Pheladenia, Genus, spp., Multiple species,
- Genus
- Multiple species
Overview
Pheladenia is a genus in the orchid family represented by the single species Pheladenia deformis, a small terrestrial orchid known as blue fairies or blue beard orchid and native to southern Australia. Plants grow from an underground tuber and produce a single narrow, hairy leaf 1.5-4 inches (4-10 cm) long at ground level each season. A slender stem 2-8 inches (5-20 cm) tall carries one, rarely two, flowers about 1 inch (2.5 cm) across, usually blue to violet with darker veining, though white and pink forms occur. The flower has spreading sepals and petals and a fringed central lip, or labellum, marked with rows of small calli that give it a bearded look. The genus flowers in late winter and spring, then dies back to the dormant tuber through the dry summer, in the pattern typical of southern Australian terrestrial orchids. Pheladenia grows in a range of habitats from heath and woodland to granite outcrops and coastal scrub, usually in well-drained soils. Like many terrestrial orchids it depends on specific soil fungi to germinate and grow, which makes it slow and difficult to cultivate. Plants are pollinated by native bees drawn to the colored, bearded flower.
Native Range
Pheladenia is native to southern Australia, across parts of Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, and Tasmania. Plants grow in heath, woodland, granite outcrops, and coastal scrub, usually on well-drained soils.Suggested Uses
Pheladenia is a wild terrestrial orchid grown mainly by specialist native-orchid enthusiasts and in conservation collections rather than general gardens. It is grown and studied for its blue spring flowers in native Australian habitats.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 8"
Width/Spread2" - 4"
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in late winter and spring, roughly August through November in its native range. Each plant bears one, occasionally two, blue to violet flowers with a fringed lip, opening for a few weeks. The plant then dies back to its tuber through summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
blue to violetFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
