Dactylorhiza purpurella in flower

Northern marsh orchid (Dactylorhiza purpurella) in flower. Photographed in the UK.

Dactylorhiza purpurella, the northern marsh orchid, is an orchid native to Great Britain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Denmark and Norway. Dactylorhiza purpurella,

Growth Phase:

During the winter, the plant persists in bulb form. Dactylorhiza are very cold-resistant orchids and do not require any special protection in winter.

The Dactylorhiza plants emerge as of April and spread their foliage during spring. The flowers appear at the end of spring (May, June).

In autumn, the foliage yellows then fades before disappearing completely for the winter dormancy period. Over the years and following the successive growth and dormancy cycles, Dactylorhiza not only become stronger but also multiply, thanks to the annual appearance of new bulbs.