Dactylorhiza – Marsh Orchids

Dactylorhiza (Marsh Orchids) are deciduous tuberous terrestrial orchids with lance-shaped leaves, sometimes spotted with burgundy, and showy terminal spikes crowded with purple, pink or white flowers. Because of their spectacular colorful inflorescences and their relative ease of cultivation, Marsh Orchids are the most widely grown European orchids. Usually found growing in marshes, grasslands or woodlands, these hardy orchids are a wonderful source of bright color for partly shaded woodlands, rock gardens or meadows. They do well in damp soils, but not waterlogged, that are rich in humus.