Orchis militaris
military orchid
A terrestrial orchid with oval to oblong leaves forming a basal rosette and sturdy stems up to around 50cm tall bearing 10-40 flowers forming a dense pinkish to reddish-purple cylinder. Individual flowers are characterised by a 'helmet' of pink-flushed sepals, a whitish 'body' with crimson hairs and lobes forming 'arms' and 'legs'
![](https://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselectorimages/detail/WSYD0004724.jpg)
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Pink Purple Red White | Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Pink Purple Red White | Green | ||
Autumn | ||||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Orchis are tuberous, terrestrial orchids with rosettes of light to dark green leaves, sometimes purple-spotted, and dense, upright spikes of delicate, purple, red, pink, green, yellow or white flowers
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a moist but well-drained, alkaline soil in full sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Wildflower meadow
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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