Rockin Plum Native Orchid

Rockin Plum Native Orchid (Spathoglottis 'Rockin Plum') is a strong-growing garden orchid, about 50cm tall, with vivid purple-pink flowers that each carry a golden spot at the centre. It descends from a native rainforest ground orchid of far north Queensland, and once established it sends up tall flower stems again and again. Plant it in a tropical style bed and it earns its place for most of the year.

Why you'll love it

• Colour that keeps returning. Purple-pink flowers open year round in warm climates and from spring to autumn in cooler parts of Australia, often in several flushes a year in the warmer north.
• A good strong grower. Once established it pops up many tall flower stems, so a small start becomes a full display.
• Grows in the ground. It is a terrestrial orchid, planted in free-draining soil or potting mix rather than hung on a tree.
• Compact enough for pots. At about 50cm tall it suits a container as easily as a garden border.
• Easy to share. Crowded clumps divide into bulbs that can be replanted elsewhere or passed on to friends.

Where it works best

Borders and mass planting. Plant 30cm apart so the clumps merge into a bed of leaves. A drift of five or more gives the flower stems real presence.

Feature planting. Gold-centred purple flowers stand out against broad green leaves and bold tropical foliage.

Pots and containers. A 30cm pot of free-draining mix is enough for one clump, ideal beside an entry or on a sunny patio.

Growing Rockin Plum Native Orchid in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade. In hotter regions a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal. Tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens suit it best. It is frost tender, so in colder areas keep it in a pot that can come under cover in winter.

Soil. Well-drained soil with a layer of mulch to hold moisture. It can tolerate seasonally wet soils and sunny creek banks, but waterlogging through a cold winter will rot the bulbs.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until the plant is established, around 12 weeks. Add extra water in dry periods, and feed each month with a dilute liquid fertiliser for longer flowering and lush new growth.

Pruning. Cut flower stems back once they finish and remove old leaves. When clumps become too large, dig them up and gently separate the bulbs.

What to expect when it arrives

Rockin Plum Native Orchid is sold as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives small and green, ready to plant straight into the garden or a pot, and it bulks up over its first growing season before settling into regular flowering. Plants travel upright and settle within a few weeks.

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

• Orchid care guide for beginners
• Browse all flowering plants
• Tropical plants for lush gardens
• Pot-friendly plants for patios

Common questions

When will it flower?

In warm climates it flowers year round and often several times a year. In cooler parts of Australia expect flowers from spring to autumn.

Can I grow it in a cold climate?

Only in a pot. It is frost tender, so grow it in a container, give it plenty of sun in the warmer months and move it under cover before frost.

Does it need feeding?

Yes, a little. A dilute liquid fertiliser each month keeps the leaves lush and the flowering going. Add extra water in dry spells.