Photo of Dactylorhiza majalis flower, naturalizing by Hans Hillewaert

Photo by Hans Hillewaert

This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 license.

Show all photos

Dactylorhiza majalis

Also Known As

  • Broad-leaved Marsh Orchid
  • Common Marsh Orchid
  • Fan Orchid
  • Western Marsh Orchid

Plant type

perennial, aquatic, orchid

size

  • H: 2"-2'
  • W: 2'

planting zones

  • 4a-9b

More Options

Dactylorhiza majalis plant details

Dactylorhiza majalis is a broadleaf deciduous perennial aquatic orchid with green foliage. In spring and summer pink and purple flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Dactylorhiza majalis

Plant type: perennial aquatic orchid
Plant family: orchidaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 2 FT wide, 2 IN - 2 FT - tall
Flowers: pink and purple blooms in spring and summer
Uses: easy-to-grow, spotted leaves, woodland garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Dactylorhiza majalis

USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Blooms: spring, dark purple/ often purple spotted foliage Zone 4-9. 12" Europe, part shade-sun, moist, well drained
One of the best in this genus of gorgeous and easy hardy terrestrial orchids. Easy and gorgeous......having just gotten married Mar 20 2011, I would like to state that these characters appeal now only in plants. Nice mottled leaves and rich purple pink flower spikes. Moist soil. Summer dormant.

Gardening facts about Dactylorhiza majalis plant

How to Grow Dactylorhiza majalis

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • pink
    • purple
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Texture

    • grassy

See other plant types of Dactylorhiza for your garden

aka Southern Marsh Orchid

Plant Type

Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber, Orchid

Zones

5a-9b

Size

Height: 12"

Width: 24"

  • mostly sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Dactylorhiza praetermissa flower by Keeping it Green Nursery
View Plant

More Options

aka Dactylorhiza purpurella, Orchis purpurella, Deep Purple Dactylorhiza, Northern Marsh Orchid, Northern Marsh Orchid

Plant Type

Bulb / Corm / Tuber, Aquatic, Orchid

Zones

4a-8b

Size

Height: 12"-18"

Width: 6"-12"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Dactylorhiza purpurella (spotted leaf) by Edelweiss Perennials
View Plant

More Options

aka Common Spotted Orchid

Plant Type

Perennial, Orchid

Zones

6a-9b

Size

Height: 8"-24"

Width: 4"-10"

  • mostly sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Dactylorhiza fuchsii flower by Far Reaches Farm
View Plant

More Options

aka Keyflower, Marsh Orchid

Plant Type

Perennial, Orchid

Zones

5a-8b

Size

Height: 10"-15"

Width: 3"-6"

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture
Photo of Dactylorhiza aristata flower, foliage, form by Σ64
View Plant

More Options

aka Marsh Orchid, Stately Dactylorhiza

Plant Type

Perennial, Orchid

Zones

5a-9b

Size

Height: 12"-24"

Width: 6"-12"

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture
Photo of Dactylorhiza elata flower by Johan N
View Plant

More Options

+5 more Dactylorhiza
Mailing List
Sign Up for updates on new plant arrivals and deals

© 2010—2026 Plant Lust, LLC All Rights Reserved