Alphabetical Plant Listing

Dactylorhiza elata (Robust Marsh Orchid)

Marsh Orchid, Robust Marsh Orchid, Stately Dactylorhiza, Orchis elata


Dactylorhiza elata (Robust Marsh Orchid) is a tuberous terrestrial orchid boasting flamboyant spikes, 8 in. long (20 cm), crowded with reddish-purple flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm). Blooming from late spring to early summer, the blossoms are borne atop stems bearing narrowly oblong leaves, 6-10 in. long (15-25 cm), spotted with burgundy and arranged spirally along the stems. Native to the western Mediterranean region, Robust Marsh Orchid grows naturally in humid and wet grasslands of tall grasses and rushes with very wet calcareous soils or soils flushed by calcareous waters. This species does not reproduce until its third year. Easy to grow, it is ideal for a rock or woodland garden, in a wildflower meadow and looks superb when planted among grasses or in informal borders.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
  • Grows up to 24-36 in. tall (60-90 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm).
  • Performs best in part shade in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soils.
  • A charming addition to beds and borders, rock gardens, cottage gardens or prairies and meadows.
  • No serious pest or disease issues.
  • Deadhead flowers as they fade if required.
  • Propagate by division in early spring.
  • Native to the western Mediterranean region including France, Sardinia, Spain, Portugal, Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia.

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Requirements

Hardiness 6 – 8
Heat Zones 6 – 8
Plant Type Orchids, Perennials
Plant Family Dactylorhiza - Marsh Orchids
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm)
Spread 6" – 2' (15cm – 60cm)
Spacing 12" – 18" (30cm – 45cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

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Peter Turner Photography/Shutterstock

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 6 – 8
Heat Zones 6 – 8
Plant Type Orchids, Perennials
Plant Family Dactylorhiza - Marsh Orchids
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm)
Spread 6" – 2' (15cm – 60cm)
Spacing 12" – 18" (30cm – 45cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

Guides with Dactylorhiza - Marsh Orchids

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