Plant of the Month for Apr 2021

Ypsilandra thibetica

Description and General Information:

The genus Ypsilandra contains six species. Ypsilandra thibetica is perhaps the most well known of this relatively newly described genus. Hailing from SW China, this species is found on shaded, mossy slopes in forested areas. Plants produce an evergreen rosette of lance-shaped, lily-like leaves up to 15 cm long. Flowering starts in March in milder areas to as late as May in colder. The blossoms are held in a dense spike, 15 cm tall when they first start to open, but elongating 30-45 cm by the time they set seed. Individual six-petalled, nodding flowers are creamy white to pale ice-blue, with contrasting darker blue anthers. The flowers are highly fragrant, reminiscent of vanilla. Overall it appears similar to the better known Helionopsis orientalis, to which it is related.

Cultivation:

Ypsilandra prefers organic-rich, evenly moist but well-drained soil in a shady situation. Zone 6.

Blooming Season:

March to May

Propagation:

Seed, division, leaf cuttings

Seeds:

Seed is best sown as soon as ripe.  Leave outside for the winter

Cuttings:

Take leaf cuttings in early spring before flowering. Remove a leaf, inserting the base AND the tip into a gritty-peaty mix.  New plantlets should develop at the tip.

Division:

Larger clumps my be dug and divided after flowering.

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