Rose Pogonia
Ease to Grow: Easy
Dormancy: Recommended
Native Range: Peat Bogs of Eastern and Central North America
Zones: 3-8 (2-10)
Rose Pogonia, Pogonia ophioglossoides, produces a single, rose colored flower at the top of a 1 leafed stem. It is a simple charmer. The pink petals of the rose pogonia flower are lance-shaped and wide-spreading. The lip has dark pink with frilly edges, and a bright yellow beard. The blooms are 1+" (2cm) across and occasionally come in pairs or trios on the stem. It is a late spring bloomer. Also known as the snakemouth orchid, the pogonia ophioglossoides plant is a bog plant that grows in open, acidic bogs with sphagnum moss. It does best in very wet conditions, and frequently grows a long stolon up from which multiple plants spring up. It is winter hardy, and should be protected from rodents during dormancy. Mulch with 4+" of pine needles in the Fall. Leave at least a 1" of needles after spring cleanup. The rhizomes can be stored in damp sphagnum at 35°F (2°C) in a refrigerator for 3 or 4 months. Water with rain/distilled water, they are sensitive to mineral buildup. It spreads nicely and grows well among sundews, venus flytraps, and pitcher plants. It is a bog jewel.
Our plants are not collected from the wild, and are propagated from root divisions of plants in our collection.
When possible Rose Pogonia is sent as dormant rhizomes. Rhizomes appear as thin black wired roots. Do not mistake them as dead during dormancy.
Plants are shipped bare-root, wrapped in damp sphagnum moss. In it's dormant season, it will be shipped as a dormant root/rhizome. Photographs are representative of species and not the specific plant for sale.
Height: 2" - 6"
Plant Type: Perennial, cold temperate
Soil: Bog Orchid Mix
Soil pH: 4-5
Light: Full to Partial Sun
Use: Grows best outdoors in the bog garden or pots