Green-winged Orchid
Anacamptis morio
Also listed as Herorchis morio, Orchis morio
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A small terrestrial orchid native to European meadows, bearing distinctive deep purple-red flowers with lighter sepals in spring. It is a protected wildflower in many regions and prefers open grassland conditions.
Why grow it
Green-winged orchid offers earlier spring bloom than many temperate orchids, typically flowering in April-May when few other meadow wildflowers are active. Compared to other small terrestrial orchids, it establishes more readily in grassland settings with minimal intervention once site conditions match its preference for well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soils in open sun. In regions where it occurs naturally, it serves as an indicator of traditional hay meadow management and supports early-season pollinating insects.
Watch out for
This orchid is slow to establish from seed and may take several years to reach flowering size, making patience essential during initial cultivation. Success depends heavily on maintaining open grassland conditions without competing vigorous perennials or annual weeds that can shade out the relatively low-growing rosette.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Orchidaceae
Native Range
Europe and Mediterranean
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A small terrestrial orchid native to European meadows, bearing distinctive deep purple-red flowers with lighter sepals in spring. It is a protected wildflower in many regions and prefers open grassland conditions.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Green-winged Orchid grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Green-winged orchid offers earlier spring bloom than many temperate orchids, typically flowering in April-May when few other meadow wildflowers are active. Compared to other small terrestrial orchids, it establishes more readily in grassland settings with minimal intervention once site conditions match its preference for well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soils in open sun. In regions where it occurs naturally, it serves as an indicator of traditional hay meadow management and supports early-season pollinating insects.
Watch out for
This orchid is slow to establish from seed and may take several years to reach flowering size, making patience essential during initial cultivation. Success depends heavily on maintaining open grassland conditions without competing vigorous perennials or annual weeds that can shade out the relatively low-growing rosette.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Orchidaceae
Native Range
Europe and Mediterranean
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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