Showy Orchid

$42.95

Ease to Grow: Moderate
Dormancy: Yes
Native Range: Woodlands of Eastern North America
Zones: 3-8 (2-9)

Showy Orchid, Galearis spectabilis, is a little known, but spectacular hardy orchid. Its flower spike typically bears 3 to 12 medium size (1/2") flowers with pink to lavender tops and white bottoms. The flower spur produces droplets of nectar which reward the long-tongued pollinating insects such as bumble bees, butterflies and moths.  The pink or lavender hood is formed from three fused sepals. Two petals are tucked inside the hood and the labellum (third petal) is longer and white. This showy plant is a late Spring, early Summer bloomer, and flowers can last up to a month or more. Flower spikes benefit from staking, and protection from the wind. Two wide, oval, fleshy leaves rise from the base of the plant. In their natural habit, Showy Orchids grow in open, upland woods, above bogs and fens, usually under deciduous trees in partial to full shade. They rarely are found in full sun. The soil is typicaly near neutral pH7 or slightly alkaline, but still low nutrient, loose, well drained and humusy. It is consistently moist, but not saturated. There is frequently a layer of decomposing leaves on the soil surface. Light is shade or dappled sunlight. Seeds are very fine and can be a challenge to germinate. 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. Do not over water, and be sure to keep the soil slightly moist during the peak of summer. Provide good drainage, and do not fertilize. It does well in beds and pots, and makes a charming addition to the bog garden.

Our plants are not collected from the wild, and are propagated from root divisions of plants in our collection.
For Showy Orchids size refers to age of plants. Small (1 year), medium (2-3 years), large [flowering size] (4+ years).

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 the species and not the specific Galearis spectabilis for sale.

Height: 4" - 10"
Plant Type: Perennial, cold temperate
Soil: Lady's Slipper Orchid Mix With Lime
Soil pH: 6-7
Light: Partial Sun to Dappled Light
Use: Grows best outdoors in the bog garden or pots.

Customer Reviews

Based on 6 reviews
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M
MYLES GEISHECHER
Arrive healthy, dormant

Hard to write a full review on plants I received and planted while they were dormant but the showy orchids were definitely alive. will wait to see how large or small the plants are once they wake up!

C
C I
Great quality

I’ve purchased several plants from Carnivorous Plant Nursery and every single plant I’ve purchased has come up and been healthy. They always send large quality plants and is worth every penny spent, not to mention that they have many plants that are hard to come by. I would highly recommend them if you wish to purchase native orchids and carnivorous plants.

S
Sharon Mathias
Happy So Far

I Purchased a showy orchid to put in my ladies slipper bed area. It was a small start of the plant and I got it in the dirt right away. So far so good. It's not dying. it hasn't shown signs of shock but it's not really growing tall yet but it's only been a few weeks. I am excited to see it as it goes. It was a nice plant that I received and I am very happy with my purchase

T
Timothy

Amazing piece to have as part of your collection!

S
Stephen Waddell
Showy orchids

Very healthy and growing slready

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