About
Listera ovata, the common twayblade, is a terrestrial orchid producing from a short rhizome an upright stem to 60 cm with a single pair of broad, pale yellowish-green leaves with prominent veins. In mid to late summer a spike of up to 100 small, yellowish-green, hooded flowers with a long, forked lip emerges. A rewarding native orchid for a shaded, moist, well-drained garden or wildflower area.
About the genus
Listera, the twayblades, are terrestrial orchids with a single pair of broad, prominently veined leaves and slender spikes of small, greenish flowers in summer. Native to moist, shaded grassland and woodland across Europe.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained, Moist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurope, N Africa, SW Asia
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained, nutrient poor, alkaline or neutral soil in full sun or semi-shade
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slug and snail damage
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free