size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Orchid

Suggested uses

shade garden, woodland garden

Native to

Japan, Korea, China

Fragrance

mildly fragrant

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Calanthe discolor

Cultivation

Requires moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade; protect from strong winds

Propagation

division

Frequently asked questions