Military orchid
Orchis militaris
The military orchid is a rare and protected European terrestrial orchid that requires well-drained, alkaline, calcareous soil and dappled light to partial shade — conditions that are difficult to replicate in a typical garden. It forms a basal rosette of leaves and sends up a striking spike of helmet-shaped pink and purple flowers in late spring. This species is best suited to experienced growers who can provide the specific mycorrhizal soil environment it depends on for establishment and long-t
Care Level
High
Sun
Partial Shade
Water
Moderate
Growth Rate
Moderate
Mature Height
12″ – 24″
Soil
chalk
Life Cycle
Perennial
Spacing
8″
Watering Schedule
Every 7-10 Days During Active Growth; Reduce After Dormancy • Water Sparingly; Keep Soil Just Barely Moist And Never Waterlogged
Soil pH
7 – 8
Temperature
-25° – 80°F
Mature Spread
up to 6″
Root Depth
Shallow
Foliage
Fine
Propagation: Seed
Native to
Attracts
Sources
Data: trefle
Image: trefle.io — Taken May 28, 2020 by sylvain Blondel (cc-by-sa)
No nurseries currently have this species in stock.