Green-winged Orchid
Anacamptis morio · Orchidaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant green-winged orchid: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Type
- Perennial herbaceous plant
- Flowering
- April to June
- Height
- 15 to 40 cm
- Foliage
- Deciduous (disappears in summer)
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -20°C)
- Origin
- Europe, Mediterranean basin
- Natural habitat
- Limestone meadows, dry grasslands
Care
Light exposure
Plant the lady orchid in full sun or partial shade, ideally in a location where it receives at least 6 hours of direct light. This wild orchid appreciates open, well-ventilated exposures. Avoid dense shade, which would reduce flowering.
Soil and planting
This orchid thrives in limestone, well-drained, poor to moderately rich soils. Plant the tubers in autumn at 5-10 cm depth in light soil mixed with gravel or crushed limestone. Soil that is too rich or too wet promotes tuber rot.
Watering
Water moderately in autumn and winter when vegetation begins, then gradually reduce in spring after flowering. The plant enters summer dormancy and needs very little water. Perfect drainage is essential to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilizing
Light application of balanced fertilizer during the growing phase (autumn-spring) is sufficient. This plant from poor natural environments doesn't require intensive fertilization. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizers that promote foliage at the expense of flowers.
Maintenance and cleaning
No pruning is necessary. Allow the foliage to fade naturally after flowering so the tubers can rebuild their reserves. Simply clean up dead leaves in late summer when the plant enters dormancy.
Diseases and pests
Tuber rot remains the main risk in case of excessive moisture. Slugs can damage young shoots in spring. Well-drained soil and proper air circulation prevent most problems. Regularly inspect tubers stored in winter.
Did you know?
The lady orchid is a fascinating European wild orchid: its bicolored flowers (white-pink to violet) attract solitary bees through a very particular optical illusion, creating a 'false nectar guide' that doesn't actually exist. Once common in limestone meadows, it has declined considerably and is now protected in several regions.
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.