Culture
Best grown in evenly moist to wet, rich, well-draining soils in full sun. Tolerant of various soil types as long as good drainage, consistent moisture, and full sun are provided. Amend planting locations with plenty of sand and peat to ensure proper drainage. Hardy in USDA Zones 3-9.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Calopogon tuberosus, commonly called grass pink orchid, is a herbaceous, perennial orchid native to much of eastern North America where it can be found growing in fens, bogs, moist prairies, meadows, savannas, and other high quality, open, mesic habitats. The underground corm will produce a single leaf and a central flowering stalk. The leaf is narrow and linear in shape, reaching up to 15" long and 1" wide. The central flowering stalk can reach up to 4' tall and produce 2-20 flowers. The 1-2" wide flowers bloom in summer and range in color from magenta to light pink with a cluster of yellow, stamen-like hairs at the top of the bloom. White flowering individuals do appear, but are rare. The flowers are visited primarily by large, long-tongued bees including bumblebees, leaf cutter bees, and carpenter bees.
The genus name Calopogon comes from the Greek kalos meaning "beautiful" and pogon meaning "beard", in reference to the yellow, stamen-like hairs at the top of the flower which attract pollinators.
The specific epithet tuberosus means "tuberous" and refers to the underground corms of this species.
The common name grass pink orchid most likely refers to the narrow, grass-like appearance of the leaf as well as the color of the flowers.
Problems
No major pest or disease problems.
Uses
Bog gardens, rain gardens, wet areas of meadows, or other consistently moist, open areas of the garden. If given the right conditions, this orchid is one of the easier North American terrestrial orchids to cultivate. Wild populations are threatened by habitat loss and poaching. Only purchase nursery propagated plants from reputable growers.