Orchis mascula
early purple orchid
A terrestrial orchid with leaves usually spotted with deep purple, and dense, upright spikes of small, intricate, light to dark purple flowers from spring to early summer
Other common names
Aaron's beardAdam-and-Eve
see moreadder's grass
ballock grass
bloody man's finger
blue butcher
bullock grass
crake feet
cuckooflower
cuckooflower orchid
dead man's finger
dead man's fingers
dead man's thumb
Gethsemane
hand orchid
keat legs
keat's legs
kite pan
kite's legs
long purples
May orchid
purple orchid
purple wreathwort
ram's horns
satyricon
spotted orchid
Synonyms
Dactylorhiza mascula
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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
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple | Purple Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Purple Green | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical 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
- Plant range
- Europe, Africa, Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows 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
Propagation
Propagate by separating offsets in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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