Gymnadenia conopsea
fragrant orchid
Overview
Gymnadenia conopsea is a terrestrial orchid growing 8-24 inches (20-60 cm) tall from finger-like root tubers, with a small number of narrow, keeled leaves 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) long clustered toward the base of the stem. Each stem ends in a dense cylindrical spike 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) long packed with many small flowers in shades of pink to magenta, occasionally white. Every flower has a slender curved spur up to 0.8 inch (2 cm) long holding nectar, and the spike releases a clove-like scent that strengthens in the evening. It grows in calcareous grassland, hay meadows, open scrub, and base-rich fens, where its roots depend on soil fungi. Flowering lasts several weeks in early to midsummer, and the plant dies back to the tubers afterward. Like most terrestrial orchids it is slow to establish and does not transplant well, and seedlings take several years to reach flowering size. Drainage of grassland and loss of unimproved meadows have reduced many wild populations.
Native Range
Gymnadenia conopsea is native across Europe and temperate Asia, from Britain and Scandinavia east to China and Japan. It grows in calcareous grassland, hay meadows, and base-rich fens.Suggested Uses
Grown in wildflower meadows, calcareous grassland restorations, and specialist alpine or bog collections. It is suited to naturalistic plantings rather than borders or containers because of its fungal requirements. Spacing follows natural establishment rather than fixed planting distances.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 2'
Width/Spread4" - 8"
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Bloom Information
Flowering runs from June to August, with the spike opening from the base upward over several weeks. The fragrance draws long-tongued moths and butterflies that reach the nectar held in the spur. After flowering the stem and leaves wither as the plant returns to dormancy.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pink to magenta, occasionally whiteFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight