Spiranthes × bightensis 'Chadds Ford'
lady's tresses 'Chadd's Ford'
A clump-forming terrestrial orchid to 60cm tall with broadly linear leaves to 20cm long and a plentiful number of white flowers, scented of vanilla and jasmine, about 1cm long with a yellow mark on the lip, arranged spirally on spikes to 65cm tall, appearing from late summer until autumn
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | White | Green | |
| Winter | Green | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing
Exposure
Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Spiranthes are small terrestrial or epiphytic orchids with tuberous roots and basal rosettes of papery or fleshy rounded leaves. Spiral racemes with tiny white flowers are borne along upright stems
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant this frost hardy cultivar outdoors when dormant in moist, fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil in a sheltered spot with part shade and provide a deep, dry winter mulch in frosty areas. If grown under glass use terrestrial orchid compost and locate in bright filtered light, water freely in the growing season and use orchid fertiliser every third watering; keep dry and frost free when dormant
Propagation
Propagate by division of tubers when dormant; plantlets form in winter on root tips and can be removed when manageable
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wall side borders
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Susceptible to aphids and glasshouse red spider mite if grown under glass
Diseases
Generally disease-resistant
Get involved
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