Overview

Dracula chimaera var. aurea is a plant with a clump-forming habit in the genus Dracula, part of the Orchidaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Dracula chimaera var. aurea grows best in full shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include ornamental.

About

Dracula chimaera var. aurea is a clump-forming evergreen orchid belonging to the genus Dracula. It thrives in full shade, ideally in a north-facing, sheltered position with moist, neutral loam soil. This cultivar is hardy to UK zone H4 and is best grown for ornamental purposes. It is most interesting in spring and summer and requires watering during establishment. Propagation can be achieved through division or seed.

About the genus

The orchid genus Dracula, abbreviated as Drac in horticultural trade, consists of 118 species native to Mexico, Central America, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. The name Dracula literally means "little dragon", an allusion to the mythical Count Dracula, a lead character in numerous vampire novels and films. The name was applied to the orchid because of the blood-red color of several of the species, and the strange aspect of the long spurs of the sepals.

Wikipedia contributors, "Dracula (plant)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Dracula (plant)

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Dracula

Sunlight

Full shade

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist

Aspect

North-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H4

Plant details

Dracula chimaera var. aurea size, habit and characteristics

Habit

Clump-forming

Foliage

Evergreen

Suggested uses

Ornamental

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Dracula chimaera var. aurea

Propagation

Division, seed

Pest resistance

High

Disease resistance

High

Frequently asked questions