Epidendrum radicans - Reed Stem Epidendrum

Epidendrum radicans is an easy orchid in Southern and Coastal California gardens. The ease of growing Epidendrum radicans is well described by the host of common names: Reed Stem Epidendrum, Ground Rooting Epidendrum, Fire Star Orchid, Rainbow Orchid and there are likely more. Epidendrum radicans flowers come in a wealth of colors from bright yellow to magenta-red and pale pink and many mixes of all of these. Epidendrum radicans grows 2-4 feet in a shaded part of the garden. While you might think a tropical weed from Central and South America might be challenged in our dry California environment a host of minimally maintained gardens would argue otherwise in this case. Granted Epidendrum radicans looks far better with irrigation, thinning and some weeding about its base but there are so many examples of gardens gone to seed and here it is, an orchid in bloom, Epidendrum radicans. The strongest bloom is in the Spring but Epidendrum radicans will respond to a monsoon (hey you finally watered it) with a burst of color. Full sun at the coast or if you will water it. Shade if you won't much. Epidendrum radicans is a solid choice in the perennial bed. Epidendrum radicans is winter hardy into the mid 20°F's.