Grass Pink Orchid White Seeds
Ease to Grow: Moderate
Dormancy: Recommended
Native Range: Peat Bogs of Eastern and Central North America
Zones: 4-8 (3-10)
The White Grass Pink, Calopogon tuberosa f. alba, is a very striking form of the typical Grass Pink. It produces one of the showiest of all our native orchids. The bright white blooms are 2" (4cm) across with multiple flowers (up to 6) on each spike. The petals are frosty white and the lip is tipped with bright yellowish orange bristles that attract insects. It is a summer bloomer. White Grass Pink is a bog plant which grows in open, acidic bogs with sphagnum moss, but is adaptable to drier, upland conditions, as long as the soil remains damp during flowering. It is winter hardy, and should be in well drained soil and 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 corms 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 with pitcher plants. It is an attention getter.
Curiously, flowers are upside down and have a moving lip, that can be tripped, and dab pollen on an insects.
Seed Packs are fresh harvested in the Fall, and stored refrigerated. Seed count is approximate, but reliable. For bog orchids seed count is actually 100-250+ per pack, as these seeds are dust-like and too small to count.
Note: Stratification is required to prepare seeds for germination. All seeds are produced from open pollination within our collection. Some cross pollination among different cultivars may occur. Growing carnivorous plants from seeds is best suited for the experienced and patient grower. See our webpage on Growing CPs from Seeds.
Height: 8" - 16"
Plant Type: Perennial, cold temperate
Soil: Bog Orchid Mix
Soil pH: 4-6
Light: Full to Partial Sun
Use: Grows best outdoors in the bog garden or pots.
