Southern marsh-orchid

Dactylorhiza praetermissa

Also known as Leopard marsh orchid, Southern marsh orchid, Dactylorhiza praetermissa

Native Plants · Orchid · Wildflower · Wetland · Meadow · Pollinator · Rare · Native Orchid · Purple Flowers · Specialist · Marsh

The Southern marsh-orchid requires damp, calcareous or neutral meadow soil and full sun to produce its striking purple flower spikes in late spring to early summer. It depends on specific mycorrhizal fungi in the soil and does not transplant easily, so replicate its natural meadow or wetland habitat as closely as possible. This is a specialist plant best suited to a wildlife garden or orchid meadow rather than a typical container or border.