Military orchid
Orchis militaris · Orchidaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant military orchid: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- April to June
- Adult size
- 20 to 50 cm tall
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -20°C)
- Origin
- Temperate Europe and Asia
- Natural habitat
- Calcareous meadows, dry grasslands
- Growth
- Slow
- Soil type
- Well-drained, calcareous, poor to moderately rich
Care
Light exposure
Place your Warrior Orchis in a sunny to part-shade location, with at least 4 to 5 hours of direct light. This terrestrial orchid thrives in open, airy spots away from dense tree shade.
Soil and planting
Choose well-drained, alkaline or neutral soil that is low in organic matter. A calcareous or gravelly soil faithfully reproduces natural dry meadow conditions. Avoid waterlogging in winter.
Watering
Water moderately in spring and during flowering to keep the soil slightly moist, without excess. During summer (June-August), after flowering, gradually reduce watering. The tuber enters dormancy and requires very little water.
Fertilizing
A light annual application of organic fertilizer (mature compost or bone meal) in early spring is quite sufficient. This species prefers poor soils; excess nutrients can promote foliage at the expense of flowering.
Flowering and tidying
Allow flowers to bloom naturally. After flowering, remove the flower stem once it has dried out. Wait until the foliage yellows completely in June-July before removing it, as the leaves rebuild the underground tuber.
Diseases and pests
Warrior Orchis is generally little affected if drainage conditions are optimal. Excess moisture can promote tuber rot. If slugs or snails attack in spring, intervene quickly to protect young shoots.
Did you know?
The Warrior Orchis owes its scientific name and 'warrior' nickname to the surprising shape of its flowers, whose sepals and petals brought close together resemble an ancient warrior's helmet, while the labellum looks like a little soldier. It is one of Europe's most remarkable wild orchids, protected in many regions, and its presence in a meadow indicates respectful ecological management and the absence of chemical fertilizers.
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.