Dactylorhiza maculata
heath spotted orchid
A terrestrial orchid with lance-shaped, mid-green leaves which may have brown or purple spots. The flowers, in spikes 5-10cm long, from mid-spring to late summer, may be white, pink, pale purple or purplish red, with darker spots and streaks
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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
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple Pink Red White | Brown Green Purple | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple Pink Red White | Brown Green Purple | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Dactylorhiza are deciduous tuberous perennials with lance-shaped leaves sometimes spotted with purple, and dense terminal racemes of purple, pink or white flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe, N Africa, Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained, humus-rich, leafy soil in partial shade
Propagation
By division in early spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Rock garden
- Wildflower meadow
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required, tidy if necessary
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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