Hardy Orchid Species Part II: Calanthe Orchids

Calanthe it is a large genus with more than 150 species. They are widely distributed from tropical Africa to tropical and subtropical Asia, the Pacific Islands, and Australia. Only 6 species are used in temperate gardens. Calanthe flowers include flowers of the colors red, orange, brown, yellow and cream.

They are considered to be easy to grow. Evergreens bloom in early spring with a spectacular display of 1.5 “flowers on 1 ‘tall spikes. In nature, they grow in well-drained, lightly shaded forest edges. Typically hardy to USDA zones 7-9 but will grow in zones 5 with winter protection consisting of a pile of 10 “leaves on top of the plants. Its growing requirements are similar to Bletilla’s … morning sun, light afternoon shade, and constant humidity. The genus name Calanthe is derived from the Greek kalos (beautiful) and anthos (flower). They make excellent cut flowers. The first recorded man-made orchid cross of any kind was made in this genus. John Dominiyi, the father of modern orchid breeding, crossed Calanthe masuca and Calanthe furcata to create the grex Calanthe Dominiyi in 1856.

Calanthe aristulifera (Mount Kirishima Hardy Orchid) One of the rarest Japanese endemic species, originating from the mountains of the Japanese island of Kyushu. Calanthe aristulifera forms an 18 “wide cluster of pleated evergreen leaves, topped in mid-spring with 15” tall flower spikes, bordered by small light pink flowers. (Hardiness zone 7-9)

Calanthe discolor (Hardy Ground Orchid, Ebine, Shrimp Root) Emerges from the pseudobulb with 2-3 highly pleated leaves 6 “long by 2” wide. As the bulb moves, the clumps can become quite thick. The foliage, which is evergreen at 15 degrees F, is topped in mid-spring with 10 “stems of tiny mahogany flowers with pure white lower lips … a very easy to grow addition to that special place. in the wooded garden (hardiness zone 6b-9)

Calanthe decolora ‘Eco Rose’ (Hardy Terrestrial Orchid, Ebine, Shrimp Root) Pink petals and a pinkish white lip.

Calanthe decolor ‘Eco White’ (Hardy Ground Orchid, Ebine, Shrimp Root) Many years ago, we sourced this magnificent Asian orchid from Don Jacobs of Eco Gardens. Don bought the plant in Japan in the early 1980s. What excited us is that this hardy orchid has been the fastest multiplying Calanthe in our garden. Calanthe ‘Eco White’ is a selection or hybrid of the native Japanese Calanthe bleach. In late spring, the pleated green leaves lay flat to form a pretty background for the white-lipped flower spikes backed by chartreuse green petals. (Hardiness zone 7-9)

Calanthe kawakamiense (hardy ground orchid) Ground-hugging olive green evergreen foliage gives rise in early spring to 3 ‘tall flower spikes of large, fragrant, bright yellow blooms.

Calanthe nipponica (hardy ground orchid, golden spirit orchid) A rare high-altitude Japanese species from the mountains of Hokkaido and Kyushu. The 10 “tall flower spike produces 4-5 pale yellow and green flowers.

Calanthe reflexa (Hardy Ground Orchid, Natsu-ebine, Summer Shrimp Root) Unlike many of the other hardy Calanthe, this one blooms in summer. The narrow-folded evergreen leaves extend outward, forming a 15 “wide rosette. In mid to late summer, clusters are covered with slightly fragrant two-tone pink and white flowers (Hardiness Zone 7 -9)

Calanthe sieboldii (hardy ground orchid, ki-ebine, yellow shrimp root) (synonymous with Calanthe striata) This hard to find Japanese native ground orchid has performed excellently and one of our favorite Calanthe. Evergreen foliage (except below 10 degrees F) forms a vigorous 15 “tall by 15” wide cluster of deeply pleated leaves. In spring, flower stalks rise from the ground to 15 “. Along the scape are dozens of small bright yellow pansy-like flowers. (Hardiness Zone 7-9, possibly cooler)

Calanthe tricarinata (hardy ground orchid, monkey orchid) A spring-flowering orchid with wonderful 15 “tall spikes of stunning yellow flowers with reddish-brown lips. The foliage is evergreen in mild winters, but may turn deciduous when temperatures approach 10 degrees F. (Hardiness Zone 6-9)

Calanthe hybrids

Calanthe Hizen (Hardy Ground Orchid) Hybrids This new series of hardy orchid hybrids from Japan (Calanthe discolor Calanthe aristulifera) form basal rosettes of highly pleated olive green leaves. The 8 “flower spike emerges in early spring and contains up to a dozen flowers, each creamy to light pink with a darker pink / purple lip. (Hardiness Zone 7-9)

Calanthe sieboldii Takane hybrids (hardy ground orchid, ki-ebine, yellow shrimp root) Imagine a beautiful, easy-to-grow yellow flowered orchid that would be hardy in your woodland garden! These Asian hybrids of Calanthe sieboldii form a cluster of pleated, tropical-looking green leaves 8 “long by 2” wide. In spring, clusters are crowned with 8 “long bright yellow flower stalks (Hardiness Zone 7-9a).

Calanthe Kozu Spice (Hardy Ground Orchid) Hybridized for flower shows in Japan, these hardy ground orchids (Calanthe discolor Calanthe izu-insularis) are now available in the US Perfect candidates for the woodland garden, the evergreen and pleated leaves ripen in fall and remain for most winters. In spring, the 1 ‘flower stalks emerge and are then dressed in flowers with a wonderful clove scent. The color of the flower can include two-color combinations of white and red, yellow and red, pink and red, etc. (Hardiness zone 7-9, possibly colder)

Apart from Bletilla, Calanthe It is the easiest hardy orchid for gardeners to grow.