Overview
Dactylorhiza majalis is a clump forming bulbs in the genus Dactylorhiza, part of the Orchidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Dactylorhiza majalis 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.
About
Dactylorhiza majalis, or the broad-leaved marsh orchid, is a terrestrial Eurasian orchid. The broad-leaved marsh orchid grows mainly in nitrogen-poor marsh areas that consist of several plant communities. More rarely, it is found in fens. The lowest blossoms usually open even before the stem has reached its full height. Grow it in partial shade and loam soil. In UK gardens it is hardy in most of the UK (RHS H5). It works well for cottage and informal garden, rock garden, wildflower meadow and flower borders and beds. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and east-facing, north-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant at appropriate depth in well-drained soil.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Dactylorhiza majalis
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, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Dactylorhiza majalis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bulbs, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Rock garden, Wildflower meadow, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Dactylorhiza majalis
- Propagation
- Divide in early spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Dactylorhiza majalis?
Dactylorhiza majalis prefers partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Dactylorhiza majalis need?
Dactylorhiza majalis grows best in loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Dactylorhiza majalis hardy in the UK?
Dactylorhiza majalis 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 majalis?
Divide in early spring.
More in the Dactylorhiza genus
- Dactylorhiza praetermissa 'Copenhaven'
- Dactylorhiza Eskimo Nell gx
- Dactylorhiza purpurella x Larissa gx
- Dactylorhiza x grandis Blackthorn hybrid
- Dactylorhiza x transiens