About
A low-growing, spreading, deciduous shrub to about 1.5m tall from New Mexico and Arizona with small, broadly ovate, mid-green leaves and large, open, bell-shaped, bright blue flowers in late summer, followed by attractive silvery seed-heads. A stunning and showy Ceratostigma relative for a sunny, well-drained border.
About the genus
Cymbidium are epiphytic, lithophytic or terrestrial orchids with prominent spherical to ovoid pseudobulbs, long linear leaves and fleshy white roots. Several long lasting showy flowers with a distinctive 3-lobed lip are borne on erect or arching flower spikes from the bases of the pseudobulbs
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil pHNeutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesContainers, conservatories, houseplants.
ToxicitySkin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationRequires day temperatures around 16°C and 10°C at night. Provide good light levels, but avoid direct sunlight. Pot firmly into epiphytic or terrestrial orchid compost, water thoroughly when compost is almost dry, allow to drain and use orchid fertiliser at every third watering. Water sparingly in winter. Place outside in dappled shade during the summer months to aid flower initiation. See cymbidium cultivation
PruningNo pruning required, cut flowered stems to the base
PropagationPropagate by division of pseudobulbs when pot-bound or repotting
Pest resistanceAphids, glasshouse red spider mite, glasshouse whitefly and mealybugs could be a problem
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free. Sterilising cutting tools may prevent virus diseases, such as Cymbidium Mosaic Virus (CMV).