Pyramidal orchid
Anacamptis pyramidalis · Orchidaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant pyramidal orchid: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Flowering
- April to June, pink to purple flowers in pyramidal inflorescence
- Mature size
- 20 to 50 cm in height
- Foliage
- Deciduous, disappears after flowering
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, down to -15°C
- Origin
- Europe, North Africa and Western Asia
- Soil type
- Well-draining, preferably chalky
- Growth
- Slow, flowering from the 3rd year
- Exposure
- Full sun to partial shade
Care
Exposure
Position your pyramidal orchid in full sun or partial shade for optimal flowering. This terrestrial orchid appreciates well-lit and airy locations. Protect it from overly shaded areas that would reduce flowering.
Soil and planting
Favour chalky, well-draining soil that is poor to moderately fertile. In pots, use a specific mix for terrestrial orchids with pumice and chalk. Plant the pseudo-bulbs in autumn or early winter, at 5-10 cm depth.
Watering
Water moderately during growth and flowering, keeping the soil slightly moist. Drastically reduce watering after flowering, stopping completely in summer when the foliage disappears. During dormancy, limit moisture to prevent pseudo-bulb rot.
Fertilizing
Apply a very dilute, balanced fertilizer in spring when vegetation starts growing. A single application is generally sufficient for this undemanding orchid. Stop fertilizing after flowering.
Pruning and maintenance
No pruning is necessary. Simply let the faded flowers dry on the stem, which will disappear naturally with the foliage. You can remove dry debris in late summer when the plant enters dormancy.
Diseases and pests
The pyramidal orchid is generally robust in natural conditions. In cultivation, watch for pseudo-bulb rot due to excessive moisture. Snails and slugs can damage young leaves in spring.
Did you know?
The pyramidal orchid owes its scientific name Anacamptis to the curved shape of its labellum. Once used in traditional medicine, its pseudo-bulb, called 'satyrium' in Greek, was reputed to be an aphrodisiac in the Mediterranean. Today threatened in some regions, it is protected in several European countries, making it a precious botanical discovery during spring hikes.
Where to buy it
Plant the bulbs in autumn for spring flowering. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: from September to November.
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.