Chinese Calanthe
(Calanthe tankervilleae)
Chinese Calanthe (Calanthe tankervilleae)
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Estimated Native Range
Climate Requirements for Waterloo, Iowa
This Plant | Your Site | Plant Suitability for Your Location | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
• Precipitation | 6" - 191" | 35" | Your precipitation may be insufficient for this plant. Irrigate N" / year. | Irrigate N" / year |
• High Temp. | 54°F - 111°F | 86°F | Your summer temperatures are normal for this plant. | Excellent |
• Low Temp. | -5°F - 74°F | 7°F | Your winter temperatures are normal for this plant | Excellent |
This plant should grow well at your location with about N inches per year (Y minutes per month) of irrigation.
Summary
Calanthe tankervilleae, commonly known as Chinese Calanthe, Ebony and Ivory Orchid, or Christmas Orchid, is a perennial herb native to tropical Asia as well as the South Pacific. It exhibits a moderate growth rate, reaching heights of 1.5-2 feet (0.46-0.6 meters) and widths of 1-1.5 feet (0.3-0.5 meters). This orchid is characterized by its pleated leaves and striking flowers, which are typically white or yellow and boast a showy display when they bloom in the fall. The flowers are borne on tall spikes and are highly valued for their ornamental beauty.
Chinese Calanthe is a popular choice for woodland gardens, shaded borders, and as a container plant due to its attractive foliage and flowers. It is appreciated for its ease of maintenance and its ability to naturalize in suitable conditions. While it thrives in part shade, it requires medium amounts of water and well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter, such as clay, loam, or sandy soils. It is important to protect it from strong winds and to provide a layer of mulch to keep the roots cool and moist. Overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot. Although generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to pests such as slugs and snails.CC BY-SA 4.0
Chinese Calanthe is a popular choice for woodland gardens, shaded borders, and as a container plant due to its attractive foliage and flowers. It is appreciated for its ease of maintenance and its ability to naturalize in suitable conditions. While it thrives in part shade, it requires medium amounts of water and well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter, such as clay, loam, or sandy soils. It is important to protect it from strong winds and to provide a layer of mulch to keep the roots cool and moist. Overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot. Although generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to pests such as slugs and snails.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type:
- Height: 1.5-2 feet
- Width: 1-1.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White, Yellow
- Flowering Season: Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Border Plant, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Temperate forests and grassy slopes in East Asia
Other Names
Common Names: Ebony and Ivory Orchid , Christmas Orchid
Scientific Names: Calanthe tankervilleae , Bletia tancarvilleae , Bletia tankervilleae , Calanthe bachmaensis , Calanthe speciosa , Dendrobium veratrifolium , Limodorum incarvillei , Limodorum incarvillei , Limodorum spectabile , Limodorum tancarvilleae
GBIF Accepted Name: Calanthe tankervilleae