Dactylorhiza praetermissa
southern marsh orchid
A hardy, native orchid producing a rosette of mid-green, rarely spotted, narrowly oblong leaves and, in early summer, strong, upright, leafy stems topped with dense spikes of small, purple flowers with fine, dark speckles
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Dactylorhiza are deciduous tuberous perennials with lance-shaped leaves sometimes spotted with purple, and dense terminal racemes of purple, pink or white flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- W Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist, slightly acid to alkaline soil. Will naturalise in grass
Propagation
Propagate by division in early spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildflower meadow
- Rock garden
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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