Overview

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

About

Calanthe vestita 'Nivalis' is an evergreen, clump-forming orchid cultivar within the Calanthe genus, known for its corm-like pseudobulbs and pleated leaves emerging from the base. This cultivar thrives in partial shade with a north-facing, sheltered aspect, favouring moist, neutral loam soil. It produces loose racemes of prominent flowers with three-lobed lips on upright stems, offering ornamental interest throughout spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Suitable for cultivation in orchid bark with bright indirect light, it is hardy to UK zone H4 and can be propagated by 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 vestita 'Nivalis' 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 vestita 'Nivalis'

Propagation

Division

Pest resistance

Good

Disease resistance

Good

Frequently asked questions