RHS Other common names
soldier orchid
Herbaceous Perennial
A terrestrial orchid with oval to oblong leaves forming a basal rosette and sturdy stems up to around 50cm tall bearing 10-40 flowers forming a dense pinkish to reddish-purple cylinder. Individual flowers are characterised by a 'helmet' of pink-flushed sepals, a whitish 'body' with crimson hairs and lobes forming 'arms' and 'legs'
Position
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil Types
Chalk, Loam, Sand
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres