Dactylorhiza praetermissa

Dactylorhiza praetermissa (23/06/2013, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Full sun

Flowering period: Early summer

Soil: Moist, damp

Eventual Height: 50cm

Eventual Spread: 40cm

Hardiness: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a

Family: Orchidaceae

Dactylorhiza praetermissa is a bulbous herbaceous perennial with an upright habit. Its mid green leaves are strap shaped with entire margins, up to 40cm long and 5cm broad. Its pale lilac to dark pink flowers are typical in form of those of the Orchard family and appear as a terminal spike. Its roots are a bulbous tuber.

Dactylorhiza praetermissa Flower (23/06/2013, Kew Gardens, London)

Dactylorhiza praetermissa, commonly known as the Southern Marsh Orchid, is native to North Sea and English Channel coasts (including the UK). In its native habitat it grows in wet dunes, fens and damp meadows.

The etymological root of the binomial name Dactylorhiza is derived from the Greek daktulos meaning ‘finger’ and riza meaning ‘root’. Praetermissa is derived from the Latin praetermissus meaning ‘overlooked’.

The landscape architect may find Dactylorhiza praetermissa useful as an attractive marginal plant in boggy ground.

Ecologically, Dactylorhiza praetermissa is attractive to pollinating insects.

Dactylorhiza praetermissa Leaf (23/06/2013, Kew Gardens, London)

Dactylorhiza praetermissa prefers moist, marshy, damp soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It will not tolerate dry soils or soils which are inundated with water for long periods.

Dactylorhiza praetermissa requires little maintenance.