Dactylorhiza elata, the robust marsh orchid, is a species of flowering plant in the family Orchidaceae, native to the western Mediterranean region (France (including Corsica), Sardinia, Spain, Portugal, Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia).Dactylorhiza elata is a tuberous herbaceous perennial growing to 50 cm (20 in), and producing dense 20 cm (8 in) spikes of purple flowers in spring.This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit (confirmed 2017).
Dactylorhiza elata subsp. sesquipedalis typically shows strong resistance to diseases and is subject to relatively few insect pests. Its care is considered challenging because it needs a humid yet well-ventilated environment with minimal harmful pathogens. Too much watering can cause root rot. Although anyone can grow Dactylorhiza elata subsp. sesquipedalis, keeping it healthy and getting it to bloom again requires more cultivation experience.
Botanical profile.
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Dactylorhiza
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-11
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Native Area
- Morocco, Spain, Algeria, France
