Alphabetical Plant Listing

Dactylorhiza foliosa (Madeira Orchid)

Madeira Orchid, Orchis maderensis, Dactylorhiza maderensis, Orchis foliosa


Dactylorhiza foliosa (Madeira Orchid) is a tuberous terrestrial orchid boasting flamboyant spikes, 5 in. long (12 cm), crowded with bright rosy-purple flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), with contrasting speckles on the lips. Blooming from late spring to early summer, the blossoms are borne atop stems clad with lustrous, lance-shaped leaves, 4-8 in. long (10-20 cm), arranged spirally along the stems. Native to the Portuguese island of Madeira, Madeira Orchid grows naturally in swampy grassland environments. 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 24-30 in. tall (60-75 cm) and 6-12 in. wide (15-30 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 Madeira.

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Requirements

Hardiness 7 – 8
Heat Zones 7 – 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" – 1' (15cm – 30cm)
Spacing 6" – 12" (15cm – 30cm)
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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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 7 – 8
Heat Zones 7 – 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" – 1' (15cm – 30cm)
Spacing 6" – 12" (15cm – 30cm)
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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