Western Marsh-orchid
Dactylorhiza majalis · Orchidaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant western marsh-orchid: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Plant type
- Terrestrial tuber-bearing orchid
- Flowering
- May to June
- Mature size
- 30 to 60 cm in height
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (-15°C)
- Foliage
- Deciduous, disappears in summer after flowering
- Natural habitat
- Damp meadows and marshes of Europe
- Exposure
- Partial shade to sun
Care
Exposure
Choose a location in partial shade to indirect sunlight, particularly if your climate is warm. This terrestrial orchid appreciates the cool, damp areas of natural meadows. Avoid dense shade, which would reduce flowering.
Soil and planting
Plant it in soil rich in organic matter, always moist but well-draining. A mix containing potting soil and coarse sand works well. The tuber should be buried about 10 cm deep. Maintain consistent moisture from autumn to spring.
Watering
Water regularly during the growing season (autumn and spring) to keep the soil moist. Significantly reduce watering in summer when the foliage dies back. Standing water can cause tuber rot.
Pruning and maintenance
No pruning is necessary. Leave spent flowers in place until they fall naturally. After flowering and foliage dies back in summer, leave the tuber dormant without any intervention.
Fertilizing
A moderate application of balanced fertilizer in spring is sufficient. Avoid overfertilizing, which would encourage foliage at the expense of flowering. A single application at the start of the growing season is recommended.
Diseases and pests
Watch for tuber rot if there is excessive moisture or standing water. Slugs can damage young shoots in spring. Good drainage and adequate ventilation prevent most fungal problems.
Did you know?
Dactylorhiza majalis fascinates botanists with its remarkable ability to hybridize naturally with other species of the Dactylorhiza genus in European damp meadows. Its name "Dactylorhiza" literally means "finger-like root" in reference to the fingered shape of its tubers, which resemble small fingers. This orchid was long used in folk medicine for various therapeutic purposes.
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
- Fragrant orchidGymnadenia conopsea
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.