Dactylorhiza majalis aka Broad Leaved Marsh Orchid

Dactylorhiza majalis is an orchid that grows in the ground. Its roots form tubers, which are thick, swollen parts. It belongs to Orchidaceae, the orchid family. Its common names include broad-leaved marsh orchid and western marsh orchid. Fan orchid is another name. Its native range runs from Europe to Siberia and northern Türkiye. The RHS lists it as native to Britain and Ireland. An older scientific name is Orchis majalis. It grows across a broad range in temperate climates.

In the wild, it grows in damp meadows and heaths. It also grows in marshes and along streambanks. It lives in lowlands and high in the mountains. Some sites reach about 6,500 feet [1,981 metres] above sea level. Missouri Botanical Garden gives a range from Ireland to northern Spain. It also lists southern Sweden and the Italian Dolomites. The range runs through mountains in central and eastern Europe into Russia.

This small plant is a herbaceous perennial. It has soft rather than woody growth and lives for years. Its leaves are fleshy. Plants often reach 0.5–1.3 feet [0.15–0.40 metres] in height. The listed garden height reaches 1.5 feet [0.46 metres]. Some plants reach 2 feet [0.61 metres]. The listed spread is about 1 foot [0.30 metres]. Each plant has four to ten leaves of medium green. They range from oval to lance-shaped, like a spear tip. Most leaves have purple-brown spots on their top side. Lower leaves can reach 0.58 feet [0.18 metres] long.

Flowers open from June to July and add summer colour. They range from purple to pink and white. The blooms make a showy display above the leaves. The spotted leaves add colour to gardens too. Suggested sites include rock gardens, woodland gardens, and meadows. Gardeners can also grow it in plantings with a wild look. These uses suit its small size and ground-growing form.

Grow it in moist soil rich in humus, or decayed plant matter. The soil should drain well, not hold still water. It accepts full sun or a site with some shade. Part shade suits it better in hot, humid summers. Missouri Botanical Garden calls it easy to grow. It lists medium water needs and a medium level of care. Its listed hardiness range covers USDA zones 5–8. The same source reports no serious insect or disease problems.