About
Calypso bulbosa is a compact, ground-dwelling orchid characterized by a single broad, oval leaf that reaches about 12 cm in length. During the summer months, it produces an elongated, vertical stem that supports a single, downward-facing flower measuring approximately 2.5 cm in diameter. The flower features reddish-purple upper petals complemented by white lips, and it emits a pleasant fragrance.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Alpine Rockery
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants
- Native to
- N Eurasia, N Am.
- Fragrance
- Flower
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in a cold greenhouse, or alpine house, in terrestrial orchid compost with added leaf mould and charcoal, in filtered light.
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by carefully separating corms in early spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free