greater purple fringed orchid
Platanthera grandiflora
USDA zones3 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterNeeds moist soil
Size2 to 4 feet tall
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Summer
- Bloom color
- Pink , purple
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Greater purple fringed orchid (Platanthera grandiflora) is a perennial for meadow gardens and low maintenance beds. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full or part sun and moist, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Fragrant, deeply fringed lavender flowers form long clusters on a leafy stem in summer. Moths pollinate the blooms as they reach into the spur of the lip petal, and butterflies visit too.
Pairs well with Royal fern, Cardinal flower, Fringed loosestrife, and Yellow marsh marigold.
Native range
CT, DE, GA, MA, and 16 more places. See all 20
CT, DE, GA, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, TN, VA, VT, WV; NB, NL, NS, and PE.