Spiranthes cernua 'Chadd's Ford' (Marginal Aquatic)

Spiranthes cernua, is a captivating terrestrial orchid that is surprisingly easy to grow in reliably moist soils.Slender, upright stems bear delicate white flowers that swirl in an elegant spiral pattern around the stem. Their near-translucent petals sparkle in the sun and emit a sweet vanilla scent that attracts pollinators, especially bumblebees. Despite their elegance, the tall flower spikes are surprisingly robust, emerging from carrot-like rhizomes that slowly spread to create natural drifts of flowers. Blooming for weeks through autumn—often until the first frosts—this striking orchid brings late-season beauty to bog gardens or damp borders. Ultimate height: 60cm (24in). Ultimate spread: 30cm (12in).