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Schizanthus pinnatus is often confused with:
Schizachyrium scoparium Schizachyrium scoparius

Poorman's Orchid Schizanthus pinnatus

Other Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
ski-ZAN-thus PIN-nah-tus
Description

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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Cultivars / Varieties:
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  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Schizanthus
    Species:
    pinnatus
    Family:
    Solanaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Annual
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    South America
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Annual
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Surface:
    Hairy (pubescent)
    Stem Description:
    Green stems with hairs
  • 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