Dactylorhiza maculata (Heath spotted orchid)

Botanical name

Dactylorhiza maculata

Other names

Heath spotted orchid, Adam-and-Eve, Orchis maculata, Moorland spotted orchid

Genus

Dactylorhiza Dactylorhiza

Species

D. maculata - D. maculata is an erect, deciduous, tuberous, terrestrial orchid with fleshy, lance-shaped, sometimes spotted, mid-green leaves and dense, upright racemes of variably marked, white, rose-pink, mauve, or red flowers from mid-spring to late summer.

Native to

British Isles , Europe, Great Britain, Northern Africa, Southwestern Asia

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Erect flower stem

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Colour

Flower

Red, Pink, Mauve, White in Summer

Foliage

Spotted, Mid-green in Spring; Spotted, Mid-green in Summer

General care

Propagation

Divide every 3-4 years.

Propagation methods

Division

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Dactylorhiza maculata (Heath spotted orchid) will reach a height of 0.6m and a spread of 0.2m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Wildflower, Rock, Cottage/Informal, Beds and borders, Woodland

Cultivation

Grows best in humus-rich, moist but well-drained, acid soil in partial shade. Tolerates sun if soil is kept moist. Avoid waterlogged soil. Avoid using fertilisers.

Soil type

Loamy

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Dactylorhiza maculata (Heath spotted orchid)

Common pest name

Scientific pest name

Orchidophilus spp.

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

A pest of orchids spreading in trade. Currently absent from the UK and unlikely to establish outdoors. Could cause severe damage to hosts growing in protected cultivation.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Dactylorhiza maculata (Heath spotted orchid)

Common pest name

common blossom thrips; cotton bud thrips; tomato thrips

Scientific pest name

Frankliniella schultzei

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Polyphagous glasshouse pest; present in many countries; single finding in UK.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Dactylorhiza maculata (Heath spotted orchid)

Common pest name

Rice leaf nematode; Strawberry crimp disease nematode; White tip nematode; White tip nematode of rice

Scientific pest name

Aphelenchoides besseyi

Type

Nematode

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Damaging nematode affecting rice crops and strawberry production in warmer climates; could potentially present a threat to strawberry production and ornamental production in protected environments. But modern production practices seem to reduce likelihood of impacts. Pest is also regulated at EU level; which reduces likelihood of entry.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/