Schizanthus pinnatus earned its common name honestly: the flowers genuinely do resemble orchids, with deeply divided, bi-colored petals in variable combinations of red, pink, yellow, white, and purple, almost always with a yellow throat. They arrive in clusters on plants that grow 18 inches tall and about 12 inches wide, making them well-proportioned for containers, cutting gardens, and the front of a mixed border. The genus name comes from the Greek schizo (to divide) and anthos (flower), a reference to the elaborately cut corolla. The finely divided, fern-like foliage adds texture even when the plant is not in bloom.

This is a cool-season annual from the Andes, and its performance reflects those origins: it thrives in spring and early summer but fades when temperatures climb. Sow seed directly or start indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date, and provide afternoon shade where summers turn hot early. Pinch the growing tips to encourage branching and extend the bloom period. Well-drained average soil in sun to partial shade suits it well. It can also serve as a short-term houseplant in a bright, cool room, which extends the season considerably in warmer climates.