northern marsh orchid
Dactylorhiza purpurella
USDA zones4 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size12 inches tall12 inches wide
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Magenta
- Soil types
- Loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Notes
Northern marsh orchid (Dactylorhiza purpurella) is a perennial for borders and low maintenance gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full or part sun and average to moist, loamy or clay soil. Short spikes are packed with magenta flowers that have darker magenta-red marks around white throats. Over time it forms clumps of lance-shaped leaves with many upright flower spikes.
Pairs well with Ox-eye daisy, Flore Pleno meadow buttercup, and Horsetail.