Description
Hardy, North American perennial orchid
Description: Terminal clusters of small, white flowers rise on 15-20” leafless, downy stems in summer above an attractive, evergreen, basal rosette of 3” ovate, dark blue-green leaves with distinctive white veins
Habit: Ground-hugging basal rosettes spread by rhizomes to form small groupings up to 12” wide
Culture: Prefers sun-dappled shade and rich, acidic, well-drained soil; apply mulch to maintain consistent soil moisture
Hardiness: Cold hardy to USDA Zone 5
Origin: Eastern North America
Attributes: Evergreen; Drought-tolerant
Native to much of eastern North America, this hardy orchid is easily identified by its highly decorative, white-veined, evergreen leaves, which recall the markings of a rattlesnake. First placed in the genus Neottia, the Downy Rattlesnake Plantain was moved to its own genus, Goodyera, by Scottish botanist Robert Brown in 1813; the name honors British botanist John Goodyer (1592-1664). This species is relatively easy to grow in woodland gardens.
This plant will ship bare root. Grade: #1.
Bare root planting tips:
~ If you can't plant immediately, store your plant in a cool location and keep the roots moist or pot in a container with a nursery potting mix from your local garden center.
~ Before planting, let the roots soak for several hours as you prepare the site. You'll want to dig a large enough hole so the root mass can spread out and the plant is at the same soil level as when it was growing in the nursery.
~ Once planted, water it in well and wait a month before fertilizing. Mulching will help to maintain moisture and raise soil temperatures for faster growth.
