Peacock Orchid

Peacock Orchid (Acidanthera murielae)

Peacock Orchid (Acidanthera murielae), also known as Abyssinian Gladiolus, is an elegant summer-blooming bulb known for its delicate, star-shaped white flowers with deep maroon centers. These fragrant blossoms appear on tall, slender stems, creating a graceful and sophisticated presence in garden beds, borders, and containers. With its striking appearance and sweet scent, Peacock Orchid is a favorite among gardeners looking to add late-season interest and fragrance to their landscapes.

Distinctive Features

Peacock Orchid produces clusters of pure white, six-petaled flowers with contrasting dark purple throats, giving them a striking two-tone effect. The blooms emerge from sword-like, bright green foliage that adds a lush, vertical element to garden settings. The flowers open in succession from late summer into fall, extending seasonal interest in the garden.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Prefers full sun but tolerates light shade.
• Soil: Well-draining, moderately fertile soil.
• Water: Moderate watering; keep soil moist but not soggy during the growing season.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-11; in cooler zones, bulbs should be lifted and stored over winter.

Ideal Uses

• Cut Flower Gardens: Long-lasting, fragrant blooms make excellent floral arrangements.
• Mixed Borders: Adds height and elegance to perennial beds.
• Containers & Patios: Thrives in pots, providing a refined, exotic look.
• Pollinator Gardens: Attracts bees and butterflies with its sweet fragrance.

Low Maintenance Care

Peacock Orchid is easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance.

• Watering: Water regularly during active growth but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
• Pruning: Remove spent flowers to encourage continued blooming.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
• Winter Care: In colder regions, dig up corms after the first frost, dry them, and store them in a cool, dry place for replanting in spring.
• Propagation: Easily propagated by dividing corms in spring.

Why Choose Peacock Orchid?

With its elegant flowers, delightful fragrance, and ease of care, Peacock Orchid is a must-have for summer and fall gardens.

• Striking Blooms: White star-shaped flowers with deep maroon centers create a dramatic effect.
• Fragrant Appeal: Fills the garden with a sweet, pleasant scent.
• Late-Season Interest: Blooms from late summer into fall.
• Focal Point: Adds elegance and refinement to garden spaces.

For gardeners looking to introduce an exotic, fragrant, and easy-to-grow flowering bulb, Peacock Orchid (Acidanthera murielae) is an exceptional choice.