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Description
Platanthera Colemanii, also known as Coleman’s bog orchid, is a rare species of orchid native to the United States. It is a perennial herb that grows up to 20 inches tall with a slender stem and a basal rosette of leaves. The plant blooms in late spring or early summer, producing a dense spike of small white flowers that have a sweet fragrance.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Platanthera |
| Species | Colemanii |
Appearance
Platanthera Colemanii has a slender stem with a basal rosette of leaves. The leaves are lanceolate and can grow up to 5 inches long. The plant produces a dense spike of small white flowers that have a sweet fragrance. The flowers have a lip that is deeply divided into three lobes, and the sepals and petals are similar in appearance. The plant can grow up to 20 inches tall.
Care Guide
To care for Platanthera Colemanii, it is important to provide it with the right amount of water, fertilizer, soil, sunlight, and hardiness zones.Water: The plant prefers moist soil but can tolerate periods of drought. It is important to water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.Fertilization: The plant does not require frequent fertilization. However, a light application of a balanced fertilizer can be applied in the spring.Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite is ideal.Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight. It can tolerate full sun if the soil is kept consistently moist.Hardiness Zones: Platanthera Colemanii is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The plant is susceptible to fungal diseases such as root rot and leaf spot. It may also be attacked by aphids, spider mites, and slugs. To prevent these pests and diseases, it is important to provide the plant with good air circulation, remove any diseased or damaged foliage, and treat with an appropriate insecticide or fungicide.
Habitat
Platanthera Colemanii is native to the United States and can be found in wet meadows, bogs, and swamps. It prefers moist soil and partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Platanthera Colemanii easy to grow?
A: Platanthera Colemanii can be challenging to grow due to its specific requirements for water, soil, and sunlight. However, with proper care, it can thrive in the right conditions.
Q: How often should I fertilize Platanthera Colemanii?
A: Platanthera Colemanii does not require frequent fertilization. A light application of a balanced fertilizer can be applied in the spring.
Q: Can Platanthera Colemanii tolerate full sun?
A: Platanthera Colemanii can tolerate full sun if the soil is kept consistently moist. However, it prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight.
Q: What are the hardiness zones for Platanthera Colemanii?
A: Platanthera Colemanii is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9.
Related Plants
- Platanthera aquilonis
- Platanthera bifolia
- Platanthera ciliaris
- Platanthera dilatata
- Platanthera hologlottis
References
- Flora of North America: Platanthera Colemanii
- The Jepson Herbarium: Platanthera Colemanii
- USDA Plants Database: Platanthera Colemanii
