Dactylorhiza elata
robust marsh orchid
A robust herbaceous perennial with erect stems to 1m tall, bearing narrowly oblong leaves. Flowers reddish-purple, 2cm wide, open in a dense spike to 20cm long in late spring and early summer
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Purple | Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Purple | Green | ||
Autumn | ||||
Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Dactylorhiza are deciduous tuberous perennials with lance-shaped leaves sometimes spotted with purple, and dense terminal racemes of purple, pink or white flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- W Europe to Medit.
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained, humus-rich, leafy soil in part shade. Ideal for a rock or woodland garden or in a wildflower meadow
Propagation
Divide in early spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Rock garden
- Wildflower meadow
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required. Deadhead faded flowers if required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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