About
A compact, miniature epiphytic orchid from Borneo with tiny pseudobulbs and small, elliptic leaves, bearing miniature, brown-striped, yellowish flowers with a dark brown labellum on very short racemes. A specialist botanical subject for warm, humid tropical orchid collections.
About the genus
Xanthorhiza is a short, suckering shrub only 60cm tall but spreading to 1.5m or more. Its bright green, deeply lobed leaves may turn red, yellow, orange or purple in autumn. Short, hanging sprays of star-shaped purple-brown flowers appear in spring as the leaves are opening.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitSuckering
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toE USA
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained soil in full or partial shade
PruningPruning group 1 or pruning group 3
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers outdoors in autumn, or by division in spring or autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free