Overview
Dactylorhiza foliosa is a bushy orchid in the genus Dactylorhiza, part of the Orchidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Dactylorhiza foliosa grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, rock garden, wildflower meadow and flower borders and beds. It is native to Madeira Island and Madeira.
About
Dactylorhiza foliosa, the Madeira orchid or leafy orchid, is a species of flowering plant in the family Orchidaceae, endemic to the Portuguese Island of Madeira in the eastern Atlantic Ocean. It is a tuberous herbaceous perennial growing to 60 cm (24 in) and producing spikes of intense, magenta-pink flowers in late spring.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Dactylorhiza foliosa
About the genus
Dactylorhiza is a genus of flowering plants in the orchid family Orchidaceae. Its species are commonly called marsh orchids or spotted orchids. Dactylorhiza were previously classified under Orchis, which has two round tubers.
Wikipedia contributors, "Dactylorhiza", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Dactylorhiza
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Dactylorhiza
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, West-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Dactylorhiza foliosa size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Orchid
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Rock garden, Wildflower meadow, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Madeira Island, Madeira
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Dactylorhiza foliosa
- Propagation
- By division in early spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Dactylorhiza foliosa?
Dactylorhiza foliosa prefers partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Dactylorhiza foliosa need?
Dactylorhiza foliosa grows best in loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Dactylorhiza foliosa hardy in the UK?
Dactylorhiza foliosa has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Dactylorhiza foliosa?
By division in early spring.
