About
A terrestrial orchid to 15cm tall with lance-shaped leaves and flower spikes borne in spring and early summer carrying 5-25 individual green flowers often suffused with red or brown.
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 typeChalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, North-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Bulbs
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained, humus-rich, leafy soil in partial shade
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationBy division in early spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free