Orpheus flower (Rhodope haberlea) Haberlea rhodopensis
Orpheus flower (Rhodope haberlea) (Haberlea rhodopensis) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Gesneriaceae family, native to Shady rocks of the Rhodope and Balkan mountains, Bulgaria and northern Greece. It grows 8–15 cm (3–6 in) tall and 15–25 cm (6–10 in) wide, wants shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -20 °C (-4 °F). Space plants about 15 cm (6 in) apart.
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Orpheus flower (Rhodope haberlea) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Gesneriaceae |
| Mature height | 8–15 cm (3–6 in) |
| Mature spread | 15–25 cm (6–10 in) |
| Spacing | 15 cm (6 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Shade, at least 2 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -20 °C (-4 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 28 °C (82 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Shady rocks of the Rhodope and Balkan mountains, Bulgaria and northern Greece |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇫🇷 France |
Is Orpheus flower (Rhodope haberlea) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not known to be poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Orpheus flower (Rhodope haberlea)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like shade and moderate water.
Questions about Orpheus flower (Rhodope haberlea)
- How far apart should I plant Orpheus flower (Rhodope haberlea)?
- About 15 cm (6 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 15–25 cm (6–10 in).
- Does Orpheus flower (Rhodope haberlea) need full sun?
- Shade: at least 2 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Orpheus flower (Rhodope haberlea) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Orpheus flower (Rhodope haberlea)?
- It tolerates about -20 °C (-4 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- When does Orpheus flower (Rhodope haberlea) flower?
- From about May for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Orpheus flower (Rhodope haberlea) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not known to be poisonous.
- What grows well with Orpheus flower (Rhodope haberlea)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Orpheus flower (Rhodope haberlea). Group it with plants that like the same sun (shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Alpine Garden Society Encyclopaedia of Alpines and plant portraits, Alpine Garden Society, Pershore (UK)
Notes and assumptions
- A Balkan cousin of the Pyrenean violet: hairy leaf rosettes on shaded rock that survive drying out almost completely, and sprays of lilac trumpet flowers in spring. Bulgarian legend says it sprang from the blood of Orpheus, who came from the Rhodopes.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- African violet Streptocarpus ionanthus
- Flame violet (episcia) Episcia cupreata
- Lipstick plant Aeschynanthus radicans
- Pyrenean violet (resurrection plant) Ramonda myconi
- Sunflower Helianthus annuus
- French marigold Tagetes patula
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Zinnia Zinnia elegans