Bee orchid
Ophrys apifera · Orchidaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant bee orchid: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Type
- Terrestrial orchid herbaceous plant
- Flowering
- April to June
- Adult size
- 20 to 40 cm in height
- Foliage
- Deciduous (disappears after flowering)
- Hardiness
- Hardy to -15°C
- Origin
- Mediterranean Basin and Southern Europe
- Preferred soil
- Calcareous, well-drained, poor to moderately fertile
Care
Light exposure
The Bee Orchid appreciates a sunny to partially shaded location, ideally in an open and airy setting. Install it in a bright spot that receives at least a few hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid dense shade which would slow flowering and weaken the plant.
Soil and drainage
This terrestrial orchid requires well-drained, calcareous or neutral soil, poor to moderately fertile. Opt for a substrate made of light potting mix, sand and gravel to prevent any waterlogging. Stagnant moisture is fatal to its tubers.
Watering
During the growing period (fall-winter), water moderately to keep the substrate slightly moist without saturation. In summer, after flowering and during dormancy, drastically reduce watering. Rainwater is ideal if possible.
Fertilizer
A moderate application of balanced fertilizer in spring is more than enough. Prefer a formula low in nitrogen to avoid promoting foliage at the expense of flowering. Avoid over-fertilizing: this orchid thrives in poor conditions.
Pruning and maintenance
No pruning is necessary. After flowering, simply let the aerial parts dry out naturally and disappear. The underground tubers will rest peacefully until the next cycle.
Diseases and pests
Root rot and fungal diseases are the main risks if there is excess moisture. Watch for mealybugs and spider mites indoors. Prioritize good air circulation and avoid wetting the foliage to limit fungal diseases.
Did you know?
The Bee Orchid owes its name to its spectacular flower which surprisingly mimics the appearance and scent of a female bee, deceiving males who attempt to pollinate it: this sexual mimicry strategy makes it one of the greatest wonders of floral evolution, and it remains protected in many European countries due to its increasing rarity.
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.