There are lots of easy-to-grow, hardy orchids in the Dactylorhiza genus. Typically, they bear large spikes of purple flowers with dotted, darker lips. They look fantastic when planted en masse among grasses and meadows, or in informal borders.
Dactylorhiza plants thrive throughout Britain as far as northern Scotland, and grow best in full sun to partial shade, in damp soil. If happy, plants will form dense clumps after several years and may be divided in autumn. Learn more in our spotted orchid grow guide.
Explore other spotted orchid varieties:
Dactylorhiza foliosa
Dactylorhiza x braunii
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Dactylorhiza and wildlife
Dactylorhiza has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
