trefle.io · Taken May 28, 2020 by sylvain Blondel (cc-by-sa)
Orchidaceae
Military orchid
Orchis militaris
Also known as Orchis militaris, Soldier orchid, Military helmet orchid, Orchis tephrosanthos var. militaris
Native Plants · Orchid · Rare · Terrestrial Orchid · Wildflower · Chalk Grassland · Calcareous Soil · Protected Species · Spring Bloomer · European Native · Collector Plant
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
Growing conditions
The details behind the basics
- Daily light
- 4 hours
- Watering
- Water sparingly; keep soil just barely moist and never waterlogged · Every 7-10 days during active growth; reduce after dormancy
- Maintenance
- High
- Soil
- chalk
- Soil pH
- 7–8
- Temperature
- -25°F to 80°F
- Cycle
- Perennial
- Propagation
- Seed
Hardiness
USDA 4b-8b
Form & growth
Mature size and habit
- Mature height
- 12 in – 2 ft
- Spread
- 6 in
- Spacing
- 8 in apart
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Root depth
- Shallow
- Flowers
- No
- Foliage
- Fine
Ecology & origin
Where it belongs and what it brings
- Native to
- Afghanistan, Albania, Altay, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Buryatiya, Central European Rus, Chita, Czechoslovakia, East European Russia, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Iran, Irkutsk
- Attracts
- Bees, Butterflies, Moths
Sources: trefle
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