Schizanthus

( skye - ZANTH - us )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus, commonly called Poor Man's Orchid, Butterfly Flower or Fringeflower, is filled with annual plants which need filtered sun and regular water to perform well in the landscape. Butterfly Flower produces a profuse show of orchid-like flowers that can bloom in pink, rose, lilac, purple, or white, commonly marked with contrasting colors. Blossoms are between 1 and 2 inches across (exceptionally 4 inches), and flowering stems reach up to a foot tall. Grow these annuals in mixed beds and borders, in containers, or along edges and borders. They are commonly used in cottage and informal gardens, and are also included in cut flower gardens for their impressive blooms. Take care when planting these flowers in the landscape, as plant parts are mildly toxic to humans and pets if ingested.

Schizanthus Species and Varietals

The genus Schizanthus is a member of the plant family Solanaceae and includes 12 species. The plants in this genus are closely related to those in Salpiglossis (Painted Tongue), Cestrum (Jessamine), Browallia (Amethyst Flower), Nierembergia (Cupflower), Calibrachoa (Million Bells), and Petunia. Butterfly Flower grows well in USDA hardiness zones 2-11 or Sunset growing zones 1-9 and 14-24. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Schizanthus carlomunozii (Butterfly Flower, Poor Man's Orchid, Little Butterfly, Mariposita, Little Coastal Butterfly, Mariposita de al Costa)
This rare species of Schizanthus is native to Chile, where it grows in coastal deserts and dry shrubland regions. Plants produce bright magenta-pink flowers with yellow centers and dark purple-black markings. They reach up to 18 inches tall when mature and in bloom.

Schizanthus pinnatus (Butterfly Flower, Poor Man's Orchid, Mariposita, Mariposita Blanca)
This species is native to Chile and has naturalized in many areas of the world. Individual plants reach up to between 8 and 20 inches tall when mature and in bloom. Flowers are white, pink, or violet with dark markings towards their centers and yellow or white nectar guides.

Schizanthus x wisetonensis (Hybrid Butterfly Flower, Hybrid Poor Man's Orchid, Planta de Mariposa)
This hybrid is a cross between Schizanthus pinnatus and Schizanthus grahahmii, and reaches up to between 12 and 16 inches tall when mature and in bloom. Flowers are white, blue, pink, or rose and foliage is light green and ferny.

Caring for Schizanthus

Take care when planting these flowers in the landscape, as plant parts are mildly toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Plant in springtime where summers are mild and in fall in areas where summers are hot. They grow best in an area of the landscape that gets morning sun and afternoon shade. Around 6 hours of sun is perfect for the best blooms. They prefer rich, well-draining soil and a site in the garden that is sheltered from winds. Soil should also have a pH of between 5.8 to 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral). ). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, Schizanthus appreciates consistently moist soils but not soggy substrate, which can lead to fungal issues like root rot.

Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. These plants are not heavy feeders, and this should be sufficient to provide the necessary nutrients for the active growing and flowering seasons. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season, and remove spent flower spikes to neaten up the appearance of plants and encourage reblooms. Schizanthus plants are annuals and are typically pulled at the end of the growing season and replaced in the next.

Harvesting Schizanthus
Schizanthus, or Poor Man's Orchid, is commonly grown as a member of cut flower gardens. In arrangements, these flowers are perfect for adding height and bright color. Blooms resemble miniature Orchids, and as older blooms fade, they drop from stems and new ones appear. Taller varieties, such as 'Angel's Wings Mix' are especially useful for arranging. They can last for between 7 and 10 days in water. To harvest Schizanthus flowers, cut the stems back to the base of the plant and place them in a bucket of cool water immediately.

Propagation

Schizanthus plants are annuals, and are typically best propagated by harvesting and sowing seeds. These flowers will freely re-seed in the garden, and intentional propagation is not always necessary; volunteer seedlings can simply be gently transplanted. To propagate your Schizanthus, or Poor Man's Orchid, follow the instructions below.

Propagating Schizanthus by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
Harvest your seeds in late summer or early fall. Make sure to harvest the seeds before fall rains begin as the moisture can rot or ruin the seeds. Wait until the flowers fade, seed pods form, and then turn brown and dry. They will begin to split open when seeds are fully ripe. Cut the flowering heads off of the plant using clean, sharp shears and place them in a bag or other container. Bring them
Get your container prepared. Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 2-6 weeks from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.