Poorman's Orchid Schizanthus pinnatus
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- ski-ZAN-thus PIN-nah-tus
- Description
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Butterfly Flower is a colorful cool-weather annual in the nightshade family from the mountains of Chile and Argentina with blooms that look similar to an orchid without all the work orchids can demand. They will grow to about 18 inches high and wide and tops should be pinched to encourage branching.
Flowers occur in clusters from spring until the heat of summer in various colors from red, pink yellow, white and purple and often have a yellow throat. The foliage is attractive, deeply cut and fern-like.
Grows in well-drained average soil in sun to partial shade. They will benefit from some afternoon sun protection. Easily sown from seeds. Use in the border, cutting garden, containers or even as a houseplant. Do not overwater to prevent root rot.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Schizanthus
- Species:
- pinnatus
- Family:
- Solanaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- South America
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Annual
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Loam (Silt)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Occasionally Dry
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Purple/Lavender
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Cyme
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Good Cut
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Summer
- Flower Description:
- Orchid-like blooms in clusters in various colors in spring and early summer
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Margin:
- Dentate
- Lobed
- Hairs Present:
- Yes
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Finely cut green leaves up to 4 inches long
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Surface:
- Hairy (pubescent)
- Stem Description:
- Green stems with hairs
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Houseplants
- Patio
- Small Space
- Walkways
- Landscape Theme:
- Children's Garden
- Cutting Garden
- Drought Tolerant Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Drought
