Calanthe aristulifera - Garden orchid

Calanthe aristulifera is a rare terrestrial orchid, still little used in gardens. It is a semi-hardy, slightly scented, Japanese mountain species, with a floral stem composed of refined flowers with light mauve to almost white sepals and petals. Its long, strongly pleated green leaves form beautiful evergreen clumps. It will thrive in shade, in thick humus in mild climate regions, or in pots to protect it from heavy frost elsewhere.

This terrestrial orchid comes directly from the mountains of Japan. In its natural habitat, it grows in sheltered places, in clearings or at the edge of forests, indicating its preference for partial shade in the garden, in soil rich in organic matter. It is moderately hardy for the genus. This plant grows from densely packed pseudobulbs around a rhizome, vaguely resembling the body of a shrimp. It produces beautiful, very light, diaphanous and slightly scented flowers in variations of pale mauve to almost white, along 2 to 3 stems 30 cm (12in) high in spring. The flower consists of 3 sepals and 3 petals, one of which is very different, called the lip. It is often this floral piece that is astonishing in orchids. The lip of Calanthe reflexa is elongated, curved downwards, and formed of 3 slightly pleated lobes. The evergreen, dark green leaves are nicely pleated and measure 15-25 cm (6-10in) in length and 5-8 cm (2-3in) in width.

This orchid of cool undergrowth likes acidic soils, rich in humus, and moist in summer, even occasionally waterlogged. It likes warmth, sheltered and bright places, but never direct sunlight. In regions with mild winters, it will retain its foliage, elsewhere, its leaves will be damaged by frost and will regenerate in early spring. The "rhizomatous" rootstock will slowly sucker to form beautiful clumps, expect to wait at least 3 years to obtain 4-5 inflorescences. An exceptional plant for knowledgeable gardeners. Plant Calanthe reflexa in a sheltered position, in light and humid undergrowth, or even near water points, in the company of arisaemas, ferns or hostas. As it is slightly less hardy than others, it is strongly recommended to grow it in a sheltered pot during periods of heavy frost in colder regions.