Ophrys apifera (Bee orchid)

Botanical name

Ophrys apifera

Other names

Bee orchid, Bee flower, Arachnites apifera

Genus

Ophrys Ophrys

Species

O. apifera - O. apifera is a tuberous, deciduous, terrestrial orchid with ovate to oblong, mid-green leaves and, from mid-spring into summer, erect racemes of green or purple flowers with lower lips marked yellow and brown. Leaves die back in summer after flowering and emerge again in autumn, slowly growing throughout winter.

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Erect flower stem, Rosette

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Colour

Flower

Purple in Spring; Purple in Summer

Foliage

Mid-green in Spring; Mid-green in Summer; Mid-green in Autumn; Mid-green in Winter

General care

Pruning

Deadhead faded flowers spikes. Resents transplanting. Avoid fertilisers and fungicides as these can destroy the symbiotic relationship between the orchid and a soil-dwelling fungus that allows the orchid to absorb sufficient nutrients from the soil.

Propagation

Separate offsets in autumn.

Propagation methods

Division

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Ophrys apifera (Bee orchid) will reach a height of 0.3m and a spread of 0.15m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

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

Cultivation

Plant dormant tubers in autumn, 5cm deep in humus-rich, gritty, sharply-drained, alkaline soil in part shade. Protect with a thick, dry winter mulch in frost-prone areas. Water moderately in growth, keep dry & frost-free when dormant.

Soil type

Chalky, Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

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 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Ophrys apifera (Bee 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

Ophrys apifera (Bee 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

Ophrys apifera (Bee 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/