Dactylorhiza elata![RHS AGM](/assets/styles/images/icons/RHS-AGM--Small-Vert__web.svg)
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
![](https://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselectorimages/detail/WSY0042365_4431.jpg)
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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