Pogonia ophioglossoides

Common Names

Rose Pogonia, Snakemouth Orchid, Snake-Mouth Orchid

Summary

Pogonia ophioglossoides is a North American native orchid found from central Canada to the eastern United States. It is a herbaceous perennial that typically grows 4–70 cm tall, with a single midway leaf and usually one pink flower on an erect stem; sometimes two or three. Distinctive features include a bearded labellum with fringed margins and central yellow or greenish markings, and fragrant pink to magenta blossoms. In cultivation it requires consistently moist, acidic soil and can be grown in peat-based, acidic substrates; rain, distilled, or reverse-osmosis water is recommended if tap water is alkaline. Hardiness generally spans USDA zones 3–8. Propagation is by seed, and vegetative spread via root-shoots can form dense colonies. Use includes bog gardens or wetland borders, with flowers attractive to bees; best growth in sun to mostly shaded conditions with even moisture.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

6-24 inches

Spread

3-8 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full Sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Moist, acidic, peat-based soil

Soil Drainage

Very wet, poorly drained soils (bogs and fens)

Soil pH

5.5-5.5, Acidic to moderately acidic soils

Bloom Color

Pink

Bloom Time

Spring and Summer

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Slow

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Division, Layering

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees