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Herbaceous Perennial

Orchis mascula

early purple orchid

A terrestrial orchid with leaves usually spotted with deep purple, and dense, upright spikes of small, intricate, light to dark purple flowers from spring to early summer

Other common names
Aaron's beard
Adam-and-Eve
see moreadder's grass
ballock grass
bloody man's finger
blue butcher
bullock grass
crake feet
cuckooflower
cuckooflower orchid
dead man's finger
dead man's fingers
dead man's thumb
Gethsemane
hand orchid
keat legs
keat's legs
kite pan
kite's legs
long purples
May orchid
purple orchid
purple wreathwort
ram's horns
satyricon
spotted orchid
Synonyms
Dactylorhiza mascula

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Purple Purple Green
Summer Purple Purple Green
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or West–facing

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

Orchis are tuberous, terrestrial orchids with rosettes of light to dark green leaves, sometimes purple-spotted, and dense, upright spikes of delicate, purple, red, pink, green, yellow or white flowers

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Europe, Africa, Asia

How to grow

Cultivation

Grows best in fertile, moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade, though tolerates full sun in cooler areas. Plant dormant tubers in autumn at least 8cm deep

Propagation

Propagate by separating offsets in spring

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 slugs and snails

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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