Ophrys apifera
bee orchid
A terrestrial orchid with a rosette of oblong leaves and, in mid spring or early summer, flower spikes to 30cm tall, bearing up to 11 blooms, each up to 2.5cm across, with pale green or pink petals and a brown, velvety lip with yellow markings, resembling a bee
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Brown Green Pink Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Brown Green Pink Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Ophrys are tuberous terrestrial orchids producing a basal rosette of leaves and upright flowering stems with small leaves and spikes of two to 12 flowers, the lower lip often resembling a foraging insect
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe, Asia, Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Best in well-drained, gritty, humus-rich, neutral to alkaline soil in partial shade. Plant dormant tubers in autumn, at least 5cm deep. Can be naturalised in fine turf
Propagation
Propagate by separating offsets in autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Deadhead as flowers fade
Pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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