Overview
Pterostylis pedunculata is a clump forming, columnar upright conservatory greenhouse in the genus Pterostylis, part of the Orchidaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Pterostylis pedunculata grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H2. Suggested uses include patio and container plants and conservatory and greenhouse.
About
Pterostylis pedunculata, commonly known as the upright maroonhood or maroonhood, is a species of orchid endemic to south-eastern Australia. Flowering plants have a rosette of two to six stalked leaves and a single green flower which is white near its base and tinged with reddish brown to black and with a gap between the petals and lateral sepals. It is common and widespread in a range of habitats. In the garden it prefers partial shade and loam and sand soil. In UK gardens it is tender and needs frost-free protection over winter (RHS H2). Suggested uses include patio and container plants and conservatory and greenhouse. It tolerates neutral soils, well-drained conditions and east-facing, north-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant at appropriate depth in well-drained soil.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Pterostylis pedunculata
About the genus
Pterostylis is a genus of about 300 species of plants in the orchid family, Orchidaceae. Commonly called greenhood orchids, they are terrestrial, deciduous, perennial, tuberous, herbs found in Australia, New Zealand, New Guinea, New Caledonia and one Indonesian island. The flowers are mostly green, sometimes with brown, reddish or white stripes, and are distinguished from other orchids by their unusual flower structures and pollination mechanism.
Wikipedia contributors, "Pterostylis", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Pterostylis
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Pterostylis
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
Pterostylis pedunculata size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
- Habit
- Clump forming, Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants, Conservatory and greenhouse
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Pterostylis pedunculata
- Propagation
- Increase by separating and potting on new tubers during dormancy
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Slugs
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Pterostylis pedunculata?
Pterostylis pedunculata prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Pterostylis pedunculata need?
Pterostylis pedunculata grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Pterostylis pedunculata hardy in the UK?
Pterostylis pedunculata has an RHS hardiness rating of H2, meaning it is tender, tolerating 1–5°C, and needs frost-free protection over winter.
How do I propagate Pterostylis pedunculata?
Increase by separating and potting on new tubers during dormancy.