About
Strong, deciduous, terrestrial orchid, about 30-60cm in height with purple-spotted, mid-green lance-shaped basal leaves, pointed at their tips. Dense spikes of creamy-yellow flowers with pale pink spotting appear in late spring or early summer.
About the genus
Dactylorhiza are deciduous tuberous perennials with lance-shaped leaves sometimes spotted with purple, and dense terminal racemes of purple, pink or white flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Rock garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained, humus-rich, leafy soil in partial shade
PruningNo pruning required, tidy if necessary
PropagationPropagate by division in early spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free