Description

Galearis spectabilis, Showy Orchid, Wholesale Native Perennial Bare Root Plant, Native Orchid, Showy Orchis

Galearis spectabilis (L.) Raf.
Showy Orchid, Purple-hooded Orchid, Gay Orchid
Orchidaceae (Orchid Family)
Synonym(s): Galeorchis spectabilis, Orchis spectabilis
USDA Symbol: GASP5
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)
A short stalk rising between 2 large, glossy, green leaves and topped by 2-15 white and pink to deep lavender flowers.

The genus name, Galearis, is derived from the Latin word, galea, which means helmet. It refers to the two pink to purple upper petals which form a hood over the flower. The specific epithet, spectabilis, is from the Latin for remarkable, admirable or showy.

Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Fruit Type: Capsule , Caryopsis
Size Notes: Up to about 8 inches tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Pink , Purple
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , GA , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MS , NC , NE , NH , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , TN , VA , VT , WI , WV
Canada: NB
Native Distribution: Ontario east to New Brunswick, south to Georgia, west to Louisiana and Oklahoma, and north to Nebraska and Minnesota.
Native Habitat: Rich damp woods and swamp edges.

Best grown in loose, organically rich, moist, well-drained soils in part shade to full shade. Leaf mold should be worked into the soil and may also be used as a mulch. Plants need good air circulation. Soils should not be allowed to dry out. Plants observed growing in the wild transplant poorly and should not be dug for use in home gardens. Once established, plants are best left undisturbed. Plants are difficult to grow from seed.

Light:
Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil Texture:
High Organic Matter
Soil Drainage:
Good Drainage
Moist
NC Region:
Mountains
Piedmont
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b

Phonetic Spelling
gal-ee-AIR-iss speck-TAB-ih-liss
Description
Showy orchid is a native wildflower found in Canada south to eastern and central USA. In NC it is found primarily in the mountains in moist woodland sites. The plant produces 2 leaves which persist through fall and in spring clusters of pinkish-lavender and white mildly fragrant flowers appear. They are up to 1.5 inches long and have a distinctive upper hood of fused sepals and petals with a long white lower lip. They are primarily pollinated by bumblebees.

Grow this orchid in moist fertile well-drained soil with leaf mold incorporated in the woodland setting.

For Shipping, Install and additional info please see “About Bare Root“.

Native bare root ferns are dug and shipped while dormant, mid November to early spring.

See all available Native Bare Root Perennials

Check the native status of this species in your area here