About

Dactylorhiza foliosa, the leafy orchid, is an erect, deciduous terrestrial orchid to 70 cm tall from Madeira, with spirally arranged, spear-shaped leaves and a dense spike of bright rosy-purple flowers 2.5 cm across. One of the most floriferous and ornamental of all the dactylorhizas for a moist, sheltered border.

About the genus

Dactylorhiza, the marsh orchids and spotted orchids, are deciduous tuberous perennials with lance-shaped leaves, often spotted or blotched with purple, and dense terminal spikes of purple, pink or white flowers in late spring and early summer. Native to Europe, Asia and North Africa, they are among the most rewarding of all hardy terrestrial orchids for naturalising in moist grassland.

Growing conditions

SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, North-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4

Plant details

Plant typeBulbs, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Rock garden, Wildflower meadow
Native toMadeira

Care notes

CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained, humus-rich, leafy soil in partial shade. Ideal for a rock or woodland garden, or in a wildflower meadow
PruningNo pruning required. Deadhead flowers as they fade if required
PropagationDivide in early spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free
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