Calanthe Arizona Dream - Garden orchid

Calanthe Arizona Dream is a beautiful terrestrial orchid hybrid which is rare in cultivation. Arizona Dream develops a flowering stem in spring, bearing fairly large flowers with a soft, nuanced colour which is a complex mix of pink, apricot, and orange. The petals and sepals are tinged with dark pink, while the lip is marked with bright yellow on its folds. A vigorous flowering perennial, despite its delicate appearance, it can be grown in mild and humid climates, in thick and well-drained humus that remains moist from spring to the end of summer and is dry in winter, in partial shade. Growing in pots allows for easier control of the composition and humidity of the growing medium. In winter, in dry soil or substrate and protected by mulch, it can withstand temperatures as low as -10°C (14°F).

Calanthe Arizona Dream is a hybrid of wild species mainly from the Far East. The deciduous foliage emerges from the ground in spring and withers in autumn. The plant forms a clump of approximately 40 cm (16in) in all directions. This orchid develops a pseudobulb, from which large light green leaves, measuring from 15 to 40 cm (6 to 16in) long and from 8 to 15 cm (3 to 6in) wide, emerge in early spring. They are pleated and broadly ovate in shape, with strongly impressed parallel veins. The foliage somewhat resembles that of veratrum. In April-May, the plant produces beautiful inflorescences reaching a height of 40 cm (16in), adorned with magnificent bicoloured flowers consisting of 3 sepals and 3 petals, one of which is quite distinct, called the lip. It is often this floral part that is astonishing in orchids. The rootstock produces few suckers. The plant is dormant in winter when its foliage has completely yellowed.

In favourable climates, plant Calanthe Arizona Dream in partial shade, sheltered from the wind, in light, humus-rich soils, with a neutral or slightly acidic tendency. Plant it in the shade, in a cool rockery, between rocks or at the edge of woodland, alongside Arisaema, Cypripedium, Paris, Bletilla, and ferns. Plant Calanthe tricarinata with Arizona Dream for staggered flowering in the same tones. Given its moderate hardiness, it will be necessary to protect the rootstock from severe cold and winter wet. This plant grows well in large pots, which should be overwintered in a cold greenhouse.

When you receive your orchids, handle them with care: these plants produce few roots and are delicate!