Listera ovata

RHS Plant Profile
twayblade
twayblade RHS

Other common names

bifoil, double leaf, heart-leaf twayblade

Herbaceous Perennial

A terrestrial orchid producing, from a short rhizome, an upright stem with a single pair of broad, pale yellowish-green leaves with prominent veins. In mid to late summer a spike of flowers emerges up to 60cm tall with up to 100 flowers, but often shorter. The yellow-green flowers are hooded, with a long, forked lip

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0-0.1 metre

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0-0.1 metre
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained or Moist but well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Orchidaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus
Name Status
Unresolved
Plant Range
Europe, N Africa, SW Asia

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained, nutrient poor, alkaline or neutral soil in full sun or semi-shade

Propagation

Propagate by division

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slug and snail damage

Diseases

Generally disease-free