Species Phantom Orchid
silver-white flowers with yellow-white center

Phantom Orchid

Cephalanthera austiniae

The Phantom Orchid is a rare and enigmatic species found in the woodlands of Northern Europe. It produces beautiful white and yellow-green flower bunches in summer. The flowers are very fragile and have a unique scent resembling honey. The Phantom Orchid is incredibly rare, and sightings of it are so rare that when discovered, it’s treated like a diurnal miracle. The Phantom Orchid is also known for its incredibly long seed pods, some of which can reach up to twenty centimeters in length. This species of orchid is an important specimen for the conservation of woodlands, and it should be treated as such.

Watering:

Minimal

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Common Centaury (Centaurium erythraea) plants should be watered thoroughly but not too often. During the growing season, water 1-2 times a week and allow the soil to dry completely between waterings. Allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry before watering again. In the winter months, reduce watering to once every 2 weeks. In very hot weather, water more frequently, and make sure to water the soil deeply.

sunlight

Common Centaury (Centaurium erythraea) plants grow best when exposed to full sunlight for at least 6 hours per day. They do best when planted in well-drained soil in a sunny location. They can tolerate some shade, but too much shade will lead to weak, spindly growth. It is best to plant Common Centaury in a sheltered spot where it will be exposed to direct sunlight during the day.

pruning

Common Centaury should be pruned lightly, if at all, in the early spring before the growing season starts. Pruning too late in the season can reduce or eliminate blooming in the following year. Long-term pruning should not be done and a light annual prune is all that is necessary. If pruning is done, remove up to 1-third of the plant's current growth. Removing too much could put excessive stress on the plant.

Season

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

⚠️ Perenual and its members cannot be held liable for any health issues that may arise from the information provided on the website or from using any of the plants found on the site. The information provided is intended to be used as general guidelines only.