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Herbaceous Perennial

Anacamptis pyramidalis
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

pyramidal orchid

A tuberous, terrestrial orchid with lance-shaped leaves and small, rich pink, or occasionally pure white, flowers in a crowded, conical spike in mid-summer

Other common names
pyramid orchid
tegeirian bera
Synonyms
Anacamptis urvilleana
Orchis pyramidalis
see moreAceras pyramidale
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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
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Pink White Green
Autumn
Winter Green
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Orchidaceae
Native to the UK
Yes
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus

Anacamptis are slender terrestrial orchids with rounded tubers and a rosette of lance-shaped basal leaves, the erect stem bearing smaller and narrower leaves and a loose, or dense, terminal raceme of spurred flowers in early summer

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Europe, Africa, Asia

How to grow

Cultivation

Best in fertile, well-drained, gritty, humus-rich, neutral or alkaline soil in partial shade. Plant dormant tubers at least 8cm deep. Can be naturalised in fine turf

Propagation

Propagate by separating offsets in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Banks and slopes
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Susceptible to slug and snail damage

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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