Overview

Gymnadenia is a bushy bulbs in the genus Gymnadenia, part of the Orchidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Gymnadenia grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include wildflower meadow.

About

Gymnadenia is a bushy terrestrial orchid from the Orchidaceae family, known for its leafy stems and palm-like lobed tubers. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun and can be grown in both exposed and sheltered locations, favouring south or west-facing aspects. It adapts well to a variety of soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with a preference for moist but well-drained conditions across acid to alkaline pH levels. Hardy to UK zone H5, Gymnadenia is suited to wildflower meadows and is best planted at the correct depth in well-drained soil, with division in early spring as the recommended propagation method. It is of interest during spring and summer.

About the genus

Gymnadenia is a genus of flowering plants in the orchid family (Orchidaceae) containing 22 terrestrial species. The former genus Nigritella is now included in Gymnadenia.

Wikipedia contributors, "Gymnadenia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Gymnadenia

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Gymnadenia

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Gymnadenia size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Bulbs

Habit

Bushy

Foliage

Deciduous

Suggested uses

Wildflower meadow

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Gymnadenia

Propagation

Division in early spring

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions