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Solanaceae
Poor Man's Orchid
Schizanthus pinnatus
Unexpected beauty.
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Genus
- Schizanthus
- Native to
- Chile
- Bloom season
- Spring, Summer
- Type
- annual
- Height
- 1-2 ft
- Sunlight
- full sun to partial shade
- Soil
- well-drained, fertile
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- 2-11
- Lifespan
- annual
Did you know
- Despite looking like orchids, these flowers are actually in the nightshade family, related to tomatoes and potatoes.
- The genus name Schizanthus means 'split flower' in Greek, referring to the deeply divided petals.
- Victorian flower shows featured competitive classes specifically for schizanthus, where specimens could reach 4 feet tall in greenhouse culture.
- Each flower has intricate markings that serve as nectar guides, visible in ultraviolet light to insect pollinators.
- In its native Chilean habitat, it grows in coastal scrublands that receive moisture primarily from fog.
Color meanings
0
deception in beauty
1
delicate charm
2
accessibility