Species common ladies' tresses
cream-brown flowers with green leaves and green stems

common ladies' tresses

Spiranthes odorata

Common Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes odorata) is an elusive wild orchid species. It prefers moist, shaded locations and blooms in late summer and early fall. The elegant white flowers are tightly spiraled around the long stem, like a woman’s hair. Its unique flowers make it popular among wildflower enthusiasts. The plant's heart-shaped leaves are also a popular addition to gardens. Common Ladies' Tresses is among the hardiest of its species and can thrive in many areas. Its beauty and resilience make it a great addition to any garden.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Division,Seed Propagation,Cormlet Propagation,Tissue Culture

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 9

Flowers:

White Flowers

Sun:

Part shade

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Common ladies' tresses should be watered thoroughly every 7 to 10 days during the flowering season and every 10 to 14 days when dormant. Water should be applied directly to the soil around the plant until saturated. Avoiding wetting the leaves, as this can lead to fungal diseases. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings and avoid standing water.

sunlight

Common ladies' tresses (Spiranthes odorata) thrive in a sunny or partly shaded location, with some direct sun throughout the day. Ideally, the plant should receive direct sunlight from mid-morning to late afternoon for 5 to 6 hours a day. However, in extremely hot climates, some afternoon shade may be beneficial to help keep the soil from drying out too quickly. Morning sun is quite beneficial for the flowers to display their best colouration. In more humid climates, some plants can tolerate full sun throughout the day.

pruning

Pruning for common ladies' tresses (Spiranthes odorata) is typically not necessary. It is beneficial to remove any dead or diseased foliage, particularly in the spring, as it can encourage new growth. In addition, it is recommended to lightly shear the plants in late summer or early fall (August to mid-September) to promote more compact growth and help the plants look more uniform and attractive. This should be done very lightly, as Spiranthes odorata is a delicate species that does not handle intense pruning well.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Common ladies' tresses typically start flowering in July or August.

Hardiness Map