Anacamptis coriophora
Anacamptis coriophora · Orchidaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant anacamptis coriophora: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Form
- Herbaceous
- Blooming
- April to June
- Mature height
- 20 to 40 cm tall
- Foliage
- Deciduous (disappears in winter)
- Hardiness
- Hardy, down to -10 °C
- Origin
- Mediterranean Europe and Central Asia
- Soil type
- Well-drained, calcareous to slightly acidic
Care
Sunlight
Choose a sunny to partially shaded location, ideally in a wildflower meadow or dry bank. This wild orchid prefers open areas where it receives at least 4 to 6 hours of direct light. Avoid overly shaded spots that would reduce flowering.
Soil and Drainage
Prepare well-drained soil that is calcareous or slightly acidic, rich in organic matter. This terrestrial orchid adapts well to poor, rocky soils characteristic of its natural habitat. Impeccable drainage is essential to prevent rot of the underground tuber.
Watering
Water moderately during spring growth and flowering, keeping the soil slightly moist but never waterlogged. After flowering and in summer, reduce watering as the plant enters dormancy. In winter, dry soil is preferable to preserve the tuber.
Fertilization
Apply a well-balanced, highly diluted fertilizer (orchid type) once or twice during the active growing period (April-May). Avoid excessive nitrogen applications that would favor foliage at the expense of flowers. Naturally rich soil is often sufficient for this hardy species.
Pruning and Cleanup
No pruning is necessary. Simply allow the foliage to dry naturally after flowering and remove it once completely dead in autumn. This underground dormancy is normal and essential for vegetative rest.
Pest and Disease Prevention
Watch for tuber rot in case of persistent excess moisture. Aphids may occasionally colonize the flower spikes; a foliar spray or manual intervention is usually sufficient. In natural conditions, this orchid is very robust and rarely subject to serious pathogens.
Did you know?
The Bug Orchid gets its common name from the characteristic odor of its flowers, which resembles that of wood bugs: an unpleasant scent to human noses, but irresistible to the flies that pollinate it, its natural visitors. This fascinating olfactory strategy reveals how orchids have evolved to attract highly specialized insects rather than the broad appeal of bees.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Chinese ground orchidBletilla striata
- Moth orchidPhalaenopsis amabilis
- Spotted orchidDactylorhiza maculata
- Lesser twaybladeNeottia ovata
- Broad-leaved helleborineEpipactis helleborine
- Western Marsh-orchidDactylorhiza majalis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.