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Aplectrum hyemale

Also Known As

Adam and Eve
Putty Root
Terrestrial Orchid

Plant type

perennial, bulb / corm / tuber, orchid

size

H: 6"-24"
W: 6"-12"

planting zones

3a-9b

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Aplectrum hyemale plant details

Aplectrum hyemale is a broadleaf deciduous perennial bulb / corm / tuber or orchid with green foliage. In spring and summer green and purple flowers emerge. Grows well with bright shade - shade and even moisture - occasional water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Aplectrum hyemale

Plant type: perennial bulb / corm / tuber or orchid
Plant family: orchidaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 6 IN - 12 IN - wide, 6 IN - 24 IN - tall
Flowers: green and purple blooms in spring and summer
Uses: colonizing, rare, woodland garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Aplectrum hyemale

USDA Zones: 3a - 9b
Sun exposure: bright shade - shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - occasional
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Dynamite native woodland orchid that has a 7" pleated, silvery striped leaf all Winter, hence the specific epithet hymale. In late Spring, early Summer, its goes bye bye and the tuber gives you a pencil think stem of purplish brown orchids which in turn become attractive, pendulous brown seed pods. After they drop the leaf comes back. Something for almost every day of the year. Each tuber produces a new tuber and if you keep removing them and replanting them, you'll have a nice little colony in a few years. Native Americans used the tubers to make a putty like glue to repair broken pottery, musta been the first crazy glue.

By: Sunshine Farm and Gardens

Beautiful pleated foliage stays green all winter then the foliage dies down and the flowers arise before the new leaves. Once common in rich woods it was decimated by collecting for window putty. It forms a chain of connected bulbs and may be propagated by detaching back bulbs. Note that the woodlanders marked with an * ship either early to mid march or summer dormant.