Orchis simia
ape orchid
A terrestrial orchid up to 30cm tall with 3-4 basal, oblong to oval leaves. Compact clusters of flowers opening from the top downwards are held on upright stems in late spring to early summer. Each flower comprises 3 sepals which form a greyish-white hood flecked with pink and below this, a flower lip with a monkey-like appearance: a narrow white 'body' with short, pinkish-purple hairs and curved, pink 'arms' and 'legs' with a short 'tail' between the legs
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–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Grey Silver Pink Purple | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Grey Silver Pink Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Orchis are tuberous, terrestrial orchids with rosettes of light to dark green leaves, sometimes purple-spotted, and dense, upright spikes of delicate, purple, red, pink, green, yellow or white flowers
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a moist but well-drained, alkaline soil in full sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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