Purple Passion Native Orchid

Purple Passion Native Orchid (Spathoglottis plicata 'Purple Passion') is the tall, vigorous one of the family, reaching 60 to 90cm high and 30 to 60cm wide. Vibrant purple flowers with a gold eye open year round in warm climates and in spring and summer in cooler parts of Australia, and each flowering lasts for up to six weeks. It is a tropical ground orchid from North Queensland rainforests, easy to grow in a shady border, a moist sunny spot or a pot.

Why you'll love it

• Purple with a gold eye. The vivid purple flowers carry a little pop of gold in the centre, which makes them easy to spot across the garden.
• Long flowering. Each flowering lasts up to six weeks, with multiple orchid blooms open at once on tall stems.
• Bigger and more vigorous. It is taller and stronger than the other varieties, so it holds its own at the back of a bed.
• Flowers even in shade. The blooms open in shade, and young tubestock plants can flower too.
• Multiplies into clumps. Leafy clumps spread and thicken, and you can divide them when they become crowded.

Where it works best

Shady subtropical borders. Plant 40cm apart in drifts for a lush border of tall purple spikes. It brightens the shade under trees and beside walls in frost free gardens.

Moist sunny spots. In the wild it grows in seasonally flooded soils, creek banks and near pond margins. In gardens it likes regular water and free-draining soil in sun or part shade.

Pots on balconies and patios. A large container gives it room to clump, and the height suits a balcony or a verandah. It also copes inside in a bright room.

Growing Purple Passion Native Orchid in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade, in a frost free spot that enjoys humidity. It suits tropical and subtropical gardens, and in cooler regions it is best in a pot that can be sheltered from frost. The more sun the plant has, the more water it needs to flower well.

Soil. Plant in free-draining soil enriched with compost, or in a quality potting mix in containers. Mulch after planting to hold moisture.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until the plant is established, usually around 12 weeks. For the longest flowering and lush new growth, add water in dry periods and feed monthly with a diluted fertiliser.

Pruning. Remove finished flower stems and dead leaves. If clumps become too large, dig the plants up and gently separate the bulbs to plant elsewhere.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Purple Passion Native Orchid as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives as a small clump of leaves and, as with the other varieties, can flower even at tubestock size. Plant it in free-draining soil and keep it moist.

The tube is grown for us by our grower, who is not always able to fill it. If it shows as sold out, the notify button on the page will email you the day it is available again.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• More tropical plants for Australian gardens
• Plants for partial shade
• Orchid care and maintenance guide
• Plants that thrive in pots

Common questions

How tall will it grow?

Expect 60 to 90cm in flower, and 30 to 60cm wide. That makes it taller and more vigorous than Purple Haze.

Will it flower in shade?

Yes, it flowers in shade, though the more sun the plant gets, the more water it needs to flower well. A bright, part-shaded spot with regular moisture is ideal.

Can I grow it in a cool climate?

It needs a frost free position and enjoys humidity. In cooler regions grow it in a pot, expect flowers in spring and summer, and shelter it from frost.