Species, Natural Hybrid Orchid, Nodding Ladies' Tresses, Nodding Spiranthes

Spiranthescernua

Family
Orchidaceae (or-kid-AY-see-ee)
Genus
Spiranthes (spy-RAN-theez)
Species
cernua (SER-new-a)
Synonym
Gyrostachys cernua
Neottia cernua
Ophrys cernua
Spiranthes annua
Spiranthes constricta
Sun Exposure
Light Shade
Foliage
Herbaceous
Smooth
Height
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
Spacing
3-6 in. (7-15 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Danger
N/A
Bloom Color
White/Near White
Bloom Time
Late Summer/Early Fall
Mid Fall
Other Details
Category
Perennials
Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
Flowers are fragrant
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
By dividing rhizomes, tubers, corms or bulbs (including offsets)
Seed Collecting
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Worcester, Massachusetts

Plymouth, Michigan

Saint Paul, Minnesota

Panama, New York

Glouster, Ohio

Sherwood, Oregon

Colver, Pennsylvania

Devon, Pennsylvania

Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania

Wakefield, Rhode Island

Burns, Tennessee

Weir, Texas

Blacksburg, Virginia

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Gardener's Notes:

3
positives
2
neutrals
0
negative
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J
Collierville, TN | October 2017 | positive

Spirantha cernua is gowing nicely in my zone 7b garden. Love their white nodding blooms.

J
Sherwood, OR | November 2011 | positive

This has grown to a nice colony in my damp shade garden near hostas, blooming reliably in October and November even as other plants damag...Read More

H
Weir, TX | October 2006 | positive

We discovered this plant growing on our property in Central Texas last October. It bloomed from October until frost. I am not convinced...Read More

B
B
Baa
| August 2002 | neutral

A terrestrial orchid from North America.

Has linear, smooth, mid-green leaves. Bears tiny, pure white, scented flowers in ...Read More

R
Rapid City, SD (Zone 5b) | July 2001 | neutral

Sweetly fragrant, porceline white flower spires. Long lasting cut flower. Damp organic soils are ideal.

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