trefle.io · Taken Jan 20, 2021 by Bogert Becky (cc-by-sa)
Orchidaceae
Giant orchid
Himantoglossum robertianum
Also known as Barlia longibracteata var. sicula, Himantoglossum longibracteatum var. gallicum, Lizard orchid, Orchis longibracteata
Native Plants · Terrestrial Orchid · Mediterranean · Rare Orchid · Wildflower · Rock Garden · Bulbous · Specialty Plant · Outdoor Orchid · European Orchid
The Giant Orchid is a rare Mediterranean terrestrial orchid that requires well-drained, alkaline soil and full sun to thrive. It grows from underground tubers and follows a cool-season growth cycle, going dormant in summer heat. Best suited for specialist rock gardens or Mediterranean-style outdoor beds rather than containers or indoor cultivation.
Growing conditions
The details behind the basics
- Daily light
- 6 hours
- Watering
- Water moderately at the base, keeping soil evenly moist but never waterlogged · Every 7-10 days during active growth; reduce in summer dormancy
- Maintenance
- High
- Soil pH
- 7–7.5
- Temperature
- -30°F to 95°F
- Cycle
- Perennial
Hardiness
USDA 4a-9b
Form & growth
Mature size and habit
- Spacing
- 12 in apart
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Flowers
- No
Ecology & origin
Where it belongs and what it brings
- Native to
- Algeria, Baleares, Corse, Cyprus, East Aegean Is., France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Italy, Kriti, Libya, Morocco, Portugal, Sardegna, Sicilia, Spain, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey
- Attracts
- Bees, Butterflies, Moths
Sources: trefle
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