If youre in zone 6 or 7, where the temperature can be borderline for the plant, you can leave the corms in the ground and protect it with a heavy layer of mulch to help them get through the frost. First, the upper leaves are cut off, and the lower ones remain. You can remove the bulbs or corms of peacock orchids from the garden or pots when the foliage begins to die. This is stored in a box of peat, but not all survive until spring, many bulbs become unviable, probably because the bulb lacked nutrients in the summer. Acidanthera (Gladiolus murielae) A group of tender bulbous perennials with elegant and graceful blooms. In areas where Acidanthera is not hardy, you can treat the corms as annuals and discard them at the end of the season. However, this prolonged wait is most definitely worth it. get an essential Spring Bundle worth 44.97. Plant large corms 5-6" deep; smaller ones 4" deep. In late summer to early fall, plants send up 2 to 3 foot-tall flower spikes filled with anywhere from two to 10 fragrant, eye-catching flowers. You don't need a large pot unless this will be their permanent home. Position your corms in full sun to partial shade in well-drained, moist soil. All acidanthera needs to flourish is warm, well-draining soil and a location that receives full sun. If starting Acidanthera plants indoors for later transplanting, then they should be sown in the spring. Gladiolus murielae), is an elegant gladiolus, bearing spikes of fragrant white flowers with a central maroon blotch. As such, it likes warm conditions. The name even references the foliage, as it is taken from the Greek akis, which means sharp point., Peacock Orchid is the common name for Acidanthera, which is pronounced [ass-ih-DAN-ther-uh]. Acidanthera bulbs are graded by size, measured in centimeters. When it comes to soil, the most important thing to remember is that is must drain moisture well. A member of the gladiolus family, acidanthera, like ranunculus, are grown from corms that are planted in spring to deliver elegant and truly breathtaking blooms in summertime. Place bulbs so the slightly pointy end faces upwards. Experiment with different shaped flowers - the tongues of bees, hover flies, moths and other pollinators vary in size - see what grows well in your garden. Anemone is a versatile plant in the garden. It will produce its stunning flowers about three months after planting, in late summer or early autumn, and its foliage will look good until the first frosts. Acidanthera can be quite slow to appear after planting, first developing its root system underground, but once foliage appears, it grows very fast. It also makes a great addition to the cutting garden. If you plant the bulbs or corms at a depth of 15cm, the flower stems will not need staking as they grow. I've tried over the years to grow Gladiolus murielae (syn. . Acidanthera tubulosa it has about 4 flowers on a long tube. For 20 years, shes owned a garden center and landscaping/consulting business and holds numerous horticulture certificates. They are best suited for the USDA hardiness zone 7 to 11. Here are a few tips for ensuring that the bulbs are stored correctly: When next spring arrives, youll have corms ready for planting. The Plant List. For the best display, acidanthera needs fertile soil that is moist and well-drained, but it can also be planted in well-drained soil as it tolerates some drought. Containers: Acidanthera corms are slow to get started and can get overwhelmed by faster-growing plants. You can plant them all at once after the danger of frost has passed, or plant them bi-weekly for continuous flowers throughout summer. In regions where winter temperatures are major league, plant acidantheras in April, then lift in fall and overwinter in paper bags. This is partly due to its unusual name (for more funny and extraordinary plant names, check out this guide for an educational giggle!) Continue with Recommended Cookies. Depending on the weather, you may have to water plants in the garden daily. Get involved. Unbelievable. Jewel Orchid (Ludisia Discolor) Plant Care, Macodes Petola (Jewel Orchid) Plant Care Guide & Tips, Norfolk Pines Care How to Grow Norfolk Island Pine Trees, Rubber Tree Plant Care How to Grow Ficus Elastica, Caring for Peperomia Peppermill A Rare, Uncommon Plant for Collectors, Variegated Teardrop Peperomia Plant Care Grow Peperomia Orba Variegata at Home, Peperomia Metallica Plant Care How to Grow Red Tree Peperomia, Peperomia Angulata (Beetle Peperomia) Care How to Grow Peperomia Quadrangularis. You are almost guaranteed to get a blossom from these puppies. In winter, the tubers are covered with dry leaves or peat. During the growing season, you need to apply fertilizers 2-3 times and the flower will be the most beautiful, the inflorescences that have faded should be removed. Introducing acidanthera your gardens must have summer plant, How to Send Flowers to Someone in Another State, The Best Memorial Day Flowers, Arrangements & Gifts. This means they flower later in the summer to early fall. The flowers appear near the end of the season when many other plants have finished. apart in a pot filled with regular potting soil. How to care for Acidanthera Grow acidanthera in a sheltered spot in full sun. Most varieties are cold hardy in zones 6 and above. BEST BULBS: CZ Grain has the best sized bulbs that are ready to plant. The Acidanthera corms are slow-growers and may get taken over by faster growing plants. Use a trowel or shovel to dig the shallow holes. The flowers are white with crimson spots. The peacock orchid (Acidanthera)is a lovely mid to late summer and early fall plant with a strong fragrant-flowers and a unique appearance. Once the temperature goes above 85 degrees, it will struggle. Theyll produce foliage for the next few seasons and are likely take a few years before they reach flowering size. Gladiolus acindanthera (Peacock Orchid) is beautiful South African wild flower. ACIDANTHERA Iridaceae A. species. Grow the plants outside during summer and bring into a cool. The most popular and widespread species in our region is Acidanthera bicolor. Where to grow Acidanthera Plant in a sunny position with well-drain. $15.99 Per Bag of 25 Quantity Add to Cart Add to Wish List Skip to the end of the images gallery It is best to plant Acidanthera bulbs at a depth of 9 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inches). Pests often hide on the underside of leaves. When it comes to climate, one of the first things to know about peacock orchids is that theyre late bloomers. They don't even have to be in a sunny window for the first month. Plant freesia corms straight out into the ground in April or May after the risk of frost has almost passed. The point is, all these names refer to the same plant, the beautiful peacock orchid. Wait until frost has damaged the foliage and then dig up the plants. There are too many hungry critters here to plant in the ground. This plants flowers are borne in clusters on slender stems that rise from the base of the plant. Acidanthera is easy to grow and care for. 5 Ways to Make Your Garden More Butterfly-Friendly. Enjoy acidanthera's haunting fragrance in the garden, and be sure to plant extras for cutting. Does not ship to AK, HI, PR, VI, or Guam. However, it is worth the wait. You may need to occasionally thin the plant. Acidanthera murielae syn. The acidanthera is recognizable due to its sword-like foliage and white flowers that start to bloom in the mid-summer. If you live in cooler climates, full sun is ideal, especially hot, mid-afternoon sun. Acidanthera (USDA zones 7 through 11), commonly called peacock orchid, is a summer-blooming bulb that thrives in the heat of summer when many similar plants decline in the hot conditions.. But you'll be surrounded by beauty! First and foremost, acidantheras flowers are truly spectacular. If this is the case, do filter the light with light shades or curtains. However, Clemson Cooperative Extension notes that gardeners in warmer locales can leave the corms in the ground protected with a layer of mulch. By potting them up now and then replanting into the garden by end May, or relocating the pot outdoors, you will have gained the entire month of April and May (8-9 weeks growth time). If youre gardening in coastal and mild areas in the south of the UK, you can leave acidanthera in the ground over winter, allowing the foliage to die back and covering the area with a thick mulch to insulate the corms. The plants have upright, sword-like foliage and fragrant white flowers in late summer and early fall. Either way, the plant needs a lot of light on a daily basis. If you have a basement window, that would be ideal. Place your corms in the hole and recover with soil. As such, indoors, the best spot is in either in an east, west or south facing window. Those planted to bloom during the hottest part of the summer should be placed where they'll receive partial shade. Acidanthera typically flowers from late summer to autumn. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account. The best way to propagate acidanthera is to wait until the end of the season when you remove the bulbs. They are the mechanism that will get a novice gardener hooked! This will make the mix retain enough water to keep the plant happy while still be well draining. The foliage resembles that of gladioli and for this reason they were once thought to be scented gladioli. Look for Acidanthera bicolorvar. Plant spring-blooming anemone in fall, approximately six weeks before the first expected frost. Plant about 8 corms per 12 pot. You will likewise want to deadhead flowers when theyre spent. Acidanthera bicolor and similar plants require between 30 to 90 days for germination. While its not strictly necessary, soaking the corm in room-temperature water for a few hours before you plant it, can stimulate it into growth more quickly. Acidanthera is easy to grow and care for. As such, it is a good idea to keep them out of reach of curious kids and pets who might play or chew on them. If the soil is too wet, the corms could be damaged by mould or gladiolus corm rot. Then, dig a hole approximately 4-6 deep with anywhere from 6 to 12 inches of space between each corm (the bigger your corms, the more distance you will need between them). Dahlias are a gorgeous addition to any garden. To learn more about acidanthera, read:Fragrant Flowers for Late Summer. Once the plants have buds, they can be planted into your garden. If you have clay soil, you will want to amend it with compost to improve drainage and make it light and airy. This plant appreciates regular feeding to produce the most flowers. Damp soil and high humidity increase the risk of root rot, bacterial and fungal disease. Anemones aren't fussy about soil pH, but will thrive best in slightly acidic soil. This is also great news for smaller gardens or those in townhouses who might not have the luxury of a flower bed or garden. Atcidanthera is a flower with a thin, delicate stem and the same elegant large flowers about 10 cm (3.9 inch) in the shape of a star. Plant bulbs in early autumn at a depth of 2.5-3in (6-8cm), spacing 3in (8cm) apart. Your email address will not be published. Fall planting: Stray from the standards for a more exotic spring garden that draws applause, Hummingbirds unique to the Americas zip through open landscapes seasonally or year-round. The trick is growing it. You can grow this plant in just about any type of soil, provided it is well-draining. As such, youll want to be patient. Space the corms 4-6" apart . Alternatively, once flowering has stopped and the foliage has become damaged by frost, you can dig up the corms, drying them off completely and remove the foliage before putting them in a dry, dark, and cool location. If you are growing acidanthera in containers, you can get started a couple weeks earlier. It grows well in drained, neutral or slightly acidic soils. Her work appears in SpaceCoast Living magazine, Atlanta Constitution Journal, SFGate Home Guides, 1-800-Flowers and many more. Acidanthera roseoalba It was found in South Africa. Pot up in a cool greenhouse in spring between March and April. I did them in enormous pots on my deck last year surrounded by dahlias and verbena bonariensis and it was so nice on summer nights to step out there. I was curious about just what this plant might be, so I googled it and found this info on NPR. We love acidanthera muriale (Abyssinian gladiolus) for their delicate, fragrant white flowers that appear from midsummer to autumn. But if you still decide to do this work, then you should understand that the plants are planted in seedlings in February-March in a rich soil with fertilizers, and it is also best to plant it in a greenhouse at a temperature of 20-25 C (68-77 F). Shes covered numerous DIY home topics and has hundreds of articles published on gardening topics. Additionally, after planting and throughout the growing season, especially when outdoor conditions are hot and dry, make sure to keep the planting sites soil consistently moist. How to Decorate the Cover of the Septic Tank. What if your acidanthera isnt flowering? Acidanthera brevicollis bright purple flowers with a short tube. This will allow water and air to pass through easier. In March or April, take them out of the bags and water. It is not superfluous to feed the soil with mineral and organic fertilizers. Couldn't resist telling you that I got hooked on acidanthera when my nephews had a boy scout plant sale and I grudgingly bought some bulbs. Place the anemone bulbs in the bowl and soak overnight the evening prior to planting outdoors. Peacock orchids are prone to many of the usual pest and disease suspects: In some warmer climates, the plant may start to grow in large clumps. Indem Sie auf Annehmen klicken, stimmen Sie dem zu. Hi Everyone,Here it is 6 years after I have been working with acidanthera and I have finally hit on a nice way to plant them with minimal work and maximum show. It causes skin irritation for some people. It will also allow you to adjust the humidity in your home as the seasons change. For most reliable results, they should be protected from frost. If growing from root, submerge tubers and plant with roots pointed downwards about 1 to 2 inches deep, depending on bulb size. Angiosperms. Acidanthera (or Abyssinian Gladiolus) are half hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to around -5C. Corms about 3 cm (1.2 inch), milky white in a brown layer. Only 9.99. That first year I could smell them from 15 feet away. This article was co-authored by Lauren Kurtz.Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. However, to give them the best start its wise to wait to plant the corms outside in late spring when the soil has begun to warm up or, if youre growing them in a pot, start them off indoors and move the pot outside when all danger of frost has past, usually from late May onwards. Yes, Acidanthera will grow outdoorswhere the growing season is long. Place the corms indoors on newspaper to dry, Store the dry, clean corms in a paper bag filled with peat moss, Keep the bag in a cool, dark spot through the winter. When to Plant Oxalis go dormant in the summer rather than the winter and prefer being planted in the spring, as this lines up with their regular blooming period. The storage temperature during the winter months should be approximately 60F. For example, if planting in hardiness zone 5, the last frost date is generally between April 1st - April 15th, and the first frost date typically falls between October 16th - October 31st. Manage Settings Unlike hardy bulbs, which require a period of cold in order to bloom, these "tender bulbs" can't handle the cold and need to be dug up, stored, and protected in colder climates. A friend behaves like a sandy loam. If you grow acidanthera in containers, you can simply bring the pots indoors in the fall, cut off the foliage, and store the corms right in the (dry) soil. The plant belongs to the Gladiolus genus in the Iris family (Iridaceae), which means that it is not an orchid. I will be able to lift the entire pot, cut off the foliage and put them pot and all in brown paper bags to store for the winter inside the basement. Then, prepare the soil by digging a hole. Beautiful in bouquets. However, it is able to tolerate somewhat cooler temperatures than tropical plants allowing you to enjoy them down to zone 7. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. After planting, water well, gently soaking the soil and settling it around the bulbs. [2] It has been given a number of English names, including Abyssinian gladiolus and fragrant gladiolus. Acidanthera appreciates the warm weather of summer and are very simple to plant and grow. It is best to plant Acidanthera bulbs at a depth of 9 to 15 cm, and a spacing that is 15 to 30 cm apart in the late spring. I put five or six bulbs in a smallish pot (no bigger than 6" dia. When your ixia are in bloom feel free to cut flower stems for bouquets. A less-familiar type of gladiolus is also known as acidanthera or peacock orchids ( Gladiolus callianthus ). And, can only withstand temperatures down to 50 degrees. The bulbs should be planted in early spring in full sun after the threat of frost has passed. But you need to transplant it into a fresh mixture once a year. Large corms grow into big plants that will give you a more beautiful display of foliage and flowers than smaller-sized bulbs. Gladiolus murielae syn. Acidanthera grows from a bulb-like structure known as a corm, and many sellers refer to it as a bulb. Then, replant them when spring comes around. Required fields are marked *. Gladiolus muriela white flowers with purple stripes and a green spot in the center, are not found in gardening culture. Of course the flowers come last, but they provide quite a show and are fragrant. Acidanthera are coming into bloom (Photo by Brendan Zwelling) Early last spring, when I was haunting garden centres looking for anything encouraging, I happened to find some corms for Abyssinian gladiolus (Acidanthera murielae).These small, frost-tender corms are planted in spring for their scented, late-summer bloom, and they're coming into flower now. Acidanthera platypetala it grows on the Cape Peninsula.It has about 3 flowers per plant, white flowers with a purple hue. A good way to do this is to add compost to improve organic content. This reduces the possibility of the fertilizer burning the foliage. You might also hear the plant called by another name, sword lily, which is a nickname that comes from the fact that its leaves look like swords and its flowers resemble lilies. In milder areas a thick dry winter mulch may suffice Propagation Propagate by separating cormlets when dormant This makes USDA zones 7 to 11 the optimal places if you want to grow the plant outdoors. Acidanthera Murielae. But if winter promises a decrease in temperature, then in the fall the tubers are dug out (at the end of September) for storage. The plant has foilage similar to iris leaves at first. Abyssinian sword lily is native to Africa. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'soilseedandgarden_com-netboard-1','ezslot_16',142,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-soilseedandgarden_com-netboard-1-0'); The peacock orchid is susceptible to both pests and disease. When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. I hope this helps. The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK's leading gardening charity. Ideally, keeping it in the smaller range of 70 to 75 degrees works best. That said, supplementing it with fertilizer also helps. After that, be sure to give your corms a regular watering during the growing season and then allow the soil to dry out during dormancy. When planted outdoors in a garden, the plant works best in rows or along the border of your garden. Once the plants get going, they grow quickly. We make efforts to ensure the information on our website, including Third Party Offers terms, are up to date however, the Third-Party Offers terms can be changed at any time, subject to the Third-Party Providers sole discretion, and we have no control or any responsibility in this regard. Refill the hole and firm it down, and then give the whole area a good watering to settle the soil around the corms. This is because producing foliage and flowers uses up the energy stored in the corms and they may take a years break from flowering while they replenish their reserves. After 2-3 years, the tubers are ready to give flowers. Fourcade Acidanthera pink-white flowers. To extend the bloom time, plant a handful of corms every 2 weeks, starting at the end of April and continuing into early June. Occasionally these may need to be divided. 2.8K 97K views 1 year ago Here's how to grow ranunculus. To do so, regular inspection is needed. Plant the corms into the ground. Smaller corms will prefer shallower depths (4 inches). You may also want to think about starting the bulbs in pots. The plant grows slowly throughout the first half of the season. 1 for $14.99. Heres our top three recommendations for same day delivery, affordable pricing, and unbeatable selection: Finally, acidanthera is so easy to grow! Plant in pots or directly in the garden. Acidanthera in brief 1 Grown from corms 2 Thrives in full sun 3 Tender perennials, grow outside in summer 4 Plant in spring, flowers in late summer 5 Height 80cm-1m. Most of the known species of Acidanthera are not yet cultivated, and there are few places where they can be found. Heavy clay can cause root rot, especially in winter, if the soil doesn't drain well. Though acidanthera flowers only last for a few days, each stem blooms at least a dozen flowers that open one after the other giving these plants a constant display of dancing white blooms. The late summer flowers are a welcome surprise, opening when most other perennials have already come and gone. Acidanthera is easy to grow in any sunny garden and will also grow well in containers. In all likelihood, youll have a few peacock orchids in the pot. The soil in which Acidanthera plants grow should be well drained. Plant in groups with corms spaced 4-6" apart for the best show. Grows in South Africa. Heres how to attract them, Find the right local pro for your project, Mein Benutzererlebnis mit Cookies anpassen, Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Outdoor Lighting & Audio/Visual Specialists, 7 Delightfully Different Bulbs for Your Spring Garden, Backyard Birds: Invite Entertaining Hummingbirds Into Your Garden, An unexpected consequence of deer and drought. Their long lasting blooms also make them popular for this purpose. Acidanthers are suitable for planting in tubs, pots. Spread 15cm 6 Grows in most garden soils, multipurpose or loam-based compost 7 Suitable for containers and borders 8 Fragrant flowers 9 Excellent as cut flowers Since it is a slow grower, it will likely take longer before youll be able to transplant it outdoors compared to other plants. Erfahren Sie hierzu mehr in der Houzz Cookie-Richtlinie. However, exactly how much sunlight you give it will depend on where you live. Plant your corms 10-16cm (4-6") deep. Acidanthera (USDA zones 7 through 11), commonly called peacock orchid, is a summer-blooming bulb that thrives in the heat of summer when many similar plants decline in the hot conditions. He was lying down on the ground with his camera right up to the flower! Disease is likewise another issue because of its love for moisture. Genus: Acidanthera Acidanthera murielae (Abyssinian Gladiolus / Fragrant Gladiolus), photograph by Leonora (Ellie) Enking; CC. Plant oxalis bulbs 3-4 inches apart. Dry in a well-ventilated area. USES: Cuts, group plantings, borders, fragrance. The late summer garden gets a visual boost when peacock or. If you dont have an area in your garden with full sunlight, you may want to plant the bulbs in outdoor pots. There are many cultivars in the Peacock Gladiolus genus which the Acidanthera belongs to. However, the plant does not like when ground water (swamps) constantly approach very high to the surface of the soil. As such, its botanical name is asGladiolus acidanthera. Look no further than acidanthera - a gardeners low-maintenance but high-quality dream! Flower spikes are clothed with long, slender, gladiola-like . Because winter will be coming up, it is best to store the bulbs indoors and wait until spring to plant them in your garden. Plants require regular watering during the growing season, and monthly feeds of liquid fertiliser. This plant is known by many names, including peacock lily, Gladiolus murielae, Gladiolus callianthus and Abyssinian gladiolus. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Plant them in the spring and you'll have flowers blooming about 3 months later with almost zero effort along the way. Many gardeners eagerly anticipate the arrival of the flowers and may mistakenly assume that they arent coming. Reference the USDA hardiness zone mapHERE. For a nice, full look, plant acidanthera bulbs approximately 5" apart (on center) in the garden and 3-4" apart in containers. Grow acidanthera in a sheltered spot in full sun. For reproduction, they are planted in the garden in the spring in the cracks, placing the seedlings in loose soil. It is at the edge of a wetland, with running surface water in spring and damp soil all . Wait until the foliage starts to grow before transplanting. Acidanthera at the beginning of flowering, it can be planted in pots in March and grown in a heated greenhouse, on a windowsill or planted in the garden. Thus, it does best when the temperature is kept between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The bulbs should be planted in early spring in full sun after the threat of frost has passed. The peacock orchid (Acidanthera) can be a little bit confusing because it isnt an orchid at all. If you desire to get a jump on the season, start the corms in containers and transfer the transplants into the garden after your last spring frost and once the weather and soil warms. Native to the mountain areas of East Africa. Therefore, planting it around or near plants like Dutch iris and allium is a great idea! If you're planting more than 1 Liatris, leave 12 to 15 in (30 to 38 cm) of space between each corm. pots or containers with good well-draining soil. Any suggestions on where and when to plant acidanthera bulbs? Despite being one of the easiest flowers you can grow in your garden, many people are unaware of acidanthera. Most people find that they have a pleasant, aromatic fragrance. If your peacock orchid is in a pot, you can leave the bulbs in tact and just bring the entire plant indoors for the winter. Acidanthera is a wildflower that originates from Africa. The corms need no additional irrigation until stalks sprout. The most common pests associated with peacock orchids include aphids, spider mites and thrips. Acidanthera carry sword shaped leaves with long pointed white flowers. While the latter provides the most sunlight, it may be too much if you live in a warm climate area. The moisture will get them going again and you should have a couple babies in there too. For lower zones from 3-7, you can still grow acidanthera by treating it as an annual, replanting fresh corms come springtime. Its native to parts of East Africa, but it has become a staple in gardens throughout the world. Five or six flowers usually open at one time on each 2 to 3-ft. stem. For early season color, add spring-blooming bulbs such as daffodils and alliums. As such, makes the plant vulnerable to foliage disease. Gladiolus callianthus. Acidanthera bicolor white flower with a diameter of 12 cm (4.7 inch), with a large black-red spot in the center. Acidanthera. For impact, plant them in drifts, digging a hole 15cm deep and at least 50cm across, scattering 20 or so corms on the soil so that they are 10cm apart. Like gladiolus, Acidanthera reproduces by corms, babies, and seeds. These showy additions to the garden make eye-catching displays, especially when planted in groups and large masses. Deposit one Brodiaea 'Queen Fabiola' bulb in each hole, bud side up. When to Plant: Spring Blooms: Summer to Early Fall Light Requirements: Full Sun Plant Height: 24-36" Hardiness Zones: Grow as Perennial in zones 7-11. Corms of Gladiolus murielae. Care of Buttercups Fertilize the soil with a general purpose fertilizer in the spring and repeat once per month for optimal bloomage and growth. As such, it is important to keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary. Once the foliage appears, add liquid plant feed to the water every few weeks to encourage flowering. When the flowers arrive, they open from the bottom, revealing funnel-shaped white flowers. Acidanthera in brief Grown from corms Thrives in full sun Tender perennials, grow outside in summer Plant in spring, flowers in late summer Height 80cm-1m. This Gladiola blooms in mid-summer with graceful spikes of flowers. These can then be planted into the ground during the summer months when the weather is warmer. Acidanthera at the beginning of flowering, it can be planted in pots in March and grown in a heated greenhouse, on a windowsill or planted in the garden. The second reason to grow acidanthera is that it makes a great addition to cut flower arrangements. These flowers are white with a deep purple (almost brown center). Sword-shaped medium green leaves (to 2 . If you do notice pests, you can use your preferred pest spray (Neem oil) to keep them away from the foliage. Then, prepare the soil by digging a hole. In fact, you may not see any leaves until late June. Also known as a "peacock orchid . Plant the bulbs about 2 inches (5 cm.) As such, most of the pruning will be to remove dead, damaged or discolored leaves. Its six-petaled blooms appear almost like stars in a glorious shade of purest white fanning out from a deep burgundy center.