©Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Family
Solanaceae
Botanical Name
Schizanthus pinnatus
Plant Common Name
Angel's Wings, Butterfly Flower, Poor Man's Orchid
General Description
Ferny foliage and multi-colored, butterfly-shaped blossoms in spring and summer have made poor-man's orchid a favorite wherever summers are moist and cool. This upright, clumping annual or very short-lived tender perennial is native to Chile.
From spring to autumn, loose clusters of showy white, pink, purple, yellow, or red flowers appear above clumps of downy, light green, deeply incised leaves. The flaring, asymmetrical, two-lipped flowers often have purple streaks and a yellow-blotched upper lip. The lips are lobed, increasing the flowers' resemblance to orchid blooms or butterfly wings. Plants typically grow knee-high, but dwarf cultivars of less than half that height are available.
Poor-man's orchid thrives in fertile, well-drained but moist soil in full sun. Afternoon shade is advisable in very warm climates. Sow seeds in cool frost-free conditions in early spring or fall or purchase as plants. Lightly pinch young plants to promote bushy growth and heavier flowering. This delicate, fragile-stemmed annual is best in a sheltered cool border or container; in mildest climates it performs well in the mixed border. In hot climates consider fall planting, although this light-sensitive plant may flower more sparsely in the short days of winter. Flowers are excellent for cutting.
Cultivars are available in several sizes and a rainbow of colors. 'Star Parade' bears masses of red, purple, pink or white blooms on rounded plants.
Characteristics
-
AHS Heat Zone
10 - 1
-
USDA Hardiness Zone
10 - 12
-
Sunset Zone
1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
-
Plant Type
Annual
-
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
-
Height
8"-22" / 20.3cm - 55.9cm
-
Width
9"-12" / 22.9cm - 30.5cm
-
Bloom Time
Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall
-
Native To
Chile
Growing Conditions
-
Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
-
Soil Drainage
Well Drained
-
Soil type
Loam
-
Growth Rate
Fast
-
Water Requirements
Average Water
-
Habit
Clump-Forming
-
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
-
Flower Interest
Showy
-
Flower Color
White, Yellow, Red, Purple, Pink
-
Flower Color Modifier
Multi-Color
-
Foliage Color (Spring)
Light Green
-
Foliage Color (Summer)
Light Green
-
Foliage Color (Fall)
Light Green
-
Foliage Color (Winter)
Light Green
-
Fragrant Flowers
No
-
Fragrant Fruit
No
-
Fragrant Foliage
No
-
Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
-
Flower Petal Number
Single
-
Repeat Bloomer
Yes
-
Showy Fruit
No
-
Edible Fruit
No
-
Showy Foliage
No
-
Foliage Texture
Fine
-
Foliage Sheen
Matte
-
Evergreen
No
-
Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
-
Usage
Bedding Plant, Container, Cutflower, Hanging Basket, Mixed Border
-
Sharp or Has Thorns
No
-
Invasive
No
-
Self-Sowing
No
