Anacamptis Orchids
Anacamptis Orchids are a group of orchids found from the Mediterranean through to Asia. A. pyramidalis is often found in the wild in the UK countryside, flowering during summer.
These hardy plants are terrestrial orchids. They grow leaves in autumn/ winter and flower in spring or early summer. They grow a long erect spike carrying many fragrant flowers and are dormant in summer.
Anacamptis are perfect for growing in the rockery, or in pots and containers. Many can also be used to add colour and interest to the wildflower meadow.
Care
Anacamptis enjoy full sun in a cool-moderate temperature. They require well-drained soil but they should not be allowed to dry out from autumn to spring.
The tubers are dormant in summer and should be kept moderately dry and cool to avoid rotting.
Tubers should be planted when they are dormant. Water well in spring as growth develops.
Put your potted Anacamptis outdoors in late summer to trigger new growth. As with all orchids, the gardener should be aware of each plants particular requirements.
Some of the popular Anacamptis species:
- Anacamptis pyramidalis - The Pyramidal orchid
A perennial plant for the rockery, raised bed, pots and containers and wildflower meadows. This plant is around 20-30 cm in height. The cylinder shaped spike becomes conical as the bright pink flowers open in early June. This species enjoys full sun-semi shade. A. pyramidalis will produce a new tuber each year. - Anacamptis laxiflora - The Loose flowered orchid
The stem of this lovely orchid has a purple tinge and can grow to 60cm. The flowers are dark purple with a short spur and white markings and are quite widely spaced along the spike. Flowers appear from April to June. The leaves are long and slender. The gardener will have more success with this orchid if grown in pots and sheltered during winter. - Anacamptis morio - The Green-winged orchid
Flowers from late April to June in Britain. The flowers are helmet shaped and form in a bunch at the top of the stalk. Colour ranges from white to pink to deep purple and each flower has sepals with green veins that look like wings. The leaves grow in a rosette at the base of the plant.
Anacamptis Orchids are available for sale from the following nurseries
BEWDLEY ORCHIDS
20 Woodthorpe Drive Bewdley Worcestershire DY12 2RH
Native and other orchids. Ophrys, Serapias, Dactylorhiza, Anacamptis and others.
www.bewdleyorchids.com
LANESIDE HARDY ORCHID NURSERY
74 Croston Road Garstang Preston PR3 1HR - phone 01995 605537
email jcrhutch@aol.com
Offers the l
argest selection of terrestrial hardy orchids in the UK. Nursery, mail order or shows.
Web: www.lanesidehardyorchids.com
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