Calanthe tricarinata - Garden orchid

Calanthe tricarinata is a semi-hardy perennial orchid, still rare in our gardens. It is a highly prized plant in Europe, with foliage that disappears in winter, and a flower spike composed of refined flowers with yellow-green sepals and petals, and a fringed, dark pink-copper lip. Its long green leaves form beautiful clumps over the years. Flowering occurs in spring. It should be grown in bright shade, in thick humus and in a sheltered location.

This terrestrial orchid comes directly from the mountains of Japan to the Himalayas. It is adapted to the cold and one of the hardiest species in its genus. This plant develops from tightly packed pseudobulbs around a rhizome, vaguely resembling the body of a shrimp. In spring, usually April-May it produces magnificent bicoloured flowers along 4 to 5 stems, 50 to 60 cm (20 to 24in) in height for about a month. The flower is composed of 3 sepals and 3 petals, one of which is very different, called the lip. The lip of Calanthe tricarinata is wide, deeply pleated, in a purple-pink and copper shade, marked with white at the base, while the other floral parts are yellow-green. The deciduous light green leaves are beautifully pleated, measuring 25-35 cm (10-14in) in length and 7 to 10 cm (3 to 4in) in width. The foliage starts to yellow in summer and completely disappears in winter.

This orchid of cool undergrowth likes acidic and humus-rich soil, moist in summer. It prefers the shelter of undergrowth, protected and bright, but never in direct sunlight. In regions with mild winters it will retain its foliage, while in other areas, the leaves will be damaged by frost and regenerate in early spring. The rhizomatous rootstock will slowly produce suckers to form beautiful clumps, expect to wait at least 3 years before having 4-5 inflorescences. An exceptional plant, which has the reputation of being easy to maintain in the garden. Plant Calanthe tricarinata in a sheltered location, in a bright and moist undergrowth, or even near water sources, in the company of arisaemas, ferns, or hostas.