About

Dactylorhiza maculata, the heath spotted orchid, is a terrestrial orchid with tapering, green leaves which may be brown or purple spotted. Dense spikes 5�10 cm long of white, pink, pale purple or purplish-red flowers with darker spots and streaks appear from mid-spring to late summer. A charming native orchid for a moist, acid grassland or heath.

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 typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

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

Care notes

CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained, humus-rich, leafy soil in partial shade
PruningNo pruning required, tidy if necessary
PropagationBy division in early spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free