Calanthe discolor Takane - Christmas Orchid

Calanthe 'Takane' is a superb terrestrial orchid resulting from a cross-breeding between two botanical species. This highly floriferous hybrid produces spikes of small flowers with colors that vary depending on the subjects, combining shades of orange-yellow, light brown, or apricot tones. The flowering period lasts for two months and releases a curious scent of cloves. Its cultivation is somewhat delicate, requiring a slightly acidic and well-drained soil that remains cool in summer and well-drained in winter, as well as a semi-shaded exposure. Additionally, its hardiness is limited, up to approximately -10°C, in dry soil and protected by mulch. Fortunately, it is easier to grow in pots, allowing its beauty to be enjoyed in climates with harsh winters.

Calanthe belongs to the Orchidaceae family, which is rich in more than 25,000 species, including 160 in France alone! This diverse family includes epiphytic species that use trees as support, as well as terrestrial species that grow in the ground. The Calanthe genus is part of the latter group and comprises over 150 species native to tropical and subtropical regions, mainly in Asia.

Calanthe 'Takane' is a hybrid obtained by cross-breeding two botanical species, Calanthe discolor (from Japan, China, and Korea), with bi-coloured flowers in light brown and pale pink, and Calanthe sieboldii from Japan, with a long flowering period of lightly scented lemon-yellow flowers. This deciduous plant forms pseudo-bulbs (rhizome-like structures) that allow it to survive winter and start anew in spring. In March-April, it produces leaves of a beautiful bright green colour, vivid and slightly glossy on the surface. Elliptical in shape, wide, measuring approximately 15-18cm long and 6-8cm wide, the slightly plicate leaves with visible veins have a sheathing base, surrounding the flower spike that appears about a month later. Measuring approximately 20 to 25 cm long, it bears about fifteen small flowers with a diameter of 3cm, displaying the typical patterns of orchids. Three sepals and two slender lateral petals exhibit an apricot to light brown colour, while the labellum, the lower petal, adorns itself with a sometimes orangish yellow hue. The labellum has a very different shape from the other floral parts, divided into three slightly ornate lobes. The central lobe is deeply veined and has a variable number of linear protuberances. As is often the case with hybrids, the colours may vary depending on the subjects, but the pastel shades are always harmoniously combined, and the tropical appearance of the flowering always has a great impact in the garden. The slightly fragrant flowers emit a scent of cloves and bloom for several weeks, occasionally until July. This hybrid is renowned for offering one of the longest flowering periods among terrestrial orchids.

In favourable climates with mild winters, plant your Calanthe 'Takane' in partial shade, sheltered from the wind, in light, humus-bearing soils that are neutral to slightly acidic. Its tropical appearance makes it the star of exotic beds, alongside other characteristic plants such as the Arum (Zanthedeschia aethiopica). Arisaema, which comes in numerous varieties with surprising cobra-like flowers, will also find its place in an exotic scene. Cyrtomium falcatum, a fern with shiny dark green fronds, will fit the theme as well, as will the Toad Lily (Tricyrtis hirta), which blooms late in the season.