Bog orchid
Hammarbya paludosa · Orchidaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant bog orchid: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Form
- Herbaceous
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- July to September
- Adult size
- 10 to 20 cm in height
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -20°C)
- Origin
- Boreal and temperate Europe
- Soil type
- Peaty, moist, acidic
Care
Watering
Keep the soil constantly moist, even slightly waterlogged according to its natural bog habitat. Rainwater is preferable to hard water. During the active growing period, moisture requirements are constant.
Light exposure
Prefer a semi-shaded to shaded location, mimicking woodland or wooded bog conditions. Direct exposure to intense sunlight can dry out the plant and damage the delicate foliage.
Soil and substrate
Require peaty, acidic soil rich in organic matter. Incorporate blonde peat, sphagnum moss, or leaf mould to recreate bog conditions. Adding perlite improves drainage while retaining moisture.
Fertiliser
Apply little to no fertiliser, as this wild orchid dislikes excess nutrients. When growing in pots, a very dilute application of balanced fertiliser in spring is more than sufficient.
Pruning and cleaning
No pruning is necessary. Simply remove dried or damaged leaves. After flowering, allow spent flowers to naturally disintegrate on the plant.
Diseases and pests
Watch for root rot if there is excessive stagnant moisture, though this is rare. Slugs and snails can occasionally damage young foliage in humid conditions. Good drainage and proper aeration are generally sufficient to prevent fungal problems.
Did you know?
Hammarbya paludosa is one of Europe's smallest orchids, with tiny flowers often overlooked. Its scientific name 'paludosa' literally means 'of the marshes' and reveals its exceptional habitat: lime-free bogs, which have become rare in Western Europe. Some populations persist in the Vosges, Scotland, and Scandinavia, making it a valuable indicator of wetland preservation.
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.