Spiranthes Cernua var odorata - Chadds Ford

Spiranthes odorata Chadd's Ford is a delightful terrestrial orchid native to the United States, nicknamed by Americans as "the fragrant lady's tresses". It owes this nickname to the fact that the flowers seem to coil like braids at the top of the erect flower stalks. In late summer or early autumn, the rosettes of silver-green foliage, are topped by stalks of pure white flowers that emit a vanilla fragrance. They are very durable and can be used to create delightful bouquets. Spiranthes odorata prefers light, well-drained, acidic to neutral soils, rich in humus or slightly peaty, remaining moist even in summer.

Spiranthes Chadd's Ford belongs to the orchid family. It is a horticultural selection derived from Spiranthes cernua var. odorata, a botanical species native to eastern Canada and the northern United States. In the wild, this orchid grows in meadows and clear, moist woodlands, often not far from water, in bogs and marshes. It is a very hardy plant, but quite demanding in terms of soil. When conditions are right, this orchid multiplies rapidly, forming colonies.

Spiranthes Chadd's Ford has fleshy, tuberous roots that serve as storage organs. The plant develops basal rosettes composed of narrow, almost linear, tapering, glossy dark green leaves, up to 25 cm (10in) long and 1.5 cm (1in) wide which persist in winter. Flowering is late, usually October until November. The flower stalks rise 50-60 cm (20-24in) from the ground and bear spiralled clusters of white, slightly translucent flowers, 2 to 5 mm (0in) long. They emit a delicate, sweet fragrance with notes of vanilla. After being pollinated by insects, they produce capsules of seeds.

Spiranthes Chadd's Ford can be planted in a moist and sunny flower bed, on the banks of a natural pond, or in a pot to adorn a balcony or terrace. To accompany it, consider Euphorbia palustis, Alchemilla mollis, another terrestrial orchid like Epipactis palustris, lady's slippers (Cypripedium), etc.

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