Overview
Platanthera obtusata subsp. oligantha is a plant with a clump forming habit in the genus Platanthera, part of the Orchidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Platanthera obtusata subsp. oligantha grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden and flower borders and beds.
About
Platanthera obtusata subsp. oligantha is a clump-forming cultivar of the Platanthera genus, which belongs to the Orchidaceae family. This deciduous plant thrives in fertile, well-drained loam or sandy soils that are moist but well-drained, preferring acid to neutral pH. It grows well in full sun or partial shade, ideally in sheltered, south-, east-, or west-facing aspects. Hardy to UK zone H4, it is suitable for cottage and informal gardens as well as flower borders and beds. Interest is shown in spring and summer, and propagation can be achieved by seed or division in spring.
About the genus
The genus Platanthera belongs to the subfamily Orchidoideae of the family Orchidaceae, and comprises about 150 species of orchids. The members of this genus, known as the butterfly orchids or fringed orchids, were previously included in the genus Orchis, which is a close relative. They are distributed throughout the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
Wikipedia contributors, "Platanthera", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Platanthera
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Platanthera
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Platanthera obtusata subsp. oligantha size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Platanthera obtusata subsp. oligantha
- Propagation
- Seed, Division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Platanthera obtusata subsp. oligantha?
Platanthera obtusata subsp. oligantha prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Platanthera obtusata subsp. oligantha need?
Platanthera obtusata subsp. oligantha grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Platanthera obtusata subsp. oligantha hardy in the UK?
Platanthera obtusata subsp. oligantha 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 Platanthera obtusata subsp. oligantha?
Seed, Division in spring.