Long-lipped Serapias
Serapias vomeracea · Orchidaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant long-lipped serapias: 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
- April to May
- Adult size
- 20 to 40 cm in height
- Hardiness
- Hardy down to -10 °C
- Origin
- Mediterranean, Southern Europe
- Soil type
- Well-drained, calcareous or neutral
Care
Light exposure
Serapias vomeracea prefers a sunny to semi-shaded location. Place it in a spot receiving at least 4 to 6 hours of direct light per day to encourage generous flowering. Avoid overly shaded areas where the plant will become drawn and weak.
Soil and planting
This terrestrial orchid requires well-drained, even poor soil, with a neutral to slightly calcareous pH. Improve drainage with sand or coarse gravel to prevent root suffocation. It thrives in a rockery or in a draining pot filled with a substrate suitable for terrestrial orchids.
Watering
Water moderately during the growing period (spring) and keep the soil slightly moist without waterlogging. Reduce watering in summer and practically stop it in winter during dormancy. Prefer watering in the morning at the base of the plant.
Fertilizing
Apply a very diluted balanced fertilizer once or twice a month during the spring growing period. Choose a formula low in nitrogen to promote flowering. Stop all feeding in summer and winter.
Pruning and cleaning
Remove spent flowers as they fade to direct energy toward tuber formation. After flowering and the appearance of deciduous foliage, allow the leaves to yellow naturally before removing them. No actual pruning is necessary.
Pests and diseases
This wild orchid is generally robust. Watch for aphids and red spider mites in case of overly dry conditions. Excess moisture can promote tuber rot: maintain perfect drainage and adequate air circulation.
Did you know?
Serapias vomeracea owes its name to the word "extended labellum" which resembles a plow share ("vomer" in Latin). This Mediterranean terrestrial orchid flowers in April-May with remarkable blooms where the dark red extended labellum attracts pollinating insects through color and scent mimicry, forming a fascinating set of ecological adaptations.
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.