Overview
Disa pulchra is a herbaceous perennial perennial in the genus Disa, part of the Orchidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Disa pulchra grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include ornamental.
About
Disa pulchra is a herbaceous perennial orchid native to South Africa, valued for its ornamental appeal. It has deciduous foliage and thrives in moist, loamy soil with an acid to neutral pH. Best grown in full sun or partial shade, it prefers a sheltered, south-facing aspect. This plant is hardy to RHS H4 and provides interest during spring and summer.
About the genus
Disa is a genus of flowering plants in the family Orchidaceae. It comprises about 182 species. Most of the species are indigenous to tropical and southern Africa, with a few more in the Arabian Peninsula, Madagascar, and Réunion.
Wikipedia contributors, "Disa (plant)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Disa (plant)
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Disa
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Disa pulchra size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Herbaceous perennial
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Ornamental
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Disa pulchra
- Propagation
- Division, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Susceptible to aphids
- Disease resistance
- Susceptible to root rot
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Disa pulchra?
Disa pulchra prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Disa pulchra need?
Disa pulchra grows best in loam soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
Is Disa pulchra hardy in the UK?
Disa pulchra has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Disa pulchra?
Division, Seed.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.