Overview
Ophrys araneola is a columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Ophrys, part of the Orchidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Ophrys araneola grows best in partial shade, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildflower meadow, wildlife gardens, banks and slopes and flower borders and beds.
About
Ophrys araneola is a terrestrial orchid cultivar within the Ophrys genus, known for its tuberous roots and basal rosette of leaves. This herbaceous perennial has a columnar upright habit with deciduous foliage and produces flowering stems bearing clusters of blooms, often with a lower lip that mimics an insect. It thrives in partial shade with well-drained alkaline to neutral soils such as chalk, loam, or sand, and is hardy to UK zone H6. Suitable for cottage gardens, wildflower meadows, and wildlife areas, it flowers across all seasons and prefers east or west-facing aspects.
About the genus
The genus Ophrys is a large group of orchids from the alliance Orchis in the subtribe Orchidinae. They are widespread across much of Europe, North Africa, Caucasus, the Canary Islands, and the Middle East as far east as Turkmenistan.
Wikipedia contributors, "Ophrys", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Ophrys
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ophrys
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Ophrys araneola size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens, Banks and slopes, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ophrys araneola
- Propagation
- Separating offsets in autumn
- Pest resistance
- Susceptible to slugs and snails
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Ophrys araneola?
Ophrys araneola prefers partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Ophrys araneola need?
Ophrys araneola is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Ophrys araneola hardy in the UK?
Ophrys araneola has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Ophrys araneola?
Separating offsets in autumn.