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Summer lady's tresses

Spiranthes aestivalis · Orchidaceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

Ideal time to plant summer lady's tresses: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.

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ID card

Family
Orchidaceae
Type
Perennial herb
Flowering
July to September
Adult size
20 to 40 cm tall
Foliage
Deciduous, disappears in winter
Hardiness
Hardy, down to -15 °C
Exposure
Sun to partial shade
Origin
Wetlands of temperate Europe and Asia

Care

Watering

Summer lady's tresses appreciates moist but not waterlogged soil during the growing season. Water regularly in spring and summer to maintain consistent moisture. In winter, reduce watering as the plant goes dormant and uses very little water.

Exposure and location

Install your lady's tresses in a sunny to partially shaded spot. It appreciates areas with humid conditions and good air circulation, ideally near natural marshy zones. Avoid deep shade which would slow down flowering.

Soil and substrate

Choose rich, well-structured soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. A mix incorporating peat or well-decomposed compost promotes rooting. Drainage should be balanced, without complete drying out.

Nutrition and fertilizer

Apply a very diluted balanced fertilizer in spring and early summer. Excessive fertilization risks promoting foliage at the expense of flowering. An annual, moderate addition of organic matter is usually sufficient.

Pruning and cleaning

No pruning is necessary. Simply let the foliage disappear naturally in autumn and winter. You can remove spent flowers to direct energy, but this is not essential.

Pests and diseases

Summer lady's tresses is generally hardy against diseases. Be careful about stagnant excess moisture which promotes root rot and fungal issues. Ensure good air circulation and regularly check your drainage.

Did you know?

Summer lady's tresses owes its scientific name Spiranthes (from the Greek speira = spiral, anthos = flower) to its small white or pink flowers arranged in an elegant spiral around the stem. This wild orchid, once common in European wetlands, has greatly declined and is now protected in several regions, making it a valuable plant for botany enthusiasts and those interested in biodiversity conservation.

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.

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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.