About
Dactylorhiza fuchsii, the common spotted orchid, is an erect, deciduous native terrestrial orchid reaching 60 cm tall with usually purple-spotted, lance-shaped leaves and dense, erect spires of purple, pink or white flowers with darker markings in late spring and early summer. The most widespread of all Britain's native orchids, naturalising freely in meadows, roadsides and woodland margins.
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
Plant details
Care notes