About
Orchis mascula, the early purple orchid, is a tuberous terrestrial orchid with leaves usually spotted deep purple, and dense, upright spikes to 40 cm of small, intricate, light to dark-purple flowers from spring to early summer. A beautiful native orchid for a shaded, moist, well-drained woodland border or grassy bank.
About the genus
Orchis are tuberous, terrestrial orchids with rosettes of light to dark-green, sometimes purple-spotted leaves and dense, upright spikes of delicate, purple, red, pink, green, yellow or white flowers. Native to grasslands and open woodland.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurope, Africa, Asia
Care notes
CultivationGrows best in fertile, moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade, though tolerates full sun in cooler areas. Plant dormant tubers in autumn at least 8cm deep
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by separating offsets in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free