Dactylorhiza: Planting, Cultivation and Care

Botany

Dactylorhiza are beautiful terrestrial and tuberous orchids comprising around 80 species. They have a wide distribution across temperate regions of the northern hemisphere: found in Europe, Asia, North Africa and North America. Around twenty species grow wild in France, mainly in damp areas with acidic soil, such as wet meadows, marshes, peat bogs and ditches, though they may also be found on drier, calcareous soils. They are sometimes spotted along paths, on embankments and at forest edges. Some species grow in alpine pastures, such as the Elder-flowered Orchid, Dactylorhiza sambucina. Dactylorhiza have the advantage of being very hardy, tolerating temperatures around –20 to –25°C, or even lower; they can therefore be grown even in regions with cold climates.

The name Dactylorhiza comes from the Greek daktylos: finger and rhiza: root, as this orchid has digitate tubers resembling fingers.

Dactylorhiza maculata: Botanical illustration

Different Dactylorhiza species hybridise easily with one another; thus, the boundaries between species are narrow, with many subspecies existing, and flowers can display varying shades within the same species, depending for example on soil type, cross-breeding or genetic variations. This makes identification tricky.

Dactylorhiza generally flower between April and July. They then produce dense, upright clusters, conical or cylindrical in shape, comprising numerous small flowers, which bloom progressively from the base of the inflorescence upwards. Each cluster typically bears between 25 and 50 flowers, measuring 5 to 15 cm long. They are carried on a stiff, thick, robust flowering stem reaching 30 to 60 cm tall. Like all orchid flowers, they have a complex shape and structure. They consist of a large lower petal called the labellum, slightly trilobed, and two upper petals forming the galea. The labellum is usually adorned with violet or purple patterns, adding detail and contrast to the flowering. These petals are surrounded by three sepals, two lateral and upright. The flower also has a spur (an extension of the labellum) containing nectar for pollinating insects. The stamens and pistil are fused to form a central column called the gynostemium. The pollen grains are uniquely grouped into sacs called pollinia.

Dactylorhiza flowers are most often purple, pink or mauve, but can also be red, white or yellow depending on the species, or even green in Dactylorhiza viridis. Sometimes the same species can flower in different colours: for example, the Elder-flowered Orchid, Dactylorhiza sambucina, naturally flowers in purple or pale yellow, with both forms sometimes coexisting in the same location.

Flowering of Dactylorhiza majalis (photo: Bjorn S.), Dactylorhiza maculata, Dactylorhiza praetermissa (photo: Hans Hillewaert) and Dactylorhiza fuchsii (photo: Bernd Haynold)

Dactylorhiza have lanceolate green leaves, sometimes beautifully spotted with purple as in Dactylorhiza maculata. They measure between 10 and 20 cm long and are rather thick and fleshy. The upper leaves are smaller than the basal ones.

After flowering, during summer, the foliage gradually yellows and withers, then the plant enters dormancy. It is important not to cut the leaves before they are completely dry, as they allow the plant to replenish its reserves, stored in the tuber, to grow and flower again the following spring.

Dactylorhiza have thickened, digitate tubers (resembling fingers). These enable them to store water and minerals to withstand drought and overwinter dormant in the soil, thanks to these reserves.

After flowering, Dactylorhiza produces capsules containing numerous tiny seeds. They are so small they resemble dust and are easily dispersed by wind, allowing the plant to colonise new territories. Unlike most seeds, they contain no nutrient reserves and thus require association with a fungus during germination to develop, providing necessary nutrients for growth. This makes orchid sowing particularly challenging.

Foliage of Dactylorhiza maculata (photo: Enrico Blasutto), its fruits (capsules containing seeds) and digitate tubers

The main varieties of Dactylorhiza

Most Popular Varieties

Our Favourite Varieties

Dactylorhiza maculata - Spotted Orchi

Also known as Spotted Orchid, this species features maculate leaves with purple spots and produces pale pink flowers in spring, speckled with deep violet-purple markings. It thrives in moist, acidic soil.

• Flowering time June to August
• Height at maturity 50 cm

See the product sheet

Dactylorhiza majalis - Marsh Orchid

The May Orchid is a species that grows wild in France, mainly in damp meadows and marshes. In spring, it produces spikes of violet-purple flowers with darker maculate spots.

• Flowering time June, July
• Height at maturity 30 cm

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Dactylorhiza fuchsii - Common Spotted Orchi

This species produces conical or cylindrical spikes of delicate flowers, ranging from pale pink to white with pronounced mauve-purple patterns. It is sometimes confused with Dactylorhiza maculata, which it closely resembles.

• Flowering time June to August
• Height at maturity 45 cm

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Dactylorhiza praetermissa - Marsh Orchid

Nicknamed the Neglected Orchid, this species produces pink-mauve flowers in late spring or early summer, sometimes with reddish hues, adorned with maculate spots and gathered in spikes. In the wild, it grows in damp meadows and dune slacks.

• Flowering time June to August
• Height at maturity 50 cm

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Dactylorhiza foliosa - Leafy Orchid

Native to Madeira, Dactylorhiza foliosa produces dense spikes of numerous violet-mauve flowers with broad, maculate lips marked by purple spots.

• Flowering time July, August
• Height at maturity 60 cm

See the product sheet

Planting

Where to plant?

Dactylorhiza thrive in sun or partial shade. Generally, they enjoy morning sun but prefer light shade during the hottest afternoon hours. As for soil type, it should be light and airy, not too compact. Dactylorhiza prefer fresh to moist soils with a slightly acidic pH (such as Dactylorhiza maculata, D. praetermissa, D. purpurella…), though this varies by species: Dactylorhiza fuchsii, for example, grows in calcareous, well-draining, and rather dry soils.

In the garden, they can be grown in rockeries, flower meadows, along borders, or in woodland areas for shade-loving varieties. Some species grow naturally in mountainous regions, making them suitable for alpine rock gardens. Since Dactylorhiza generally prefer moist, even marshy soils, they are perfect for pond edges. For this setting, we particularly recommend Dactylorhiza praetermissa.

When to plant?

We recommend planting Dactylorhiza in autumn, between September and October, or early in spring while still in dormancy.

How to plant?

1. Once you’ve chosen the ideal spot, dig a planting hole two to three times the size of the root ball.
2. Mix into the planting soil 1/3 potting compost, 1/3 well-rotted organic matter, and 1/3 coarse sand for drainage. This is especially important if growing Dactylorhiza fuchsii. For acidophilous species, you can add some heather soil.
3. Plant the Dactylorhiza carefully, handling its fragile roots with care, and place the original potting substrate into the hole, as it contains the symbiotic fungus essential for the plant’s growth. Position the Dactylorhiza at the centre of the hole, ensuring the collar is not buried.
4. Backfill with the substrate around the plant, then lightly firm the soil.
5. Water generously.
6. You can add a layer of organic mulch (dead leaves, straw, wood chips…).

Continue watering in the weeks after planting until the plant is well established.

Dactylorhiza maculata

Maintenance

Most Dactylorhiza prefer fresh to moist soil. In spring and summer, if it doesn’t rain, you can water once or twice a week, allowing the soil to dry briefly between waterings. Preferably use rainwater, as tap water may be too calcareous for them. Don’t hesitate to add a layer of mulch, which will help keep the soil moist for longer while limiting the growth of weeds. In autumn and winter, when the plant is in dormancy, avoid watering, as excess moisture can cause the tubercles to rot.

After flowering, in mid to late summer, the foliage turns yellow and dries out. Wait until it is completely dry before cutting back the flower stem and leaves.

Once established in the garden, Dactylorhiza dislikes being disturbed: if it thrives, avoid moving it.

Slugs and snails may occasionally nibble on the leaves and shoots. You can protect your Dactylorhiza by setting up a slug trap or using slug pellets. For more tips and advice, check out our guide “Slugs: 7 Effective and Natural Ways to Control Them”.

Propagation

Dactylorhiza propagate through clump division, as sowing (like with all orchids) is difficult to succeed and requires specific conditions, notably a symbiotic association with a fungus.

Clump Division

Division is carried out in late winter, around March, when the plant is still in dormancy.

1. Select a Dactylorhiza clump, then carefully dig it up, making sure to dig wide enough to avoid damaging the tubercles.
2. Remove excess soil around the roots to expose them.
3. Divide the clump into several sections, and remove any dead leaves or dried roots if present.
4. Replant immediately, either in a pot or directly in the ground.
5. Water generously.

Association

The delicate flowering of Dactylorhiza makes them easy to integrate into a naturalistic garden style. Pair them with other light and airy blooms, such as those of Lychnis flos-cuculi, columbines, and Sanguisorba menziesii, which produces small spikes of deep red-purple flowers resembling bottlebrushes. You can also incorporate Corydalis ‘Craigton Blue’, as well as other orchids like Bletilla striata, which offer charming pink or white flowers depending on the variety. Among these stunning blooms, plant a few perennials with decorative foliage to bring a lush and natural effect to the garden, such as hostas or ferns.

Aquilegia vulgaris ‘Blue Barlow’, Dactylorhiza maculata, Bletilla striata ‘Alba’, Lychnis flos-cuculi ‘White Robin’, Hosta ‘Clifford’s Forest Fire’, and Sanguisorba menziesii

Along the banks of a pond, you can plant Dactylorhiza praetermissa or Dactylorhiza majalis alongside ferns such as Matteuccia struthiopteris, Thelypteris palustris, or Osmunda species. Also consider the lush foliage of reeds like Phragmites australis or the variegated Phalaris arundinacea ‘Picta’. For a touch of originality, opt for the undulating stems of Juncus effusus ‘Spiralis’. These plants will bring a verdant and natural setting, perfectly highlighting the orchids’ flowering. Alongside them, plant Iris pseudacorus and globeflowers, with their bright spring blooms, marsh spurge, which flowers in acid green, and Japanese primroses. Discover the splendid, refined white flowering of bogbean, Menyanthes trifoliata.

For more choices, explore our full range of marginal perennials!

Menyanthes trifoliata, Dactylorhiza praetermissa, Primula japonica ‘Alba’, Euphorbia palustris ‘Walenburg’s Glory’, Iris pseudacorus, and Epipactis gigantea