Schizanthus pinnatus, commonly known as Poorman’s Orchid, is an annual or biennial herb native to the open woodlands and scrub areas of Southern Chile. It typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet and a width of 0.8-1 feet. The plant is admired for its delicate, finely divided leaves and a profusion of showy flowers that come in a mix of yellow, pink, purple, red, and white, blooming in the spring and summer months. The flowers are orchid-like in appearance, which is the origin of its common name.

Poorman’s Orchid is valued for its ornamental flowers and is often used in border plantings, container gardens, and as a bedding plant. It is relatively easy to maintain, requiring only medium amounts of water and thriving in soils with medium drainage. While it prefers full sun or part shade, it can tolerate a range of light conditions. Gardeners should be aware that it can be susceptible to fungal diseases in humid conditions and may require staking due to its delicate stems. Despite these issues, its vibrant flowers and ease of growing from seed make it a popular choice for adding color to gardens.CC BY-SA 4.0