Calypso bulbosa
Calypso orchid
A small, terrestrial orchid with one broad, oval leaf 12cm long. In summer, a slender, upright stem bears a solitary, nodding, fragrant flower 2.5cm across with reddish-purple upper petals and white lips.

Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Purple Red White Yellow | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- N Eurasia, N Am.
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a cold greenhouse, or alpine house, in terrestrial orchid compost with added leaf mould and charcoal, in filtered light.
Propagation
Propagate by carefully separating corms in early spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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