Loose-flowered orchid
Anacamptis laxiflora · Orchidaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant loose-flowered orchid: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Anacamptis laxiflora
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Plant type
- Perennial herb
- Flowering
- April to June
- Adult size
- 30 to 60 cm tall
- Foliage
- Deciduous, disappears after flowering
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, down to -15°C
- Origin
- Mediterranean and Southern Europe
Care
Exposure
This terrestrial orchid appreciates sunny to partly shaded positions. Place it in a location receiving at least 4 to 6 hours of direct light per day to encourage beautiful flowering.
Soil and planting
Prefer well-drained soil, slightly alkaline or neutral, rich in organic matter. Drainage is crucial to prevent rot of underground tubers. Plant tubers in autumn at a depth of 5 to 8 cm.
Watering
Water regularly during the growing period (autumn-winter-spring) keeping the soil moist but never waterlogged. After flowering and foliage die-back, drastically reduce watering: the plant enters dormancy and cannot tolerate excess moisture.
Fertilizer
Apply balanced diluted fertilizer in spring when vegetation starts. A single application is usually sufficient. Avoid excess nitrogen which promotes foliage at the expense of flowering.
Pruning and maintenance
No pruning is necessary. Simply let the foliage dry naturally after flowering, it will retract into the soil. You can remove spent flowers to redirect energy toward the tuber.
Diseases and pests
This orchid is generally robust. Watch for tuber rot in case of excessive humidity, particularly in summer. Slugs can damage young shoots: control them manually if necessary.
Did you know?
The Loose-flowered Orchis is a Mediterranean species among the first orchids to flower in spring. Its Latin name "laxiflora" literally means "loose-flowered", referring to the sparse and airy inflorescence that characterizes it. In Southern Europe, it is associated with semi-natural calcareous meadows and is an indicator of remarkable biodiversity.
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.