Dactylorrhiza foliosa sometimes named the Madeiran Orchid or Dactylorhiza foliosa

Dactylorrhiza Species

• Dactylorrhiza elata is from the Mediterranean region. It has an AGM implying it is hardy and easy to grow. the purple cone of flowers from April reaching 2 feet high.
• Dactylorrhiza alpistris has interesting leaf markings but only grows 10″ high.
• Dactylorrhiza incarnata, flowers slightly later.
• Dactylorrhiza majalis and Dactylorrhiza praetermissa  the Marsh Orchids appreciate damp, not waterlogged  ground and are reasonably vigorous.
• Dactylorrhiza foliosa  (shown above)  has several large spikes of pink-purple, individually large, flowers.
• Dactylorrhiza Maculata or Fushii  are “Spotted Orchids” with lovely purple flowers in April to June.

Growing Tips

• Dactylorrhiza are strong growers and flower freely in damp garden conditions.
• They are suited for a damp spot, in full sun, without shade or for growing in pots.
• Orchid seed needs the presence of   microscopic fungi for germination and whilst Dactylorrhiza seed freely they are best propagated by division.
• Dactylorrhiza wants an open, moisture retentive, neutral compost.
• The reason for the name, Dacty (finger) Rhiza (root) is immediately apparent when you see the tubers. The new tuber is produced at the end of the growing season as an appendage to the old tuber that produced this years flower spike in mid to late May.

Plant Portrait Dactylorrhiza foliosa

‘In pots, I use equal quantities John Innes no 3, cornish grit and a multipurpose humous rich compost. The plants are repotted every year, either just as the flowers are going over(July) or in the spring(March) just as they are coming back into growth. If grown in the open ground the best time is in July as little or no damage is done to the new roots, the plant should be lifted, shaken off and the new tubers twisted off from the old. These can be planted where required with the tip just below the surface and topped off with a little grit. The old plant can be deadheaded and replanted….’ read more in the AGS report and tips from John Humphries

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