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Bee Orchid

Bee Orchid

Ophrys apifera

perennial☀️ full sun💧 low waterZone 7aZone 10b

A fascinating Mediterranean orchid with flowers that mimic female bees to attract pollinating males. This rare and protected species produces tall spikes of reddish-brown blooms with a distinctive fuzzy lip.

Overview

Form
Upright
Growth Rate
slow
Size
0.5–1.5′ tall × 0.25–0.5′ wide
Dormancy
deciduous

Tolerances & Soil

Zone 7aZone 10b
1471013
ColderWarmer
Zone range: Zone 7a to Zone 10b

Seasonality

Bloom Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Season of Interest

SpringSummer

Succession Role

early successional

Native Range

Mediterranean

Function & Care

pollinator nectarywildlife benefit

Establishment & Care

Establishment
challenging
Maintenance
low
Propagation
seed, division