Dactylorhiza majalis (Western Marsh Orchid)
Western Marsh Orchid, Broad-Leaved Marsh Orchid, Fan Orchid
Dactylorhiza majalis (Western Marsh Orchid) is a tuberous terrestrial orchid boasting beautiful spikes densely packed with up to 50 purple flowers with white markings. Blooming from late spring to mid-summer, they are borne atop a hollow stem, the lowest blossoms usually opening even before the stem has reached its full height. The foliage of 4 to 10 fleshy, ovate, green leaves is almost always adorned with burgundy blotches. The spotted leaves are distributed on the stem. In the fall, the foliage yellows then fades before disappearing completely for the winter dormancy period. Dactylorhiza majalis can form impressively large colonies in optimum growing conditions. Western Marsh Orchid is native to damp or wet conditions in meadows, heaths, marshes, and along streambanks in both lowland and alpine sites to 6500’ in elevation from Ireland to northern Spain east through southern Sweden, the Dolomites in Italy, and the mountains of Central and Eastern Europe into Russia. Despite its marshy natural environment, this orchid does well in evenly moist garden soils.
- Grows up to 6-18 in. tall (15-45 cm) and 6-12 in. wide (15-30 cm).
- Performs best in full sun or part shade in moist, humusy, well-drained soils. Prefers part shade in hot and humid summer climates.
- A charming addition to woodland gardens, prairies, meadows, wet grassland areas, or near ponds and streams.
- Propagate by division of tubers.
- No serious pest or disease issues.
- Dactylorhiza majalis is widespread across much of Europe and north-central Asia from Spain and Ireland to Siberia and Kazakhstan.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 5
– 8 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Orchids, Perennials |
Plant Family | Dactylorhiza - Marsh Orchids |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid) |
Height | 6" – 2' (15cm – 60cm) |
Spread | 6" – 1' (15cm – 30cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Garden Uses | Ponds and Streams |
Garden Styles | Prairie and Meadow |
Lubomir Dajc, Nerycom, 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 | 5
– 8 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Orchids, Perennials |
Plant Family | Dactylorhiza - Marsh Orchids |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid) |
Height | 6" – 2' (15cm – 60cm) |
Spread | 6" – 1' (15cm – 30cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Garden Uses | Ponds and Streams |
Garden Styles | Prairie and Meadow |