Schizanthus Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 6th Nov 2023

In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Schizanthus plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.

Butterfly Flower, Poor Man's Orchid, & Fringeflower: Cultivation & Garden Use

Schizanthus plants are bushy half hardy annuals that range from 30 cm to 1.2 m (One to four feet) in height.

They bloom from spring to autumn (dependent upon when sown), with double lipped, orchid like flowers of pink, purple, red or yellow. These usually have a yellow center.

Schizanthus pinnatus – Butterfly Flower by Udo Schröter.

Some of the common names for Schizanthus include Fringe Flower, Butterfly Flower, and Poor Man's Orchid.

How to Grow Schizanthus Plants in the Garden

It is best to grow Butterfly flower, Fringe flower and other members of the Schizanthus genus indoors from seeds.

They should be sown at a depth of 3 mm in a rich soil of pH 6 to 7 about 2 months before the last expected frost of spring.

It should take about two or three weeks for the Schizanthus seeds to germinate in the dark at a temperature of 15 to 23 degrees centigrade.

Once growing, transplant the Schizanthus (Fringe flower) seedlings outdoors in the middle of spring a couple of weeks after the last chance of a frost.

They should be grown in a sunny part of the garden and spaced from 25 cm (small Schizanthus species), 40 cm (medium varieties) or 60 to 80 cm (large Schizanthus varieties) apart.

Schizanthus - Poor Man's Orchid by Hunda. Both photographs under creative commons licence.

Caring for Schizanthus

It is not that easy to look after Schizanthus species such as Butterfly flower and Fringe Flower. For a nice bushy growth, the plants should be pinched back at the tips when they reach three inches (8 cm), and again when they reach about six inches (15 cm) in height.

The young plants should be supported with stakes. Water them regularly to keep the soil moist, but avoid getting water on the leaves and flowers.

If you require more Schizanthus plants then it is best to grow them from seed or to purchase them from a garden center.

Main Schizanthus Species, with Photographs for Identification

Schizanthus pinnatus: Butterfly flower; Poor Man's Orchid

Schizanthus pinnatus typically reaches 20 to 50 cm (8 to 20 inches) in height. Leaves are green, and compound with distinct narrow leaflets. They reach about 3 cm (1.25 inches) in length.

They are cool but not cold hardy and grows well as an annual in most zones, but bear in mind that they will struggle as soon as temperatures drop to about 5°C (41°F).

Plants bloom in late spring and early summer. Flowers are natively pink, white, or violet, but cultivars are also available with red,, purple, and yellow flowers too.

Schizanthus pinnatus photograph by 阿橋 HQ; CC.

Schizanthus grahamii: Pajarito Cordillerano, Graham's butterfly orchid

Plants are cool hardy and grow well outdoors in the summer in most places. It isClassified as UK zone H1c (temperatures must remain above 5°C (41°F).

Schizanthus grahamii are usually bigger than Schizanthus pinnatus, reaching heights of 30 to 80 cm (12 to 32 inches), with longer leaves of about 8 cm (3 inches).

They bloom in summer with pink through to purple flowers with a yellow lobe.

Schizanthus grahamii photograph by Dick Culbert; CC.

Schizanthus X wisetonensis: Angel Wings

Schizanthus wisetonensis plants tend to have a dwarf compact nature with a bushy habit, typically reaching 10 to 30 cm (4 to 12 inches) in height, with as spread of around 20 cm (8 inches).

Flowers may be white, lavender, or rose pink, with a yellow eye, and are double lipped, their leaves are green and fern like.

An advantage of this plant over other Schizanthus plants is that they are a little hardier, rated by the RHS as hardy to zone H3 (-5°C (23°F)).

Schizanthus X wisetonensis photograph by Dr. Boli; CC.

Common Questions

How many members does the Schizanthus genus have?

The Schizanthus genus, commonly known as Butterfly Flower or Poor Man's Orchid, consists of about 12 species.

Do members of Schizanthus make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Yes, Schizanthus species with their bright, orchid-like flowers can make a striking display in gardens, containers, or as houseplants.

Which Schizanthus species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

The species most frequently grown by gardeners is Schizanthus pinnatus, known for its multicolored, butterfly-like flowers.

Are members of the Schizanthus plant genus fragrant?

No, Schizanthus plants are not known for their fragrance. They are appreciated primarily for their unique and colorful flowers.

What is the perfect location to grow Schizanthus?

Schizanthus prefer a sunny to partially shaded spot with well-drained soil. They are suitable for USDA zones 10 and 11.

Is Schizanthus invasive in the USA, if so in which states?

Currently, Schizanthus is not considered invasive in the USA. Always verify with local guidelines and regulations.

How do I remove Schizanthus plants from my garden?

Schizanthus plants can be removed by uprooting them, making sure to remove the entire root system. A trowel or garden fork can aid in this process.

Summary

The Schizanthus genus includes annual flowering plants native to South America. Known for their vibrant, orchid-like flowers, they add a touch of exotic beauty to gardens.

To grow Schizanthus, sow seeds indoors during late winter or early spring. They prefer a sunny location with well-drained soil. Regular watering is required, but avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot. They prefer cool summer climates and may need some shade in hotter regions.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Schizanthus plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Petunia Hybrids and Nicotiana plants.