About
Ophrys sphegodes, the early spider orchid, is a tuberous terrestrial orchid producing a rosette of leaves and spikes of distinctive flowers with green petals and a broad, velvety, brown, spider-mimicking lip with a blue, H-shaped marking in early spring. A beautiful and fascinating native orchid for a sunny, well-drained, chalk or limestone meadow.
About the genus
Ophrys are tuberous terrestrial orchids with rosettes of leaves and upright spikes of two to twelve flowers, the lower lip often beautifully patterned to resemble a foraging bee, wasp or fly. Native to grassland and scrub habitats in Europe and the Mediterranean.
Plant details
Suggested usesBorders, containers, naturalising.
Care notes
CultivationPlant at appropriate depth in well-drained soil.
PruningAllow foliage to die back naturally.
PropagationDivide offsets when dormant.
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free.
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-resistant.