PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; thrives in open meadow light conditions, avoid dense woodland shade
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but well-drained; avoid standing water around underground tubers
Temperature
Hardy to -10°C during winter dormancy; tolerates cool temperate summers, avoid prolonged temperatures above 28°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Linear, basal leaves form a low rosette; stem leaves are smaller and clasping the upright stem
- Flower: Dense terminal spike of pink to pale purple flowers with a distinct vanilla-like fragrance
- Stem: Slender, unbranched green stem with smooth texture
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist; water when the top 2 cm of soil feels dry
Fertilization
Diluted balanced orchid fertilizer every 2 weeks. Use a diluted, low-nitrogen fertilizer to prevent excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowering
Crushed eggshell topdressing：Sprinkle a thin layer of finely crushed, dried eggshells on the soil surface to boost calcium levels; avoid direct contact with tuber roots to prevent irritationPruning
- Remove spent flower spikes after blooming to redirect energy to underground tuber growth
- Trim yellowing basal leaves in late autumn to maintain plant tidiness
- Thin overcrowded clumps every 2–3 years in early spring to improve airflow and reduce competition
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: No toxic effects to cats
Humans: No known toxic effects to humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental meadow plant; grown for its sweet floral fragrance
