Dactylorhiza foliosa (Madeira Orchid)

Dactylorhiza foliosa (Madeira Orchid) is a tuberous terrestrial orchid boasting flamboyant spikes, 5 in. long (12 cm), crowded with bright rosy-purple flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), with contrasting speckles on the lips. Blooming from late spring to early summer, the blossoms are borne atop stems clad with lustrous, lance-shaped leaves, 4-8 in. long (10-20 cm), arranged spirally along the stems. Native to the Portuguese island of Madeira, Madeira Orchid grows naturally in swampy grassland environments. Easy to grow, it is ideal for a rock or woodland garden, in a wildflower meadow and looks superb when planted among grasses or in informal borders.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Grows up to 24-30 in. tall (60-75 cm) and 6-12 in. wide (15-30 cm).
• Performs best in part shade in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soils.
• A charming addition to beds and borders, rock gardens, cottage gardens or prairies and meadows.
• No serious pest or disease issues.
• Deadhead flowers as they fade if required.
• Propagate by division in early spring.
• Native to Madeira.