An eye-catching addition to a shady garden is the Nun’s Orchid Red Streak. These ancient plants owe their unusual name to the shape of the long-lasting, fragrant flowers. They call to mind a nun’s head bowed in prayer.
They like a shady area. Most bloom late winter into spring, so they’re perfect for adding interest when many other garden hardies are just starting to emerge. The 3- to-5-inch flowers first open at the bottom of the 3- to 4-foot stalks, with color gradually creeping upward and lasting almost a month on most varieties.