About
Gymnadenia conopsea, the fragrant orchid, is a terrestrial orchid with narrowly lance-shaped leaves and stems to 50 cm bearing a dense, cylindrical spike of lilac-purple, intensely fragrant flowers in summer. A beautiful native orchid of chalk and limestone grassland, best naturalised in a moist, well-drained, alkaline meadow.
About the genus
Gymnadenia, the fragrant orchids, are herbaceous terrestrial orchids with palmately lobed tubers and leafy stems bearing dense spikes of fragrant, pink, lilac or white flowers in summer. Native to grasslands and open woodland across Europe and Asia.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesWildflower meadow
Native toEurope, Asia
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any moist but well-drained soil in sun or part shade
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division in early spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free