Hardy Japanese ground Orchid

Lovely :o)

That was quick Tt. Thanks, I didn't know what this would look like if it flowered.

Pretty colours :o)

When I first noticed it they were just opening and I thought it was the leaves turning brown. What a pleasant surprise an hour later.

Wow! Just an hour. It is very beautiful HB

Thanks I agree Pim, I had no idea what to expect from this plant.

..and a wow from me too,Homebird..that is so beautiful :o)

Thanks Bloomer, I can't wait to see what it looks like when all the flowers emerge from the leaves that are wrapped around them.

Wow - gorgeous!

Thanks Sheila I am really surprised how the flowers are wrapped inside the leaves.

Wow from me too, never seen this before its beautiful:-)

I get up at 4am HB...I expect a fully fledged plant by then. ;0)

It is very unusual

Oh my HB!!

That is outstanding!

Simbad...This was one of two different orchid plants sent to replace an egret orchid I had ordered and they didn't have when it was time to fulfill my order. They also sent me a voucher for further plants. Can't grumble Eh!.
Lol Pim, sometimes I am up then but sods law says I will sleep through tonight and miss the rest opening...

Oh just stunning, never seen one before.

When you say "Hardy".....?

Would love to see another photo of this when it is fully out. Please?

Wow, this is beautiful!!! Want, want, want.

lol Alex...:0)

The stem is straightening up and more flowers are showing so it should be fully out in another day or so. It can go into the garden as it is a hardy ground orchid. This is what it says about it...
A fully hardy Calanthe from the woodland mountains of Japan where it thrives. Flowers in the spring on stems 40 cm tall. Grow in the damp shade in a garden or in a large pot. The old leaves often remain until the spring when they should be cut off. It can be grown in the garden or in a large pot. If in the garden grow with hostas and ferns in semi-shade. Give winter protection to the pseudo-bulbs by covering with 10 cm of bark. If grown in a pot, ensure the pot is never allowed to dry out. As the plant develops multiple growths will appear. The plant should be divided in the autumn if required. To maximize growth feed regularly with the appropriate fertilizer.

Crikey that was nice of them HB, definitely one for the wish list, be perfect in my fairly damp pond border thats partly shaded, looking forward to seeing it fully open :-)

that's a beauty Hb, i'm officially impressed :-)) also jealous ;-))

Simbad, it was good of them although I wasn't too pleased after waiting a couple of months to be told they didn't have what I had ordered (they hadn't developed good enough to sell they said)Then when these 2 didn't make anything last year I was fed up but now I am glad they sent these.
Sl, I am eagerly waiting for them both to open fully and then to see how long the flowers last.
I am so glad everyone seems to like them too.

definitely need more photo's Hb....added to my favourites :-)

New one on me Hb...interesting Orchid...very nice.