Dactylorhiza sambucina
elderflower orchid
Robust, deciduous, terrestrial orchid, about 30-60cm in height with unspotted lance-shaped mid-green basal leaves, pointed at their tips. Dense spikes of purple, creamy-white or occasionally salmon-pinks lightly-scented flowers appear in late spring or early summer,
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 | Cream White Orange Pink Purple | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Cream White Orange Pink Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- 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
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained, humus-rich, leafy soil in partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by division in early spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildflower meadow
- Rock garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required, tidy if necessary
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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