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Dactylorhiza maculata Spotted orchid (1 Page of 5) The Dactylorhiza maculata plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Orchidaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Spotted orchid. Some home gardeners know the variety as Orchis maculata. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses Latin Name: Dactylorhiza maculata Common Name: Spotted orchid Family: Orchidaceae Author: (L.)Vermuel. Known Hazards: None known Mature Height: 0.6 Mature Width: Habitat: Moist acid peaty substrata throughout the British Isles[17].
Cultivation Notes: Succeeds in most soils, but it prefers a moist loam and lots of leaf mould[42]. Requires a deep rich soil[1]. Grows well in full sun or partial shade[42], doing well in a woodland garden[230].
Orchids are, in general, shallow-rooting plants of well-drained low-fertility soils. Their symbiotic relationship with a fungus in the soil allows them to obtain sufficient nutrients and be able to compete successfully with other plants. They are very sensitive to the addition of fertilizers or fungicides since these can harm the symbiotic fungus and thus kill the orchid[230]. This symbiotic relationship makes them very difficult to cultivate, though they will sometimes appear uninvited in a garden and will then thrive. Transplanting can damage the relationship and plants might also thrive for a few years and then disappear, suggesting that they might be short-lived perennials[230].
Cultivated plants are very susceptible to the predation of slugs and snails[230].
Plants can succeed in a lawn in various parts of the country. The lawn should not be mown early in the year before or immediately after flowering[200]. Plant out bulbs whilst the plant is dormant, preferably in the autumn[200]. Bulbs can also be transplanted with a large ball of soil around the roots when they are in leaf, they are impatient of root disturbance[1].
For further Dactylorhiza maculata gardening information click on one of the blue links below Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses
The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'. View their bibliography

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