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Herbaceous Perennial

Listera ovata

twayblade

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

Other common names
double leaf
heart-leaf twayblade
see moretwayblade
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0–0.1 metre
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained, Moist but well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Yellow Green Green
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Orchidaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
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

Get involved

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