Hardy Orchids: Spiranthes and Wintergreen Varieties

Spiranthes (Ladies' Tresses)

This genus of ~30 species grows across the Northern Hemisphere, mostly native to North and Central America. Named for spiral flowers (Greek "speira" = spiral, "anthos" = flower). They grow in meadows, fields, forests—some with tight spirals, others with elegant curving spikes. Common species: Spiranthes ochroleuca and fragrant S. cernua.

Flowers are usually white, sometimes pale yellow or pink. Spikes reach 1 foot with up to 50 tiny tubular flowers. They prefer full sun in the north, midday shade in the southeast. Naturally found in moist soils, bogs, swamps, but adapt to irrigated garden soil. Spread by runners when happy. Species rarely cross due to different chromosome counts.

Spiranthes cernua var. odorata (Nodding Ladies' Tresses)

Southern form ranging Virginia to Florida. Dark green rosettes spread slowly by rhizomes. Mid-September brings 1-foot spikes of white bell-shaped flowers with vanilla-jasmine fragrance. Hardiness Zones 3–9.

Wintergreen Orchids

These produce a single leaf in fall that persists through winter, dying before spring/summer blooms—a survival adaptation for harsh summers.

Aplectrum hyemale (Adam-and-Eve Orchid)

Scattered from West Virginia to Georgia. Produces a striking 8-inch vertically striped green/white leaf fall through spring. Spring yields a dainty 15-inch spike of yellow-green flowers. Prefers moist shade; summer drought during dormancy is fine.

Cremastra Species

C. appendiculata (China, Korea, Japan): endangered, late-spring peach flowers, easy to grow.
C. unguiculata (Japan): rare, white lip with tan petals and red markings, lightly fragrant, winter-growing/summer-dormant.
C. variabilis (Northern China/Russia): high-altitude grassy forest openings.