Download `Nun`s Orchid` - Aussie Winners

‘Nun’s Orchid’
Phaius australe
Key Benefits
Broken Sun /Semi
Shade
The ‘Nun’s Orchid’, Phaius australe is one of the hidden wonders of the
Australian bushland. It was never a common plant in nature so is very seldom
found in natural surroundings. Best grown in large containers, it will come
into flower in August and September each year. In the warmer parts of the USA
Phaius tankervilliae, a close cousin from South East Asia is used in landscape
plantings in semi- shaded positions. Flowers last well in arrangements indoor. An
easily grown Australian native orchid which should be in many local sub-tropical
gardens.
Origin
Loose Open Soil
Keep Moist
Phaius australe is a local native orchid showing up in nature from the coastal
areas of Northern New South Wales and through Southern Queensland and
the off shore islands. Being blessed with such showy flowers the plants were
collected by gardeners from early times. Now they are rare and not often seen.
Our plants are descended from a lone plant which Edward Bunker saw on their
new nursery site in Lagoon View Road at Redland Bay in 1970. It was seen as
a small plant in land that had been cleared and ripped with bull-dozers just
before the property was purchased. He recognised what it was and the plant
was rescued and planted in a large container. It established well. On deciding
to multiply the plant we supplied a few plants to UQ Gatton for them to try
tissue culture which did not work out but on their suggestion we had seed
germinated by them and this was potted on. These are the plants you see today.
Through a set of circumstances they are marketed under an ‘Aussie Colours’
label. UQ Gatton are duly registered to multiply and sell this plant.
Uses
Ideal For Large
Containers
Phaius are one of the largest terrestrial orchids of the Australian bushland the
foliage growing to around 40cm with the flower spikes reaching toward 1.5m
in height. Flowers are borne on strong upright stems and are held all around
the stem in an evenly distributed manner. Individual flowers are up to 8cm
across. Planted in gardens under light shade from the hot sun, Phaius australe
thrives. After flowering the lime green leaves mature and show up as a quite an
attractive feature.
CARE
Wear gloves and
wash hands after
gardening.
Grown by Redlands Nursery
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Phaius are easily grown native orchids needing the same attention as many
other potted plants we see in nurseries. A good media for potting is essential
and then when repotting which is needed only every two or three years
carefully divide the corms and then plant into the new media similar to what
you used previously. Some balanced fertiliser is needed in autumn and again
in late spring. There are very few other problems aside from a few grasshoppers
from time to time. We are proud to offer this plant to gardeners of today.