Overview

Orchis militaris is a orchid in the genus Orchis, part of the Orchid family. It typically grows around 0.6 m tall. Orchis militaris grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to Europe.

About

Orchis militaris is a European orchid that produces upright flowering spikes to about 0.6 m. It flowers from April to June, carrying lilac to purple blooms. The plant prefers full sun and tolerates a range of soils so long as they remain moist but well-drained and is fully hardy in UK gardens (H7).

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Orchis militaris

About the genus

Orchis is a genus in the orchid family (Orchidaceae), occurring mainly in Europe and Northwest Africa, and ranging as far as Tibet, Mongolia, and Xinjiang. The name is from the Ancient Greek ὄρχις, meaning "testicle", from the appearance of the paired subterranean tuberoids.

In the garden

Orchis militaris is a herbaceous orchid native to Europe, forming single upright stems that reach roughly 0.6 m at flowering. Blooming occurs from April to June and the flowers show lilac to purple tones on the spike, making the season easy to recognise. This species belongs to the genus Orchis and suits gardens that can mirror open, sunlit conditions. Select a permanently sunny site and avoid waterlogged hollows; the plant accepts sandy, loamy or clay soils provided they stay moist but well-drained. In the UK it is fully hardy (H7), so plants can remain outdoors year round; the equivalent USDA hardiness range is 4–8. Positioning should favour a free-draining root run with consistent moisture rather than prolonged drought or standing water. Use Orchis militaris where its spring-to-early-summer spike will be visible: a sunny mixed border edge, a gravel bank with moisture-retentive pockets, or a meadow-style planting that receives full sun. Allow plants to remain undisturbed through winter so their April–June flower spikes can reliably reach about 0.6 m the following spring.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Orchis

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Sandy, Loamy, Clay

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Orchis militaris size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Orchid

Height

0.6 m

Native to

Europe

Frequently asked questions